Prescription Drug Information: Nucynta (Page 4 of 5)

13 NON-CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

Tapentadol was administered to rats (diet) and mice (oral gavage) for two years.

In mice, tapentadol HCl was administered by oral gavage at dosages of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day for 2 years (up to 0.2 times the plasma exposure at the maximum recommended human dose [MRHD] on an area under the time-curve [AUC] basis). No increase in tumor incidence was observed at any dose level.

In rats, tapentadol HCl was administered in diet at dosages of 10, 50, 125 and 250 mg/kg/day for two years (up to 0.2 times in the male rats and 0.6 times in the female rats the MRHD on an AUC basis). No increase in tumor incidence was observed at any dose level.

Mutagenesis

Tapentadol did not induce gene mutations in bacteria, but was clastogenic with metabolic activation in a chromosomal aberration test in V79 cells. The test was repeated and was negative in the presence and absence of metabolic activation. The one positive result for tapentadol was not confirmed in vivo in rats, using the two endpoints of chromosomal aberration and unscheduled DNA synthesis, when tested up to the maximum tolerated dose.

Impairment of Fertility

Tapentadol HCl was administered intravenously to male or female rats at dosages of 3, 6, or 12 mg/kg/day (representing exposures of up to approximately 0.4 times the exposure at the MRHD on an AUC basis, based on extrapolation from toxicokinetic analyses in a separate 4-week intravenous study in rats). Tapentadol did not alter fertility at any dose level. Maternal toxicity and adverse effects on embryonic development, including decreased number of implantations, decreased numbers of live conceptuses, and increased pre- and post-implantation losses occurred at dosages ≥6 mg/kg/day.

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

In toxicological studies with tapentadol, the most common systemic effects of tapentadol were related to the mu-opioid receptor agonist and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition pharmacodynamic properties of the compound. Transient, dose-dependent and predominantly CNS-related findings were observed, including impaired respiratory function and convulsions, the latter occurring in the dog at plasma levels (Cmax ) which are in the range associated with the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD).

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

The efficacy and safety of NUCYNTA® in the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain has been established in two randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled studies of moderate to severe pain from first metatarsal bunionectomy and end-stage degenerative joint disease.

14.1 Orthopedic Surgery — Bunionectomy

A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, active- and placebo-controlled, multiple-dose study demonstrated the efficacy of 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg NUCYNTA® given every 4 to 6 hours for 72 hours in patients aged 18 to 80 years experiencing moderate to severe pain following unilateral, first metatarsal bunionectomy surgery. Patients who qualified for the study with a baseline pain score of ≥4 on an 11-point rating scale ranging from 0 to 10 were randomized to 1 of 5 treatments. Patients were allowed to take a second dose of study medication as soon as 1 hour after the first dose on study Day 1, with subsequent dosing every 4 to 6 hours. If rescue analgesics were required, the patients were discontinued for lack of efficacy. Efficacy was evaluated by comparing the sum of pain intensity difference over the first 48 hours (SPID48) versus placebo. NUCYNTA® at each dose provided a greater reduction in pain compared to placebo based on SPID48 values.

For various degrees of improvement from baseline to the 48-hour endpoint, Figure 1 shows the fraction of patients achieving that level of improvement. The figures are cumulative, such that every patient that achieves a 50% reduction in pain from baseline is included in every level of improvement below 50%. Patients who did not complete the 48-hour observation period in the study were assigned 0% improvement.

Figure 1: Percentage of Patients Achieving Various Levels of Pain Relief as Measured by Pain Severity at 48 Hours Compared to Baseline — Post Operative Bunionectomy

image of figure 1
(click image for full-size original)

The proportions of patients who showed reduction in pain intensity at 48 hours of 30% or greater, or 50% or greater were significantly higher in patients treated with NUCYNTA® at each dose versus placebo.

14.2 End-Stage Degenerative Joint Disease

A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, active- and placebo-controlled, multiple-dose study evaluated the efficacy and safety of 50 mg and 75 mg NUCYNTA® given every 4 to 6 hours during waking hours for 10 days in patients aged 18 to 80 years, experiencing moderate to severe pain from end stage degenerative joint disease of the hip or knee, defined as a 3-day mean pain score of ≥5 on an 11-point pain intensity scale, ranging from 0 to 10. Pain scores were assessed twice daily and assessed the pain the patient had experienced over the previous 12 hours. Patients were allowed to continue non-opioid analgesic therapy for which they had been on a stable regimen before screening throughout the study. Eighty-three percent (83%) of patients in the tapentadol treatment groups and the placebo group took such analgesia during the study. The 75 mg treatment group was dosed at 50 mg for the first day of the study, followed by 75 mg for the remaining nine days. Patients requiring rescue analgesics other than study medication were discontinued for lack of efficacy. Efficacy was evaluated by comparing the sum of pain intensity difference (SPID) versus placebo over the first five days of treatment. NUCYNTA® 50 mg and 75 mg provided improvement in pain compared with placebo based on the 5-Day SPID.

