Attached files
file | filename |
---|---|
10-K - FORM 10-K - AVANIR PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | a57994e10vk.htm |
EX-21.1 - EX-21.1 - AVANIR PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | a57994exv21w1.htm |
EX-31.1 - EX-31.1 - AVANIR PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | a57994exv31w1.htm |
EX-32.1 - EX-32.1 - AVANIR PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | a57994exv32w1.htm |
EX-23.1 - EX-23.1 - AVANIR PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | a57994exv23w1.htm |
EX-31.2 - EX-31.2 - AVANIR PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | a57994exv31w2.htm |
EX-32.2 - EX-32.2 - AVANIR PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | a57994exv32w2.htm |
EX-10.21 - EX-10.21 - AVANIR PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | a57994exv10w21.htm |
EX-10.37 - EX-10.37 - AVANIR PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | a57994exv10w37.htm |
EX-10.24 - EX-10.24 - AVANIR PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | a57994exv10w24.htm |
EX-10.22 - EX-10.22 - AVANIR PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | a57994exv10w22.htm |
Exhibit 99.1
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration Silver
Spring MD 20993 |
NDA 021879
NDA APPROVAL |
Avanir Pharmaceuticals Attention: Randall Kaye, M.D. Vice President, Clinical and Medical Affairs
101 Enterprise, Suite 300 Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Dear Dr. Kaye:
Please refer to your New Drug Application (NDA) dated January 27, 2006, received January
30, 2006, submitted pursuant to section 505(b)(2) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(FDCA) for Nuedexta (dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate) Capsules.
We acknowledge receipt of your amendments dated April 30, May 5, June 29, July 16, 19, and 21,
August 6 and 23, September 1, 16, and 21, and October 6, 27, and 28, 2010.
The April 30, 2010, submission constituted a complete response to our October 30, 2006, action
letter.
This new drug application provides for the use of Nuedexta (dextromethorphan hydrobromide and
quinidine sulfate) Capsules for the treatment of pseudobulbar affect (PBA).
We have completed our review of this application, as amended. It is approved, effective on
the date of this letter, for use as recommended in the enclosed agreed-upon labeling text.
We are waiving the requirements of 21 CFR 201.57(d)(8) regarding the length of Highlights of
prescribing information. This waiver applies to all future supplements containing revised
labeling unless we notify you otherwise.
CONTENT OF LABELING
As soon as possible, but no later than 14 days from the date of this letter, submit, via the
FDA automated drug registration and listing system (eLIST), the content of labeling [21 CFR
314.50(l)] in structured product labeling (SPL) format, as described at
http://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/DataStandards/StructuredProductLabeling/default.htm,
that is identical to the enclosed labeling (text for the package insert). Information on
submitting SPL files using eLIST may be found in the guidance for industry titled SPL Standard
for Content of
NDA 021879
Page 2
Labeling Technical Qs and As at
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances/U CM072392.pdf.
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances/U CM072392.pdf.
The SPL will be accessible via publicly available labeling repositories.
CARTON AND IMMEDIATE CONTAINER LABELS
Submit final printed carton and container labels that are identical to the submitted carton and
immediate container labels, dated October 27, 2010, revised as agreed upon in an October 28, 2010
electronic mail message from Art Rosenthal of Avanir, as soon as they are available, but no more
than 30 days after they are printed. The revisions that were agreed upon include:
A. All Container Labels and Carton Labeling
1 As currently presented, the font type and weight used for the established name and dosage
form make them appear less than 1/2 the size of the proprietary name. Ensure the established name is
printed in letters that are at least 1/2 as large as the letters comprising the proprietary name.
Additionally, the established name should have a prominence commensurate with the proprietary name,
taking into account all pertinent factors, including typography, layout, contrast, and other
printing features [21 CFR 201.10(g)(2)]. Ensure the dosage form statement is the same size, type,
font, etc. as the established name.
2 In the established name, the two active ingredients are separated by a forward slash (/).
Replace the forward slash with the word and (i.e., dextromethorphan HBr and quinidine sulfate).
3 In the Each capsule contains statement, connect the two active ingredients with the word
and (i.e., 20 mg of dextromethorphan hydrobromide and 10 mg of quinidine sulfate).
4 As currently presented, the bolded, green net quantity statement is as prominent as the
proprietary name. Decrease the prominence of the net quantity statement by revising the color
(e.g., white font) and debolding.
B. Container Label (Trade)
1 Relocate the strength to appear immediately below the proprietary and established names (as
presented on the carton labeling). You may have to delete the blue/green graphic, which is as
prominent as the strength, in order to accomplish this. The proprietary name, established name and
strength should be the most prominent information on the principal display panel.
2 Relocate the Each capsule... statement to the side panel, which is the usual customary
location for this statement.
NDA 021879
Page 3
C. Container Label (Professional Sample)
Relocate the strength to appear immediately below the proprietary and established names (as
presented on the carton labeling). You may have to delete the blue/green graphic, which is as
prominent as the strength, in order to accomplish this. The proprietary name, established
name and strength should be the most prominent information on the principal display panel.
Please submit these labels electronically according to the guidance for industry titled Providing
Regulatory Submissions in Electronic Format Human Pharmaceutical Product Applications and
Related Submissions Using the eCTD Specifications (June 2008). Alternatively, you may submit 12
paper copies, with 6 of the copies individually mounted on heavy-weight paper or similar material.
For administrative purposes, designate this submission Final Printed Carton and Container Labels
for approved NDA 021879. Approval of this submission by FDA is not required before the labeling is
used.
Marketing the product(s) with FPL that is not identical to the approved labeling text may render
the product misbranded and an unapproved new drug.
EXPIRATION DATING
A 24 month expiration dating period is granted for Nuedexta (dextromethorphan hydrobromide and
quinidine sulfate) Capsules, dextromethorphan 20mg and quinidine 10 mg.
REQUIRED PEDIATRIC ASSESSMENTS
Under the Pediatric Research Equity Act (PREA) (21 U.S.C. 355c), all applications for new active
ingredients, new indications, new dosage forms, new dosing regimens, or new routes of
administration are required to contain an assessment of the safety and effectiveness of the
product for the claimed indication(s) in pediatric patients unless this requirement is waived,
deferred, or inapplicable.
We are waiving the pediatric study requirement for birth to two years of age years because
necessary studies are impossible or highly impracticable. This is because PBA involves exaggerated
or contradictory episodes of laughing or crying given the patients actual emotional state. In
children age 2 and younger, verbal and non-verbal communication is not adequately developed to
allow for accurate appraisal of the patients actual emotional state, such that the condition
cannot be diagnosed.
We are deferring submission of your pediatric studies for ages 2 to 16 years for this application
because this product is ready for approval for use in adults and the pediatric studies have not
been completed.
Your deferred pediatric studies required by section 505B(a) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act are required postmarketing studies. The status of these postmarketing studies must
NDA 021879
Page 4
be reported annually according to 21 CFR 314.81 and section 505B(a)(3)(B) of the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. These required studies are listed below.
1702-1 Conduct a pharmacokinetic dose-ranging and safety study in patients 2 to 16 years of age
with PBA.
Final Protocol Submission: 10/2011 Study/Trial Completion: 04/2013 Final Report
Submission: 10/2013
1702-2 Conduct a Phase 3, 12-week, multiple center, double-blind, placebo-controlled
efficacy and safety study in pediatric patients 2 to 16 years of age with PBA.
Final Protocol Submission: 10/2013 Study/Trial Completion: 04/2015 Final Report
Submission: 10/2015
1702-3 Conduct a Phase 3 open-label extension safety study in pediatric patients 2 to 16 years
of age with PBA.
Final Protocol Submission: 10/2013 Study/Trial Completion: 04/2015 Final Report
Submission: 10/2015
Submit final reports to this NDA. For administrative purposes, all submissions related to this
required pediatric postmarketing studies must be clearly designated Required Pediatric
Assessments.
