Mesalamine

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Mesalamine delayed-release capsules are an aminosalicylate indicated for: Treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis in patients 5 years of age and older. ( 1.1 ) Maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis in adults. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Treatment of Mildly to Moderately Active Ulcerative Colitis Mesalamine delayed-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis in patients 5 years of age and older. 1.2 Maintenance of Remission of Ulcerative Colitis Mesalamine delayed-release capsules are indicated for the maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis in adults.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Important Administration Instructions : Do not substitute two mesalamine delayed-release 400 mg capsules with one mesalamine delayed-release 800 mg tablet. ( 2.1 ) Evaluate renal function prior to initiation of mesalamine delayed-release capsules. ( 2.1 , 5.1 ) Take with or without food. ( 2.1 ) Swallow the capsules whole; do not cut, break, crush or chew. ( 2.1 ) For patients who are unable to swallow the capsules, the capsules can be opened and the inner tablets swallowed. ( 2.1 ) Drink an adequate amount of fluids. ( 2.1 , 5.7 ) Treatment of Mildly to Moderately Active Ulcerative Colitis: Adults: 800 mg (two 400 mg capsules) three times daily for 6 weeks. Pediatric Patients 5 years or older: See weight-based dosing table in the full prescribing information; twice daily dosing for 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) Maintenance of Remission of Ulcerative Colitis: Adults: 1.6 grams (four 400 mg capsules) daily, in two to four divided doses. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Important Administration Instructions Do not substitute two mesalamine delayed-release 400 mg capsules with one mesalamine delayed-release 800 mg tablet. Evaluate renal function prior to initiation of mesalamine delayed-release capsules. Take mesalamine delayed-release capsules with or without food. Swallow the capsules whole; do not cut, break, crush or chew the capsules. For patients who are unable to swallow the capsules whole, carefully open the capsule(s) and swallow the contents (four 100 mg tablets). Open the number of capsules required to make up a complete dose [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 , 2.3 )] . There are 4 tablets per capsule. Ensure all tablets per capsule are swallowed and no tablets are retained in the mouth. Swallow the tablets whole; do not cut, break, crush or chew the tablets. Drink an adequate amount of fluids [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] . Intact, partially intact, and/or tablet shells have been reported in the stool; Instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider if this occurs repeatedly. Protect mesalamine delayed-release capsules from moisture. Close the container tightly and leave any desiccant pouches present in the bottle along with the capsules. 2.2 Dosage for Treatment of Mildly to Moderately Active Ulcerative Colitis Adults For adults, the recommended dosage of mesalamine delayed-release capsules is 800 mg (two 400 mg capsules) three times daily (total daily dosage of 2.4 grams) for a duration of 6 weeks [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . Pediatrics For pediatric patients 5 years of age and older, the recommended total daily dosage of mesalamine delayed-release capsules is weight-based (up to maximum of 2.4 grams per day) divided into two daily doses for a duration of 6 weeks (see Table 1). Table 1. Pediatric Dosage by Weight Weight Group (kg) Daily Dosage (mg/kg/day) Maximum Daily Dosage (grams per day) Morning Dosage Afternoon Dosage 17 to 32 36 to 71 1.2 two 400 mg capsules one 400 mg capsules 33 to 53 37 to 61 2 three 400 mg capsules two 400 mg capsules 54 to 90 27 to 44 2.4 three 400 mg capsules three 400 mg capsules 2.3 Dosage for Maintenance of Remission of Ulcerative Colitis The recommended dosage of mesalamine delayed-release capsules in adults is 1.6 grams (four 400 mg capsules) daily in two to four divided doses.

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Renal Impairment: Assess renal function at the beginning of treatment and periodically during treatment. Evaluate the risks and benefits of using mesalamine delayed-release capsules in patients with known renal impairment or taking nephrotoxic drugs; monitor renal function. Discontinue mesalamine delayed-release capsules if renal function deteriorates. ( 5.1 , 7.1 , 8.6 , 13.2 ) Mesalamine-induced Acute Intolerance Syndrome: Symptoms may be difficult to distinguish from an ulcerative colitis exacerbation; monitor for worsening symptoms while on treatment; discontinue treatment, if acute intolerance syndrome is suspected. ( 5.2 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions, including myocarditis and pericarditis: Evaluate patients immediately and discontinue mesalamine delayed-release capsules, if a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected. ( 5.3 ) Hepatic Failure: Evaluate the risks and benefits of using mesalamine delayed-release capsules in patients with known liver impairment. ( 5.4 ) Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions: Discontinue at the first signs or symptoms of severe cutaneous adverse reactions or other signs of hypersensitivity and consider further evaluation. ( 5.5 ) Photosensitivity: Advise patients with pre-existing skin conditions to avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors. ( 5.6 ) Nephrolithiasis: Mesalamine-containing stones undetectable by standard radiography or computed tomography (CT). Ensure adequate fluid intake during treatment. ( 5.7 ) Iron Content of Mesalamine Delayed-Release Capsules: Consider the iron content of mesalamine delayed-release capsules in patients taking iron supplementation and those at risk of iron overload. ( 5.8 ) Interference with Laboratory Tests: Use of mesalamine may lead to spuriously elevated test results when measuring urinary normetanephrine by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. ( 5.9 ) 5.1 Renal Impairment Renal impairment, including minimal change disease, acute and chronic interstitial nephritis, and renal failure, has been reported in patients taking products such as mesalamine delayed-release capsules 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 mesalamine delayed-release capsules and periodically while on therapy. Discontinue mesalamine delayed-release capsules if renal function deteriorates while on therapy. Evaluate the risks and benefits of using mesalamine delayed-release capsules in patients with known renal impairment or history of renal disease or taking concomitant nephrotoxic drugs [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 controlled clinical trials of mesalamine or sulfasalazine. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and sometimes fever, headache, malaise, pruritus, conjunctivitis and rash. Monitor patients closely for worsening of these symptoms while on treatment. If acute intolerance syndrome is suspected, promptly discontinue treatment with mesalamine delayed-release capsules. 5.3 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients taking sulfasalazine. Some patients may have a similar reaction to mesalamine 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 immediatel…

