5.1 Risk of Urinary Retention

Darifenacin extended-release tablets should be administered with caution to patients with clinically significant bladder outflow obstruction because of the risk of urinary retention.

5.2 Decreased Gastrointestinal Motility

Darifenacin extended-release tablets should be administered with caution to patients with gastrointestinal obstructive disorders because of the risk of gastric retention. Darifenacin extended-release tablets, like other anticholinergic drugs, may decrease gastrointestinal motility and should be used with caution in patients with conditions such as severe constipation, ulcerative colitis, and myasthenia gravis.

5.3 Controlled Narrow-Angle Glaucoma

Darifenacin extended-release tablets should be used with caution in patients being treated for narrow-angle glaucoma and only where the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

5.4 Angioedema

Angioedema of the face, lips, tongue, and/or larynx have been reported with darifenacin. In some cases angioedema occurred after the first dose. Angioedema associated with upper airway swelling may be life threatening. If involvement of the tongue, hypopharynx, or larynx occurs, darifenacin should be promptly discontinued and appropriate therapy and/or measures necessary to ensure a patent airway should be promptly provided.

5.5 Central Nervous System Effects

Darifenacin extended-release tablets are associated with anticholinergic central nervous system (CNS) effects [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2)] . A variety of CNS anticholinergic effects have been reported, including headache, confusion, hallucinations and somnolence. Patients should be monitored for signs of anticholinergic CNS effects, particularly after beginning treatment or increasing the dose. Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how darifenacin extended-release tablets affect them. If a patient experiences anticholinergic CNS effects, dose reduction or drug discontinuation should be considered.

5.6 Patients with Hepatic Impairment

The daily dose of darifenacin extended-release tablets should not exceed 7.5 mg for patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B). Darifenacin extended-release tablets have not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) and therefore is not recommended for use in this patient population [see Dosage and Administration (2) Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3)] .

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

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

The safety of darifenacin was evaluated in controlled clinical trials in a total of 8,830 patients, 6,001 of whom were treated with darifenacin. Of this total, 1,069 patients participated in three, 12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose efficacy and safety studies (Studies 1, 2 and 3). Of this total, 337 and 334 patients received darifenacin 7.5 mg daily and 15 mg daily, respectively. In all long-term trials combined, 1,216 and 672 patients received treatment with darifenacin for at least 24 and 52 weeks, respectively.

In Studies 1, 2 and 3 combined, the serious adverse reactions to darifenacin were urinary retention and constipation.

In Studies 1, 2 and 3 combined, dry mouth leading to study discontinuation occurred in 0 %, 0.9 %, and 0 % of patients treated with darifenacin 7.5 mg daily, darifenacin 15 mg daily and placebo, respectively. Constipation leading to study discontinuation occurred in 0.6 percent, 1.2 percent, and 0.3 percent of patients treated with darifenacin 7.5 mg daily, darifenacin 15 mg daily and placebo, respectively.

Table 1 lists the rates of identified adverse reactions, derived from all reported adverse events in 2 percent or more of patients treated with 7.5 mg or 15 mg darifenacin, and greater than placebo in Studies 1, 2 and 3. In these studies, the most frequently reported adverse reactions were dry mouth and constipation. The majority of the adverse reactions were mild or moderate in severity and most occurred during the first two weeks of treatment.

Other adverse reactions reported by 1% to 2% of darifenacin-treated patients include: abnormal vision, accidental injury, back pain, dry skin, flu syndrome, hypertension, vomiting, peripheral edema, weight gain, arthralgia, bronchitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, rash, pruritus, urinary tract disorder and vaginitis.

Study 4 was a randomized, 12-week, placebo-controlled, dose-titration regimen study in which darifenacin was administered in accordance with dosing recommendations [see Dosage and Administration (2)]. All patients initially received placebo or darifenacin 7.5 mg daily, and after two weeks, patients and physicians were allowed to adjust upward to darifenacin 15 mg if needed. In this study, the most commonly reported adverse reactions were also constipation and dry mouth. Table 2 lists the identified adverse reactions, derived from all adverse events reported in greater than 3% of patients treated with darifenacin and greater than placebo.