POSTMARKETING REQUIREMENTS UNDER 505(o)
Section 505(o)(3) of the FDCA authorizes FDA to require holders of approved drug and biological
product applications to conduct postmarketing studies and clinical trials for certain purposes,
if FDA makes certain findings required by the statute.
We have determined that an analysis of spontaneous postmarketing adverse events reported under
subsection 505(k)(1) of the FDCA will not be sufficient to identify unexpected serious risks of
neuronal degeneration, prenatal developmental, reproductive and neurobehavioral toxicity, and
adverse effects of dextromethorphan/quinidine on postnatal growth and development. In addition,
an analysis of spontaneous postmarketing adverse events will not be sufficient to identify
unexpected serious risks related to the potential for quinidine to act at the 5HT2B
receptor that could result in the serious risk of cardiac valvulopathy.
Furthermore, the new pharmacovigilance system that FDA is required to establish under section
505(k)(3) of the FDCA has not yet been established and is not sufficient to assess this serious
risk.
NDA 021879 Page 5
Therefore, based on appropriate scientific data, FDA has determined that you are
required to conduct the following:
1702-4 -A juvenile neurotoxicity study in neonatal rats intended to assess the potential for
Nuedexta to induce
apoptotic neuronal degeneration in the human fetus.
Dextromethorphan/quinidine should be administered during the postnatal period demonstrated
to be the most vulnerable to this lesion.
The timetable you submitted on 10/25/2010 states that you will conduct this study
according to the following schedule:
Final Protocol Submission: 02/2011 Study Completion: 06/2012 Final Report Submission:
09/2012
1702-5 -A pre- and post-natal development (including maternal function) study in rats, testing
doses up to a high dose of 50 mg/kg/day dextromethorphan in combination with 100 mg/kg/day
quinidine.
The timetable you submitted on 10/25/2010 states that you will conduct this study
according to the following schedule:
Final Protocol Submission: 01/2011 Study Completion: 01/2012 Final Report Submission:
04/2012
1702-6 -An embryo-fetal development study in rabbits, testing doses up to a high dose of 50
mg/kg/day dextromethorphan in combination with 100 mg/kg/day quinidine.
The timetable you submitted on 10/25/2010 states that you will conduct this study
according to the following schedule:
Final Protocol Submission: 01/2011 Study Completion: 07/2011 Final Report Submission:
10/2011
1702-7 -A juvenile rat toxicology study is required to identify the unexpected, serious risk of
adverse effects of dextromethorphan/quinidine on postnatal growth and development. The
study should utilize animals of an age range and stage(s) of development that are
comparable to the intended pediatric population; the duration of dosing should cover the
intended length of treatment in the pediatric population. In addition to the usual
toxicological parameters, this study must evaluate effects of dextromethorphan/quinidine on
growth, reproductive development, and neurological and neurobehavioral development.
NDA 021879
Page 6
The timetable you submitted on 10/25/2010 states that you will conduct this
study according to the following schedule:
Final Protocol Submission: 04/2011 Study Completion: 07/2012 Final Report Submission:
12/2012
1702-8 -Studies to assess the in vitro binding affinity and functional activity of quinidine at
the 5HT2B receptor.
The timetable you submitted on 10/29/10 states that you will conduct these studies
according to the following schedule:
Final Protocol Submission: 02/2011 Study Completion: 08/2011 Final Report Submission:
11/2011
1702-9 -If quinidine is confirmed to be a 5HT2B agonist, then an investigative
study to assess the potential for quinidine to induce cardiac valvulopathy will be
needed.
The timetable you submitted on 10/29/10 states that you will conduct this study
according to the following schedule:
Final Protocol Submission: 04/2012 Study Completion: 03/2013 Final Report Submission:
06/2013
Submit all protocols to your IND 056954, with a cross-reference letter to this NDA. Submit all
final report(s) to your NDA. Prominently identify the submission with the following wording in
bold capital letters at the top of the first page of the submission, as appropriate: Required
Postmarketing Protocol Under 505(o), Required Postmarketing Final Report Under 505(o), Required
Postmarketing Correspondence Under 505(o).
Section 505(o)(3)(E)(ii) of the FDCA requires you to report periodically on the status of any
study or clinical trial required under this section. This section also requires you to
periodically report to FDA on the status of any study or clinical trial otherwise undertaken to
investigate a safety issue. Section 506B of the FDCA, as well as 21 CFR 314.81(b)(2)(vii)
requires you to report annually on the status of any postmarketing commitments or required
studies or clinical trials.
FDA will consider the submission of your annual report under section 506B and 21 CFR
314.81(b)(2)(vii) to satisfy the periodic reporting requirement under section 505(o)(3)(E)(ii)
provided that you include the elements listed in 505(o) and 21 CFR 314.81(b)(2)(vii). We remind you
that to comply with 505(o), your annual report must also
NDA 021879
Page 7
include a report on the status of any study or clinical trial otherwise undertaken to
investigate a safety issue. Failure to submit an annual report for studies or clinical trials
required under 505(o) on the date required will be considered a violation of FDCA section
505(o)(3)(E)(ii) and could result in enforcement action.
RISK EVALUATION AND MITIGATION STRATEGY REQUIREMENTS
We acknowledge receipt of your voluntary submission dated April 30, 2010, of a proposed risk
evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS). We have determined that, at this time, a REMS is not
necessary for Nuedexta (dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate) to ensure that its
benefits outweigh its risks. We will notify you if we become aware of new safety information and
make a determination that a REMS is necessary.
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
You may request advisory comments on proposed introductory advertising and promotional labeling.
To do so, submit, in triplicate, a cover letter requesting advisory comments, the proposed
materials in draft or mock-up form with annotated references, and the package insert to:
Food and Drug Administration
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
Division of Drug Marketing, Advertising, and Communications
5901-B Ammendale Road
Beltsville, MD 20705-1266
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
Division of Drug Marketing, Advertising, and Communications
5901-B Ammendale Road
Beltsville, MD 20705-1266
As required under 21 CFR 314.81(b)(3)(i), you must submit final promotional materials, and the
package insert, at the time of initial dissemination or publication, accompanied by a Form FDA
2253. For instruction on completing the Form FDA 2253, see page 2 of the Form. For more
information about submission of promotional materials to the Division of Drug Marketing,
Advertising, and Communications (DDMAC), see
http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDER/ucm090142.htm.
LETTERS TO HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
If you decide to issue a letter communicating important safety-related information about this drug
product (i.e., a Dear Health Care Professional letter), we request that you submit, at least 24
hours prior to issuing the letter, an electronic copy of the letter to this NDA to the following
address:
MedWatch Program
Office of Special Health Issues
Food and Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Ave
Building 32, Mail Stop 5353
Silver Spring, MD 20993
Office of Special Health Issues
Food and Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Ave
Building 32, Mail Stop 5353
Silver Spring, MD 20993
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
NDA 021879
Page 8
We remind you that you must comply with reporting requirements for an approved NDA (21
CFR 314.80 and 314.81).
If you have any questions, call Susan Daugherty, Regulatory Project Manager, at
(301) 796-0878.
Sincerely, | ||
{See appended electronic signature page} | ||
Russell Katz, M.D. Director Division of Neurology Products Office of Drug Evaluation I Center for Drug Evaluation and Research |
ENCLOSURES: Content of Labeling
HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION These highlights do not include all the information
needed to use NUEDEXTA safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for NUEDEXTA.
