Prescription Drug Information: QTERN

QTERN- dapagliflozin and saxagliptin hydrochloride tablet, film coated
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

QTERN is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Limitations of Use

QTERN is not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1) ].

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.1 Prior to Initiation of QTERN

Assess renal function prior to initiation of QTERN therapy and periodically thereafter [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.4)].

Assess volume status. In patients with volume depletion, correct this condition before initiating QTERN [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.4) and USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS (8.5,8.6)].

2.2 Dosage

For patients not already taking dapagliflozin, the recommended starting dose of QTERN is a 5 mg dapagliflozin/5 mg saxagliptin tablet taken orally once daily in the morning with or without food.

In patients tolerating 5 mg dapagliflozin and 5 mg saxagliptin once daily who require additional glycemic control, the QTERN dose can be increased to 10 mg dapagliflozin/5 mg saxagliptin tablet once daily in the morning with or without food.

Swallow whole. Do not crush, cut or chew QTERN tablets.

2.3 Patients with Renal Impairment

No dose adjustment is needed in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than or equal to 45 mL/min/1.73 m2.

QTERN is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 [ see CONTRAINDICATIONS (4) and USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS (8.6)].

2.4 Use with Strong CYP3A4/5 Inhibitors

Do not coadminister QTERN with strong cytochrome P450 3A4/5 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and telithromycin) [see DRUG INTERACTIONS (7)].

2.5 Temporary Interruption for Surgery

Withhold QTERN for at least 3 days, if possible, prior to major surgery or procedures associated with prolonged fasting. Resume QTERN when the patient is clinically stable and has resumed oral intake [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1) and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.2)].

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

QTERN (dapagliflozin and saxagliptin) tablets are available as follows:

Table 1: Dosage Forms and Strengths for QTERN
Dapagliflozin Strength Saxagliptin Strength Color/Shape Tablet Markings

5 mg

5 mg

Light purple to reddish purple, biconvex, round, film‑coated tablet

“1120” printed on both sides, in blue ink

10 mg

5 mg

Light brown to brown, biconvex, round, film‑coated tablet

“1122” printed on both sides, in blue ink

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

QTERN is contraindicated in patients with:

History of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to dapagliflozin or to saxagliptin, including anaphylactic reactions, angioedema or exfoliative skin conditions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.8) and ADVERSE REACTIONS (6.2)].
Moderate to severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or patients on dialysis [see USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS (8.6)].

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Other Ketoacidosis

In patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, dapagliflozin, a component of QTERN, significantly increases the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening event, beyond the background rate. In placebo-controlled trials of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the risk of ketoacidosis was markedly increased in patients who received sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors compared to patients who received placebo. QTERN is not indicated for glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and pancreatic disorders (e.g., history of pancreatitis or pancreatic surgery) are also risk factors for ketoacidosis. There have been postmarketing reports of fatal events of ketoacidosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using SGLT2 inhibitors, including dapagliflozin.

Precipitating conditions for diabetic ketoacidosis or other ketoacidosis include under-insulinization due to insulin dose reduction or missed insulin doses, acute febrile illness, reduced caloric intake, ketogenic diet, surgery, volume depletion, and alcohol abuse.

Signs and symptoms are consistent with dehydration and severe metabolic acidosis and include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, generalized malaise, and shortness of breath. Blood glucose levels at presentation may be below those typically expected for diabetic ketoacidosis (e.g., less than 250 mg/dL). Ketoacidosis and glucosuria may persist longer than typically expected. Urinary glucose excretion persists for 3 days after discontinuing QTERN [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.2)] ; however, there have been postmarketing reports of ketoacidosis and/or glucosuria lasting greater than 6 days and some up to 2 weeks after discontinuation of SGLT2 inhibitors.

Consider ketone monitoring in patients at risk for ketoacidosis if indicated by the clinical situation. Assess for ketoacidosis regardless of presenting blood glucose levels in patients who present with signs and symptoms consistent with severe metabolic acidosis. If ketoacidosis is suspected, discontinue QTERN, promptly evaluate, and treat ketoacidosis, if confirmed. Monitor patients for resolution of ketoacidosis before restarting QTERN.

Withhold QTERN, if possible, in temporary clinical situations that could predispose patients to ketoacidosis. Resume QTERN when the patient is clinically stable and has resumed oral intake [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.5)].

Educate all patients on the signs and symptoms of ketoacidosis and instruct patients to discontinue QTERN and seek medical attention immediately if signs and symptoms occur.

5.2 Pancreatitis

There have been postmarketing reports of acute pancreatitis in patients taking saxagliptin. In a cardiovascular outcomes trial enrolling participants with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or multiple risk factors for ASCVD (SAVOR trial), cases of definite acute pancreatitis were confirmed in 17 of 8240 (0.2%) patients receiving saxagliptin compared to 9 of 8173 (0.1%) receiving placebo. Pre-existing risk factors for pancreatitis were identified in 88% (15/17) of those patients receiving saxagliptin and in 100% (9/9) of those patients receiving placebo.

After initiation of QTERN, observe patients for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis. If pancreatitis is suspected, promptly discontinue QTERN and initiate appropriate management. It is unknown whether patients with a history of pancreatitis are at increased risk for the development of pancreatitis while using QTERN.

5.3 Heart Failure

In a cardiovascular outcomes trial enrolling participants with established ASCVD or multiple risk factors for ASCVD (SAVOR trial), more patients randomized to saxagliptin (289/8280, 3.5%) were hospitalized for heart failure compared to patients randomized to placebo (228/8212, 2.8%). In a time-to-first-event analysis the risk of hospitalization for heart failure was higher in the saxagliptin group (estimated Hazard Ratio: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.51). Subjects with a prior history of heart failure and subjects with renal impairment had a higher risk for hospitalization for heart failure, irrespective of treatment assignment.

Consider the risks and benefits of QTERN prior to initiating treatment in patients at a higher risk of heart failure. Observe patients for signs and symptoms of heart failure during therapy. Advise patients of the characteristic symptoms of heart failure and to immediately report such symptoms. If heart failure develops, evaluate and manage according to current standards of care and consider discontinuation of QTERN.

5.4 Volume Depletion

Dapagliflozin can cause intravascular volume depletion which may sometimes manifest as symptomatic hypotension or acute transient changes in creatinine. There have been postmarketing reports of acute kidney injury, some requiring hospitalization and dialysis, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving SGLT2 inhibitors, including dapagliflozin. Patients with impaired renal function (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2), elderly patients, or patients on loop diuretics may be at increased risk for volume depletion or hypotension. Before initiating QTERN in patients with one or more of these characteristics, assess volume status and renal function. QTERN is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2. Monitor for signs and symptoms of hypotension, and renal function after initiating therapy.

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