2.1 General Dosing Recommendations

 ·        Ropinirole extended-release tablets are taken once daily, with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

·        Tablets must be swallowed whole and must not be chewed, crushed, or divided.

·        If a significant interruption in therapy with ropinirole extended-release tablets has occurred, retitration of therapy may be warranted.

2.2 Dosing for Parkinson's Disease

The recommended starting dose of ropinirole extended-release tablets is 2 mg taken once daily for 1 to 2 weeks, followed by increases of 2 mg/day at weekly or longer intervals, based on therapeutic response and tolerability.  Monitor patients at least weekly during dose titration. Too rapid a rate of titration may lead to the selection of a dose that does not provide additional benefit, but increases the risk of adverse reactions.  

Although the maximum recommended dose of ropinirole extended-release tablets is 24 mg.

Ropinirole extended-release tablets should be discontinued gradually over a 7-day period. 

Renal Impairment 

No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 30 to 50 mL/min). The recommended initial dose of ropinirole extended-release tablets for patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis is 2 mg once daily. Further dose escalations should be based on tolerability and need for efficacy. The recommended maximum total daily dose is 18 mg/day in patients receiving regular dialysis. Supplemental doses after dialysis are not required. The use of ropinirole extended-release tablets in patients with severe renal impairment without regular dialysis has not been studied. 

2.3 Switching from Immediate-Release Ropinirole Tablets to Extended-Release Ropinirole Tablets

Patients may be switched directly from immediate-release ropinirole to extended-release ropinirole tablets. The initial dose of ropinirole extended-release tablets should approximately match the total daily dose of the immediate-release formulation of ropinirole, as shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Conversion from Immediate-Release Ropinirole Tablets to Extended-Release Ropinirole Tablets

Following conversion to ropinirole extended-release tablets, the dose may be adjusted depending on therapeutic response and tolerability [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

2.4 Effect of Gastrointestinal Transit Time on Medication Release

Ropinirole extended-release tablets are designed to release medication over a 24-hour period. If rapid gastrointestinal transit occurs, there may be risk of incomplete release of medication and medication residue being passed in the stool.

5.1 Falling Asleep during Activities of Daily Living and Somnolence

Patients treated with ropinirole extended-release tablets have reported falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living, including driving or operating machinery, which sometimes resulted in accidents. Although many of these patients reported somnolence while on ropinirole, some perceived that they had no warning signs such as excessive drowsiness, and believed that they were alert immediately prior to the event. Some have reported these events more than 1 year after initiation of treatment.

Among the 613 patients who received ropinirole extended-release tablets in flexible-dose clinical trials (Study 1 and Study 3), <1% of patients reported sudden onset of sleep and <1% of patients reported a motor vehicle accident in which it is not known if falling asleep was a contributing factor. 

During a placebo-controlled flexible-dose trial in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (Study 1), somnolence was reported in 7% of 202 patients on ropinirole extended-release tablets compared with 4% of 191 patients on placebo. During a flexible-dose, active-control, crossover trial in early Parkinson’s disease (Study 3), somnolence was reported in 11% of 140 patients on ropinirole extended-release tablets compared with 15% of 149 patients on an immediate-release formulation of ropinirole tablets[see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

It has been reported that falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living usually occurs in a setting of pre-existing somnolence, although patients may not give such a history. For this reason, prescribers should reassess patients for drowsiness or sleepiness, especially since some of the events occur well after the start of treatment. Prescribers should also be aware that patients may not acknowledge drowsiness or sleepiness until directly questioned about drowsiness or sleepiness during specific activities.

Before initiating treatment with ropinirole extended-release tablets, patients should be advised of the potential to develop drowsiness and specifically asked about factors that may increase the risk with ropinirole extended-release tablets such as concomitant sedating medications or alcohol, the presence of sleep disorders, and concomitant medications that increase ropinirole plasma levels (e.g., ciprofloxacin) [see Drug Interactions (7.1)]. If a patient develops significant daytime sleepiness or episodes of falling asleep during activities that require active participation (e.g., driving a motor vehicle, conversations, eating), ropinirole extended-release tablets should ordinarily be discontinued [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. If a decision is made to continue ropinirole extended-release tablets, patients should be advised to not drive and to avoid other potentially dangerous activities. There is insufficient information to establish that dose reduction will eliminate episodes of falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living.

