Buprenorphine and Naloxone

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets are indicated for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence. Buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets should be used as part of a complete treatment plan that includes counseling and psychosocial support. Buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets contain buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist, and is indicated for the maintenance treatment of opioid dependence. ( 1 ) Buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets should be used as part of a complete treatment plan that includes counseling and psychosocial support. ( 1 )

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablet sublingually as a single daily dose. ( 2.1 ) Strongly consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) at the time buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablet are initiated or renewed because patients being treated for opioid use disorder have the potential for relapse, putting them at risk for opioid overdose. ( 2.2 ) To avoid precipitating withdrawal, induction with buprenorphine sublingual tablets should be undertaken when objective and clear signs of withdrawal are evident. After induction, doses of buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets should be progressively adjusted to a level that holds the patient in treatment and suppresses opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms ( 2.3 ) The maintenance dose of buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets is generally in the range of 4 mg/1 mg to 24 mg/6 mg per day and should be based on clinical response. ( 2.3 ) Administer buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets as directed in the Full Prescribing Information. ( 2.3 , 2.4 ) When discontinuing treatment, gradually taper to avoid signs and symptoms of withdrawal. ( 2.7 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Information Buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablet is administered sublingually as a single daily dose. Buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets should be used in patients who have been initially inducted using buprenorphine sublingual tablets. Medication should be prescribed in consideration of the frequency of visits. Provision of multiple refills is not advised early in treatment or without appropriate patient follow-up visits. 2.2 Patient Access to an Opioid Overdose Reversal Agent for the Emergency Treatment of Opioid Overdose Inform patients and caregivers about opioid overdose reversal agents (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) and discuss the importance of having access to an opioid overdose reversal agent. Because patients being treated for opioid use disorder have the potential for relapse, putting them at risk for opioid overdose, strongly consider recommending or prescribing an overdose reversal agent for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose, both when initiating and renewing treatment with buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets. Also consider recommending or prescribing such an agent if the patient has household members (including children) or other close contacts at risk for accidental ingestion or opioid overdose [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Discuss the options for obtaining an opioid overdose reversal agent (e.g., prescription, over-the-counter, or as part of a community-based program) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . There are important differences among the opioid overdose reversal agents, such as route of administration, product strength, approved patient age range, and pharmacokinetics. Be familiar with these differences, as outlined in the approved labeling for those products, prior to recommending or prescribing such an agent. Advise patients and caregivers that opioid overdose reversal agents, such as naloxone or nalmefene, may also be administered for a known or suspected overdose with buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets itself. Higher than normal doses and repeated administration of an opioid overdose reversal agent may be necessary due to the long duration of action of buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets and its affinity for the mu‐opioid receptor [see Overdosage (10) ]. 2.3 Maintenance The dosage of buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablet should be progressively adjusted in increments/decrements of 2 mg/0.5 mg or 4 mg/1 mg buprenorphine/naloxone to a level that holds the patient in treatment and suppresses opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms. After treatment induction to the recommended dose of 16 mg/4 mg buprenorphine/naloxone, dosing should be further adjusted based on the individual patient and c…

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse: Buprenorphine can be abused in a similar manner to other opioids. Clinical monitoring appropriate to the patient's level of stability is essential. Monitor patients for conditions indicative of diversion or progression of opioid dependence and addictive behaviors. Multiple refills should not be prescribed early in treatment or without appropriate patient follow-up visits. ( 5.1 ) Respiratory Depression: Life-threatening respiratory depression and death have occurred in association with buprenorphine use. Warn patients of the potential danger of self-administration of benzodiazepine or other CNS depressants while under treatment with buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets. ( 5.2 , 5.3 ). Unintentional Pediatric Exposure: Store buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets safely out of the sight and reach of children. Buprenorphine can cause severe, possibly fatal, respiratory depression in children. ( 5.4 ) Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome: Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) is an expected and treatable outcome of prolonged use of opioids during pregnancy. ( 5.5 ) Adrenal Insufficiency: If diagnosed, treat with physiologic replacement of corticosteroids, and wean patient off of the opioid. ( 5.6 ) Risk of Opioid Withdrawal with Abrupt Discontinuation: If treatment is temporarily interrupted or discontinued, monitor patients for withdrawal and treat appropriately. ( 5.7 ) Risk of Hepatitis, Hepatic Events: Monitor liver function tests prior to initiation and during treatment and evaluate suspected hepatic events. ( 5.8 ) Precipitation of Opioid Withdrawal Signs and Symptoms: An opioid withdrawal syndrome is likely to occur with parenteral misuse of buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets by individuals physically dependent on full opioid agonists, or by sublingual administration before the agonist effects of other opioids have subsided. ( 5.10 ) Risk of Overdose in Opioid-Naïve Patients: Buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablet is not appropriate as an analgesic. There have been reported deaths of opioid naïve individuals who received a 2 mg sublingual dose. ( 5.11 ) 5.1 Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets contain buprenorphine, a schedule III controlled substance that can be abused in a manner similar to other opioids, legal or illicit. Prescribe and dispense buprenorphine with appropriate precautions to minimize risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion, and ensure appropriate protection from theft, including in the home. Clinical monitoring appropriate to the patient's level of stability is essential. Multiple refills should not be prescribed early in treatment or without appropriate patient follow-up visits [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2) ] . 5.2 Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression and Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression Buprenorphine has been associated with life-threatening respiratory depression and death. Many, but not all, post-marketing reports regarding coma and death involved misuse by self-injection or were associated with the concomitant use of buprenorphine and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressant, including alcohol. Warn patients of the potential danger of self-administration of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants while under treatment with buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Drug Interactions (7) ] . Use buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets with caution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cor pulmonale, decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or pre-existing respiratory depression). Educate patients and caregivers on how to recognize respiratory depression and emphasize the importance of calling 911 or getting emergency medical help right away in the event of a known or suspected overdose [see Patient Counseling Information (17) ]. Opioids can cau…

