Administration Instructions

• Evaluate renal function prior to initiation of LIALDA and periodically while on therapy.
• Swallow LIALDA tablets whole; do not split or crush.
• Administer LIALDA tablets with food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
• Drink an adequate amount of fluids [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

Adults

• The recommended dosage for the induction of remission in adult patients with mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis is 2.4 g to 4.8 g (two to four 1.2-g tablets) taken once daily.
• The recommended dosage for the maintenance of remission is 2.4 g (two 1.2-g tablets) taken once daily.

Pediatric Patients

The recommended dosage for treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis in pediatric patients weighing at least 24 kg who can swallow tablets whole is shown in Table 1:

5.1 Renal Impairment

Renal impairment, including minimal change disease, acute and chronic interstitial nephritis, and, rarely, renal failure, has been reported in patients given products such as LIALDA that contain mesalamine or are converted to mesalamine. In animal studies, the kidney was the principal organ of mesalamine toxicity [see Adverse Reactions (6.2), Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2)].

Evaluate renal function prior to initiation of LIALDA therapy and periodically while on therapy. Evaluate the risks and benefits of using LIALDA in patients with known renal impairment, history of renal disease, or taking concomitant nephrotoxic drugs. Discontinue LIALDA if renal function deteriorates while on therapy [see Drug Interactions (7.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

5.2 Mesalamine-Induced Acute Intolerance Syndrome

Mesalamine has been associated with an acute intolerance syndrome that may be difficult to distinguish from an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Although the exact frequency of occurrence has not been determined, it has occurred in 3% of patients in controlled clinical trials of mesalamine or sulfasalazine. Symptoms include cramping, acute abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea, and sometimes fever, headache, and rash. Monitor patients closely for worsening of these symptoms while on treatment. If acute intolerance syndrome is suspected, promptly discontinue treatment with LIALDA.

5.3 Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients taking sulfasalazine. Some of these patients may have a similar reaction to LIALDA tablets or to other compounds that contain or are converted to mesalamine.

As with sulfasalazine, mesalamine-induced hypersensitivity reactions may present as internal organ involvement, including myocarditis, pericarditis, nephritis, hepatitis, pneumonitis, and hematologic abnormalities. Evaluate patients immediately if signs or symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction are present. Discontinue LIALDA if an alternative etiology for the signs or symptoms cannot be established.

5.4 Hepatic Failure

There have been reports of hepatic failure in patients with pre-existing liver disease who have been administered mesalamine. Evaluate the risks and benefits of using LIALDA in patients with known liver impairment.

5.5 Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported with the use of mesalamine [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. Discontinue LIALDA at the first appearance of signs or symptoms of severe cutaneous adverse reactions or other signs of hypersensitivity and consider further evaluation.

5.6 Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Obstruction

Pyloric stenosis or other organic or functional obstruction in the upper gastrointestinal tract may cause prolonged gastric retention of LIALDA, which would delay mesalamine release in the colon. Avoid LIALDA in patients at risk of upper gastrointestinal tract obstruction.

5.7 Photosensitivity

Patients with pre-existing skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and atopic eczema have reported more severe photosensitivity reactions. Advise patients to avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors.

5.8 Nephrolithiasis

Cases of nephrolithiasis have been reported with the use of mesalamine, including stones with a 100% mesalamine content. Mesalamine-containing stones are radiotransparent and undetectable by standard radiography or computed tomography (CT). Ensure adequate hydration during treatment with LIALDA.

5.9 Interference with Laboratory Tests

Use of LIALDA may lead to spuriously elevated test results when measuring urinary normetanephrine by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection because of the similarity in the chromatograms of normetanephrine and the main metabolite of mesalamine, N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid (N-Ac-5-ASA). Consider an alternative, selective assay for normetanephrine.

