BUPRENORPHINE HCL- buprenorphine hydrochloride tablet
Roxane Laboratories, Inc
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HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATIONThese highlights do not include all the information needed to use Buprenorphine HCl Sublingual Tablets safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for Buprenorphine HCl Sublingual Tablets.
Initial U.S. Approval: 2002 INDICATIONS AND USAGEBuprenorphine HCl Sublingual Tablets are indicated for the treatment of opioid dependence and are preferred for induction. Prescription use of this product is limited under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act. (1) (1) DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATIONAdminister Buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets sublingually as a single daily dose. (2) (2) To avoid precipitating withdrawal, induction with buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets should be undertaken when objective and clear signs of withdrawal are evident. (2.1) Buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual film CIII or buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets CIII are generally initiated after two days of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablet titration. (2) DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHSSublingual tablet: 2 mg buprenorphine and 8 mg buprenorphine. (3) (3) CONTRAINDICATIONSHypersensitivity to buprenorphine. (4) (4) WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
ADVERSE REACTIONSAdverse events most commonly observed during clinical trials and post-marketing experience for buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets are headache, nausea, vomiting, hyperhidrosis, constipation, signs and symptoms of withdrawal, insomnia, and pain. (6.1 and 6.2) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Roxane Laboratories, Inc. at 1-800-962-8364 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch DRUG INTERACTIONS
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and Medication Guide. Revised: 09/2012 |
Buprenorphine HCl Sublingual Tablets are indicated for the treatment of opioid dependence and are preferred for induction. Buprenorphine HCl Sublingual Tablets should be used as part of a complete treatment plan to include counseling and psychosocial support.
Under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) codified at 21 U.S.C. 823(g), prescription use of this product in the treatment of opioid dependence is limited to physicians who meet certain qualifying requirements, and who have notified the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) of their intent to prescribe this product for the treatment of opioid dependence and have been assigned a unique identification number that must be included on every prescription.
Buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets are administered sublingually as a single daily dose. Buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets contain no naloxone and is preferred for use only during induction. Following induction, buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual film or buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets are preferred due to the presence of naloxone when clinical use includes unsupervised administration. The use of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets for unsupervised administration should be limited to those patients who cannot tolerate buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual film or buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets; for example, those patients who have been shown to be hypersensitive to naloxone.
Medication should be prescribed in consideration of the frequency of visits. Provision of multiple refills is not advised early in treatment or without appropriate patient follow-up visits.
Prior to induction, consideration should be given to the type of opioid dependence (i.e. long- or short-acting opioid), the time since last opioid use, and the degree or level of opioid dependence. To avoid precipitating withdrawal, induction with buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets should be undertaken when objective and clear signs of withdrawal are evident.
It is recommended that an adequate treatment dose, titrated to clinical effectiveness, should be achieved as rapidly as possible. In a one-month study, patients received 8 mg of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets on Day 1 and 16 mg buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets on Day 2. From Day 3 onward, patients received either buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets or buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets at the same buprenorphine dose as Day 2 based on their assigned treatment. Induction in the studies of buprenorphine solution was accomplished over 3-4 days, depending on the target dose. In some studies, gradual induction over several days led to a high rate of drop-out of buprenorphine patients during the induction period.
Patients taking heroin or other short-acting opioids: At treatment initiation, the dose of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets should be administered at least 4 hours after the patient last used opioids or preferably when moderate objective signs of opioid withdrawal appear.
Patients on methadone or other long-acting opioids: There is little controlled experience with the transfer of methadone-maintained patients to buprenorphine. Available evidence suggests that withdrawal signs and symptoms are possible during induction onto buprenorphine. Withdrawal appears more likely in patients maintained on higher doses of methadone (>30 mg) and when the first buprenorphine dose is administered shortly after the last methadone dose. Buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablet dosing should be initiated preferably when moderate objective signs of opioid withdrawal appear.
Buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets should be placed under the tongue until it is dissolved. For doses requiring the use of more than two tablets, patients are advised to either place all the tablets at once or alternatively (if they cannot fit in more than two tablets comfortably), place two tablets at a time under the tongue. Either way, the patients should continue to hold the tablets under the tongue until they dissolve; swallowing the tablets reduces the bioavailability of the drug. To ensure consistency in bioavailability, patients should follow the same manner of dosing with continued use of the product.
Proper administration technique should be demonstrated to the patient.
Treatment should be initiated with supervised administration, progressing to unsupervised administration as the patient’s clinical stability permits. The use of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets for unsupervised administration should be limited to those patients who cannot tolerate buprenorphine HCl and naloxone, for example those patients with known hypersensitivity to naloxone. Buprenorphine and naloxone and buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets are both subject to diversion and abuse. When determining the size of the prescription quantity for unsupervised administration, consider the patient’s level of stability, the security of his or her home situation, and other factors likely to affect the ability of the patient to manage supplies of take-home medication.
Ideally, patients should be seen at reasonable intervals (e.g., at least weekly during the first month of treatment) based upon the individual circumstances of the patient. Medication should be prescribed in consideration of the frequency of visits. Provision of multiple refills is not advised early in treatment or without appropriate patient follow-up visits. Periodic assessment is necessary to determine compliance with the dosing regimen, effectiveness of the treatment plan, and overall patient progress.
