Armodafinil
RxNorm 724859· ARMODAFINIL· ORAL
Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Armodafinil tablets are indicated to improve wakefulness in adult patients with excessive sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), narcolepsy, or shift work disorder (SWD). Limitations of Use In OSA, armodafinil tablets are indicated to treat excessive sleepiness and not as treatment for the underlying obstruction. If continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for a patient, a maximal effort to treat with CPAP for an adequate period of time should be made prior to initiating armodafinil tablets for excessive sleepiness. Armodafinil tablets are indicated to improve wakefulness in adult patients with excessive sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), narcolepsy, or shift work disorder (SWD). () Limitations of Use In OSA, armodafinil tablets are indicated to treat excessive sleepiness and not as treatment for the underlying obstruction.
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dosage of armodafinil tablets for each indication is as follows: • OSA or Narcolepsy: 150 mg to 250 mg once a day in the morning. (2.1) • SWD: 150 mg once a day, taken approximately one hour prior to start of the work shift. (2.2) • Hepatic Impairment: reduced dose in patients with severe hepatic impairment. (2.3 , 12.3) • Geriatric Patients: consider lower dose. (2.4 , 12.3) 2.1 Dosage in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Narcolepsy The recommended dosage of armodafinil tablets for patients with OSA or narcolepsy is 150 mg to 250 mg taken orally once a day as a single dose in the morning. In patients with OSA, doses up to 250 mg/day, given as a single dose, have been well tolerated, but there is no consistent evidence that these doses confer additional benefit beyond that of the 150 mg/day dose [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14.1 , 14.2) ] . 2.2 Dosage in Shift Work Disorder (SWD) The recommended dosage of armodafinil tablets for patients with SWD is 150 mg taken orally once a day as a single dose approximately 1 hour prior to the start of their work shift. 2.3 Dosage Modification in Patients with Severe Hepatic Impairment In patients with severe hepatic impairment, the dosage of armodafinil tablets should be reduced [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 2.4 Use in Geriatric Patients Consideration should be given to the use of lower doses and close monitoring in geriatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5) ].
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Serious Rash, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: discontinue armodafinil at the first sign of rash, unless the rash is clearly not drug-related. ( 5.1 ) • DRESS/Multi-organ Hypersensitivity Reactions: if suspected, discontinue armodafinil. ( 5.2 ) • Angioedema and Anaphylaxis Reactions: if suspected, discontinue armodafinil. ( 5.3 ) • Persistent Sleepiness: assess patients frequently for degree of sleepiness and, if appropriate, advise patients to avoid driving or engaging in any other potentially dangerous activity. ( 5.4 ) • Psychiatric Symptoms: use particular caution in treating patients with a history of psychosis, depression, or mania. Consider discontinuing armodafinil if psychiatric symptoms develop. ( 5.5 ) • Known Cardiovascular Disease: consider increased monitoring. ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Serious Dermatologic Reactions, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrosis Serious rash requiring hospitalization and discontinuation of treatment has been reported in association with the use of armodafinil or modafinil (the racemic mixture of S- and R-enantiomers). Armodafinil has not been studied in pediatric patients in any setting and is not approved for use in pediatric patients for any indication. In clinical trials of modafinil, the incidence of rash resulting in discontinuation was approximately 0.8% (13 per 1,585) in pediatric patients (age <17 years); these rashes included 1 case of possible Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and 1 case of apparent multi-organ hypersensitivity reaction/ Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Several of the cases were associated with fever and other abnormalities (e.g., vomiting, leukopenia). The median time to rash that resulted in discontinuation was 13 days. No such cases were observed among 380 pediatric patients who received placebo. Skin and mouth sores, blistering, and ulceration have been reported with modafinil and armodafinil in the postmarketing setting. Recurrence of signs and symptoms of serious dermatologic reactions following rechallenge has been reported in some cases. Rare cases of serious or life-threatening rash, including SJS and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), have been reported in adults and children in worldwide post-marketing experience with modafinil and armodafinil. There are no factors, including duration of therapy, that are known to predict the risk of occurrence or the severity of rash associated with modafinil or armodafinil. In cases where the time to onset was reported, serious rash occurred 1 day to 2 months after initiation of treatment, but isolated cases of serious dermatologic reactions have been reported with symptoms beginning after prolonged treatment (e.g., 3 months). Although benign rashes also occur with armodafinil, it is not possible to reliably predict which rashes will prove to be serious. Accordingly, armodafinil should be discontinued at the first sign of rash, skin or mouth sores, or blistering or ulceration, unless the rash is clearly not drug-related. Discontinuation of treatment may not prevent a rash from becoming life-threatening or permanently disabling or disfiguring. 5.2 Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and System Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity DRESS, also known as multi-organ hypersensitivity, has been reported with armodafinil. DRESS typically, although not exclusively, presents with fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, and/or facial swelling, in association with other organ system involvement, such as hepatitis, nephritis, hematologic abnormalities, myocarditis, or myositis, sometimes resembling an acute viral infection. Eosinophilia is often present. This disorder is variable in its expression, and other organ systems not noted here may be involved. It is important to note that early manifestations of hypersensitivity (e.g., fever, lymphadenopathy) may be present even though rash is not evident. One fatal case of DRESS that …
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Armodafinil tablets are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to modafinil or armodafinil or its inactive ingredients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3) ] . Armodafinil tablets are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to modafinil or armodafinil.
