METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE
RxNorm 1807888· ORAL
GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS INC., USA
Boxed Warning
WARNING: LACTIC ACIDOSIS Postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. The onset of metformin-associated lactic acidosis is often subtle, accompanied only by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis was characterized by elevated blood lactate levels (>5 mmol/Liter), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), an increased lactate/pyruvate ratio, and metformin plasma levels generally >5 mcg/mL [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Risk factors for metformin-associated lactic acidosis include renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs (e.g., carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as topiramate), age 65 years old or greater, having a radiological study with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states (e.g., acute congestive heart failure), excessive alcohol intake, and hepatic impairment. Steps to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis in these high risk groups are provided in the full prescribing information [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), and Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . If metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected, immediately discontinue metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets and institute general supportive measures in a hospital setting. Prompt hemodialysis is recommended [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. WARNING: LACTIC ACIDOSIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • Postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. Symptoms included malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Laboratory abnormalities included elevated blood lactate levels, anion gap acidosis, increased lactat…
Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are a biguanide indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ( 1 )
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Starting dose: 500 mg orally once daily with the evening meal ( 2.1 ) • Increase the dose in increments of 500 mg every 1 to 2 weeks, up to a maximum of 2,000 mg once daily with the evening meal. ( 2.1 ) • Patients receiving metformin hydrochloride (HCl) tablets may be switched to metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets once daily at the same total daily dose, up to 2,000 mg once daily. ( 2.1 ) • Swallow metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets whole and never crush, cut or chew. ( 2.1 ) Renal Impairment: • Prior to initiation, assess renal function with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). ( 2.2 ) • Do not use in patients with eGFR below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 . • Initiation is not recommended in patients with eGFR between 30 to 45 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 . • Assess risk/benefit of continuing metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets if eGFR falls below 45 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 . • Discontinue if eGFR falls below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 . Discontinuation for Iodinated Contrast Imaging Procedures: • Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets may need to be discontinued at time of, or prior to, iodinated contrast imaging procedures. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Adult Dosage and Administration • The recommended starting dose of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets is 500 mg orally once daily with the evening meal. • Increase the dose in increments of 500 mg every 1 to 2 weeks on the basis of glycemic control and tolerability, up to a maximum of 2,000 mg once daily with the evening meal. • Patients receiving metformin hydrochloride (HCl) may be switched to metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets once daily at the same total daily dose, up to 2,000 mg once daily. • Swallow metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets whole and never crush, cut or chew. • If a dose of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablet is missed, instruct patients not to take two doses the same day and to resume their usual dose of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets with the next schedule dose. 2.2 Recommendations for Use in Renal Impairment • Assess renal function prior to initiation of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets and periodically thereafter. • Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 . • Initiation of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets in patients with an eGFR between 30 to 45 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 is not recommended. • In patients taking metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets whose eGFR later falls below 45 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 , assess the benefit risk of continuing therapy. • Discontinue metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets if the patient’s eGFR later falls below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . 2.3 Discontinuation for Iodinated Contrast Imaging Procedures Discontinue metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets at the time of, or prior to, an iodinated contrast imaging procedure in patients with an eGFR between 30 and 60 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 ; in patients with a history of liver disease, alcoholism or heart failure; or in patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast. Re-evaluate eGFR 48 hours after the imaging procedure; restart metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets if renal function is stable [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Lactic Acidosis: See boxed warning. ( 5.1 ) • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency: Metformin may lower vitamin B 12 levels. Monitor hematological parameters annually and vitamin B 12 at 2 to 3 year intervals and manage any abnormalities. ( 5.2 ) • Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use with Insulin and Insulin Secretagogues: Increased risk of hypoglycemia when used in combination with insulin and/or an insulin secretagogue. Lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue may be required. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Lactic Acidosis There have been postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis, including fatal cases. These cases had a subtle onset and were accompanied by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, abdominal pain, respiratory distress, or increased somnolence; however, hypothermia, hypotension and resistant bradyarrhythmias have occurred with severe acidosis. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis was characterized by elevated blood lactate concentrations (>5 mmol/Liter), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), and an increased lactate/pyruvate ratio; metformin plasma levels were generally >5 mcg/mL. Metformin decreases liver uptake of lactate increasing lactate blood levels which may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, especially in patients at risk. If metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected, general supportive measures should be instituted promptly in a hospital setting, along with immediate discontinuation of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets. In metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets ‑ treated patients with a diagnosis or strong suspicion of lactic acidosis, prompt hemodialysis is recommended to correct the acidosis and remove accumulated metformin (metformin HCl is dialyzable, with a clearance of up to 170 mL/minute under good hemodynamic conditions). Hemodialysis has often resulted in reversal of symptoms and recovery. Educate patients and their families about the symptoms of lactic acidosis and if these symptoms occur instruct them to discontinue metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets and report these symptoms to their healthcare provider. For each of the known and possible risk factors for metformin-associated lactic acidosis, recommendations to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis are provided below: • Renal Impairment: The postmarketing metformin-associated lactic acidosis cases primarily occurred in patients with significant renal impairment. The risk of metformin accumulation and metformin-associated lactic acidosis increases with the severity of renal impairment because metformin is substantially excreted by the kidney. Clinical recommendations based upon the patient’s renal function include [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]: • Before initiating metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, obtain an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). • Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with an eGFR less than 30 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . • Initiation of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are not recommended in patients with eGFR between 30 to 45 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 . • Obtain an eGFR at least annually in all patients taking metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets. In patients at increased risk for the development of renal impairment (e.g., the elderly), renal function should be assessed more frequently. • In patients taking metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets whose eGFR later falls below 45 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 , assess the benefit and risk of continuing therapy . • Drug Interactions: The concomitant use of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets with specific drugs may increase the risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis: those that impair renal function, result in significant hemodynamic change, interfere with acid-base balance or in…