Once a stable dosage has been achieved and patient assessment (e.g., urine drug screening) does not indicate illicit drug use, less frequent follow-up visits may be appropriate. A once-monthly visit schedule may be reasonable for patients on a stable dosage of medication who are making progress toward their treatment objectives. Continuation or modification of pharmacotherapy should be based on the physician’s evaluation of treatment outcomes and objectives such as:
If treatment goals are not being achieved, the physician should re-evaluate the appropriateness of continuing the current treatment.
Physicians will need to decide when they cannot appropriately provide further management for particular patients. For example, some patients may be abusing or dependent on various drugs, or unresponsive to psychosocial intervention such that the physician does not feel that he/she has the expertise to manage the patient. In such cases, the physician may want to assess whether to refer the patient to a specialist or more intensive behavioral treatment environment. Decisions should be based on a treatment plan established and agreed upon with the patient at the beginning of treatment.
Patients who continue to misuse, abuse, or divert buprenorphine products or other opioids should be provided with, or referred to, more intensive and structured treatment.
The decision to discontinue therapy with buprenorphine and naloxone or buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets after a period of maintenance should be made as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Both gradual and abrupt discontinuation of buprenorphine has been used, but the data are insufficient to determine the best method of dose taper at the end of treatment.
Buprenorphine HCl Sublingual Tablets are supplied as white, sublingual tablets available in two dosage strengths:
Buprenorphine HCl Sublingual Tablets should not be administered to patients who have been shown to be hypersensitive to buprenorphine, as serious adverse reactions, including anaphylactic shock, have been reported. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
Buprenorphine can be abused in a manner similar to other opioids, legal or illicit. Prescribe and dispense buprenorphine with appropriate precautions to minimize risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion, and ensure appropriate protection from theft, including in the home. Clinical monitoring appropriate to the patient’s level of stability is essential. Multiple refills should not be prescribed early in treatment or without appropriate patient follow-up visits. [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2)]
Buprenorphine, particularly when taken by the IV route, in combination with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants (including alcohol), has been associated with significant respiratory depression and death. Many, but not all post-marketing reports regarding coma and death associated with the concomitant use of buprenorphine and benzodiazepines involved misuse by self-injection. Deaths have also been reported in association with concomitant administration of buprenorphine with other depressants such as alcohol or other CNS depressant drugs. Patients should be warned of the potential danger of self-administration of benzodiazepines or other depressants while under treatment with buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets. [see Drug Interactions (7.3)]
In the case of overdose, the primary management should be the re-establishment of adequate ventilation with mechanical assistance of respiration, if required. Naloxone may be of value for the management of buprenorphine overdose. Higher than normal doses and repeated administration may be necessary.
Buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets should be used with caution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cor pulmonale, decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or pre-existing respiratory depression).
Patients receiving buprenorphine in the presence of opioid analgesics, general anesthetics, benzodiazepines, phenothiazines, other tranquilizers, sedative/hypnotics or other CNS depressants (including alcohol) may exhibit increased CNS depression. Consider dose reduction of CNS depressants, buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets, or both in situations of concomitant prescription. [see Drug Interactions (7.3)]
Buprenorphine can cause severe, possibly fatal, respiratory depression in children who are accidentally exposed to it. Store buprenorphine-containing medications safely out of the sight and reach of children and destroy any unused medication appropriately. [see Disposal of Unused Buprenorphine HCl Sublingual Tablets (17.2)]
Buprenorphine is a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor and chronic administration produces physical dependence of the opioid type, characterized by withdrawal signs and symptoms upon abrupt discontinuation or rapid taper. The withdrawal syndrome is typically milder than seen with full agonists and may be delayed in onset. Buprenorphine can be abused in a manner similar to other opioids. This should be considered when prescribing or dispensing buprenorphine in situations when the clinician is concerned about an increased risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion. [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3)]
Cases of cytolytic hepatitis and hepatitis with jaundice have been observed in individuals receiving buprenorphine in clinical trials and through post-marketing adverse event reports. The spectrum of abnormalities ranges from transient asymptomatic elevations in hepatic transaminases to case reports of death, hepatic failure, hepatic necrosis, hepatorenal syndrome, and hepatic encephalopathy. In many cases, the presence of pre-existing liver enzyme abnormalities, infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus, concomitant usage of other potentially hepatotoxic drugs, and ongoing injecting drug use may have played a causative or contributory role. In other cases, insufficient data were available to determine the etiology of the abnormality. Withdrawal of buprenorphine has resulted in amelioration of acute hepatitis in some cases; however, in other cases no dose reduction was necessary. The possibility exists that buprenorphine had a causative or contributory role in the development of the hepatic abnormality in some cases. Liver function tests, prior to initiation of treatment is recommended to establish a baseline. Periodic monitoring of liver function during treatment is also recommended. A biological and etiological evaluation is recommended when a hepatic event is suspected. Depending on the case, buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets may need to be carefully discontinued to prevent withdrawal signs and symptoms and a return by the patient to illicit drug use, and strict monitoring of the patient should be initiated.
Cases of hypersensitivity to buprenorphine products have been reported both in clinical trials and in the post-marketing experience. Cases of bronchospasm, angioneutrotic edema, and anaphylactic shock have been reported. The most common signs and symptoms include rashes, hives, and pruritus. A history of hypersensitivity to buprenorphine is a contraindication to the use of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets.