NUEDEXTA (dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate) capsules Initial U.S. Approval: 2010
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
NUEDEXTA is a combination product containing
dextromethorphan hydrobromide (an uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist and sigma-1 agonist) and
quinidine sulfate (a CYP450 2D6 inhibitor) indicated for the treatment of pseudobulbar affect
(PBA). Studies to support the effectiveness of NUEDEXTA were performed in patients with underlying
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or multiple sclerosis (MS). NUEDEXTA has not been shown to be
safe or effective in other types of emotional lability that can commonly occur, for example, in
Alzheimers disease and other dementias.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Starting dose: one capsule daily by mouth for 7 days. (2.1)
Maintenance dose: After 7 days, 1 capsule every 12
hours. (2.1)
DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
NUEDEXTA
Capsules:
Dextromethorphan 20 mg/Quinidine 10 mg (3)
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Concomitant use with quinidine, quinine, or mefloquine. (4.1)
Patients with a history of quinidine, quinine or mefloquine-induced thrombocytopenia, hepatitis,
or other hypersensitivity reactions. (4.2)
Patients with known hypersensitivity to dextromethorphan (4.2)
Use with an MAOI or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. Allow 14 days after stopping NUEDEXTA
before starting an MAOI. (4.3)
Prolonged QT interval, congenital long QT syndrome, history suggestive of torsades de pointes, or
heart failure (4.4)
Complete atrioventricular (AV) block without implanted pacemaker, or patients at high risk of
complete AV block. (4.4)
Concomitant use with drugs that both prolong QT interval and are metabolized by CYP2D6 (e.g.,
thioridazine or pimozide). (4.4)
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Thrombocytopenia or other hypersensitivity reactions: Discontinue if occurs. (5.1)
Hepatitis: Discontinue if occurs. (5.2)
QT Prolongation: Monitor ECG if concomitant use of drugs that prolong QT interval cannot be
avoided or if concomitant CYP3A4 inhibitors used. (5.3).
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) or left ventricular dysfunction (LVD): Monitor ECG in patients
with LVH or LVD (5.3).
CYP2D6 substrate: Nuedexta inhibits CYP2D6. Accumulation of parent drug and/or failure of
metabolite formation may decrease safety and/or efficacy of concomitant CYP2D6 metabolized drugs.
Adjust dose of CYP2D6 substrate or use alternative treatment when clinically indicated. (5.4, 12.4)
Dizziness: Take precautions to reduce falls. (5.5)
Serotonin syndrome: Use of NUEDEXTA with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)s or
tricyclic antidepressants increases the risk. Discontinue if occurs. (5.6, 7.4)
Anticholinergic effects of quinidine: Monitor for worsening in myasthenia gravis and other
sensitive conditions. (5.7)
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most
common adverse reactions (incidence of ≥ 3%
and two-fold greater than placebo) in patients taking NUEDEXTA are diarrhea, dizziness, cough,
vomiting, asthenia, peripheral edema, urinary tract infection, influenza, increased
gamma-glutamyltransferase, and flatulence. (6.1)
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Avanir Pharmaceuticals at (1-866-388-5041) or
FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Desipramine: Exposure increases 8-fold. Reduce desipramine dose and adjust based on clinical
response. (7.5, 12.4)
Paroxetine: Exposure increases 2-fold. Reduce paroxetine dose and adjust based on clinical
response. (7.5, 12.4)
Digoxin: Increased digoxin substrate plasma concentration may occur. (7.6)
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Pregnancy: Based on animal data, may cause fetal harm. (8.1)
Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness have not been established. (8.4)
See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION 10/2010
Reference ID: 2857583
Page 1 of 19
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS* |
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE |
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION |
2.1 Recommended Dose |
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS |
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS |
4.1 Quinidine and related drugs |
4.2 Hypersensitivity |
4.3 MAOIs |
4.4 Cardiovascular |
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS |
5.1 Thrombocytopenia and Other Hypersensitivity Reactions |
5.2 Hepatotoxicity |
5.3 Cardiac Effects |
5.4 Concomitant use of CYP2D6 Substrates |
5.5 Dizziness |
5.6 Serotonin Syndrome |
5.7 Anticholinergic effects of quinidine |
5.8 CYP2D6 Poor Metabolizers |
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS |
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience |
6.2 Long-Term Exposure with NUEDEXTA |
6.3 Safety Experience of Individual Components |
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS |
7.1 MAOIs |
7.2 Drugs that Prolong QT and are Metabolized by CYP2D6 |
7.3 Drugs that Prolong QT and Concomitant CYP3A4 Inhibitors |
7.4 SSRIs and Tricyclic Antidepressants |
7.5 CYP2D6 Substrate |
7.6 Digoxin |
7.7 Alcohol |
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS |
8.1 Pregnancy |
8.2 Labor and Delivery |
8.3 Nursing Mothers |
8.4 Pediatric Use |
8.5 Geriatric Use |
8.6 Renal Impairment |
8.7 Hepatic Impairment |
9 DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE |
10 OVERDOSAGE |
10.1 Treatment of Overdose |
11 DESCRIPTION |
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY |
12.1 Mechanism of Action |
12.2 Pharmacodynamics |
12.3 Pharmacokinetics |
12.4 Drug-Drug Interactions |
12.5 Pharmacogenomics |
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY |
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility |
14 CLINICAL STUDIES |
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING |
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION |
17.1 Hypersensitivity |
17.2 Cardiac effects |
17.3 Dizziness |
17.4 Drug Interactions |
17.5 Benefits and Risks |
17.6 Dosing Instructions |
17.7 General |
*Sections or subsections omitted from the full prescribing information are not listed.
Reference ID: 2857583
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
NUEDEXTA is indicated for the treatment of pseudobulbar affect (PBA). PBA occurs
secondary to a variety of otherwise unrelated neurologic conditions, and is characterized by
involuntary, sudden, and frequent episodes of laughing and/or crying. PBA episodes typically occur
out of proportion or incongruent to the underlying emotional state.
Studies to support the effectiveness of NUEDEXTA were performed in patients with
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS). NUEDEXTA has not been shown
to be safe and effective in other types of emotional lability that can commonly occur,
for example, in Alzheimers disease and other dementias.
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1 Recommended Dose
The recommended starting dose of NUEDEXTA is one capsule daily by mouth for the initial
seven days of therapy. On the eighth day of therapy and thereafter, the daily dose should be a
total of two capsules a day, given as one capsule every 12 hours.
The need for continued treatment should be reassessed periodically, as spontaneous
improvement of PBA occurs in some patients.
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
NUEDEXTA capsules contain 20 mg dextromethorphan hydrobromide and 10 mg quinidine sulfate
in a brick red gelatin capsule with DMQ / 20-10 printed in white ink on the capsule.
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
4.1 Quinidine and related drugs
NUEDEXTA contains quinidine, and should not be used concomitantly with other drugs
containing quinidine, quinine, or mefloquine.
4.2 Hypersensitivity
NUEDEXTA is contraindicated in patients with a history of NUEDEXTA, quinine, mefloquine or
quinidine-induced thrombocytopenia, hepatitis, bone marrow depression or lupus-like syndrome.
NUEDEXTA is also contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to dextromethorphan
(e.g. rash, hives) [see Warnings and Precautions, (5.1)].
4.3 MAOIs
NUEDEXTA is contraindicated in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or in
patients who have taken MAOIs within the preceding 14 days, due to the risk of serious and possibly
fatal drug interactions, including serotonin syndrome. Allow at least 14 days after stopping
NUEDEXTA before starting an MAOI [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
4.4 Cardiovascular
NUEDEXTA is contraindicated in patients with a prolonged QT interval, congenital long QT
syndrome or a history suggestive of torsades de pointes, and in patients with heart failure [see
Warnings and Precautions, (5.3)].
NUEDEXTA is contraindicated in patients receiving drugs that both prolong QT interval and
are metabolized by CYP2D6 (e.g., thioridazine and pimozide), as effects on QT interval may be
increased [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].
NUEDEXTA is contraindicated in patients with complete atrioventricular (AV) block
without implanted pacemakers, or in patients who are at high risk of complete AV block.
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Thrombocytopenia and Other Hypersensitivity Reactions
Quinidine can cause immune-mediated thrombocytopenia that can be severe or fatal. Non-specific
symptoms, such as lightheadedness, chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting, can precede or occur with
thrombocytopenia.NUEDEXTA should be discontinued immediately if thrombocytopenia occurs, unless the
thrombocytopenia is clearly not drug-related, as continued use increases the risk for fatal
hemorrhage. Likewise, NUEDEXTA should not be restarted in sensitized patients, because more rapid
and more severe thrombocytopenia than the original episode can occur. NUEDEXTA should not be used
if immune-mediated thrombocytopenia from structurally related drugs, including quinine and
mefloquine is suspected, as cross-sensitivity can occur. Quinidine-associated thrombocytopenia
usually, but not always, resolves within a few days of discontinuation of the sensitizing drug.
