Prescription Drug Information: Dabigatran Etexilate

DABIGATRAN ETEXILATE — dabigatran etexilate mesylate capsule, coated pellets
Ascend Laboratories, LLC

WARNING: (A) PREMATURE DISCONTINUATION OF DABIGATRAN ETEXILATE CAPSULES INCREASES THE RISK OF THROMBOTIC EVENTS, and (B) SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMA

(A) PREMATURE DISCONTINUATION OF DABIGATRAN ETEXILATE CAPSULES INCREASES THE RISK OF THROMBOTIC EVENTS

Premature discontinuation of any oral anticoagulant, including Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules, increases the risk of thrombotic events. If anticoagulation with Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules is discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding or completion of a course of therapy, consider coverage with another anticoagulant [see Dosage and Administration (2.6, 2.7, 2.8) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
(B) SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMA

Epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients treated with Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Consider these risks when scheduling patients for spinal procedures. Factors that can increase the risk of developing epidural or spinal hematomas in these patients include:

  • use of indwelling epidural catheters
  • concomitant use of other drugs that affect hemostasis, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), platelet inhibitors, other anticoagulants
  • a history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal punctures
  • a history of spinal deformity or spinal surgery
  • optimal timing between the administration of Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules and neuraxial procedures is not known [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Monitor patients frequently for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment. If neurological compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Consider the benefits and risks before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

1.1 Reduction of Risk of Stroke and Systemic Embolism in Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation in Adult Patients

Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules is indicated to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

1.2 Treatment of Deep Venous Thrombosis andPulmonary Embolism in Adult Patients

Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules is indicated for the treatment of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in adult patients who have been treated with a parenteral anticoagulant for 5 to 10 days.

1.3 Reduction in the Risk of Recurrence of Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Adult Patients

Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules is indicated to reduce the risk of recurrence of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in adult patients who have been previously treated.

1.4 Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Adult Patients Following Hip Replacement Surgery

Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules is indicated for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, in adult patients who have undergone hip replacement surgery. Pediatric use information is approved for Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) capsules. However, due to Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.1 Important Dosage Information

Dabigatran etexilate is available in different dosage forms and not all dosage forms are approved for the same indications and age groups. In addition, there are differences between the dosage forms with respect to dosing due to differences in bioavailability. Do not substitute different dosage forms on a milligram-to-milligram basis and do not combine more than one dosage form to achieve the total dose [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

2.2 Recommended Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules Dose for Adults

Indication Dosage
Reduction in Risk of Stroke and Systemic Embolism in Non-valvular AF CrCl >30 mL/min:CrCl 15 to 30 mL/min:CrCl <15 mL/min or on dialysis: 150 mg twice daily75 mg twice dailyDosing recommendations cannot be provided
CrCl 30 to 50 mL/min with concomitant use of P-gp inhibitors: CrCl <30 mL/min with concomitant use of P-gp inhibitors: Reduce dose to 75 mg twice daily if given with P-gp inhibitors dronedarone or systemic ketoconazole.Avoid coadministration
Treatment of DVT and PE Reduction in the Risk of Recurrence of DVT and PE CrCl >30 mL/min:CrCl ≤30 mL/min or on dialysis: 150 mg twice dailyDosing recommendations cannot be provided
CrCl <50 mL/min with concomitant use of P-gp inhibitors: Avoid coadministration
Prophylaxis of DVT and PE Following Hip Replacement Surgery CrCl >30 mL/min: 110 mg for first day, then 220 mg once daily
CrCl ≤30 mL/min or on dialysis: Dosing recommendations cannot be provided
CrCl <50 mL/min with concomitant use of P-gp inhibitors: Avoid coadministration

Reduction of Risk of Stroke and Systemic Embolism in Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation in Adult Patients

For patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) >30 mL/min, the recommended dose of Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules is 150 mg taken orally, twice daily. For patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl 15 to 30 mL/min), the recommended dose of Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules is 75 mg twice daily [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Dosing recommendations for patients with a CrCl <15 mL/min or on dialysis cannot be provided.

Treatment of Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Adult Patients

For patients with CrCl >30 mL/min, the recommended dose of Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules is 150 mg taken orally, twice daily, after 5 to 10 days of parenteral anticoagulation. Dosing recommendations for patients with a CrCl ≤30 mL/min or on dialysis cannot be provided [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Reduction in the Risk of Recurrence of Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Adult Patients

For patients with CrCl >30 mL/min, the recommended dose of Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules is 150 mg taken orally, twice daily after previous treatment. Dosing recommendations for patients with a CrCl ≤30 mL/min or on dialysis cannot be provided [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Adult Patients Following Hip Replacement Surgery

For patients with CrCl >30 mL/min, the recommended dose of Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules is 110 mg taken orally 1-4 hours after surgery and after hemostasis has been achieved, then 220 mg taken once daily for 28 to 35 days. If Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules is not started on the day of surgery, after hemostasis has been achieved initiate treatment with 220 mg once daily. Dosing recommendations for patients with a CrCl ≤30 mL/min or on dialysis cannot be provided [see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2, 12.3)].

Pediatric use information is approved for Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) capsules. However, due to Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

2.4 Dosage Adjustments

Adult patients with renal impairment

Assess renal function prior to initiation of treatment with Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules. Periodically assess renal function as clinically indicated (i.e., more frequently in clinical situations that may be associated with a decline in renal function) and adjust therapy accordingly. Discontinue Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules in patients who develop acute renal failure while on Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules and consider alternative anticoagulant therapy.

Generally, in adult patients, the extent of anticoagulation does not need to be assessed. When necessary, use aPTT or ECT, and not INR, to assess for anticoagulant activity in adult patients on Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

Reduction of Risk of Stroke and Systemic Embolism in Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation

In patients with moderate renal impairment (CrCl 30 to 50 mL/min), concomitant use of the P-gp inhibitor dronedarone or systemic ketoconazole can be expected to produce dabigatran exposure similar to that observed in severe renal impairment. Reduce the dose of Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules to 75 mg twice daily [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5), Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Treatment and Reduction in the Risk of Recurrence of Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

Dosing recommendations for patients with CrCl≤30 mL/min cannot be provided. Avoid use of concomitant P-gp inhibitors in patients with CrCl <50 mL/min [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5), Drug Interactions (7.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Following Hip Replacement Surgery

Dosing recommendations for patients with CrCl ≤30 mL/min or on dialysis cannot be provided. Avoid use of concomitant P-gp inhibitors in patients with CrCl <50 mL/min [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Warnings and Precautions (5.5), Drug Interactions (7.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2, 12.3)].

Pediatric patients with renal impairment

Pediatric use information is approved for Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) capsules. However, due to Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

2.5 Administration

Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules should be swallowed whole. Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules should be taken with a full glass of water. Breaking, chewing, or emptying the contents of the capsule can result in increased exposure [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

If a dose of Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules is not taken at the scheduled time, the dose should be taken as soon as possible on the same day; the missed dose should be skipped if it cannot be taken at least 6 hours before the next scheduled dose. The dose of Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules should not be doubled to make up for a missed dose.

Consider administration with food if gastrointestinal distress occurs with Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules.

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