6.2 Post Marketing Experience

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

Dermatologic: erythema multiforme, interstitial granuloma annulare

General: hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema with airway obstruction and anaphylactic reaction

Central Nervous: confusion, hallucinations and somnolence

Cardiovascular: palpitations and syncope

7.1 CYP3A4 Inhibitors

The systemic exposure of darifenacin from darifenacin extended-release tablets is increased in the presence of CYP3A4 inhibitors. The daily dose of darifenacin extended-release tablets should not exceed 7.5 mg when co-administered with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, nelfinavir, clarithromycin and nefazadone). No dosing adjustments are recommended in the presence of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example, erythromycin, fluconazole, diltiazem and verapamil) [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

7.2 CYP2D6 Inhibitors

No dosing adjustments are recommended in the presence of CYP2D6 inhibitors (for example, paroxetine, fluoxetine, quinidine and duloxetine) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

7.3 CYP2D6 Substrates

Caution should be taken when darifenacin extended-release tablets are used concomitantly with medications that are predominantly metabolized by CYP2D6 and which have a narrow therapeutic window (for example, flecainide, thioridazine and tricyclic antidepressants) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

7.4 CYP3A4 Substrates

Darifenacin (30 mg daily) did not have a significant impact on midazolam (7.5 mg) pharmacokinetics [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

7.5 Combination oral contraceptives

Darifenacin (10 mg three times daily) had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of the combination oral contraceptives containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

7.6 Warfarin

Darifenacin had no significant effect on prothrombin time when a single dose of warfarin 30 mg was co-administered with darifenacin (30 mg daily) at steady-state. Standard therapeutic prothrombin time monitoring for warfarin should be continued.

7.7 Digoxin

Darifenacin (30 mg daily) did not have a clinically relevant effect on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin (0.25 mg) at steady-state. Routine therapeutic drug monitoring for digoxin should be continued [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

7.8 Other Anticholinergic Agents

The concomitant use of darifenacin extended-release tablets with other anticholinergic agents may increase the frequency and/or severity of dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision and other anticholinergic pharmacological effects. Anticholinergic agents may potentially alter the absorption of some concomitantly administered drugs due to effects on gastrointestinal motility.

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

There are no available data on darifenacin use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage,  or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal studies, darifenacin was not teratogenic in rats and rabbits at plasma exposure of free drug (via AUC) up to 59 and 28 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 15 mg, respectively. Effect on embryofetal development were observed following administration of darifenacn during pregnancy (dilated ureter and/or kidney pelvis in rabbits at asbout 9 times the MRHD, post-implantation loss in rabbits at about 28 times, and delays in rats at about 17 times the MRHD), which was associated with maternal toxicity (see Data). Dystocia was observed in rat dams at about 17 times the MRHD.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pergnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Data

Animal Data

Embryo-fetal development studies were conducted with oral darifenacin in female rats (0, 3, 10, and 50 mg/kg/day) and rabbits (0, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day) during the period of organogenesis (gestation days 6 to 17 in the rat and gestation days 6 to 18 in the rabbit).  Darifenacin was not teratogenic in rats and rabbits at plasma exposure of free drug (via AUC) up to 59 times and 28 times, respectively (doses up to 50 and 30 mg/kg/day, respectively) the maximum recommended human dose [MRHD] of 15 mg.

At approximately 59 times the MRHD in pregnant rats there was a delay in ossification of the sacral and caudal vertebrae (associated with a decrease in maternal and pup body weight gains) which was not observed at an exposure approximately 13 times the AUC at MRHD.  At five times the AUC (3 mg/kg/day), there were no effects on dams or pups.  

In pregnant rabbits, an exposure of darifenacin approximately 28 times the AUC at the MRHD of 15mg (30 mg/kg/day) was shown to increase post-implantation loss (associated with decrease maternal body weight gain), with a no effect level at 10 mg/kg/day (9 times the AUC at the MRHD). Dilated ureter and/or kidney pelvis was also observed in offspring at this highest dose along with urinary bladder dilation consistent with pharmacological action of darifenacin, with once case observed at the mid dose of 10 mg/kg/day (9 times the MRHD).  No effect was observed at the lowest dose of 3 mg/kg/day (approximately 2.8 times the AUC at the MRHD).  