Quinidine has also been associated with a lupus-like syndrome involving polyarthritis,
sometimes with a positive antinuclear antibody test. Other associations include rash,
bronchospasm, lymphadenopathy, hemolytic anemia, vasculitis, uveitis, angioedema,
agranulocytosis, the sicca syndrome, myalgia, elevation in serum levels of skeletal-muscle
enzymes, and pneumonitis.
5.2 Hepatotoxicity
Hepatitis, including granulomatous hepatitis, has been reported in patients receiving
quinidine, generally during the first few weeks of therapy. Fever may be a presenting symptom,
and thrombocytopenia or other signs of hypersensitivity may also occur. Most cases remit when
quinidine is withdrawn.
5.3 Cardiac Effects
NUEDEXTA causes dose-dependent QTc prolongation [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. QT
prolongation can cause torsades de pointes-type ventricular tachycardia, with the risk increasing
as the degree of prolongation increases. When initiating NUEDEXTA in patients at risk of QT
prolongation and torsades de pointes, electrocardiographic (ECG) evaluation of QT interval should
be conducted at baseline and 3-4 hours after the first dose.This includes patients concomitantly
taking/initiating drugs that prolong the QT interval or that are strong or moderate CYP3A4
inhibitors, and patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) or left ventricular dysfunction
(LVD). LVH and LVD are more likely to be present in patients with chronic hypertension, known
coronary artery disease, or history of stroke. LVH and LVD can be diagnosed utilizing
echocardiography or another suitable cardiac imaging modality.
Strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors include, but are not limited to, atazanavir,
clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir,
saquinavir, telithromycin, amprenavir, aprepitant, diltiazem, erythromycin, fluconazole,
fosamprenavir, grapefruit juice, and verapamil.
Reevaluate ECG if risk factors for arrhythmia change during the course of treatment with
NUEDEXTA. Risk factors include concomitant use of drugs associated with QT prolongation,
electrolyte abnormality (hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia), bradycardia, and family history of QT
abnormality. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia should be corrected prior to initiation of therapy with
NUEDEXTA, and should be monitored during treatment.
If patients taking NUEDEXTA experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of
cardiac arrhythmias, e.g., syncope or palpitations, NUEDEXTA should be discontinued and the
patient further evaluated.
5.4 Concomitant use of CYP2D6 Substrates
The quinidine in NUEDEXTA inhibits CYP2D6 in patients in whom CYP2D6 is not otherwise
genetically absent or its activity otherwise pharmacologically inhibited [see CYP2D6 Poor
Metabolizers (5.8), Pharmacokinetics (12.3), Pharmacogenomics (12.5)]. Because of this effect on
CYP2D6, accumulation of parent drug and/or failure of active metabolite formation may decrease
the safety and/or the efficacy of drugs used concomitantly with NUEDEXTA that are metabolized by
CYP2D6 [see Drug Interactions (7.5)].
5.5 Dizziness
NUEDEXTA may cause dizziness [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Precautions to reduce the risk of
falls should be taken, particularly for patients with motor impairment affecting gait or a history
of falls. In a controlled trial of NUEDEXTA, 10% of patients on NUEDEXTA and 5% on placebo
experienced dizziness.
5.6 Serotonin Syndrome
When used with SSRIs (such as fluoxetine) or tricyclic antidepressants (such as
clomipramine and imipramine), NUEDEXTA may cause serotonin syndrome, with changes including
altered mental status, hypertension, restlessness, myoclonus, hyperthermia, hyperreflexia,
diaphoresis, shivering, and tremor [see Drug Interactions (7.4), Overdosage (10)].
5.7 Anticholinergic effects of quinidine
Monitor for worsening clinical condition in myasthenia gravis and other conditions that
may be adversely affected by anticholinergic effects.
5.8 CYP2D6 Poor Metabolizers
The quinidine component of NUEDEXTA is intended to inhibit CYP2D6 so that higher exposure to
dextromethorphan can be achieved compared to when dextromethorphan is given alone [see Concomitant
use of CYP2D6 substrates (5.4), Pharmacokinetics (12.3), Pharmacogenomics (12.5)]. Approximately
710% of Caucasians and 3-8% of African Americans lack the capacity to metabolize CYP2D6 substrates
and are classified as poor metabolizers (PMs). The quinidine component of NUEDEXTA is not expected
to contribute to the effectiveness of NUEDEXTA in PMs, but adverse events of the quinidine are
still possible. In those patients who may be at risk of significant toxicity due to quinidine,
genotyping to determine if they are PMs should be considered prior to making the decision to treat
with NUEDEXTA.
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
A total of 946 patients participated in four Phase 3 controlled and uncontrolled PBA studies
and received at least one dose of the combination product of dextromethorphan/quinidine in various
strengths at the recommended or higher than the recommended dose. Of those patients, 393 patients
were exposed for at least 180 days and 294 patients were exposed for at least one year. Median
exposure was 168 days.
Controlled trials enrolled only patients with either ALS or MS. Uncontrolled studies enrolled
136 patients with PBA secondary to a wide variety of underlying neurological conditions including
stroke (45 patients) and traumatic brain injury (23 patients). Consequently, patients with other
underlying neurologic diseases may experience other adverse reactions not described below.
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
A 12-week, placebo-controlled study evaluated NUEDEXTA (dextromethorphan 20 mg/quinidine 10
mg) (N=107) and a 30 mg dextromethorphan/10 mg quinidine combination (N=110) compared to placebo
(N=109). Approximately 60% of patients had ALS and 40% had MS. Patients were 25 to 80 years of
age, with a mean age of approximately 51 years. Three (3) ALS patients in each drug treatment arm
and 1 ALS patient in the placebo arm died during the 12-week placebo-control period. All deaths
were consistent with the natural progression of ALS.
Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation
The
most commonly reported adverse reactions (incidence ≥2% and greater than placebo) that
led to discontinuation with the 20 mg dextromethorphan/10 mg quinidine twice daily dose were muscle
spasticity (3%), respiratory failure (1%), abdominal pain (2%), asthenia (2%), dizziness (2%), fall
(1%), and muscle spasms (2%).
Most Common Adverse Reactions
Adverse drug reactions that occurred in ≥ 3% of patients receiving the 20 mg
dextromethorphan/10 mg quinidine twice daily dose, and at an incidence of ≥ 2 times placebo in
short-term clinical trials in ALS and MS are provided in Table 1. 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 the rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may
not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.
Table
1: Adverse Drug Reactions with an Incidence of ≥ 3% of Patients and ≥ 2x Placebo in
NUEDEXTA-treated Patients by System-Organ Class and Preferred Term
6.2 Long-Term Exposure with NUEDEXTA
The experience in open-label clinical trials is consistent with the safety profile observed in
the placebo-controlled clinical trials
NUEDEXTA | Placebo | |||||||
N=107 | N=109 | |||||||
% | % | |||||||
Diarrhea
|
13 | 6 | ||||||
Dizziness | 10 | 5 | ||||||
Cough | 5 | 2 | ||||||
Vomiting | 5 | 1 | ||||||
Asthenia | 5 | 2 | ||||||
Peripheral edema | 5 | 1 | ||||||
Urinary tract infection | 4 | 1 | ||||||
Influenza | 4 | 1 | ||||||
Increased gamma | ||||||||
glutamyltransferase | 3 | 0 | ||||||
Flatulence | 3 | 1 |
6.3 Safety Experience of Individual Components
The following adverse reactions have been reported with the use of the individual components
of NUEDEXTA, dextromethorphan and quinidine, from post-marketing experience. Because these
reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, it is not always possible to
reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Dextromethorphan
Drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness or restlessness, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
Quinidine
Cinchonism is most often a sign of chronic quinidine toxicity, but it may appear in
sensitive patients after a single moderate dose of several hundred milligrams. Cinchonism is
characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache tinnitus, hearing loss, vertigo, blurred
vision, diplopia, photophobia, confusion, and delirium.