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Mesalamine delayed-release capsules are contraindicated in patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to salicylates or aminosalicylates or to any of the ingredients of mesalamine delayed-release capsules [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 ), Description ( 11 )] . Known or suspected hypersensitivity to salicylates or aminosalicylates or to any of the ingredients of mesalamine delayed-release capsules. ( 4 , 5.3 )

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Nephrotoxic Agents including NSAIDs: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity; monitor for changes in renal function and mesalamine-related adverse reactions. ( 7.1 ) Azathioprine or 6-Mercaptopurine: Increased risk of blood disorders; monitor complete blood cell counts and platelet counts. ( 7.2 ) 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 or 6-Mercaptopurine The concurrent use of mesalamine with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine and/or other drugs known to cause myelotoxicity may increase the risk for blood disorders, bone marrow failure, and associated complications. If concomitant use of mesalamine delayed-release capsules 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 mesalamine delayed-release capsules 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 Risk Summary There are no adequate and well controlled studies of mesalamine use in pregnant women. Limited published human data on mesalamine show no increase in the overall rate of congenital malformations. Some data show an increased rate of preterm birth, stillbirth, and low birth weight; however, these adverse pregnancy outcomes are also associated with active inflammatory bowel disease. Furthermore, all pregnancies, regardless of drug exposure, have a background rate of 2% to 4% for major malformations, and 15% to 20% for pregnancy loss. No evidence of fetal harm was observed in animal reproduction studies of mesalamine in rats and rabbits at oral doses approximately 1.9 times (rat) and 3.9 times (rabbit) the recommended human dose. Mesalamine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Human Data Mesalamine crosses the placenta. In prospective and retrospective studies of over 600 women exposed to mesalamine during pregnancy, the observed rate of congenital malformations was not increased above the background rate in the general population. Some data show an increased rate of preterm birth, stillbirth, and low birth weight, but it is unclear whether this was due to underlying maternal disease, drug exposure, or both, as active inflammatory bowel disease is also associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Animal data Reproduction studies with mesalamine were performed during organogenesis in rats and rabbits at oral doses up to 480 mg/kg/day. There was no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus. These mesalamine doses were about 1.9 times (rat) and 3.9 times (rabbit) the recommended human dose, based on body surface area.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most serious adverse reactions seen in mesalamine clinical trials or with other products that contain or are metabolized to mesalamine are: Renal Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Mesalamine-Induced Acute Intolerance Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hepatic Failure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Photosensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Nephrolithiasis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) are: Adults: eructation, abdominal pain, constipation, dizziness, rhinitis, back pain, and rash. ( 6.1 ) Pediatrics: nasopharyngitis, headache, abdominal pain, dizziness, sinusitis, rash, cough and diarrhea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Teva at 1-888-838-2872 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 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. The safety of mesalamine has been established based on adequate and well-controlled studies of mesalamine delayed-release tablets. In total, mesalamine delayed-release 400 mg tablets have been evaluated in 2690 patients with ulcerative colitis in controlled and open-label trials. Below is a description of the adverse reactions of mesalamine delayed-release tablets in these adequate and well-controlled studies. Clinical studies supporting mesalamine delayed-release tablets use for the treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis included two 6-week, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind studies in adults with mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis (Studies 1 and 2), and one 6-week, randomized, double-blind, study of 2 dosage levels in children with mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis (Study 3). Clinical studies supporting the use of mesalamine delayed-release tablets in the maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis included a 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center study (Study 4) and four active-controlled maintenance trials comparing mesalamine delayed-release with sulfasalazine. Mesalamine delayed-release tablets have been evaluated in 427 adults and 107 children with ulcerative colitis in these controlled studies. Treatment of Mildly to Moderately Active Ulcerative Colitis Adults In a 6-week placebo-controlled clinical study (Study 1) involving 105 patients, 53 of whom were randomized to mesalamine delayed-release tablets 2.4 grams per day [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )], 4% of the mesalamine delayed release tablets-treated patients in 2.4 grams per day group discontinued therapy because of adverse reactions as compared to 0% of the placebo-treated patients. The average age of patients was 41 years and 49% of patients were male. Adverse reactions leading to withdrawal from mesalamine delayed-release tablets included (each in one patient): diarrhea and colitis flare; dizziness, nausea, joint pain, and headache. The most common adverse reactions in patients treated with mesalamine delayed release tablets 2.4 grams per day in Study 1 are listed in Table 2 below. Table 2. Most Common Adverse Reactions Reported in Study 1 for the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Ulcerative Colitis in Adults* Adverse Reaction % of Patients with Adverse Reactions Mesalamine Delayed-Release 2.4 grams per day Placebo (n = 53) (n = 52) Eructation 26 19 Abdominal pain 21 12 Constipation 11 0 Dizziness 9 8 Rhinitis 8 6 Back pain 6 4 Rash 6 4 Dyspepsia 4 0 Flu syndrome 4 2 * At Least 2% of Patients in the Mesalamine Delayed-Release Tablets Group and at a Rate Greater than Placebo Pediatric Patients 5 to 17 Years Old A randomiz…