Because of the partial agonist properties of buprenorphine, buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets may precipitate opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms in individuals physically dependent on full opioid agonists if administered sublingually or parenterally before the agonist effects of other opioids have subsided.
Neonatal withdrawal has been reported in the infants of women treated with buprenorphine during pregnancy. From post-marketing reports, the time to onset of neonatal withdrawal signs and symptoms ranged from Day 1 to Day 8 of life with most cases occurring on Day 1. Adverse events associated with the neonatal withdrawal syndrome included hypertonia, neonatal tremor, neonatal agitation, and myoclonus and there have been reports of convulsions, apnea, respiratory depression and bradycardia.
There have been reported deaths of opioid naïve individuals who received a 2 mg dose of buprenorphine as a sublingual tablet for analgesia. Buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets are not appropriate as an analgesic.
Buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets may impair the mental or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially dangerous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery, especially during treatment induction and dose adjustment. Patients should be cautioned about driving or operating hazardous machinery until they are reasonably certain that buprenorphine therapy does not adversely affect his or her ability to engage in such activities.
Like other opioids, buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets may produce orthostatic hypotension in ambulatory patients.
Buprenorphine, like other opioids, may elevate cerebrospinal fluid pressure and should be used with caution in patients with head injury, intracranial lesions and other circumstances when cerebrospinal pressure may be increased. Buprenorphine can produce miosis and changes in the level of consciousness that may interfere with patient evaluation.
Buprenorphine has been shown to increase intracholedochal pressure, as do other opioids, and thus should be administered with caution to patients with dysfunction of the biliary tract.
As with other opioids, buprenorphine may obscure the diagnosis or clinical course of patients with acute abdominal conditions.
Buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets should be administered with caution in debilitated patients and those with myxedema or hypothyroidism; adrenal cortical insufficiency (e.g., Addison's disease); CNS depression or coma; toxic psychoses; prostatic hypertrophy or urethral stricture; acute alcoholism; delirium tremens; or kyphoscoliosis.
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.
The safety of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets was supported by clinical trials using buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets, buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets and other trials using buprenorphine sublingual solutions. In total, safety data were available from 3214 opioid-dependent subjects exposed to buprenorphine at doses in the range used in treatment of opioid addiction.
Few differences in adverse event profile were noted between buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets or buprenorphine administered as a sublingual solution.
The following adverse events were reported to occur by at least 5% of patients in a 4-week study (Table 1).
N(%) |
N(%) |
|
Body System / Adverse Event (COSTART Terminology) |
Buprenorphine HCl 16mg/day N=103 |
Placebo N=107 |
Body as a Whole | ||
Asthenia |
5 (4.9%) |
7 (6.5%) |
Chills |
8 (7.8%) |
8 (7.5%) |
Headache |
30 (29.1%) |
24 (22.4%) |
Infection |
12 (11.7%) |
7 (6.5%) |
Pain |
19 (18.4%) |
20 (18.7%) |
Pain Abdomen |
12 (11.7%) |
7 (6.5%) |
Pain Back |
8 (7.8%) |
12 (11.2%) |
Withdrawal Syndrome |
19 (18.4%) |
40 (37.4%) |
Cardiovascular System | ||
Vasodilation |
4 (3.9%) |
7 (6.5%) |
Digestive System | ||
Constipation |
8 (7.8%) |
3 (2.8%) |
Diarrhea |
5 (4.9%) |
16 (15.0%) |
Nausea |
14 (13.6%) |
12 (11.2%) |
Vomiting |
8 (7.8%) |
5 (4.7%) |
Nervous System | ||
Insomnia |
22 (21.4%) |
17 (15.9%) |
Respiratory System | ||
Rhinitis |
10 (9.7%) |
14 (13.1%) |
Skin And Appendages | ||
Sweating |
13 (12.6%) |
11 (10.3%) |
The adverse event profile of buprenorphine was also characterized in the dose-controlled study of buprenorphine solution, over a range of doses in four months of treatment. Table 2 shows adverse events reported by at least 5% of subjects in any dose group in the dose-controlled study.