Convulsions, apprehension, and ataxia have been reported with quinidine therapy, but it is
not clear that these were not simply the results of hypotension and consequent cerebral
hypoperfusion in patients being treated for cardiovascular indications. Acute psychotic
reactions have been reported to follow the first dose of quinidine, but these reactions appear
to be extremely rare. Other adverse reactions occasionally reported with quinidine therapy
include depression, mydriasis, disturbed color perception, night blindness, scotomata, optic
neuritis, visual field loss, photosensitivity, keratopathy, and abnormalities of skin
pigmentation.
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
7.1 MAOIs
Do not use NUEDEXTA with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or in patients who have taken
MAOIs within the preceding 14 days [see Contraindications (4.3)].
7.2 Drugs that Prolong QT and are Metabolized by CYP2D6
Do not use with drugs that both prolong QT interval and are metabolized by CYP2D6
(e.g., thioridazine or pimozide) [see Contraindications (4.4)].
7.3 Drugs that Prolong QT and Concomitant CYP3A4 Inhibitors
Recommend ECG in patients taking drugs with NUEDEXTA that prolong the QT interval and in
patients taking concomitant moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [see Warnings and Precautions
(5.3)].
7.4 SSRIs and Tricyclic Antidepressants
Use of NUEDEXTA with SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants increases the risk of
serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
7.5 CYP2D6 Substrate
The co-administration of NUEDEXTA with drugs that undergo extensive CYP2D6 metabolism may
result in altered drug effects, due to accumulation of parent drug and/or failure of metabolite
formation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. Therapy with medications that are primarily
metabolized by CYP2D6 and that have a relatively narrow therapeutic index should be initiated at a
low dose if a patient is receiving NUEDEXTA concurrently. If NUEDEXTA is added to the treatment
regimen of a patient already receiving a drug primarily metabolized by CYP2D6, the need for a dose
modification of the original medication should be considered. The extent to which CYP2D6
interactions may pose clinical problems will depend on the pharmacokinetics of the substrate
involved.
In cases of prodrugs whose actions are mediated by the CYP2D6-produced metabolites (for
example, codeine and hydrocodone, whose analgesic and antitussive effects appear to be mediated by
morphine and hydromorphone, respectively), it may not be possible to achieve the desired clinical
benefits in the presence of NUEDEXTA due to quinidine-mediated inhibition of CYP2D6. Consider use
of alternative treatment with NUEDEXTA when clinically indicated.
Drug interactions with desipramine and paroxetine have been studied in controlled clinical
trials with a higher dose combination of dextromethorphan/quinidine (dextromethorphan 30
mg/quinidine 30 mg) than NUEDEXTA; study results are described below. No other drug interactions
with CYP2D6 substrates have been systematically investigated, although concomitant use of such
drugs was allowed in clinical trials with NUEDEXTA and in clinical trials with higher dose
formulations of dextromethorphan/quinidine.
Desipramine (CYP2D6 substrate): The tricyclic antidepressant desipramine is metabolized
primarily by CYP2D6. A drug interaction study was conducted between a higher combination
dose of dextromethorphan (dextromethorphan 30 mg/quinidine 30 mg) and desipramine 25 mg.
The combination dose of dextromethorphan/quinidine increased steady state desipramine
levels approximately 8-fold. If NUEDEXTA and desipramine are prescribed concomitantly, the
initial dose of desipramine should be markedly reduced. The dose of desipramine can then be
adjusted based on clinical response; however, a dose above 40 mg/day is not recommended.
Paroxetine (CYP2D6 inhibitor and substrate): When the combination dose of dextromethorphan 30
mg/quinidine 30 mg was added to paroxetine at steady state, paroxetine exposure
(AUC0-24) increased by 1.7 fold and Cmax increased by 1.5 fold.
Consideration should be given to initiating treatment with a lower dose of paroxetine if
given with NUEDEXTA. The dose of paroxetine can then be adjusted based on clinical response;
however, dosage above 35 mg/day is not recommended.
7.6 | Digoxin |
Quinidine is an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein. Concomitant administration of quinidine with
digoxin, a P-glycoprotein substrate, results in serum digoxin levels that may be as much as
doubled. Plasma digoxin concentrations should be closely monitored in patients taking NUEDEXTA
concomitantly, and the digoxin dose reduced, as necessary.
7.7 Alcohol
As with any other CNS drug, caution should be used when NUEDEXTA is taken in combination with
other centrally acting drugs and alcohol.
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1 Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of NUEDEXTA in
pregnant women. In oral studies conducted in rats and rabbits, a combination of
dextromethorphan/quinidine demonstrated developmental toxicity, including teratogenicity
(rabbits) and embryolethality, when given to pregnant animals. NUEDEXTA should be used during
pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Animal Data
When dextromethorphan/quinidine was administered orally (0/0, 5/100, 15/100, and 50/100
mg/kg/day) to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis, embryo-fetal deaths were observed
at the highest dose tested and reduced skeletal ossification was observed at all doses. The lowest
dose tested (5/100 mg/kg/day) is approximately 1/50 times the recommended human dose (RHD) of
40/20 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis. Oral administration (0/0, 5/60, 15/60, and
30/60 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis resulted in an increased incidence of
fetal malformations at all but the lowest dose tested. The no-effect dose (5/60 mg/kg/day) is
approximately 2/60 times the RHD on a mg/m2 basis.
When dextromethorphan/quinidine was orally administered (0/0, 5/100, 15/100, and 30/100
mg/kg/day) to female rats during pregnancy and lactation, pup survival and pup weight were
decreased at all doses and developmental delay was seen in offspring at the mid- and high-doses.
The lowest dose tested (5/100 mg/kg/day) is approximately 1/50 times the RHD on a mg/m2
basis.
8.2 Labor and Delivery
The effects of NUEDEXTA on labor and delivery are unknown. |
8.3 Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether dextromethorphan or quinidine are excreted in human milk. Because
many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when NUEDEXTA is administered
to a nursing mother.
8.4 Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of NUEDEXTA in pediatric patients below the age of 18 have not
been established.
8.5 Geriatric Use
Of the total number of patients with PBA in clinical studies of NUEDEXTA, 14 percent were
65 years old and over, while 2 percent were 75 and over. Clinical study of NUEDEXTA did not
include sufficient number of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond
differently than younger patients.
8.6 Renal Impairment
Dose adjustment of NUEDEXTA is not required in patients with mild to moderate renal
impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The pharmacokinetics of NUEDEXTA have not been
evaluated in patients with severe renal impairment; however, increases in dextromethorphan and/or
quinidine levels are likely to be observed.
8.7 Hepatic Impairment
Dose adjustment of NUEDEXTA is not required in patients with mild to moderate hepatic
impairment. The pharmacokinetics of NUEDEXTA have not been evaluated in patients with severe
hepatic impairment; however, increases in dextromethorphan and/or quinidine levels are likely
to be observed
9 DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE
NUEDEXTA is a low-affinity uncompetitive NMDA antagonist and sigma-1 receptor agonist that has
not been systematically studied in animals or humans for its potential for abuse, tolerance, or
physical dependence. However, NUEDEXTA is a combination product containing dextromethorphan and
quinidine, and cases of dextromethorphan abuse have been reported, predominantly in adolescents.
While clinical trials did not reveal drug-seeking behavior, these observations were not
systematic and it is not possible to predict on the basis of this experience the extent to which
NUEDEXTA will be misused, diverted, and/or abused once marketed. Therefore, patients with a history
of drug abuse should be observed closely for signs of NUEDEXTA misuse or abuse (e.g. development of
tolerance, increases in dose, drug-seeking behavior).