5.2 Syncope

Syncope, sometimes associated with bradycardia, was observed in association with treatment with ropinirole extended-release tablets in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

In a placebo-controlled flexible-dose trial in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (Study 1), syncope occurred in 1% of patients on ropinirole extended-release tablets compared with 0% of patients on placebo [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Because the trials conducted with ropinirole extended-release tablets excluded patients with significant cardiovascular disease, patients with significant cardiovascular disease should be treated with caution.

5.3 Hypotension/Orthostatic Hypotension

Patients with Parkinson’s disease may have impaired ability to respond normally to a fall in blood pressure after standing from lying down or seated position. Patients on ropinirole extended-release tablets should be monitored for signs and symptoms of orthostatic hypotension, especially during dose escalation, and should be informed of the risk for syncope and hypotension [see Patient Counseling Information (17)].

In a placebo-controlled flexible-dose trial in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (Study 1), hypotension was reported as an adverse reaction in 2% of patients on ropinirole extended-release tablets, compared with 0% of patients on placebo. In this study, orthostatic hypotension was reported as an adverse reaction in 5% of patients on ropinirole extended-release tablets, and 1% of patients on placebo [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Some patients experienced hypotension or orthostatic hypotension that started in the titration and persisted into the maintenance period. There was also a higher incidence for the combined adverse reaction terms of “hypotension”, “orthostatic hypotension”, “dizziness”, “vertigo”, and “blood pressure decreased” in 7% of patients on ropinirole extended-release tablets compared with 3% of patients on placebo. The increased incidence of those events with ropinirole extended-release tablets was observed in a setting in which patients were very carefully titrated, and patients with clinically relevant cardiovascular disease or symptomatic orthostatic hypotension at baseline had been excluded from this trial. The frequency of orthostatic hypotension (systolic blood pressure decrements ≥20 mm Hg) at any time during the trial was 38% for ropinirole extended-release tablets vs. 31% for placebo.

Significant decrements in blood pressure unrelated to standing were also reported in some patients taking ropinirole extended-release tablets. 

5.4 Elevation of Blood Pressure and Changes in Heart Rate

The potential for elevation in blood pressure and changes in heart rate should be considered when treating patients with cardiovascular disease with ropinirole extended-release tablets.

In a placebo-controlled flexible-dose trial in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (Study 1), the frequency of systolic blood pressure increase (≥40mm Hg) in the semi-supine position was 8% of patients on ropinirole extended-release tablets vs. 5% of patients on placebo. In the standing position, the frequency of systolic blood pressure increase (≥40 mm Hg) was 9% for ropinirole extended-release tablets vs. 6% for placebo. There was no clear effect of ropinirole extended-release tablets on average heart rate. 

5.5 Hallucinations/Psychotic-like Behavior

In a placebo-controlled flexible-dose trial in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (Study 1), 8% of patients on ropinirole extended-release tablets reported hallucination, compared with 2% of patients on placebo [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Hallucinations led to discontinuation of treatment in 2% of patients on ropinirole extended-release tablets and 1% of patients on placebo. The incidence of hallucination was increased in elderly patients (i.e., older than 65 years) treated with ropinirole extended-release tablets [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].  

Postmarketing reports indicate that patients may experience new or worsening mental status and behavioral changes, which may be severe, including psychotic-like behavior during treatment with ropinirole or after starting or increasing the dose of ropinirole. Other drugs prescribed to improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can have similar effects on thinking and behavior. This abnormal thinking and behavior can consist of one or more of a variety of manifestations including paranoid ideation, delusions, hallucinations, confusion, psychotic-like behavior, disorientation, aggressive behavior, agitation, and delirium.

Patients with a major psychotic disorder should ordinarily not be treated with ropinirole extended-release tablets because of the risk of exacerbating the psychosis. In addition, certain medications used to treat psychosis may exacerbate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and may decrease the effectiveness of ropinirole extended-release tablets [see Drug Interactions (7.3)].

5.6 Dyskinesia

Ropinirole extended-release tablets may cause or exacerbate pre-existing dyskinesia in patients treated with L-dopa for Parkinson’s disease.

In a placebo-controlled flexible-dose trial in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (Study 1) the incidence of dyskinesia was 13% in patients on ropinirole extended-release tabletsand 3%  in patients on placebo [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Decreasing the dose of dopaminergic medications may ameliorate this adverse reaction. 