|
|||||
Body System /Adverse Event (COSTART Terminology) |
Buprenorphine Dose* |
||||
Very Low* (N=184) |
Low* (N=180) |
Moderate* (N=186) |
High* (N=181) |
Total* (N=731) |
|
N (%) |
N (%) |
N (%) |
N (%) |
N (%) |
|
Body as a Whole | |||||
Abscess |
9 (5%) |
2 (1%) |
3 (2%) |
2 (1%) |
16 (2%) |
Asthenia |
26 (14%) |
28 (16%) |
26 (14%) |
24 (13%) |
104 (14%) |
Chills |
11 (6%) |
12 (7%) |
9 (5%) |
10 (6%) |
42 (6%) |
Fever |
7 (4%) |
2 (1%) |
2 (1%) |
10 (6%) |
21 (3%) |
Flu Syndrome |
4 (2%) |
13 (7%) |
19 (10%) |
8 (4%) |
44 (6%) |
Headache |
51 (28%) |
62 (34%) |
54 (29%) |
53 (29%) |
220 (30%) |
Infection |
32 (17%) |
39 (22%) |
38 (20%) |
40 (22%) |
149 (20%) |
Injury Accidental |
5 (3%) |
10(6%) |
5 (3%) |
5 (3%) |
25 (3%) |
Pain |
47 (26%) |
37 (21%) |
49 (26%) |
44 (24%) |
177 (24%) |
Pain Back |
18 (10%) |
29 (16%) |
28 (15%) |
27 (15%) |
102 (14%) |
Withdrawal Syndrome |
45 (24%) |
40 (22%) |
41 (22%) |
36 (20%) |
162 (22%) |
Digestive System | |||||
Constipation |
10 (5%) |
23 (13%) |
23 (12%) |
26 (14%) |
82 (11%) |
Diarrhea |
19 (10%) |
8 (4%) |
9 (5%) |
4 (2%) |
40 (5%) |
Dyspepsia |
6 (3%) |
10 (6%) |
4 (2%) |
4 (2%) |
24 (3%) |
Nausea |
12 (7%) |
22 (12%) |
23 (12%) |
18 (10%) |
75 (10%) |
Vomiting |
8 (4%) |
6 (3%) |
10 (5%) |
14 (8%) |
38 (5%) |
Nervous System | |||||
Anxiety |
22 (12%) |
24 (13%) |
20 (11%) |
25 (14%) |
91 (12%) |
Depression |
24 (13%) |
16 (9%) |
25 (13%) |
18 (10%) |
83 (11%) |
Dizziness |
4 (2%) |
9 (5%) |
7 (4%) |
11 (6%) |
31 (4%) |
Insomnia |
42 (23%) |
50 (28%) |
43 (23%) |
51 (28%) |
186 (25%) |
Nervousness |
12 (7%) |
11 (6%) |
10 (5%) |
13 (7%) |
46 (6%) |
Somnolence |
5 (3%) |
13(7%) |
9 (5%) |
11 (6%) |
38 (5%) |
Respiratory System | |||||
Cough Increase |
5 (3%) |
11 (6%) |
6 (3%) |
4 (2%) |
26 (4%) |
Pharyngitis |
6 (3%) |
7 (4%) |
6 (3%) |
9 (5%) |
28 (4%) |
Rhinitis |
27 (15%) |
16 (9%) |
15 (8%) |
21 (12%) |
79 (11%) |
Skin And Appendages | |||||
Sweat |
23 (13%) |
21 (12%) |
20 (11%) |
23 (13%) |
87 (12%) |
Special Senses | |||||
Runny Eyes |
13 (7%) |
9 (5%) |
6 (3%) |
6 (3%) |
34 (5%) |
Buprenorphine is metabolized to norbuprenorphine primarily by cytochrome CYP3A4; therefore, potential interactions may occur when buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets are given concurrently with agents that affect CYP3A4 activity. The concomitant use of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets with CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., azole antifungals such as ketoconazole, macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin, and HIV protease inhibitors) should be monitored and may require dose-reduction of one or both agents.
The interaction of buprenorphine with many CYP3A4 inducers has not been studied; therefore, it is recommended that patients receiving buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets be monitored for signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal if inducers of CYP3A4 (e.g., phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin) are co-administered. [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]
Three classes of antiretroviral agents have been evaluated for CYP3A4 interactions with buprenorphine. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) do not appear to induce or inhibit the P450 enzyme pathway, thus no interactions with buprenorphine are expected. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are metabolized principally by CYP3A4. Efavirenz, nevirapine and etravirine are known CYP3A inducers whereas delaviridine is a CYP3A inhibitor. Significant pharmacokinetic interactions between NNRTIs (e.g., efavirenz and delavirdine) and buprenorphine have been shown in clinical studies, but these pharmacokinetic interactions did not result in any significant pharmacodynamic effects. It is recommended that patients who are on chronic buprenorphine treatment have their dose monitored if NNRTIs are added to their treatment regimen. Studies have shown some antiretroviral protease inhibitors (PIs) with CYP3A4 inhibitory activity (nelfinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, ritonavir) have little effect on buprenorphine pharmacokinetic and no significant pharmacodynamic effects. Other PIs with CYP3A4 inhibitory activity (atazanavir and atazanavir/ritonavir) resulted in elevated levels of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine and patients in one study reported increased sedation. Symptoms of opioid excess have been found in post-marketing reports of patients receiving buprenorphine and atazanavir with and without ritonavir concomitantly. Monitoring of patients taking buprenorphine and atazanavir with and without ritonavir is recommended, and dose reduction of buprenorphine may be warranted.
There have been a number of post-marketing reports regarding coma and death associated with the concomitant use of buprenorphine and benzodiazepines. In many, but not all, of these cases, buprenorphine was misused by self-injection. Preclinical studies have shown that the combination of benzodiazepines and buprenorphine altered the usual ceiling effect on buprenorphine-induced respiratory depression, making the respiratory effects of buprenorphine appear similar to those of full opioid agonists. Buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets should be prescribed with caution to patients taking benzodiazepines or other drugs that act on the CNS, regardless of whether these drugs are taken on the advice of a physician or are being abused/misused. Patients should be warned that it is extremely dangerous to self-administer non-prescribed benzodiazepines while taking buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets, and should also be cautioned to use benzodiazepines concurrently with buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets only as directed by their physician.