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablet is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to buprenorphine or naloxone as serious adverse reactions, including anaphylactic shock, have been reported [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] . Hypersensitivity to buprenorphine or naloxone. ( 4 )

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 3 Includes clinically significant drug interactions with buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets. Table 3. Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Buprenorphine and Naloxone Sublingual Tablets Benzodiazepines or other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Clinical Impact: Due to additive pharmacologic effects, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, can increase the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. Intervention: Cessation of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants is preferred in most cases of concomitant use. In some cases, monitoring in a higher level of care for taper may be appropriate. In others, gradually tapering a patient off of a prescribed benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant or decreasing to the lowest effective dose may be appropriate. Before co-prescribing benzodiazepines for anxiety or insomnia, ensure that patients are appropriately diagnosed and consider alternative medications and non-pharmacologic treatments [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 , 5.3) ] . If concomitant use is warranted, strongly consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent, as is recommended for all patients on buprenorphine and naloxone treatment for opioid use disorder [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Examples Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), other opioids, and alcohol. Inhibitors of CYP3A4 Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of buprenorphine and CYP3A4 inhibitors can increase the plasma concentration of buprenorphine, resulting in increased or prolonged opioid effects, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablet is achieved. After stopping a CYP3A4 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, the buprenorphine plasma concentration will decrease [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , potentially resulting in decreased opioid efficacy or a withdrawal syndrome in patients who had developed physical dependence to buprenorphine. Intervention: If concomitant use is necessary, consider dosage reduction of buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor patients for respiratory depression and sedation at frequent intervals. If a CYP3A4 inhibitor is discontinued, consider increasing the buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor for signs of opioid withdrawal. Examples: Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole-antifungal agents (e.g. ketoconazole), protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir) CYP3A4 Inducers Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of buprenorphine and CYP3A4 inducers can decrease the plasma concentration of buprenorphine [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , potentially resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence to buprenorphine. After stopping a CYP3A4 inducer, as the effects of the inducer decline, the buprenorphine plasma concentration will increase [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which could increase or prolong both therapeutic effects and adverse reactions and may cause serious respiratory depression. Intervention: If concomitant use is necessary, consider increasing the buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablet dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor for signs of opioid withdrawal. If a CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, consider buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablet dosage reduction and monitor for signs of respiratory depression. Examples: Rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin Antiretrovirals: Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) Clinical Impact: Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are metabolized principally by CY…