10 OVERDOSAGE
Evaluation and treatment of NUEDEXTA overdose is based on experience with the individual
components, dextromethorphan and quinidine. Metabolism of the dextromethorphan component of
NUEDEXTA is inhibited by the quinidine component, such that adverse effects of overdose due to
NUEDEXTA might be more severe or more persistent compared to overdose of dextromethorphan alone.
During development of NUEDEXTA, dose combinations of dextromethorphan/quinidine containing
up to 6-times higher dextromethorphan dose and 12-times higher quinidine dose were studied. The
most common adverse events were mild to moderate nausea, dizziness, and headache.
The most important adverse effects of acute quinidine overdose are ventricular arrhythmias
and hypotension. Other signs and symptoms of overdose may include vomiting, diarrhea, tinnitus,
high-frequency hearing loss, vertigo, blurred vision, diplopia, photophobia, headache, confusion,
and delirium.
While therapeutic doses of quinidine for treatment of cardiac arrhythmia or malaria are
generally 10fold or more higher than the dose of quinidine in NUEDEXTA, potentially fatal cardiac
arrhythmia, including torsades de pointes, can occur at quinidine exposures that are possible from
NUEDEXTA overdose.
Adverse effects of dextromethorphan overdose include nausea, vomiting, stupor, coma,
respiratory depression, seizures, tachycardia, hyperexcitability, and toxic psychosis. Other
adverse effects include ataxia, nystagmus, dystonia, blurred vision, and changes in muscle
reflexes. Dextromethorphan may cause serotonin syndrome, and this risk is increased by overdose,
particularly if taken with other serotonergic agents, SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants.
10.1 Treatment of Overdose
While serum quinidine levels can be measured, electrocardiographic monitoring of the QTc
interval is a better predictor of quinidine-induced arrhythmia. Treatment of hemodynamically
unstable polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (including torsades de pointes) is either immediate
cardioversion or, if a cardiac pacemaker is in place or immediately available, immediate overdrive
pacing. After pacing or cardioversion, further management must be guided by the length of the QTc
interval. Factors contributing to QTc prolongation (especially hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia)
should be sought out and (if possible) aggressively corrected. Prevention of recurrent torsades de
pointes may require sustained overdrive pacing or the cautious administration of isoproterenol
(30-150 ng/kg/min).
Because of the theoretical possibility of QT-prolonging effects that might be additive to
those of quinidine, other antiarrhythmics with Class I (procainamide) or Class III activities
should (if possible) be avoided.
If the post-cardioversion QTc interval is prolonged, then the pre-cardioversion polymorphic
ventricular tachyarrhythmia was (by definition) torsades de pointes. In this case, class Ib
antiarrhythmics like lidocaine are unlikely to be of value, and other Class I and Class III
antiarrhythmics are likely to exacerbate the situation.
Quinidine-induced hypotension that is not due to an arrhythmia is likely to be a
consequence of quinidine-related α-blockade and vasorelaxation. Treatment of hypotension
should be directed at symptomatic and supportive measures. Repletion of central volume
(Trendelenburg positioning, saline infusion) may be sufficient therapy; other interventions
reported to have been beneficial in this setting are those that increase peripheral vascular
resistance, including α-agonist catecholamines (norepinephrine).
Quinidine: Adequate studies of orally administered activated charcoal in human
overdoses of quinidine have not been reported, but there are animal data showing significant
enhancement of systemic elimination following this intervention, and there is at least one human
case report in which the elimination half-life of quinidine in the serum was apparently shortened
by repeated gastric lavage. Activated charcoal should be avoided if an ileus is present; the
conventional dose is 1 gram/kg, administered every 2 to 6 hours as a slurry with 8 mL/kg of tap
water. Although renal elimination of quinidine might theoretically be accelerated by maneuvers to
acidify the urine, such maneuvers are potentially hazardous and of no demonstrated benefit.
Quinidine is not usefully removed from the circulation by dialysis. Following quinidine overdose,
drugs that delay elimination of quinidine (cimetidine, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, thiazide
diuretics) should be withdrawn unless absolutely required.
Dextromethorphan: Treatment of dextromethorphan overdosage should be directed at
symptomatic and supportive measures.
11 DESCRIPTION
NUEDEXTA is an oral formulation of dextromethorphan hydrobromide USP and quinidine sulfate
USP in a fixed dose combination.
Dextromethorphan hydrobromide is the pharmacologically active ingredient of NUEDEXTA that acts
on the central nervous system (CNS). The chemical name is dextromethorphan hydrobromide: morphinan,
3-methoxy-17-methyl-, (9α, 13α, 14α), hydrobromide monohydrate. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide has
the empirical formula C18H25NOHBrH2O with a molecular weight of
370.33. The structural formula is:
Quinidine sulfate is a specific inhibitor of CYP2D6-dependent oxidative metabolism used in
NUEDEXTA to increase the systemic bioavailability of dextromethorphan. The chemical name is
quinidine sulfate: cinchonan-9-01, 6-methoxy-, (9S) sulfate (2:1), (salt), dihydrate. Quinidine
sulfate dihydrate has the empirical formula of
(C20H24N2O2)2H2SO4
2H2O
with a molecular weight of 782.96. The structural formula is:
The combination product, NUEDEXTA, is a white to off-white powder. NUEDEXTA is available for
oral use as NUEDEXTA which contains 20 mg dextromethorphan hydrobromide and 10 mg quinidine
sulfate. The active ingredients are dextromethorphan hydrobromide monohydrate USP and quinidine
sulfate dihydrate USP. Inactive ingredients in the capsule are croscarmellose sodium NF,
microcrystalline cellulose NF, colloidal silicon dioxide NF, lactose monohydrate NF, and magnesium
stearate NF.
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1 Mechanism of Action
Dextromethorphan (DM) is a sigma-1 receptor agonist and an uncompetitive NMDA receptor
antagonist. Quinidine increases plasma levels of dextromethorphan by competitively inhibiting
cytochrome P450 2D6, which catalyzes a major biotransformation pathway for dextromethorphan. The
mechanism by which dextromethorphan exerts therapeutic effects in patients with pseudobulbar
affect is unknown.
12.2 Pharmacodynamics
Cardiac Electrophysiology
The effect of dextromethorphan 30 mg/quinidine 10 mg (for 7 doses) on QTc prolongation was
evaluate in a randomized, double-blind (except for moxifloxacin), placebo- and positive-controlled
(400 mg moxifloxacin) crossover thorough QT study in 50 fasted normal healthy men and women with
CYP2D6 extensive metabolizer (EM) genotype. Mean changes in QTcF were 6.8 ms for dextromethorphan
30 mg/quinidine 10 mg and 9.1 ms for the reference positive control (moxifloxacin). The maximum
mean (95% upper confidence bound) difference from placebo after baseline correction was
10.2 (12.6) ms. This test dose is adequate to represent the steady state exposure in patients with
CYP2D6 extensive metabolizer phenotype.
The effects of supratherapeutic doses of dextromethorphan/quinidine (30 mg/30mg and 60mg/60mg, for
7 doses) on QTc prolongation was evaluated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind,
crossover design with an additional open-label positive control (400-mg moxifloxacin) arm in 36
healthy volunteers. The maximum mean (95% upper confidence bound) differences from placebo after
baseline-correction were 10.2 (14.6) and 18.4 (22.7) ms following dextromethorphan/quinidine doses
of 30 mg/30 mg and 60/60 mg, respectively. The supratherapeutic doses are adequate to represent
exposure increases due to drug-drug interactions and organ dysfunctions.