A pre- and post-natal development study was conducted with oral darifenacin in female rats (0, 3, 10, and 50 mg/kg/day) throughout gestation and lactation.  Decreased body weight gain and dystocia were observed in dams at 10 mg/kg/day) throughout gestation and lactation.  Decreased body weight and dystocia were observed in dams at 10 mg/kg/day (approximately 17 times the MRHD) and above.  Slight developmental delays (surface righting reflex, incisor eruption, eyelid opening, vaginal opening, perputial separation) were observed in pups at these doses.  At 5 times the AUC at the MRHD (3 mg/kg/day), there were no effects on dams or pups.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

There are no data on the presence of darifenacin in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects of darifenacin on milk production.  Darifenacin is present in rat milk [see Data].  When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk.

The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for darifenacin and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from darifenacin or from underlying maternal conditions.

Data

After a single oral dose of  14C radiolabelled darifenacin to lactating rats, darifenacin was detected in maternal milk.

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of darifenacin extended-release tablets in pediatric patients have not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use

In the fixed-dose, placebo-controlled, clinical studies, 30% of patients treated with darifenacin were over 65 years of age. No overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed between patients over 65 years (n = 207) and younger patients less than 65 years (n = 464). No dose adjustment is recommended for elderly patients [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3) and Clinical Studies ( 14)] .

8.6 Hepatic Impairment

Subjects with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) have not been studied, therefore darifenacin extended-release tablets are not recommended for use in these patients [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6)] . The daily dose of darifenacin extended-release tablets should not exceed 7.5 mg once daily for patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B) [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6)] . After adjusting for plasma protein binding, unbound darifenacin exposure was estimated to be 4.7-fold higher in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment than subjects with normal hepatic function. No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A).

8.7 Renal Impairment

A study of subjects with varying degrees of renal impairment (creatinine clearance between 10 and 136 mL/min) demonstrated no clear relationship between renal function and darifenacin clearance. No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3)] .

8.8 Gender

No dose adjustment is recommended based on gender [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3) and Clinical Studies( 14)] .

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Darifenacin is a competitive muscarinic receptor antagonist. Muscarinic receptors play a role in cholinergically mediated functions, including contractions of the urinary bladder smooth muscle. 

In vitro studies using human recombinant muscarinic receptor subtypes show that darifenacin has greater affinity for the M 3 receptor than for the other known muscarinic receptors (9- and 12-fold greater affinity for M 3 compared to M 1 and M 5, respectively, and 59-fold greater affinity for M 3 compared to both M 2 and M 4). M 3 receptors are involved in contraction of human bladder. 

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

In three cystometric studies performed in patients with involuntary detrusor contractions, increased bladder capacity was demonstrated by an increased volume threshold for unstable contractions and diminished frequency of unstable detrusor contractions after darifenacin extended-release tablet treatment. These findings are consistent with an antimuscarinic action on the urinary bladder.

Electrophysiology

The effect of a six-day treatment of 15 mg and 75 mg darifenacin on QT/QTc interval was evaluated in a multiple-dose, double-blind, randomized, placebo- and active-controlled (moxifloxacin 400 mg) parallel-arm design study in 179 healthy adults (44% male, 56% female) aged 18 to 65. Subjects included 18% poor metabolizer (PMs) and 82% extensive metabolizer (EMs). The QT interval was measured over a 24-hour period both predosing and at steady-state. The 75 mg darifenacin extended-release tablets dose was chosen because this achieves exposure similar to that observed in CYP2D6 poor metabolizers administered the highest recommended dose (15 mg) of darifenacin in the presence of a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor. At the doses studied, darifenacin did not result in QT/QTc interval prolongation at any time during the steady-state, while moxifloxacin treatment resulted in a mean increase from baseline QTcF of about 7.0 msec when compared to placebo. In this study, darifenacin 15 mg and 75 mg doses demonstrated a mean heart rate change of 3.1 and 1.3 bpm, respectively, when compared to placebo. However, in the clinical efficacy and safety studies, the change in median HR following treatment with darifenacin was no different from placebo.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

After oral administration of darifenacin extended-release tablets to healthy volunteers, peak plasma concentrations of darifenacin are reached approximately seven hours after multiple dosing and steady-state plasma concentrations are achieved by the sixth day of dosing. The mean (SD) steady-state time course of darifenacin 7.5 mg and 15 mg extended-release tablets is depicted in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Mean (SD) Steady-State Darifenacin Plasma Concentration-Time Profiles for Darifenacin 7.5 mg and 15 mg in Healthy Volunteers Including Both CYP2D6 EMs and PMs*

*Includes 95 EMs and 6 PMs for 7.5 mg; 104 EMs and 10 PMs for 15 mg.