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.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

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

Body as a Whole: lupus-like syndrome, drug fever

Cardiac Disorders: pericarditis, pericardial effusion, myocarditis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]

Gastrointestinal: cholecystitis, gastritis, gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal bleeding, perforated peptic ulcer

Hepatic: jaundice, cholestatic jaundice, hepatitis, liver necrosis, liver failure, hepatotoxicity, Kawasaki-like syndrome including changes in liver enzymes

Hematologic: agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia

Immune System Disorders: anaphylactic reaction, angioedema

Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: myalgia, lupus-like syndrome

Neurological/Psychiatric: peripheral neuropathy, Guillain-Barré syndrome, transverse myelitis, intracranial hypertension

Renal Disorders: renal failure, interstitial nephritis, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, nephrolithiasis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.8)]

• Urine discoloration occurring ex-vivo caused by contact of mesalamine, including inactive metabolite, with surfaces or water treated with hypochlorite-containing bleach

Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: interstitial lung disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis (including interstitial pneumonitis, allergic alveolitis, eosinophilic pneumonitis), pleurisy/pleuritis

Skin: psoriasis, pyoderma gangrenosum, erythema nodosum, photosensitivity, SJS/TEN, DRESS, and AGEP [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]

Urogenital: reversible oligospermia

7.1 Nephrotoxic Agents, Including Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

The concurrent use of mesalamine with known nephrotoxic agents, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity. Monitor patients taking nephrotoxic drugs for changes in renal function and mesalamine-related adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

7.2 Azathioprine and 6-Mercaptopurine

The concurrent use of mesalamine with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine and/or any other drugs known to cause myelotoxicity may increase the risk for blood disorders, bone marrow failure, and associated complications. If concomitant use of LIALDA and azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine cannot be avoided, monitor blood tests, including complete blood cell counts and platelet counts.

7.3 Interference with Urinary Normetanephrine Measurements

Use of LIALDA may lead to spuriously elevated test results when measuring urinary normetanephrine by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]. Consider an alternative, selective assay for normetanephrine.

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of LIALDA have been established for the treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis in pediatric patients weighing at least 24 kg. Use of LIALDA in this population is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled trials in adults, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel group trial in 105 pediatric patients 5 to 17 years of age, and additional pharmacokinetic analyses. The safety profile in pediatric patients was similar to that observed in adults [see Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14.2)].

The safety and effectiveness of LIALDA have not been established in patients weighing less than 24 kg.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical trials of LIALDA did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Reports from uncontrolled clinical studies and postmarketing reporting systems suggested a higher incidence of blood dyscrasias (i.e., agranulocytosis, neutropenia, and pancytopenia) in patients who were 65 years or older who were taking mesalamine-containing products such as LIALDA compared to younger patients. Monitor complete blood cell counts and platelet counts in elderly patients during treatment with LIALDA.

Systemic exposures are increased in elderly subjects [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

In general, consider the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy in elderly patients when prescribing LIALDA. Consider starting at the low end of the dosing range for induction in elderly patients [see Dosage and Administration (2), Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

8.6 Renal Impairment

Mesalamine is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Evaluate renal function in all patients prior to initiation and periodically while on LIALDA therapy. Monitor patients with known renal impairment or history of renal disease or taking nephrotoxic drugs for decreased renal function and mesalamine-related adverse reactions. Discontinue LIALDA if renal function deteriorates while on therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Adverse Reactions (6.2), Drug Interactions (7.1)].

12.1 Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action of mesalamine is not fully understood, but it appears to have a topical anti-inflammatory effect on the colonic epithelial cells. Mucosal production of arachidonic acid metabolites, both through the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, is increased in patients with ulcerative colitis, and it is possible that mesalamine diminishes inflammation by blocking cyclooxygenase and inhibiting prostaglandin production in the colon.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

In animal studies with mesalamine, a 13-week oral toxicity study in mice and 13-week and 52-week oral toxicity studies in rats and cynomolgus monkeys have shown the kidney to be the major target organ of mesalamine toxicity. Oral daily doses of 2400 mg/kg in mice and 1150 mg/kg in rats produced renal lesions including granular and hyaline casts, tubular degeneration, tubular dilation, renal infarct, papillary necrosis, tubular necrosis, and interstitial nephritis. In cynomolgus monkeys, oral daily doses of 250 mg/kg or higher produced nephrosis, papillary edema, and interstitial fibrosis.

14.1 Adults with Mildly to Moderately Active Ulcerative Colitis

14.2 Pediatric Patients with Mildly to Moderately Active Ulcerative Colitis Weighing at Least 24 kg

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study (NCT02093663) was conducted in pediatric patients aged 5 through 17 years with mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis to determine the safety and effectiveness of LIALDA. The study consisted of two treatment phases, an initial 8-week phase and a 26-week phase. The overall population consisted of 105 patients, of whom 27 patients participated in both the 8-week and 26-week phases.