For various degrees of improvement from baseline to the Day 5 endpoint, Figure 2 shows the fraction of patients achieving that level of improvement. The figures are cumulative, such that every patient that achieves a 50% reduction in pain from baseline is included in every level of improvement below 50%. Patients who did not complete the 5-day observation period in the study were assigned 0% improvement.

Figure 2: Percentage of Patients Achieving Various Levels of Pain Relief as Measured by Average Pain Severity for the Previous 12 hours, Measured on Study Day 5 Compared to Baseline — End Stage Degenerative Joint Disease

image of figure 2
(click image for full-size original)
® at each dose versus placebo.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

NUCYNTA® Tablets are available in the following strengths and packages. All tablets are round and biconvex-shaped.

50 mg tablets are yellow and debossed with “O-M” on one side and “50” on the other side, and are available in

Bottles of 10 NDC 54868-5979-1
Bottles of 30 NDC 54868-5979-0

75 mg tablets are yellow-orange and debossed with “O-M” on one side and “75” on the other side, and are available in

Bottles of 30 NDC 54868-6002-0

100 mg tablets are orange and debossed with “O-M” on one side and “100” on the other side, and are available in

Bottles of 60 NDC 54868-6039-0

Store up to 25ºC (77ºF); excursions permitted to 15º – 30ºC (59º – 86ºF) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture.

Keep out of reach of children.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Physicians are advised to discuss the following issues with patients for whom they prescribe NUCYNTA®:

17.1 Instructions for Use

Patients should be advised NUCYNTA® should be taken only as directed and to report episodes of breakthrough pain and adverse experiences occurring during therapy to their physician. Individualization of dosage is essential to make optimal use of this medication. Patients should be advised not to adjust the dose of NUCYNTA® without consulting their physician [see Dosage and Administration (2)]. Patients should be advised that it may be appropriate to taper dosing when discontinuing treatment with NUCYNTA® as withdrawal symptoms may occur [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3)]. The physician can provide a dose schedule to accomplish a gradual discontinuation of the medication.

17.2 Misuse and Abuse

Patients should be advised that NUCYNTA® is a potential drug of abuse. Patients should protect NUCYNTA® from theft, and NUCYNTA® should never be given to anyone other than the individual for whom NUCYNTA® was prescribed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

17.3 Interference with Cognitive and Motor Performance

As NUCYNTA® has the potential to impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills, patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

17.4 Pregnancy

Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during treatment with NUCYNTA® [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

17.5 Nursing

Patients should be advised not to breast-feed an infant during treatment with NUCYNTA® [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].

17.6 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

Patients should be informed not to take NUCYNTA® while using any drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase. Patients should not start any new medications while taking NUCYNTA® until they are assured by their healthcare provider that the new medication is not a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

17.7 Seizures

Patients should be informed that NUCYNTA® could cause seizures if they are at risk for seizures or have epilepsy. Such patients should be advised to use NUCYNTA® with care [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]. Patients should be advised to stop taking NUCYNTA® if they have a seizure while taking NUCYNTA® and call their healthcare provider right away.

17.8 Serotonim Syndrome

Patients should be informed that NUCYNTA® could cause rare but potentially life-threatening conditions resulting from concomitant administration of serotonergic drugs (including Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

Patients should be advised to inform their physicians if they are taking, or plan to take, any prescription or over-the-counter drugs as there is a potential for interactions [see Drug Interactions (7)].

17.9 Alcohol

Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol while taking NUCYNTA® [see Drug Interactions (7.3)].

17.10 Medication Guide

See Medication Guide.

Revised: March 2011

Manufactured by:
Janssen Ortho, LLC
Gurabo, PR 00778

Manufactured for:
PriCara® , Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Raritan, NJ 08869

© Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2009

Relabeling and Repackaging by:
Physicians Total Care, Inc
Tulsa, OK 74146

MEDICATION GUIDE

NUCYNTA® (new-SINN-tah)

(tapentadol)

immediate-release oral tablets C-II

  • NUCYNTA® is a federally controlled substance (C-II) because it can be abused. Keep NUCYNTA® in a safe place to prevent theft. Selling or giving away NUCYNTA® may harm others, and is against the law.
  • Tell your doctor if you (or a family member) have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.

Read the Medication Guide that comes with NUCYNTA® before you start taking it and each time you get a new prescription. There may be new information. This Medication Guide does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

What is the most important information I should know about NUCYNTA® ?

NUCYNTA® is a tablet that contains tapentadol, a strong medicine that is a pain medicine.

Use NUCYNTA® exactly how your doctor tells you to. Do not use NUCYNTA® if it has not been prescribed for you.

You should not take NUCYNTA® if your pain is mild and can be controlled with other pain medicines such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDS) or acetaminophen.

What is NUCYNTA® ?

  • NUCYNTA® is a prescription medicine that is used in adults 18 years of age or older to treat moderate to severe pain that is expected to last a short time.

    NUCYNTA® is for short-term use only because the risks for withdrawal symptoms, abuse and addiction are higher when NUCYNTA® is used longer.