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with: • Severe renal impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 ) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . • Known hypersensitivity to metformin. • Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma. • Severe renal impairment: (eGFR below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 ) ( 4 , 5.1 ) • Known hypersensitivity to metformin ( 4 ) • Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma ( 4 )
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 2 presents clinically significant drug interactions with metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Table 2: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors Clinical Impact: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors frequently cause a decrease in serum bicarbonate and induce non-anion gap, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Concomitant use of these drugs with metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets may increase the risk for lactic acidosis. Intervention: Consider more frequent monitoring of these patients. Examples: Topiramate, zonisamide, acetazolamide or dichlorphenamide. Drugs that Reduce Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets Clearance Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of drugs that interfere with common renal tubular transport systems involved in the renal elimination of metformin (e.g., organic cationic transporter-2 [OCT2] / multidrug and toxin extrusion [MATE] inhibitors) could increase systemic exposure to metformin and may increase the risk for lactic acidosis [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Intervention: Consider the benefits and risks of concomitant use with metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Examples: Ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir, and cimetidine. Alcohol Clinical Impact: Alcohol is known to potentiate the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism. Intervention: Warn patients against excessive alcohol intake while receiving metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin Clinical Impact: Coadministration of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Intervention: Patients receiving an insulin secretagogue or insulin may require lower doses of the insulin secretagogue or insulin. Drugs Affecting Glycemic Control Clinical Impact: Certain drugs tend to produce hyperglycemia and may lead to loss of glycemic control. Intervention: When such drugs are administered to a patient receiving metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, observe the patient closely for loss of blood glucose control. When such drugs are withdrawn from a patient receiving metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, observe the patient closely for hypoglycemia. Examples: Thiazides and other diuretics, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, thyroid products, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, sympathomimetics, calcium channel blockers, and isoniazid. • Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may increase risk of lactic acidosis. Consider more frequent monitoring. ( 7 ) • Drugs that reduce metformin clearance (such as ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir, and cimetidine) may increase the accumulation of metformin. Consider the benefits and risks of concomitant use. ( 7 ) • Alcohol can potentiate the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism. Warn patients against excessive alcohol intake. ( 7 )
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited data with metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets in pregnant women are not sufficient to determine a drug-associated risk for major birth defects or miscarriage. Published studies with metformin use during pregnancy have not reported a clear association with metformin and major birth defect or miscarriage risk [see Data]. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus in pregnancy [see Clinical Considerations]. No adverse developmental effects were observed when metformin was administered to pregnant Sprague Dawley rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 3 and 1 times, respectively, a 2,000 mg clinical dose, based on body surface area [see Data]. The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6 to 10% in women with pregestational diabetes mellitus with an HbA1c >7 and has been reported to be as high as 20 to 25% in women with an HbA1c >10. The estimated background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, stillbirth and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia-related morbidity. Data Human Data Published data from post-marketing studies have not reported a clear association with metformin and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes when metformin was used during pregnancy. However, these studies cannot definitely establish the absence of any metformin-associated risk because of methodological limitations, including small sample size and inconsistent comparator groups. Animal Data Metformin HCl was not teratogenic or embyrolethal when administered to rats prior to pregnancy through the period of organogenesis at doses up to 900 mg/kg, or when administered to rabbits during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 90 mg/kg.
Adverse events
Most frequently reported events (FDA FAERS). Report frequency does not imply causation.
- diarrhoea6,167
- nausea5,253
- lactic acidosis5,006
- fatigue4,324
- acute kidney injury4,146
- drug ineffective4,131
- blood glucose increased4,052
- vomiting3,820
- dyspnoea3,406
- off label use3,177
- dizziness3,064
- headache3,064
- asthenia2,893
- pain2,802
- weight decreased2,769
- malaise2,517
Adverse reactions (label)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: • Lactic Acidosis [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Adverse reactions occurring >5% in metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets clinical trials: hypoglycemia, diarrhea, and nausea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Inc., USA at 1 (888) 721-7115 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. In clinical trials conducted in the U.S., over 1,000 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have been treated with metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets 1,500 to 2,000 mg/day in active-controlled and placebo-controlled studies with the 500 mg dosage form. In the add-on to sulfonylurea study, patients receiving background glyburide therapy were randomized to receive add-on treatment of either one of three different regimens of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets or placebo. In total, 431 patients received metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets and glyburide and 144 patients received placebo and glyburide. Adverse reactions reported in greater than 5% of patients treated with metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets that were more common in the combined metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets and glyburide group than in the placebo and glyburide group are shown in Table 1. In 0.7% of patients treated with metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets and glyburide, diarrhea was responsible for discontinuation of study medication compared to no patients in the placebo and glyburide group. Table 1: Adverse Reactions Reported by >5% * of Patients for the Combined Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets Groups Versus Placebo Group Adverse Reaction Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets + Glyburide (n = 431) Placebo + Glyburide (n=144) Hypoglycemia 14% 5% Diarrhea 13% 6% Nausea 7% 4% * Adverse reactions that were more common in the metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets -treated than in the placebo-treated patients. Laboratory Tests Vitamin B 12 Concentrations In clinical trials of 29-week duration with metformin HCl tablets, a decrease to subnormal levels of previously normal serum vitamin B 12 levels was observed in approximately 7% of patients. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets. 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. Cholestatic, hepatocellular, and mixed hepatocellular liver injury have been reported with postmarketing use of metformin.
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