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The data on use of buprenorphine, one of the active ingredients in buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets, in pregnancy, are limited; however, these data do not indicate an increased risk of major malformations specifically due to buprenorphine exposure. There are limited data from randomized clinical trials in women maintained on buprenorphine that were not designed appropriately to assess the risk of major malformations [see Data ] . Observational studies have reported on congenital malformations among buprenorphine-exposed pregnancies, but were also not designed appropriately to assess the risk of congenital malformations specifically due to buprenorphine exposure [see Data ] . The extremely limited data on sublingual naloxone exposure in pregnancy are not sufficient to evaluate a drug-associated risk. Reproductive and developmental studies in rats and rabbits identified adverse events at clinically relevant and higher doses. Embryo-fetal death was observed in both rats and rabbits administered buprenorphine during the period of organogenesis at doses approximately 6 and 0.3 times, respectively, the human sublingual dose of 16 mg/day of buprenorphine. Pre- and post-natal development studies in rats demonstrated increased neonatal deaths at 0.3 times and above and dystocia at approximately 3 times the human sublingual dose of 16 mg/day of buprenorphine. No clear teratogenic effects were seen when buprenorphine was administered during organogenesis with a range of doses equivalent to or greater than the human sublingual dose of 16 mg/day of buprenorphine. However, increases in skeletal abnormalities were noted in rats and rabbits administered buprenorphine daily during organogenesis at doses approximately 0.6 times and approximately equal to the human sublingual dose of 16 mg/day of buprenorphine, respectively. In a few studies, some events such as acephalus and omphalocele were also observed but these findings were not clearly treatment-related [see Data ] . Based on animal data, advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. 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 embryo-fetal risk Untreated opioid addiction in pregnancy is associated with adverse obstetrical outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and fetal death. In addition, untreated opioid addiction often results in continued or relapsing illicit opioid use. Dose Adjustment during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period Dosage adjustments of buprenorphine, such as using higher doses, may be required during pregnancy, even if the patient was maintained on a stable dose prior to pregnancy. Dosing should be based on individual response, and withdrawal signs and symptoms should be monitored closely and the dose adjusted as necessary. Fetal/neonatal adverse reactions Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome may occur in newborn infants of mothers who are receiving treatment with buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or failure to gain weight. Signs of neonatal withdrawal usually occur in the first days after birth. The duration and severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome may vary. Observe newborns for signs of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Labor or Delivery Opioids cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and psycho-physiologic effects in neonates. An opioid overdose reversal agent, such as n…

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Respiratory and CNS Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 , 5.3) ] Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Opioid Withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7 , 5.10) ] Hepatitis, Hepatic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Orthostatic Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.16) ] Elevation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.17) ] Elevation of Intracholedochal Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.18) ] Adverse events commonly observed with administration of buprenorphine/naloxone are oral hypoesthesia, glossodynia, oral mucosal erythema, headache, nausea, vomiting, hyperhidrosis, constipation, signs and symptoms of withdrawal, insomnia, pain, and peripheral edema. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Rhodes Pharmaceuticals at 1-888-873-5329, 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 buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets was evaluated in 497 opioid-dependent subjects. The prospective evaluation of buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets was supported by clinical trials using buprenorphine tablets without naloxone and other trials using buprenorphine sublingual solutions. In total, safety data were available from 3214 opioid-dependent subjects exposed to buprenorphine at doses in the range used in treatment of opioid addiction. Few differences in adverse event profile were noted between buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets and buprenorphine sublingual tablets or buprenorphine administered as a sublingual solution. The following adverse events were reported to occur by at least 5% of patients in a 4-week study (Table 1). Table 1. Adverse Events ≥5% by Body System and Treatment Group in a 4-week Study N (%) N (%) Body System / Adverse Event (COSTART Terminology) Buprenorphine and Naloxone sublingual tablets 16 mg/day Placebo N=107 N=107 Body as a Whole Asthenia 7 (6.5%) 7 (6.5%) Chills 8 (7.5%) 8 (7.5%) Headache 39 (36.4%) 24 (22.4%) Infection 6 (5.6%) 7 (6.5%) Pain 24 (22.4%) 20 (18.7%) Pain Abdomen 12 (11.2%) 7 (6.5%) Pain Back 4 (3.7%) 12 (11.2%) Withdrawal Syndrome 27 (25.2%) 40 (37.4%) Cardiovascular System Vasodilation 10 (9.3%) 7 (6.5%) Digestive System Constipation 13 (12.1%) 3 (2.8%) Diarrhea 4 (3.7%) 16 (15.0%) Nausea 16 (15.0%) 12 (11.2%) Vomiting 8 (7.5%) 5 (4.7%) Nervous System Insomnia 15 (14.0%) 17 (15.9%) Respiratory System Rhinitis 5 (4.7%) 14 (13.1%) Skin and Appendages Sweating 15 (14.0%) 11 (10.3%) The adverse event profile of buprenorphine was also characterized in the dose-controlled study of buprenorphine solution, over a range of doses in four months of treatment. Table 2 shows adverse events reported by at least 5% of subjects in any dose group in the dose-controlled study. Table 2. Adverse Events (≥ 5%) by Body System and Treatment Group in a 16-week Study Body System/Adverse Event (COSTART Terminology) Buprenorphine Dose Sublingual solution. Doses in this table cannot necessarily be delivered in tablet form, but for comparison purposes: "Very low" dose (1 mg solution) would be less than a tablet dose of 2 mg "Low" dose (4 mg solution) approximates a 6 mg tablet dose "Moderate" dose (8 mg solution) approximates a 12 mg tablet dose "High" dose (16 mg solution) approximates a 24 mg tablet dose Very Low (N=184) Low (N=180) Moderate (N=186) High (N=181) Total (N=731) N (%) N (%) N (%) …