Pregnancy Category C
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets in pregnant women. Buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Teratogenic Effects: Buprenorphine was not teratogenic in rats or rabbits after IM or subcutaneous (SC) doses up to 5 mg/kg/day (estimated exposure was approximately 3 and 6 times, respectively, the recommended human daily sublingual dose of 16 mg on a mg/m2 basis), after IV doses up to 0.8 mg/kg/day (estimated exposure was approximately 0.5 times and equal to, respectively, the recommended human daily sublingual dose of 16 mg on a mg/m2 basis), or after oral doses up to 160 mg/kg/day in rats (estimated exposure was approximately 95 times the recommended human daily sublingual dose of 16 mg on a mg/m2 basis) and 25 mg/kg/day in rabbits (estimated exposure was approximately 30 times the recommended human daily sublingual dose of 16 mg on a mg/m2 basis). Significant increases in skeletal abnormalities (e.g., extra thoracic vertebra or thoraco-lumbar ribs) were noted in rats after SC administration of 1 mg/kg/day and up (estimated exposure was approximately 0.6 times the recommended human daily sublingual dose of 16 mg on a mg/m2 basis), but were not observed at oral doses up to 160 mg/kg/day. Increases in skeletal abnormalities in rabbits after IM administration of 5 mg/kg/day (estimated exposure was approximately 6 times the recommended human daily sublingual dose of 16 mg on a mg/m2 basis) or oral administration of 1 mg/kg/day or greater (estimated exposure was approximately equal to the recommended human daily sublingual dose of 16 mg on a mg/m2 basis) were not statistically significant.
In rabbits, buprenorphine produced statistically significant pre-implantation losses at oral doses of 1 mg/kg/day or greater and post-implantation losses that were statistically significant at IV doses of 0.2 mg/kg/day or greater (estimated exposure was approximately 0.3 times the recommended human daily sublingual dose of 16 mg on a mg/m2 basis).
Non-teratogenic Effects: Dystocia was noted in pregnant rats treated intramuscularly with buprenorphine 5 mg/kg/day (approximately 3 times the recommended human daily sublingual dose of 16 mg on a mg/m2 basis). Fertility, peri- and post-natal development studies with buprenorphine in rats indicated increases in neonatal mortality after oral doses of 0.8 mg/kg/day and up (approximately 0.5 times the recommended human daily sublingual dose of 16 mg on a mg/m2 basis), after IM doses of 0.5 mg/kg/day and up (approximately 0.3 times the recommended human daily sublingual dose of 16 mg on a mg/m2 basis), and after SC doses of 0.1 mg/kg/day and up (approximately 0.06 times the recommended human daily sublingual dose of 16 mg on mg/m2 basis). Delays in the occurrence of righting reflex and startle response were noted in rat pups at an oral dose of 80 mg/kg/day (approximately 50 times the recommended human daily sublingual dose of 16 mg on a mg/m2 basis).
Buprenorphine passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not advised in mothers treated with buprenorphine products.
An apparent lack of milk production during general reproduction studies with buprenorphine in rats caused decreased viability and lactation indices.
The safety and effectiveness of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablet has not been established in pediatric patients.
Clinical studies of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets, buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual film, or buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they responded differently than younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, 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.
The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of buprenorphine is unknown. Since the drug is extensively metabolized, the plasma levels will be expected to be higher in patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment. Therefore, dosage should be adjusted and titrated cautiously.
Buprenorphine is a Schedule III narcotic under the Controlled Substances Act.
Under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) codified at 21 U.S.C. 823(g), prescription use of this product in the treatment of opioid dependence is limited to physicians who meet certain qualifying requirements, and who have notified the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) of their intent to prescribe this product for the treatment of opioid dependence and have been assigned a unique identification number that must be included on every prescription.
Buprenorphine, like morphine and other opioids, has the potential for being abused and is subject to criminal diversion. This should be considered when prescribing or dispensing buprenorphine in situations when the clinician is concerned about an increased risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion. Healthcare professionals should contact their state professional licensing board or state controlled substances authority for information on how to prevent and detect abuse or diversion of this product.
Patients who continue to misuse, abuse, or divert, buprenorphine products or other opioids should be provided or referred for more intensive and structured treatment.
Abuse of buprenorphine poses a risk of overdose and death. This risk is increased with the abuse of buprenorphine and alcohol and other substances, especially benzodiazepines.
The physician may be able to more easily detect misuse or diversion by maintaining records of medication prescribed including date, dose, quantity, frequency of refills, and renewal requests of medication prescribed.
Proper assessment of the patient, proper prescribing practices, periodic re-evaluation of therapy, and proper handling and storage of the medication are appropriate measures that help to limit abuse of opioid drugs.
Buprenorphine is a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor and chronic administration produces physical dependence of the opioid type, characterized by moderate withdrawal signs and symptoms upon abrupt discontinuation or rapid taper. The withdrawal syndrome is typically milder than seen with full agonists and may be delayed in onset. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
A neonatal withdrawal syndrome has been reported in the infants of women treated with buprenorphine during pregnancy. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]
The manifestations of acute overdose include pinpoint pupils, sedation, hypotension, respiratory depression, and death.
In the event of overdose, the respiratory and cardiac status of the patient should be monitored carefully. When respiratory or cardiac functions are depressed, primary attention should be given to the re-establishment of adequate respiratory exchange through provision of a patent airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation. Oxygen, IV fluids, vasopressors, and other supportive measures should be employed as indicated.
In the case of overdose, the primary management should be the re-establishment of adequate ventilation with mechanical assistance of respiration, if required. Naloxone may be of value for the management of buprenorphine overdose. Higher than normal doses and repeated administration may be necessary. The long duration of action of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets should be taken into consideration when determining the length of treatment and medical surveillance needed to reverse the effects of an overdose. Insufficient duration of monitoring may put patients at risk.