A summary of mean (standard deviation, SD) steady-state pharmacokinetic parameters of darifenacin 7.5 mg and 15 mg extended-release tablets in EMs and PMs of CYP2D6 is provided in Table 3.

The mean oral bioavailability of darifenacin extended-release tablets in EMs at steady-state is estimated to be 15% and 19% for 7.5 mg and 15 mg tablets, respectively.

Effect of Food

Following single dose administration of darifenacin extended-release tablets with food, the AUC of darifenacin was not affected, while the C max was increased by 22% and T max was shortened by 3.3 hours. There is no effect of food on multiple-dose pharmacokinetics from darifenacin extended-release tablets.

Distribution

Darifenacin is approximately 98 % bound to plasma proteins (primarily to alpha-1-acid-glycoprotein). The steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) is estimated to be 163 L.

Metabolism

Darifenacin is extensively metabolized by the liver following oral dosing.

Metabolism is mediated by cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. The three main metabolic routes are as follows:

(i)             monohydroxylation in the dihydrobenzofuran ring;

(ii)            dihydrobenzofuran ring opening;

(iii)           N-dealkylation of the pyrrolidine nitrogen.

The initial products of the hydroxylation and N-dealkylation pathways are the major circulating metabolites but they are unlikely to contribute significantly to the overall clinical effect of darifenacin.

Variability in Metabolism

A subset of individuals (approximately 7% Caucasians and 2% African Americans) are poor metabolizers (PMs) of CYP2D6 metabolized drugs. Individuals with normal CYP2D6 activity are referred to as extensive metabolizers (EMs). The metabolism of darifenacin in PMs will be principally mediated via CYP3A4. The darifenacin ratios (PM versus EM) for C max and AUC following darifenacin 15 mg once daily at steady-state were 1.9 and 1.7, respectively.

Excretion

Following administration of an oral dose of 14C-darifenacin solution to healthy volunteers, approximately 60% of the radioactivity was recovered in the urine and 40% in the feces. Only a small percentage of the excreted dose was unchanged darifenacin (3%). Estimated darifenacin clearance is 40 L/h for EMs and 32 L/h for PMs. The elimination half-life of darifenacin following chronic dosing is approximately 13 to 19 hours.

Drug-Drug Interactions

Effects of Other Drugs on Darifenacin

Darifenacin metabolism is primarily mediated by the cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. Therefore, inducers of CYP3A4 or inhibitors of either of these enzymes may alter darifenacin pharmacokinetics [see Drug Interactions ( 7)] .

CYP3A4 Inhibitors: In a drug interaction study, when a 7.5 mg once daily dose of darifenacin was given to steady- state and co-administered with the potent CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole 400 mg, mean darifenacin Cmax increased to 11.2 ng/mL for EMs (n = 10) and 55.4 ng/mL for one PM subject (n = 1). Mean AUC increased to 143 and 939 ng •h/mL for EMs and for one PM subject, respectively. When a 15 mg daily dose of darifenacin was given with ketoconazole, mean darifenacin Cmax increased to 67.6 ng/mL and 58.9 ng/mL for EMs (n = 3) and one PM subject (n = 1), respectively. Mean AUC increased to 1,110 and 931 ng •h/mL for EMs and for one PM subject, respectively [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Drug Interactions ( 7.1)] .

The mean C max and AUC of darifenacin following 30 mg once daily dosing at steady-state were 128% and 95% higher, respectively, in the presence of a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, erythromycin. Co administration of fluconazole, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor and darifenacin 30 mg once daily at steady-state increased darifenacin C max and AUC by 88 % and 84 %, respectively [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1)] .

The mean C max and AUC of darifenacin following 30 mg once daily at steady-state were 42 % and 34 % higher, respectively, in the presence of cimetidine, a mixed CYP P450 enzyme inhibitor.