5.7 Impulse Control/Compulsive Behaviors

Reports suggest that patients can experience intense urges to gamble, increased sexual urges, intense urges to spend money, binge or compulsive eating, and/or other intense urges, and the inability to control these urges while taking one or more of the medications, including ropinirole extended-release tablets, that increase central dopaminergic tone and that are generally used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. In some cases, although not all, these urges were reported to have stopped when the dose was reduced or the medication was discontinued. Because patients may not recognize these behaviors as abnormal, it is important for prescribers to specifically ask patients or their caregivers about the development of new or increased gambling urges, sexual urges, uncontrolled spending, binge or compulsive eating, or other urges while being treated with ropinirole extended-release tablets. Physicians should consider dose reduction or stopping the medication if a patient develops such urges while taking ropinirole extended-release tablets.

5.8 Withdrawal-Emergent Hyperpyrexia and Confusion

A symptom complex resembling the neuroleptic malignant syndrome (characterized by elevated temperature, muscular rigidity, altered consciousness, and autonomic instability), with no other obvious etiology, has been reported in association with rapid dose reduction of, withdrawal of, or changes in, dopaminergic therapy. Therefore, it is recommended that the dose be tapered at the end of treatment with ropinirole extended-release tablets as a prophylactic measure [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

5.9 Melanoma

Epidemiological studies have shown that patients with Parkinson’s disease have a higher risk (2- to approximately 6-fold higher) of developing melanoma than the general population. Whether the increased risk observed was due to Parkinson’s disease or other factors, such as drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease, is unclear. In the clinical development program (N = 613), 1 patient treated with ropinirole extended-release tablets and also levodopa/carbidopa developed melanoma.

For the reasons stated above, patients and providers are advised to monitor for melanomas frequently and on a regular basis when using ropinirole extended-release tablets. Ideally, periodic skin examinations should be performed by appropriately qualified individuals (e.g., dermatologists). 

5.10 Fibrotic Complications

Cases of retroperitoneal fibrosis, pulmonary infiltrates, pleural effusion, pleural thickening, pericarditis, and cardiac valvulopathy have been reported in some patients treated with ergot-derived dopaminergic agents. While these complications may resolve when the drug is discontinued, complete resolution does not always occur.

Although these adverse reactions are believed to be related to the ergoline structure of these compounds, whether other, non-ergot-derived dopamine agonists such as ropinirole, can cause them is unknown.

Cases of possible fibrotic complications, including pleural effusion, pleural fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, and cardiac valvulopathy have been reported in the development program and postmarketing experience for ropinirole. In the clinical development program (N = 613), 2 patients treated with ropinirole extended-release tablets had pleural effusion. While the evidence is not sufficient to establish a causal relationship between ropinirole and these fibrotic complications, a contribution of ropinirole cannot be excluded.

5.11 Retinal Pathology

Retinal degeneration was observed in albino rats in the 2-year carcinogenicity study at all doses tested. The lowest dose tested (1.5 mg/kg/day) is less than the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 24 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis. Retinal degeneration was not observed in a 3-month study in pigmented rats, in a 2-year carcinogenicity study in albino mice, or in 1-year studies in monkeys or albino rats. The significance of this effect for humans has not been established, but involves disruption of a mechanism that is universally present in vertebrates (e.g., disk shedding).

Ocular electroretinogram (ERG) assessments were conducted during a 2-year, double-blind, multicenter, flexible-dose, L-dopa-controlled clinical trial of immediate-release ropinirole in patients with Parkinson’s disease; 156 patients (78 on immediate-release ropinirole, mean dose: 11.9 mg/day and 78 on L-dopa, mean dose: 555.2 mg/day) were evaluated for evidence of retinal dysfunction through electroretinograms. There was no clinically meaningful difference between the treatment groups in retinal function over the duration of the trial.

5.12 Binding to Melanin

Ropinirole binds to melanin-containing tissues (e.g., eyes, skin) in pigmented rats. After a single dose, long-term retention of drug was demonstrated, with a half-life in the eye of 20 days.

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 with rates in the clinical trials of another drug (or of another development program of a different formulation of the same drug) and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

During the premarketing development of ropinirole extended-release tablets, patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease received ropinirole extended-release tablets or placebo as adjunctive therapy with L-dopa in a flexible-dose clinical trial. In a flexible-dose trial, patients with early Parkinson’s disease were treated with ropinirole extended-release tablets or the immediate-release formulation of ropinirole tablets without L-dopa.  

Advanced Parkinson’s Disease (with L-dopa)

Study 1 was a 24-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, flexible-dose trial in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease. In Study 1, the most commonly observed adverse reactions in patients treated with ropinirole extended-release tablets (incidence at least 5% greater than placebo) were dyskinesia, nausea, dizziness, and hallucinations.