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
NUEDEXTA contains dextromethorphan and quinidine, both of which are metabolized primarily by
liver enzymes. Quinidines primary pharmacological action in NUEDEXTA is to competitively inhibit
the metabolism of dextromethorphan catalyzed by CYP2D6 in order to increase and prolong plasma
concentrations of dextromethorphan [see Concomitant use of CYP2D6 substrates (5.4), CYP2D6 Poor
Metabolizers (5.8), Pharmacogenomics (12.5)]. Studies were conducted with the individual
components of NUEDEXTA in healthy subjects to determine single-dose and multiple-dose kinetics of
orally administered dextromethorphan in combination with quinidine. The increase in
dextromethorphan levels appeared approximately dose proportional when the dextromethorphan dose
was increased from 20 mg to 30 mg in the presence of 10 mg of quinidine.
Absorption: Following single and repeated combination doses of dextromethorphan 30
mg/quinidine 10 mg, dextromethorphan/quinidine -treated subjects had an approximately 20-fold
increase in dextromethorphan exposure compared to dextromethorphan given without quinidine.
Following repeated doses of dextromethorphan 30 mg/quinidine 10 mg and dextromethorphan 20 mg/
quinidine 10 mg (NUEDEXTA), maximal plasma concentrations (Cmax) of dextromethorphan are
reached approximately 3 to 4 hours after dosing and maximal plasma concentrations of quinidine are
reached approximately 1 to 2 hours after dosing.
In extensive metabolizers, mean Cmax and AUC0-12 values of
dextromethorphan and dextrorphan increased as doses of dextromethorphan increased from 20 to 30
mg; mean Cmax and AUC0-12 values of quinidine appeared similar.
The mean plasma Cmax of quinidine following twice daily co-administration of
dextromethorphan 30 mg/quinidine 10 mg in patients with PBA was within 1 to 3% of the
concentrations required for antiarrhythmic efficacy (2 to 5 mcg/mL).
NUEDEXTA may be taken without regard to meals as food does not affect the exposure of
dextromethorphan and quinidine significantly.
Distribution: After NUEDEXTA administration, protein binding remains essentially the
same as that after administration of the individual components; dextromethorphan is approximately
60-70% protein bound and quinidine is approximately 80-89% protein bound.
Metabolism and Excretion: NUEDEXTA is a combination product containing
dextromethorphan and quinidine. Dextromethorphan is metabolized by CYP2D6 and quinidine is
metabolized by CYP3A4. After dextromethorphan 30mg/quinidine 30mg administration in extensive
metabolizers, the elimination half-life of dextromethorphan was approximately 13 hours and the
elimination half-life of quinidine was approximately 7 hours.
There are several hydroxylated metabolites of quinidine. The major metabolite of quinidine
is 3hydroxyquinidine. The 3-hydroxymetabolite is considered to be at least half as
pharmacologically active as quinidine with respect to cardiac effects such as QT prolongation.
When the urine pH is less than 7, about 20% of administered quinidine appears unchanged in the
urine, but this fraction drops to as little as 5% when the urine is more alkaline. Renal
clearance involves both glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion, moderated by
(pH-dependent) tubular reabsorption.
Specific Populations
Geriatric Use
The pharmacokinetics of dextromethorphan/quinidine have not been investigated
systematically in elderly subjects (aged >65 years), although such subjects were included in
the clinical program. A population pharmacokinetic analysis of 170
subjects (148 subjects <
65 years old and 22 subjects ≥ 65 years old) administered dextromethorphan 30 mg/quinidine 30
mg revealed similar pharmacokinetics in subjects <65 years and those ≥ 65 years of age.
Pediatric Use
The pharmacokinetics of NUEDEXTA in pediatric patients have not been studied. |
Gender
A population pharmacokinetic analysis based on data from 109 subjects (75 male; 34 female)
showed no apparent gender differences in the pharmacokinetics of NUEDEXTA.
Race
A population pharmacokinetic analysis of race with 109 subjects (21 Caucasian; 71
Hispanic; 18 Black) revealed no apparent racial differences in the pharmacokinetics of
NUEDEXTA.
Renal Impairment
In a study of a combination dose of dextromethorphan 30 mg/quinidine 30 mg TWICE DAILY in 12
subjects with mild (CLCR 50-80 mL/min) or moderate (CLCR 30-50 mL/min) renal impairment (6 each)
compared to 9 healthy subjects (matched in gender, age, and weight range to impaired subjects),
subjects showed little difference in quinidine or dextromethorphan pharmacokinetics compared to
healthy subjects. Dose adjustment is, therefore, not required in mild or moderate renal impairment.
NUEDEXTA has not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment.
Hepatic Impairment
In a study of a combination dose of dextromethorphan 30 mg/quinidine 30 mg TWICE DAILY in 12
subjects with mild or moderate hepatic impairment (as indicated by the Child-Pugh method; 6 each)
compared to 9 healthy subjects (matched in gender, age, and weight range to impaired subjects),
subjects with moderate hepatic impairment showed similar dextromethorphan AUC and Cmax
and clearance compared to healthy subjects. Mild to moderate hepatic impairment had little effect
on quinidine pharmacokinetics. Patients with moderate impairment showed an increased frequency of
adverse events. Therefore, dosage adjustment is not required in patients with mild and moderate
hepatic impairment, although additional monitoring for adverse reactions should be considered.
Quinidine clearance is unaffected by hepatic cirrhosis, although there is an increased volume of
distribution that leads to an increase in the elimination half-life. Neither dextromethorphan
alone nor NUEDEXTA has been evaluated in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
12.4 Drug-Drug Interactions
The potential for dextromethorphan and quinidine to inhibit or induce cytochrome P450 in vitro
were evaluated in human microsomes. Dextromethorphan did not inhibit (<20% inhibition) any of
the tested isoenzymes: CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, or CYP3A4
in human liver microsomes at concentrations up to 5 microM. Quinidine did not inhibit (<30%
inhibition) CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2E1, or CYP3A4 in human microsomes
at concentrations up to 5 microM. Quinidine inhibited CYP2D6 with a half maximal inhibitory
concentration
(IC50) of less than 0.05 microM. Neither dextromethorphan nor quinidine
induced CYP1A2, CYP2B6 or CYP3A4 in human hepatocytes at concentrations up to 4.8 microM.
Desipramine (CYP2D6 substrate): Co-administration of dextromethorphan 30 mg/quinidine 30 mg with
the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine, a CYP2D6 substrate, when desipramine was given at a dose
of 25 mg once daily in 13 healthy volunteers resulted in an approximately 8-fold increase in steady
state desipramine exposure
(Cmin) compared to desipramine given alone. Therefore,
concomitant administration of NUEDEXTA and drugs undergoing CYP2D6 metabolism should be evaluated
for appropriate dose adjustment or alternative medication if the concomitant medication depends
primarily on CYP2D6 metabolism and has a narrow therapeutic index, or if it relies on CYP2D6 for
conversion to an active species [see CYP2D6 Substrate (5.4)].
Paroxetine (CYP2D6 inhibitor and substrate): Co-administration of the selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor paroxetine and a higher combination dose of dextromethorphan/quinidine (dextromethorphan
30 mg/quinidine 30 mg) was studied in 27 healthy volunteers. Group 1 (N = 14) received paroxetine
20 mg once daily for 12 days followed by the addition of dextromethorphan 30 mg/quinidine 30 mg
twice daily for 8 days. Group 2 (N = 13) received dextromethorphan 30 mg/quinidine 30 mg twice
daily for 8 days followed by the addition of paroxetine 20 mg once daily for 12 days.
Dextromethorphan exposure
(AUC012)
and Cmax increased by 1.5 fold and 1.4 fold,
respectively, and quinidine exposure
(AUC0-12)
and Cmax increased by 1.4 fold and
1.3 fold, respectively, and dextrorphan exposure
(AUC0-12)
and Cmax decreased by
14% and 18%, respectively, and paroxetine exposure
(AUC0-24)
and Cmax increased
by 2.3 fold and 2.0 fold, respectively, when paroxetine was added to the combination dose of
dextromethorphan/quinidine at steady state (Group 2).
When the combination dose of dextromethorphan/quinidine was added to paroxetine at steady state
(Group 1), paroxetine exposure
(AUC0-24)
and Cmax increased by 1.7 fold and 1.5
fold, respectively, while dextromethorphan and quinidine exposure did not change significantly and
dextrorphan exposure
(AUC012)
and Cmax decreased by 34% and 33%, respectively.