Buprenorphine HCl Sublingual Tablets are supplied as white, sublingual tablets available in two dosage strengths, 2 mg buprenorphine and 8 mg buprenorphine free base. Each tablet also contains anhydrous citric acid, corn starch, crospovidone, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, mannitol, povidone, and sodium citrate. The 2 mg buprenorphine tablet is embossed with product identification "54 775" on one side and plain on the other side. The 8 mg buprenorphine tablet is embossed with product identification "54 411" on one side and plain on the other side.
Chemically, buprenorphine HCl is (2S)-2-[17-Cyclopropylmethyl-4,5α-epoxy-3-hydroxy-6-methoxy-6α, 14-etheno-14α-morphinan-7α-yl]-3,3-dimethylbutan-2-ol hydrochloride. It has the following chemical structure:
Buprenorphine HCl has the molecular formula C29H41 NO4 • HCl and the molecular weight is 504.10. It is a white or off-white crystalline powder, sparingly soluble in water, freely soluble in methanol, soluble in alcohol and practically insoluble in cyclohexane.
Buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets contain buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor and an antagonist at the kappa-opioid receptor.
Subjective Effects: Comparisons of buprenorphine to full opioid agonists such as methadone and hydromorphone suggest that sublingual buprenorphine produces typical opioid agonist effects which are limited by a ceiling effect.
Opioid agonist ceiling-effects were also observed in a double-blind, parallel group, dose-ranging comparison of single doses of buprenorphine sublingual solution (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 mg), placebo and a full agonist control at various doses. The treatments were given in ascending dose order at intervals of at least one week to 16 opioid-experienced subjects who were not physically dependent. Both active drugs produced typical opioid agonist effects. For all measures for which the drugs produced an effect, buprenorphine produced a dose-related response. However, in each case, there was a dose that produced no further effect. In contrast, the highest dose of the full agonist control always produced the greatest effects. Agonist objective rating scores remained elevated for the higher doses of buprenorphine (8-32 mg) longer than for the lower doses and did not return to baseline until 48 hours after drug administration. The onset of effects appeared more rapidly with buprenorphine than with the full agonist control, with most doses nearing peak effect after 100 minutes for buprenorphine compared to 150 minutes for the full agonist control.
Physiologic Effects: Buprenorphine in IV (2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 mg) and sublingual (12 mg) doses have been administered to opioid-experienced subjects who were not physically dependent to examine cardiovascular, respiratory and subjective effects at doses comparable to those used for treatment of opioid dependence. Compared to placebo, there were no statistically significant differences among any of the treatment conditions for blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, O2 saturation, or skin temperature across time. Systolic BP was higher in the 8 mg group than placebo (3-hour AUC values). Minimum and maximum effects were similar across all treatments. Subjects remained responsive to low voice and responded to computer prompts. Some subjects showed irritability, but no other changes were observed.
The respiratory effects of sublingual buprenorphine were compared with the effects of methadone in a double-blind, parallel group, dose ranging comparison of single doses of buprenorphine sublingual solution (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 mg) and oral methadone (15, 30, 45, or 60 mg) in non-dependent, opioid-experienced volunteers. In this study, hypoventilation not requiring medical intervention was reported more frequently after buprenorphine doses of 4 mg and higher than after methadone. Both drugs decreased O2 saturation to the same degree.
Absorption: Plasma levels of buprenorphine increased with the sublingual dose of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets (Table 3). There was wide inter-patient variability in the sublingual absorption of buprenorphine, but within subjects the variability was low. Both Cmax and AUC of buprenorphine increased in a linear fashion with the increase in dose (in the range of 4 to 16 mg), although the increase was not directly dose-proportional.
Dose |
Analyte |
Mean SD |
Cmax (ng/mL) |
Tmax (h) |
AUCinf (h•ng/mL) |
t1/2 (h) |
2 mg* |
Buprenorphine |
Mean SD |
1.25 0.584 |
1.84 0.62 |
10.93 3.945 |
31.66 12.66 |
Norbuprenorphine |
Mean SD |
0.301 0.127 |
2.36 2.75 |
12.39 4.526 |
39.28 20.85 |
|
8 mg† |
Buprenorphine |
Mean SD |
2.88 1.14 |
1.28 0.46 |
28.39 10.22 |
35.01 14.7 |
Norbuprenorphine |
Mean SD |
1.38 0.752 |
1.75 2.11 |
50.18 22.61 |
44.33 19.27 |
|
16 mg‡ |
Buprenorphine |
Mean SD |
4.70 2.16 |
1.42 0.50 |
47.09 20.03 |
36.51 13.99 |
Norbuprenorphine |
Mean SD |
2.65 1.62 |
1.52 1.34 |
92.31 34.74 |
40.35 12.07 |
Distribution: Buprenorphine is approximately 96% protein bound, primarily to alpha and beta globulin.
Metabolism: Buprenorphine undergoes both N-dealkylation to norbuprenorphine and glucuronidation. The N-dealkylation pathway is mediated primarily by CYP3A4. Norbuprenorphine, the major metabolite, can further undergo glucuronidation. Norbuprenorphine has been found to bind opioid receptors in-vitro; however, it has not been studied clinically for opioid-like activity.