In Study 1, approximately 6% of patients treated with ropinirole extended-release tablets discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions, compared with 5% of patients who received placebo. The most common adverse reaction in patients treated with ropinirole extended-release tablets causing discontinuation of treatment with ropinirole extended-release tablets in Study 1 was hallucination (2%) 

Table 2 lists adverse reactions that occurred in at least 2% (and were numerically greater than placebo) of patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease treated with ropinirole extended-release tablets who participated in in Study 1. In this trial, either ropinirole extended-release tablets or placebo was used as an adjunct to L-dopa. 

Table 2. Incidence of Adverse Reactions in a Placebo-Controlled Flexible-Dose Trial in Advanced Stage Parkinson’s Disease in Patients Taking L-dopa (Study 1) (Events ³2% of Patients Treated with Ropinirole Extended-Release Tablets and More Common than on Placebo)a 

aPatients may have reported multiple adverse reactions during the trial or at discontinuation; thus, patients may be included in more than one category.

bDose-related.

Although this trial was not designed for optimally characterizing dose-related adverse reactions, there was a suggestion (based upon comparison of incidence of adverse reactions across dose ranges for ropinirole extended-release tablets and placebo) that the incidence for dyskinesia, hypertension, and fall was dose-related to ropinirole extended-release tablets.

During the titration phase, the incidence of adverse reactions in descending order of percent treatment difference was dyskinesia, nausea, abdominal pain/discomfort, orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, vertigo, hypertension, peripheral edema, and dry mouth. During the maintenance phase, the most frequently observed adverse reactions were dyskinesia, nausea, dizziness, hallucination, somnolence, fall, hypertension, abnormal dreams, constipation, chest pain, bronchitis, and nasopharyngitis. Some adverse reactions developing in the titration phase persisted(³7 days) into the maintenance phase. These “persistent” adverse reactions included dyskinesia, hallucination, orthostatic hypotension, and dry mouth.

The incidence of adverse reactions was similar in women and men.

Early Parkinson’s Disease (without L-dopa)

Study 3 was a 36-week, flexible-dose crossover trial in patients with early Parkinson’s disease who were first treated with ropinirole extended-release tablets or the immediate-release formulation of ropinirole tablets and then crossed over to treatment with the other formulation. In Study 3, the most commonly observed adverse reactions (≥5%) in patients treated with ropinirole extended-release tablets were nausea (19%), somnolence (11%), abdominal pain/discomfort (7%), dizziness (6%), headache (6%), and constipation (5%).

6.2 Adverse Reactions Observed during the Clinical Development of the Immediate-Release Formulation of Ropinirole Tablets for Parkinson's Disease (Advanced and Early)

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug (or of another development program of a different formulation of the same drug) and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

In patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease who were treated with the immediate-release formulation of ropinirole tablets, the most common adverse reactions (³5% treatment difference from placebo presented in order of decreasing treatment difference frequency) were dyskinesia (21%), somnolence (12%), nausea (12%), dizziness (10%), confusion (7%), hallucinations (6%), headache (5%), and increased sweating (5%). In patients with early Parkinson’s disease who were treated with the immediate-release formulation of ropinirole tablets, the most common adverse reactions (³5% treatment difference from placebo presented in order of decreasing treatment difference frequency) were nausea (38%), somnolence (34%), dizziness (18%), syncope (11%), asthenic condition (11%), viral infection (8%), leg edema (6%), vomiting (5%), and dyspepsia (5%).

7.1 CYP1A2 Inhibitors and Inducers

In vitro metabolism studies showed that CYP1A2 is the major enzyme responsible for the metabolism of ropinirole. There is thus the potential for inducers or inhibitors of this enzyme to alter the clearance of ropinirole. Therefore, if therapy with a drug known to be a potent inducer or inhibitor of CYP1A2 is stopped or started during treatment with ropinirole extended-release tablets, adjustment of the dose of ropinirole extended-release tablets may be required. Coadministration of ciprofloxacin, an inhibitor of CYP1A2, with immediate-release ropinirole increases the AUC and Cmax of ropinirole [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Cigarette smoking is expected to increase the clearance of ropinirole since CYP1A2 is known to be induced by smoking [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

7.2 Estrogens

Population pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that higher doses of estrogens (usually associated with hormone replacement therapy [HRT]) reduced the clearance of ropinirole.  Starting or stopping HRT may require adjustment of dosage of ropinirole extended-release tablets [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

7.3 Dopamine Antagonists

Because ropinirole is a dopamine agonist, it is possible that dopamine antagonists such as neuroleptics (e.g., phenothiazines, butyrophenones, thioxanthenes) or metoclopramide may reduce the efficacy of  ropinirole extended-release tablets.  