Who should not take NUCYNTA® ?

Do not take NUCYNTA® if you:

  • have severe lung problems
  • have a gastrointestinal problem called paralytic ileus in which the intestines are not working normally.
  • take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medicine or have taken an MAOI within the last 14 days. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your medicines is an MAOI.

What should I tell my doctor before taking NUCYNTA® ?

NUCYNTA® may not be right for you. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you have:

  • trouble breathing or lung problems
  • or had a head injury
  • liver or kidney problems
  • convulsions or seizures
  • dependency problems with alcohol
  • pancreas or gall bladder problems
  • past or present substance abuse or drug addiction. There is a risk of abuse or addiction with narcotic pain medicines. If you have abused drugs in the past, you may have a higher chance of developing abuse or addiction again while using NUCYNTA®.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
  • are breast-feeding. You should not breast-feed while taking NUCYNTA®.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Using NUCYNTA® with other medicines can cause serious side effects. The doses of some other medicines may need to be changed. Your doctor can tell you what medicines can be safely taken with NUCYNTA®. Especially tell your doctor if you take:

  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). See “Who should not take NUCYNTA®.”
  • any medicine that makes you sleepy. NUCYNTA® can make you sleepy and affect your breathing. Taking these medicines together can be dangerous.

How should I take NUCYNTA® ?

  • Do not take NUCYNTA® unless it has been prescribed for you by your doctor.
  • Take NUCYNTA® exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Do not change the dose of NUCYNTA® unless your doctor tells you to. Your doctor may change your dose after seeing how the medicine affects you. Do not use NUCYNTA® more often than prescribed. Call your doctor if your pain is not well controlled while taking NUCYNTA®.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions about how to slowly stop taking NUCYNTA® to help lessen withdrawal symptoms.
  • NUCYNTA® can be taken with or without food.

What should I avoid while taking NUCYNTA® ?

  • Do not drive, operate machinery, or participate in any other possibly dangerous activities until you know how you react to this medicine. NUCYNTA® can make you sleepy.
  • You should not drink alcohol while using NUCYNTA®. Alcohol increases your chance of having dangerous side effects.

What are the possible side effects of NUCYNTA® ?

NUCYNTA® can cause serious side effects including:

  • Life-threatening breathing problems. Call your doctor right away or get emergency medical help if you:
    • have trouble breathing, or have slow or shallow breathing
    • have a slow heartbeat
    • have severe sleepiness
    • have cold, clammy skin
    • feel faint, dizzy, confused, or can not think, walk or talk normally
    • have a seizure
    • have hallucinations
  • Physical Dependence. NUCYNTA® can cause physical dependence. Talk to your doctor about slowly stopping NUCYNTA® to avoid getting sick with withdrawal symptoms. You could become sick with uncomfortable symptoms because your body has become used to the medicine. Tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms of withdrawal: feeling anxious, sweating, sleep problems, shivering, pain, nausea, tremors, diarrhea, upper respiratory symptoms, hallucinations, hair “standing on end.” Physical dependence is not the same as drug addiction. Your doctor can tell you more about the differences between physical dependence and drug addiction.
  • Serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a rare, life-threatening problem that could happen if you take NUCYNTA® with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), triptans or certain other medicines. Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any one or more of the these symptoms: you feel agitated, have hallucinations, coma, rapid heart beat, feel overheated, loss of coordination, over active reflexes, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • Seizures. NUCYNTA® can cause seizures in people who are at risk for seizures or who have epilepsy. Tell your doctor right away if you have a seizure and stop taking NUCYNTA®.
  • Low blood pressure. This can make you feel dizzy if you get up too fast from sitting or lying down.

The common side effects with NUCYNTA® are nausea, dizziness, vomiting, sleepiness, and itching.

Constipation is a common side effect of all opioid medicines. Talk to your doctor about the use of laxatives and stool softeners to prevent or treat constipation while taking NUCYNTA®.

Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of NUCYNTA®. For a complete list, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store NUCYNTA® ?

  • Store NUCYNTA® at 59ºF to 86ºF (15ºC to 30ºC). Keep NUCYNTA® tablets dry.
  • Dispose of NUCYNTA® tablets you no longer need.

Keep NUCYNTA® in a safe place out of the reach of children.

General information about NUCYNTA®

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use NUCYNTA® for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give NUCYNTA® to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. Sharing NUCYNTA® could be harmful and is against the law.

This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about NUCYNTA®. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about NUCYNTA® that is written for doctors. For more information about NUCYNTA® call 1-800-526-7736.

What are the ingredients in NUCYNTA® ?

Active Ingredient: tapentadol

Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, povidone, magnesium stearate, and Opadry® II, a proprietary film-coating mixture containing polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, talc, and aluminum lake coloring.

This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Revised: June 2010

Manufactured by:
Janssen Ortho, LLC
Gurabo, PR 00778

Manufactured for:
PriCara® , Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Raritan, NJ 08869

© Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2009

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