Elimination: A mass balance study of buprenorphine showed complete recovery of radiolabel in urine (30%) and feces (69%) collected up to 11 days after dosing. Almost all of the dose was accounted for in terms of buprenorphine, norbuprenorphine, and two unidentified buprenorphine metabolites. In urine, most of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine was conjugated (buprenorphine, 1% free and 9.4% conjugated; norbuprenorphine, 2.7% free and 11% conjugated). In feces, almost all of the buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine were free (buprenorphine, 33% free and 5% conjugated; norbuprenorphine, 21% free and 2% conjugated).
Buprenorphine has a mean elimination half-life from plasma ranging from 31 to 35 hours.
Drug-drug interactions: CYP3A4 Inhibitors and Inducers: Subjects receiving buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets should be monitored if inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as azole antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin) or HIV protease inhibitors and may require dose-reduction of one or both agents. The interaction of buprenorphine with all CYP3A4 inducers has not been studied, therefore it is recommended that patients receiving buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets be monitored for signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal if inducers of CYP3A4 (e.g., phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin) are co-administered [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Buprenorphine has been found to be a CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 inhibitor and its major metabolite, norbuprenorphine has been found to be a moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor in in vitro studies employing human liver microsomes. However, the relatively low plasma concentrations of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine resulting from therapeutic doses are not expected to raise significant drug-drug interaction concerns.
Carcinogenicity: Carcinogenicity studies of buprenorphine were conducted in Sprague-Dawley rats and CD-1 mice. Buprenorphine was administered in the diet to rats at doses of 0.6, 5.5, and 56 mg/kg/day (estimated exposure was approximately 0.4, 3 and 35 times the recommended human daily sublingual dose of 16 mg on a mg/m2 basis) for 27 months. As in the buprenorphine/naloxone carcinogenicity study in rat, statistically significant dose-related increases in Leydig cell tumors occurred. In an 86-week study in CD-1 mice, buprenorphine was not carcinogenic at dietary doses up to 100 mg/kg/day (estimated exposure was approximately 30 times the recommended human daily sublingual dose of 16 mg on a mg/m2 basis).
Mutagenicity: Buprenorphine was studied in a series of tests utilizing gene, chromosome, and DNA interactions in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Results were negative in yeast (S. cerevisiae) for recombinant, gene convertant, or forward mutations; negative in Bacillus subtilis “rec” assay, negative for clastogenicity in CHO cells, Chinese hamster bone marrow and spermatogonia cells, and negative in the mouse lymphoma L5178Y assay.
Results were equivocal in the Ames test: negative in studies in two laboratories, but positive for frame shift mutation at a high dose (5 mg/plate) in a third study. Results were positive in the Green-Tweets (E. coli) survival test, positive in a DNA synthesis inhibition (DSI) test with testicular tissue from mice, for both in vivo and in vitro incorporation of [3H]thymidine, and positive in unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) test using testicular cells from mice.
Impairment of Fertility: Reproduction studies of buprenorphine in rats demonstrated no evidence of impaired fertility at daily oral doses up to 80 mg/kg/day (estimated exposure was approximately 50 times the recommended human daily sublingual dose of 16 mg on a mg/m2 basis) or up to 5 mg/kg/day IM or SC (estimated exposure was approximately 3 times the recommended human daily sublingual dose of 16 mg on a mg/m2 basis).
Clinical data on the safety and efficacy of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets were derived from studies of buprenorphine sublingual tablet formulations, with and without naloxone, and from studies of sublingual administration of a more bioavailable ethanolic solution of buprenorphine.
Buprenorphine HCl tablets were studied in 1834 patients; buprenorphine and naloxone tablets in 575 patients, and buprenorphine sublingual solutions in 2470 patients. A total of 1270 women received buprenorphine in those clinical trials. Dosing recommendations are based on data from one trial of both tablet formulations and two trials of the ethanolic solution. All trials used buprenorphine in conjunction with psychosocial counseling as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment program. There were no clinical studies conducted to assess the efficacy of buprenorphine as the only component of treatment.
In a double-blind placebo- and active-controlled study, 326 heroin-addicted subjects were randomly assigned to either buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets, 16/4 mg per day; buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets, 16 mg per day; or placebo sublingual tablets. For subjects randomized to either active treatment, dosing began with one 8 mg buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets on Day 1, followed by 16 mg (two 8 mg tablets) of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets on Day 2. On Day 3, those randomized to receive buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual tablets were switched to the combination tablet. Subjects randomized to placebo received one placebo tablet on Day 1 and two placebo tablets per day thereafter for four weeks. Subjects were seen daily in the clinic (Monday through Friday) for dosing and efficacy assessments. Take-home doses were provided for weekends. Subjects were instructed to hold the medication under the tongue for approximately 5 to 10 minutes until completely dissolved. Subjects received counseling regarding HIV infection and up to one hour of individualized counseling per week. The primary study comparison was to assess the efficacy of buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets and buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets individually against placebo sublingual tablet. The percentage of thrice-weekly urine samples that were negative for non-study opioids was statistically higher for both buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets and buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets than for placebo sublingual tablets.
In a double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group study comparing buprenorphine ethanolic solution to a full agonist active control, 162 subjects were randomized to receive the ethanolic sublingual solution of buprenorphine at 8 mg/day (a dose which is roughly comparable to a dose of 12 mg per day of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets), or two relatively low doses of active control, one of which was low enough to serve as an alternative to placebo, during a 3 to 10 day induction phase, a 16-week maintenance phase and a 7-week detoxification phase. Buprenorphine was titrated to maintenance dose by Day 3; active control doses were titrated more gradually.