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary 

There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of ropinirole extended-release tablets in pregnant women. In animal studies, ropinirole had adverse effects on development when administered to pregnant rats at doses similar to (neurobehavioral impairment) or greater than (teratogenicity and embryolethality at >36 times) the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) for Parkinson’s disease. Ropinirole doses associated with teratogenicity and embryolethality in pregnant rats were associated with maternal toxicity. In pregnant rabbits, ropinirole potentiated the teratogenic effects of L-dopa when these drugs were administered in combination [see Data].

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

Data  

Animal Data: Oral administration of ropinirole (0, 20, 60, 90, 120, or 150 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rats during organogenesis resulted in embryolethality, increased incidence of fetal malformations (digit, cardiovascular, and neural tube defects) and variations, and decreased fetal weight at the two highest doses. These doses were also associated with maternal toxicity. The highest no-effect dose for adverse effects on embryofetal development (90 mg/kg/day) is approximately 36 times the MRHD for Parkinson’s disease (24 mg/day) on a body surface area (mg/m2) basis.

No effect on embryofetal development was observed in rabbits when ropinirole was administered alone during organogenesis at oral doses of 0, 1, 5, or 20 mg/kg/day (up to 16 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). In pregnant rabbits, there was a greater incidence and severity of fetal malformations (primarily digit defects) when ropinirole (10 mg/kg/day) was administered orally during gestation in combination with L-dopa (250 mg/kg/day) than when L-dopa was administered alone. This drug combination was also associated with maternal toxicity.

Oral administration of ropinirole (0, 0.1, 1, or 10 mg/kg/day) to rats during late gestation and continuing throughout lactation resulted in neurobehavioral impairment (decreased startle response) and decreased body weight in offspring at the highest dose. The no-effect dose of 1 mg/kg/day is less than the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary  

There are no data on the presence of ropinirole in human milk, the effects of ropinirole on the breastfed infant, or the effects of ropinirole on milk production. However, inhibition of lactation is expected because ropinirole inhibits secretion of prolactin in humans. Ropinirole or metabolites, or both, are present in rat milk.

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

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Dose adjustment is not necessary in elderly (65 years and older) patients, as the dose of ropinirole extended-release tablets are  individually titrated to clinical therapeutic response and tolerability. Pharmacokinetic trials conducted in patients demonstrated that oral clearance of ropinirole is reduced by 15% in patients older than  65 years compared with younger patients [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. 

In flexible-dose clinical trials of ropinirole extended-release tablets, 387 patients were 65 years and older and 107 were 75 and older. Among patients receiving ropinirole extended-release tablets, hallucination was more common in elderly patients (10%) compared with non-elderly patients (2%). In these trials, the incidence of overall adverse reactions increased with increasing age for both patients receiving ropinirole extended-release tablets and placebo.

8.6 Renal Impairment

No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 30 to 50 mL/min). For patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis, a reduced maximum dose is recommended  [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The use of ropinirole extended-release tablets in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min) without regular dialysis has not been studied. 

8.7 Hepatic Impairment

The pharmacokinetics of ropinirole have not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Ropinirole is a non-ergoline dopamine agonist.

The precise mechanism of action of ropinirole as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease is unknown, although it is thought  to  be related to its ability to stimulate dopamine D2  receptors within the caudate-putamen in the brain.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Clinical experience with dopamine agonists, including ropinirole, suggests an association with impaired ability to regulate blood pressure resulting  in  orthostatic hypotension, especially during dose escalation. In some subjects in clinical trials, blood pressure changes were associated with the emergence of orthostatic symptoms, bradycardia, and, in one case in a healthy volunteer, transient sinus arrest with syncope [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.3)].

The mechanism of orthostatic hypotension induced by ropinirole is presumed to be due to a D2-mediated blunting of the noradrenergic response to standing and subsequent decrease in peripheral vascular resistance. Nausea is a common concomitant symptom of orthostatic signs and symptoms.

At oral doses as low as 0.2 mg, ropinirole suppressed serum prolactin concentrations in healthy male volunteers.

Immediate-release ropinirole had no dose-related effect on ECG wave form and rhythm in young, healthy, male volunteers in the range of 0.01 to 2.5 mg.