Each phase included two dosage arms and patients were randomized at the beginning of each phase in a 1:1 ratio, stratified by body weight group. Patients received a low or a high weight-based dosage of LIALDA in four weight groups. Because of the small number of patients in the lowest body weight group (0 in the 8-week phase and 3 in the 26-week phase), the safety and effectiveness of LIALDA in patients weighing less than 24 kg have not been established.

Patients were eligible for the initial 8-week phase if they had mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis as defined by the UC-DAI score of at least 4 with an endoscopic subscore of 2 or 3.

In the 53 patients enrolled in the initial phase, the mean age and weight of patients was 14 years and 53 kg, the mean (SD) baseline UC-DAI score was 5.8 (1.8), 93% were white, and 59% were male. The primary endpoint was defined by the partial UC-DAI less than or equal to 1 (with rectal bleeding equal to 0, stool frequency less than or equal to 1, and Physician's Global Assessment [PGA] equal to 0). Of the 26 patients in the recommended LIALDA dosage arm, 65% achieved the primary endpoint after 8 weeks of treatment. During the initial 8-week phase, fewer patients who received the recommended LIALDA dosage were discontinued from the study due to ulcerative colitis (0/26, 0%) compared to patients who received a lower than recommended LIALDA dosage (8/27, 30%).

Patients who met the primary endpoint at 8 weeks were eligible to continue treatment in the 26-week phase. Patients were also eligible to enter the 26-week phase without having participated in the 8-week phase if they had a UC-DAI score of less than or equal to 2 with an endoscopic subscore of 0 or 1 (modified to exclude friability).

There were 87 patients enrolled in the 26-week phase. The mean age and weight of patients were 14 years and 54 kg; 97% were white and 55% were female. Of the 42 patients in the recommended LIALDA dosage arm, 55% achieved the primary endpoint, which was defined the same as in the 8-week phase. In the 26-week phase, the arm with a higher than recommended LIALDA dosage was not more effective and is not recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2)].

Store at room temperature 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 30°C (86°F).

See USP Controlled Room Temperature.

Renal Impairment

Inform patients that LIALDA may decrease their renal function, especially if they have known renal impairment or are taking nephrotoxic drugs, and periodic monitoring of renal function will be performed while they are on therapy. Advise patients to complete all blood tests ordered by their healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Mesalamine-Induced Acute Intolerance Syndrome and Other Hypersensitivity Reactions

Instruct patients to stop taking LIALDA and report to their healthcare provider if they experience new or worsening symptoms of acute intolerance syndrome (cramping, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, headache, and rash) or other symptoms suggestive of mesalamine-induced hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.3)].

Hepatic Failure

Advise patients with known liver disease to contact their healthcare provider if they experience signs or symptoms of worsening liver function [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions

Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Instruct patients to stop taking LIALDA and report to their healthcare provider at first appearance of a severe cutaneous adverse reaction or other sign of hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Obstruction

Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if they experience signs and symptoms of upper gastrointestinal tract obstruction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

Photosensitivity

Advise patients with pre-existing skin conditions to avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Nephrolithiasis

Instruct patients to drink an adequate amount of fluids during treatment in order to minimize the risk of kidney stone formation and to contact their healthcare provider if they experience signs or symptoms of a kidney stone (e.g., severe side or back pain, blood in the urine) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

Blood Disorders

Inform elderly patients and those taking azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine of the risk for blood disorders and the need for periodic monitoring of complete blood cell counts and platelet counts while on therapy. Advise patients to complete all blood tests ordered by their healthcare provider [see Drug Interactions (7.2), Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].

Administration

Instruct patients:

• Swallow LIALDA tablets whole; do not split or crush.
• Take LIALDA tablets with food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
• Urine may become discolored reddish-brown while taking LIALDA when it comes in contact with surfaces or water treated with hypochlorite-containing bleach. If discolored urine is observed, advise patients to observe their urine flow. Report to the healthcare provider only if urine is discolored on leaving the body, before contact with any surface or water (e.g., in the toilet).
• Drink an adequate amount of fluids [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].