CYP2D6 Inhibitors: Darifenacin exposure following 30 mg once daily at steady-state was 33 % higher in the presence of the potent CYP2D6 inhibitor paroxetine 20 mg [see Drug Interactions ( 7.2)] .

Effects of Darifenacin on Other Drugs

In Vitro Studies: Based on in vitro human microsomal studies, darifenacin extended-release tablets are not expected to inhibit CYP1A2 or CYP2C9 at clinically relevant concentrations.

In Vivo Studies: The potential for clinical doses of darifenacin extended-release tablets to act as inhibitors of CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 substrates was investigated in specific drug interaction studies.

CYP2D6 Substrates: The mean C max and AUC of imipramine, a CYP2D6 substrate, were increased by 57% and 70%, respectively, in the presence of steady-state darifenacin 30 mg once daily. The mean C max and AUC of desipramine, the active metabolite of imipramine, were increased by 260 % [see Drug Interactions ( 7.3)] .

CYP3A4 Substrates: Darifenacin (30 mg daily) co-administered with a single oral dose of midazolam 7.5 mg resulted in a 17 % increase in midazolam exposure.

Combination Oral Contraceptives: Darifenacin (10 mg three times daily) had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of a combination oral contraceptive containing levonorgestrel (0.15 mg) and ethinyl estradiol (0.03 mg).

Warfarin: Darifenacin had no significant effect on prothrombin time when a single dose of warfarin 30 mg was co-administered with darifenacin (30 mg daily) at steady-state [see Drug Interactions ( 7.6)] .

Digoxin: Darifenacin (30 mg daily) co-administered with digoxin (0.25 mg) at steady-state resulted in a 16 % increase in digoxin exposure [see Drug Interactions ( 7.7)] .

Pharmacokinetics in Special Populations

Age: A population pharmacokinetic analysis of patient data indicated a trend for clearance of darifenacin to decrease with age (6% per decade relative to a median age of 44). Following administration of darifenacin 15 mg once daily, darifenacin exposure at steady-state was approximately 12% to 19% higher in volunteers between 45 and 65 years of age compared to younger volunteers aged 18 to 44 years [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.5)].

Pediatric: The pharmacokinetics of darifenacin extended-release tablets has not been studied in the pediatric population [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4)] .

Gender: PK parameters were calculated for 22 male and 25 female healthy volunteers. Darifenacin Cmax and AUC at steady-state were approximately 57% to 79% and 61% to 73% higher in females than in males, respectively [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.8)] .

Renal Impairment: A study of subjects with varying degrees of renal impairment (creatinine clearance between 10 and 136 mL/min) given darifenacin 15 mg once daily to steady-state demonstrated no clear relationship between renal function and darifenacin clearance [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.7)] .

Hepatic Impairment: Darifenacin pharmacokinetics were investigated in subjects with mild (Child-Pugh A) or moderate (Child-Pugh B) impairment of hepatic function given darifenacin 15 mg once daily to steady-state. Mild hepatic impairment had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of darifenacin. However, protein binding of darifenacin was affected by moderate hepatic impairment. After adjusting for plasma protein binding, unbound darifenacin exposure was estimated to be 4.7-fold higher in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment than subjects with normal hepatic function. Subjects with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) have not been studied [see Dosage and Administration (2), Warning and Precautions ( 5.5) and Use in Specific Population ( 8.6)] .

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

Carcinogenicity studies with darifenacin were conducted in mice and rats. No evidence of drug-related carcinogenicity was revealed in a 24-month study in mice at dietary doses up to 100 mg/kg/day or approximately 32 times the estimated free plasma AUC reached at the maximum recommended human dose (the AUC at the MRHD) of 15 mg and in a 24-month study in rats at doses up to 15 mg/kg/day or up to approximately 12 times the AUC at the MRHD in female rats and approximately eight times the AUC at the MRHD in male rats.

Mutagenesis

Darifenacin was not genotoxic in the bacterial mutation assay (Ames test), the Chinese hamster ovary assay, the human lymphocyte assay, or the in vivo mouse bone marrow cytogenetics assay.

Impairment of Fertility

There was no evidence for effects on fertility in male or female rats treated at oral doses associated wtih up to approximately 78 times (50 mg/kg/day) the AUC at the MRHD.