Immediate-release ropinirole had no dose- or exposure-related effect on mean QTc intervals in healthy male and female volunteers titrated to doses up to 4 mg/day. The effect of ropinirole on QTc intervals at higher exposures achieved either due to drug interactions, hepatic impairment, or at higher doses has not been systematically evaluated.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Increase in systemic exposure of ropinirole following oral administration of 2 to 12 mg of ropinirole extended-release tablets was approximately dose-proportional. For ropinirole extended-release tablets, steady-state concentrations of ropinirole are expected to be achieved within 4 days of dosing. 

Absorption

In clinical trials with immediate-release ropinirole, over 88% of a radiolabeled dose was recovered in urine, and the absolute bioavailability was 45% to 55%, indicating approximately 50% first-pass effect.

The bioavailability of ropinirole extended-release tablets is similar to that of immediate-release ropinirole tablets. In a repeat-dose trial in subjects with Parkinson’s disease using ropinirole extended-release tablets 8 mg, the dose-normalized AUC(0-24) and Cmin for ropinirole extended-release tablets and immediate-release ropinirole were similar. Dose-normalized Cmax was, on average, 12% lower for ropinirole extended-release tablets than for the immediate-release formulation and the median time-to-peak concentration was 6 to 10 hours. In a single-dose trial, administration of ropinirole extended-release tablets to healthy volunteers with food (i.e., high-fat meal) increased AUC by approximately 30% and Cmax by approximately 44%, compared with dosing under fasted conditions. In a repeat-dose trial in patients with Parkinson’s disease, food (i.e., high-fat meal) increased AUC by approximately 20% and Cmax by approximately 44%; Tmax was prolonged by 3 hours (median prolongation) compared with dosing under fasted conditions [see Dosage and Administration (2)].

Distribution

Ropinirole is widely distributed throughout the body, with an apparent volume of distribution of 7.5 L/kg. It is up to 40% bound to plasma proteins and has a blood-to-plasma ratio of 1:1.

Metabolism

Ropinirole is extensively metabolized by the liver. The major metabolic pathways are N-despropylation and hydroxylation to form the inactive N-despropyl metabolite and hydroxy metabolites. The N-despropyl metabolite is converted to carbamyl glucuronide, carboxylic acid, and N-despropyl hydroxy metabolites. The hydroxy metabolite of ropinirole is rapidly glucuronidated.

In vitro studies indicate that the major cytochrome P450 enzyme involved in the metabolism of ropinirole is CYP1A2, an enzyme known to be induced by smoking and omeprazole and inhibited by, for example, fluvoxamine, mexiletine, and the older fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin.

Elimination

The clearance of ropinirole after oral administration to patients is 47 L/hr and its elimination half-life is approximately 6 hours. Less than 10% of the administered dose is excreted as unchanged drug in urine. N-despropyl ropinirole is the predominant metabolite found in urine (40%), followed by the carboxylic acid metabolite (10%) and the glucuronide of the hydroxy metabolite (10%).

Drug Interactions

Digoxin: Coadministration of immediate-release ropinirole (2 mg three times daily) with digoxin (0.125 to 0.25 mg once daily) did not alter the steady-state pharmacokinetics of digoxin in 10 patients.

Theophylline: Administration of theophylline (300 mg twice daily, a substrate of CYP1A2) did not alter the steady-state pharmacokinetics of immediate-release ropinirole (2 mg three times daily) in 12 patients with Parkinson’s disease. Immediate-release ropinirole (2 mg three times daily) did not alter the pharmacokinetics of theophylline (5 mg/kg intravenously) in 12 patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Ciprofloxacin: Coadministration of ciprofloxacin (500 mg twice daily), an inhibitor of CYP1A2, with immediate-release ropinirole (2 mg three times daily) increased ropinirole AUC by 84% on average and Cmax by 60% (n = 12 patients).

Estrogens: Population pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that estrogens (mainly ethinylestradiol: intake 0.6 to 3 mg over 4-month to 23-year period) reduced the oral clearance of ropinirole by 36% in 16 patients. 

L-dopa: Coadministration of carbidopa + L-dopa (10/100 mg twice daily) with immediate-release ropinirole (2 mg three times daily) had no effect on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of ropinirole (n = 28 patients). Oral administration of immediate-release ropinirole 2 mg three times daily increased mean steady-state Cmax of L-dopa by 20%, but its AUC was unaffected (n = 23 patients).