Maintenance dosing continued through Week 17, and then medications were tapered by approximately 20% to 30% per week over Weeks 18 to 24, with placebo dosing for the last two weeks. Subjects received individual and/or group counseling weekly.
Based on retention in treatment and the percentage of thrice-weekly urine samples negative for non-study opioids, buprenorphine was more effective than the low dose of the control, in keeping heroin addicts in treatment and in reducing their use of opioids while in treatment. The effectiveness of buprenorphine, 8 mg per day was similar to that of the moderate active control dose, but equivalence was not demonstrated.
In a dose-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group, 16-week study, 731 subjects were randomized to receive one of four doses of buprenorphine ethanolic solution: 1 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg, and 16 mg. Buprenorphine was titrated to maintenance doses over 1 to 4 days and continued for 16 weeks. Subjects received at least one session of AIDS education and additional counseling ranging from one hour per month to one hour per week, depending on site.
Based on retention in treatment and the percentage of thrice-weekly urine samples negative for non-study opioids, the three highest tested doses were superior to the 1 mg dose. Therefore, this study showed that a range of buprenorphine doses may be effective. The 1 mg dose of buprenorphine sublingual solution can be considered to be somewhat lower than a 2 mg tablet dose. The other doses used in the study encompass a range of tablet doses from approximately 6 mg to approximately 24 mg.
Buprenorphine HCl Sublingual Tablets are supplied as white, sublingual tablets available in 2 mg and 8 mg strengths. The 2 mg buprenorphine tablet is embossed with product identification "54 775" on one side and plain on the other side. The 8 mg buprenorphine tablet is embossed with product identification "54 411" on one side and plain on the other side.
0054-0176-13 |
2 mg tablet, Bottle of 30 |
0054-0177-13 |
8 mg tablet, Bottle of 30 |
Storage
Store at 25°C (77°F), excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Patients should be advised to store buprenorphine-containing medications safely and out of sight and reach of children. Destroy any unused medication appropriately. [see Disposal of Unused Buprenorphine HCl Sublingual Tablets (17.2)]
See FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide)
Before initiating treatment with buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets, explain the points listed below to caregivers and patients. Instruct patients to read the Medication Guide each time buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets are dispensed because new information may be available.
IMPORTANT:
Keep buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets in a secure place away from children. Accidental use by a child is a medical emergency and can result in death. If a child accidentally uses buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets, get emergency help right away.
Read this Medication Guide before you start taking buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This Medication Guide does not take the place of talking to your doctor. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets.
Share the important information in this Medication Guide with members of your household.
What is the most important information I should know about buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets?
These can be signs of an overdose or other serious problems.
What are buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets?
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Who should not take buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets?
Do not take buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets if you are allergic to buprenorphine.
What should I tell my doctor before taking buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets?
Buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets may not be right for you. Before taking buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets, tell your doctor if you:
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets works. Some medicines may cause serious or life-threatening medical problems when taken with buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets.
Sometimes the doses of certain medicines and buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets may need to be changed if used together. Do not take any medicine while using buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets until you have talked with your doctor. Your doctor will tell you if it is safe to take other medicines while you are using buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets.
Be especially careful about taking other medicines that may make you sleepy, such as pain medicines, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, anxiety medicines or antihistamines.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist each time you get a new medicine.
How should I take buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets?
What should I avoid while taking buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets?
What are the possible side effects of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets?
Buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets can cause serious side effects including:
Common side effects of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets include:
Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets?
How should I dispose of unused buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets?
General information about the safe and effective use of buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them and it is against the law.
This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets. If you would like more information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information that is written for healthcare professionals.
For more information call 1-800-962-8364.
What are the ingredients in buprenorphine HCl sublingual tablets?
Active Ingredient: buprenorphine hydrochloride Inactive Ingredients: anhydrous citric acid, corn starch, crospovidone, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, mannitol, povidone, and sodium citrate
Roxane Laboratories, Inc.
Columbus, Ohio 43216
10004964/02 Revised September 2012
©RLI, 2012
BUPRENORPHINE HCL
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BUPRENORPHINE HCL
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Labeler - Roxane Laboratories, Inc (833490464) |
Registrant - Roxane Laboratoies, Inc (833490464) |
Establishment | |||
Name | Address | ID/FEI | Business Operations |
Boehringer Ingelheim Roxane Inc | 058839929 | MANUFACTURE(0054-0176, 0054-0177) |
Establishment | |||
Name | Address | ID/FEI | Business Operations |
N.V. Organon, Vlijtseweg 130, 7317 AK Apeldoorn, The Netherlands | 409664815 | API MANUFACTURE(0054-0176, 0054-0177) |
Establishment | |||
Name | Address | ID/FEI | Business Operations |
N.V. Organon, Kloosterstaat 6, 5349 AB OSS, The Netherlands | 402157499 | API MANUFACTURE(0054-0176, 0054-0177) |
Establishment | |||
Name | Address | ID/FEI | Business Operations |
Teva Czech Industries s.r.o | 643896244 | API MANUFACTURE(0054-0176, 0054-0177) |