Based on these results, when NUEDEXTA is prescribed with drugs such as paroxetine that inhibit or
are extensively metabolized by CYP2D6, consideration should be given to initiating treatment with
a lower dose. The dose of paroxetine can then be adjusted based on clinical response; however,
dosage above 35 mg/day is not recommended [see CYP2D6 Substrate (5.4)].
NMDA receptor antagonists (memantine): A drug interaction study was conducted between a higher
combination dose of dextromethorphan/quinidine (dextromethorphan 30 mg/quinidine 30 mg) and
memantine 20 mg/day to investigate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions in 52
healthy subjects. Both dextromethorphan and memantine are antagonists of the N-methyl-D-aspartate
(NMDA) receptor, which could theoretically result in an additive effect at NMDA receptors and
potentially an increased incidence of adverse events. There was no significant difference in the
plasma concentrations of dextromethorphan and dextrorphan before and after the administration of
memantine. Plasma concentrations of quinidine increased 20-30% when memantine was added to
dextromethorphan 30mg/ quinidine 30mg.
12.5 Pharmacogenomics
The quinidine component of NUEDEXTA is intended to inhibit CYP2D6 so that higher exposure to
dextromethorphan can be achieved compared to when dextromethorphan is given alone. Approximately
7-10% of Caucasians and 3-8% of African Americans generally lack the capacity to metabolize CYP2D6
substrates and are classified as PMs. The quinidine component of NUEDEXTA is not expected to
contribute to the effectiveness of NUEDEXTA in PMs, but adverse events of the quinidine are still
possible. In those patients who may be at risk of significant toxicity due to quinidine,
genotyping to determine if they are PMs should be considered prior to making the decision to treat
with NUEDEXTA [see Concomitant Use of CYP2D6 Substrate (5.4), CYP2D6 Poor Metabolizer (5.8),
Pharmacokinetics (12.3)].
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Carcinogenesis
In a 26-week carcinogenicity study in the Tg.rasH2 transgenic mouse, dextromethorphan and
quinidine, alone and in combination, at oral doses up to 100/100 mg/kg/day did not show any
evidence of carcinogenic potential.
In a two-year carcinogenicity study in rats, dextromethorphan/quinidine were administered
at oral doses of 0/0, 5/100, 20/100, 50/100, 50/0, 0/100 mg/kg/day. No biologically significant
tumor findings were observed. The highest dose tested (50/100 mg/kg/day) is approximately 12/50
times the recommended human dose (RHD) of 40/20 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis.
Mutagenesis
Dextromethorphan/quinidine was negative in an in vitro chromosomal aberration assay in
human lymphocytes.
Dextromethorphan was negative in in vitro (bacterial reverse mutation, chromosomal
aberration in human lymphocytes) and in vivo (mouse micronucleus) assays.
Quinidine was negative in an in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay and in an in vivo
mouse micronucleus assay. Quinidine induced chromosomal aberrations in an in vitro chromosomal
aberration assay in the presence of metabolic activation.
Impairment of fertility
When dextromethorphan/quinidine was administered orally (0/0, 5/100, 15/100, and 50/100
mg/kg/day) to male and female rats prior to and during mating, and continuing to Day 7 of
gestation in females, no effect on fertility was observed up to the highest dose tested, which
is approximately 12/50 times the RHD on a mg/m2 basis.
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
The efficacy of NUEDEXTA was demonstrated in one trial in PBA patients with underlying
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or multiple sclerosis (MS). Other trials at higher
doses (dextromethorphan 30 mg/quinidine 30 mg) provided supportive evidence.
In the NUEDEXTA trial, patients with PBA were randomized to receive NUEDEXTA dextromethorphan
20 mg/quinidine 10 mg, (N=107), dextromethorphan 30 mg/quinidine 10 mg (N=110), or placebo (N=109)
for 12 weeks.
The primary outcome measure, laughing and crying episodes (Figure 1), was statistically
significantly lower in each dextromethorphan/quinidine arm compared to placebo, based on an
analysis of the sums of the episode counts over the double-blind phase. The secondary endpoint was
the Center for Neurologic Studies Lability Scale (CNS-LS), a seven-item self-report questionnaire
with 3 items assessing crying and 4 assessing laughter. CNS-LS was analyzed based on the difference
between the mean scores on day 84 and baseline, and was also statistically significantly lower in
each dextromethorphan/quinidine arm compared to placebo (Figure 2). There were no clinically
important differences between NUEDEXTA and the dextromethorphan 30 mg/quinidine 10 mg arm.
Figure 1: Mean PBA Episode Rates by Visit
* Statistically significant at p < 0.05
Figure 2: Least Square Mean CNS-LS Scores by Visit
Two additional studies conducted using a higher dose combination of
dextromethorphan/quinidine (dextromethorphan 30 mg/quinidine 30 mg) provided supportive evidence of
NUEDEXTA efficacy. The first was a 4 week study in PBA patients with underlying ALS, and the second
was a 12 week study in patients with underlying MS. In both studies, the primary outcome measure,
CNS-LS, and the secondary outcome measure, laughing and crying episodes, were statistically
significantly decreased by the dextromethorphan/quinidine combination.
* Statistically significant at p < 0.05
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
NUEDEXTA is supplied as brick red gelatin capsules imprinted with DMQ / 20-10. NUEDEXTA is
supplied in the following package configurations:
Package Configuration | Capsule Strength (mg) | NDC Code | ||
Bottles of 13 (sample)
|
dextromethorphan 20 mg/quinidine 10 mg | 64597-011-13 | ||
Bottles of 60 (30 day supply)
|
dextromethorphan 20 mg/quinidine 10 mg | 64597-011-60 |
Storage
Store NUEDEXTA capsules at controlled room temperature, 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted
to 15° 30 °C (59° 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
Physicians are advised to discuss the following topics with patients for whom they
prescribe NUEDEXTA:
17.1 Hypersensitivity
Patients should be advised a hypersensitivity reaction to NUEDEXTA could occur. Patients
should be instructed to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms indicative
of hypersensitivity after taking NUEDEXTA [see Contraindications (4.2), Warnings and Precautions
(5.1)].
17.2 Cardiac effects
Patients should be advised to consult their healthcare provider immediately if they feel faint
or lose consciousness. Patients should be counseled to inform their healthcare provider if they
have any personal or family history of QTc prolongation [see Contraindications (4.4), Warnings and
Precautions (5.3) Drug Interactions (7)].
17.3 Dizziness
Patients should be advised that NUEDEXTA may cause dizziness. Precautions to reduce the
risk of falls should be taken, particularly for patients with motor impairment affecting gait or
a history of falls [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5), Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
17.4 Drug Interactions
Inform patients that NUEDEXTA increases the risk of adverse drug interactions, Instruct
patients to inform their healthcare provider about all the medications that they are taking before
taking NUEDEXTA. Before taking any new medications, patients should tell their healthcare provider
that they are taking NUEDEXTA [see Drug Interactions (7)].
17.5 Benefits and Risks
Summarize for patients the risks of treatment with NUEDEXTA. Advise patients to tell
their healthcare provider if they have side effects that bother them or do not go away.
17.6 Dosing Instructions
Instruct patients to take NUEDEXTA exactly as prescribed. Instruct patients not to take more
than 2 capsules in a 24-hour period and to make sure that there is an approximate 12-hour
interval between doses, and not to take a double dose after they miss a dose.
17.7 General
Patients should not share or give NUEDEXTA to others, even if they have the same symptoms, because
it may harm them.
Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if their PBA symptoms persist or worsen.
Advise patients to keep this and all medications out of reach of children and pets.
Marketed by: Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 1-949-389-6700 Issued October 2010
This is a representation of an electronic record that was signed electronically
and this page is the manifestation of the electronic signature.
/s/
RUSSELL G KATZ
10/29/2010
10/29/2010