Commonly Administered Drugs: Population analysis showed that commonly administered drugs, e.g., selegiline, amantadine, tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines, ibuprofen, thiazides, antihistamines, and anticholinergics, did not affect the clearance of ropinirole. An in vitro study indicates that ropinirole is not a substrate for P-gp. Ropinirole and its circulating metabolites do not inhibit or induce P450 enzymes; therefore, ropinirole is unlikely to affect the pharmacokinetics of other drugs by a P450 mechanism. 

Specific Populations 

Because therapy with ropinirole extended-release tablets is initiated at a low dose and gradually titrated upward according to clinical tolerability to obtain the optimum therapeutic effect, adjustment of the initial dose based on gender, weight, or age is not necessary.

Age: Oral clearance of ropinirole is reduced by 15% in patients older than 65 years compared with younger patients. Dosage adjustment is not necessary in the elderly (older than 65 years), as the dose of ropinirole is to be individually titrated to clinical response.

Gender: Female and male patients showed similar clearance.

Race: The influence of race on the pharmacokinetics of ropinirole has not been evaluated.

Cigarette Smoking: Smoking is expected to increase the clearance of ropinirole since CYP1A2 is known to be induced by smoking. In a trial in patients with Restless Legs Syndrome, smokers (n = 7) had an approximately 30% lower Cmax and a 38% lower AUC than did nonsmokers (n = 11) when those parameters were normalized for dose. 

Renal Impairment: Based on population pharmacokinetic analysis, no difference was observed in the pharmacokinetics of ropinirole in subjects with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance between 30 to 50 mL/min) compared with an age-matched population with creatinine clearance above 50 mL/min. Therefore, no dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with moderate renal impairment.

A trial of immediate-release ropinirole in subjects with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis has shown that clearance of ropinirole was reduced by approximately 30%. The recommended maximum dose is lower in these patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

The use of ropinirole in subjects with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min) without regular dialysis has not been studied. 

Hepatic Impairment: The pharmacokinetics of ropinirole have not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment. Because ropinirole is extensively metabolized by the liver, these patients may have higher plasma levels and lower clearance of ropinirole than patients with normal hepatic function. 

Other Diseases: Population pharmacokinetic analysis revealed no change in the clearance of ropinirole in patients with concomitant diseases such as hypertension, depression, osteoporosis/arthritis, and insomnia compared with patients with Parkinson’s disease only.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

Two-year carcinogenicity studies of ropinirole were conducted in mice at oral doses of 0, 5, 15, and 50 mg/kg/day and in rats at oral doses of 0, 1.5, 15, and 50 mg/kg/day.

In rats, there was an increase in testicular Leydig cell adenomas at all doses tested. The lowest dose tested (1.5 mg/kg/day) is less than the MRHD  (24 mg/day) on a mg/m2 basis. The endocrine mechanisms believed to be involved in the production of these tumors in rats are not considered relevant to humans.

In mice, there was an increase in benign uterine endometrial polyps at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day. The highest dose not associated with this finding (15 mg/kg/day) is 3  times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis.

Mutagenesis

Ropinirole was not mutagenic or clastogenic in in vitro (Ames, chromosomal aberration in human lymphocytes, mouse lymphoma tk) assays, or in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test.

Impairment of Fertility

When administered to female rats prior to and during mating and throughout pregnancy, ropinirole caused disruption of implantation at oral doses of 20 mg/kg/day (8 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis) or greater. This effect in rats is thought to be due to the prolactin-lowering effect of ropinirole. In rat studies using a low oral dose (5 mg/kg) during the prolactin-dependent phase of early pregnancy (gestation days 0 to 8), ropinirole did not affect female fertility at oral doses up to 100 mg/kg/day (40 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). No effect on male fertility was observed in rats at oral doses up to 125 mg/kg/day (50 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis).

14.1 Trials in Patients with Advanced Parkinson's Disease (with L-dopa)

Study 1 (Flexible-Dose Trial)

The effectiveness of ropinirole extended-release tablets as adjunctive therapy to L-dopa in patients with Parkinson’s disease was established in a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, flexible-dose, clinical trial in 393 patients (Hoehn & Yahr criteria Stages II-IV) who were not adequately controlled by L-dopa therapy. Patients were allowed to be on concomitant selegiline, amantadine, anticholinergics, and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors provided the doses were stable for at least 4 weeks prior to screening and throughout the trial. The primary efficacy endpoint evaluated was the mean change from baseline in total awake time spent “off”.

Patients in this trial had a mean disease duration of 8.6 years, had a mean duration of exposure to L-dopa of 6.5 years, had experienced a minimum of 3 hours awake time “off” with a baseline average of approximately 7 hours awake time “off”, and had a mean baseline UPDRS motor score of approximately 30 points. The mean baseline dose of L-dopa was 824 mg/day in the group receiving ropinirole extended-release tablets and 776 mg/day for the placebo group. Patients initiated treatment at 2 mg/day for 1 week, followed by increases of 2 mg/day at weekly intervals, to a minimum dose of 6 mg/day. The following week, the total daily dose of ropinirole extended-release tablets could be further increased (based upon therapeutic response and tolerability) to 8 mg/day. Once a daily dose of 8 mg/day was reached, the background L-dopa dosage was reduced. Thereafter, the daily dose could be increased by up to 4 mg/day approximately every 2 weeks until an optimal dose was achieved (based upon therapeutic response and tolerability). The mean dose of ropinirole extended-release tablets at the end of Week 24 was 18.8 mg/day. Dose titrations were based upon the degree of symptom control, planned L-dopa dosage reduction, and/or tolerability. The maximum allowed daily dosage for ropinirole extended-release tablets was 24 mg/day.

The primary efficacy endpoint was mean change from baseline in total awake time spent “off” at Week 24. At baseline, the mean total awake time spent “off” was approximately 7 hours in each treatment group. At Week 24, the total awake time spent “off”, on average, had decreased by approximately 2 hours in the group receiving ropinirole extended-release tablets and by approximately one-half hour in the placebo group. The adjusted mean difference in total awake time spent “off” between ropinirole extended-release tablets and placebo was -1.7 hours, which was statistically significant (analysis of covariance [ANCOVA], P<0.0001). Results for this endpoint, showing the statistical superiority of ropinirole extended-release tablets over placebo, are presented in Table 5.

Table 5. Change from Baseline in Total Awake Time Spent “Off” (Primary Efficacy Endpoint) at Week 24 (Study 1)

The difference between groups in favor of ropinirole extended-release tablets, with regard to a decrease in total “off” hours, was primarily related to an increase in total “on” hours without troublesome dyskinesia. Patients treated with ropinirole extended-release tablets had a mean reduction in L-dopa dose of 278 mg/day (34%), while patients treated with placebo had a mean reduction of 164 mg/day (21%). In patients who reduced their L-dopa dose, reduction was sustained in 93% of patients treated with ropinirole extended-release tablets and in 72% of patients treated with placebo (P<0.001).

14.2 Trials in Patients with Early Parkinson's Disease (without L-dopa)

Study 3 (Flexible-Dose Trial)

A 36-week, multicenter, double-blind, titration/3-period maintenance, flexible-dose, crossover trial compared the efficacy of ropinirole extended-release tablets with the immediate-release formulation of ropinirole tablets in 161 patients with early phase Parkinson’s disease (Hoehn & Yahr Stages I-III) with limited prior exposure to L-dopa or dopamine agonists. Eligible patients were randomized (1:1:1:1) to 4 treatment sequences (2 were titrated on immediate-release formulation of ropinirole tablets and 2 on ropinirole extended-release tablets). Titration rate of immediate-release formulation of ropinirole tablets was slower than that of the ropinirole extended-release tablets. Patients were titrated during the 12-week titration period to their optimal dosage, based upon tolerance and therapeutic response. This was followed by 3 consecutive 8-week maintenance periods, during which patients were either maintained on the prior formulation or switched to the alternative formulation. All switches were performed overnight by using the approximately equivalent doses of ropinirole. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change of UPDRS motor score within each maintenance period.

Patients in all 4 groups started out with similar UPDRS motor scores (about 21) at baseline. All groups exhibited similar improvement in UPDRS total motor scores from baseline until the completion of the titration phase, with a change in score of about -9 observed for the groups started on immediate-release formulation of ropinirole tablets and of about -10 for the groups started on ropinirole extended-release tablets. No difference was observed between groups when switches were made between identical formulations or between different formulations. This suggests therapeutic dosage equivalence between the immediate-release formulation of ropinirole tablets and ropinirole extended-release tablets.

The optimal daily dose at the end of the titration period for patients on immediate-release formulation of ropinirole tablets was substantially lower (mean: 7 mg) compared with the dose at the end of the titration period for patients on ropinirole extended-release tablets (mean: 18 mg). In this trial, the marked difference in the final optimal dosages suggests that the higher doses afforded no additional benefit when compared with the lower doses [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].