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Effects of Armodafinil on CYP3A4/5 Substrates The clearance of drugs that are substrates for CYP3A4/5 (e.g., steroidal contraceptives, cyclosporine, midazolam, and triazolam) may be increased by armodafinil via induction of metabolic enzymes, which results in lower systemic exposure. Dosage adjustment of these drugs should be considered when these drugs are used concomitantly with armodafinil [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . The effectiveness of steroidal contraceptives may be reduced when used with armodafinil and for one month after discontinuation of therapy. Alternative or concomitant methods of contraception are recommended for patients taking steroidal contraceptives (e.g., ethinyl estradiol) when treated concomitantly with armodafinil and for one month after discontinuation of armodafinil treatment. Blood levels of cyclosporine may be reduced when used with armodafinil. Monitoring of circulating cyclosporine concentrations and appropriate dosage adjustment for cyclosporine should be considered when used concomitantly with armodafinil. Effects of Armodafinil on CYP2C19 Substrates Elimination of drugs that are substrates for CYP2C19 (e.g., phenytoin, diazepam, propranolol, omeprazole, and clomipramine) may be prolonged by armodafinil via inhibition of metabolic enzymes, with resultant higher systemic exposure. Dose reduction of these drugs may be required when these drugs are used concomitantly with armodafinil. Warfarin More frequent monitoring of prothrombin times/INR should be considered whenever armodafinil is coadministered with warfarin [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors Caution should be used when concomitantly administering MAO inhibitors and armodafinil. • Steroidal contraceptives (e.g., ethinyl estradiol): use alternative or concomitant methods of contraception while taking armodafinil and for one month after discontinuation of armodafinil treatment. • Cyclosporine: blood concentrations of cyclosporine may be reduced. • CYP2C19 substrates, such as omeprazole, phenytoin, and diazepam: exposure of these medications may be increased.
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited available data on armodafinil use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug associated risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Intrauterine growth restriction and spontaneous abortion have been reported in association with armodafinil and modafinil. Although the pharmacology of armodafinil is not identical to that of the sympathomimetic amines, armodafinil shares some pharmacologic properties with this class [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] . Some sympathomimetics have been associated with intrauterine growth restriction and spontaneous abortions. In animal reproduction studies of armodafinil (R-modafinil) and modafinil (a mixture of R-and S-modafinil) conducted in pregnant rats (armodafinil, modafinil) and rabbits (modafinil) during organogenesis, evidence of developmental toxicity (increased embryofetal and offspring mortality, decreased fetal growth) was observed at clinically relevant plasma exposures. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defects, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations 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. Data Animal Data Oral administration of armodafinil (60, 200, or 600 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rats throughout organogenesis resulted in decreased fetal body weight and increased incidences of fetal variations indicative of growth delay at the highest dose, which was also maternally toxic. The highest no-effect dose for embryofetal developmental toxicity in rat (200 mg/kg/day) was associated with a plasma armodafinil exposure (AUC) less than that in humans at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of armodafinil (250 mg/day). Modafinil (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day) administered orally to pregnant rats throughout organogenesis produced an increase in resorptions and an increased incidence of fetal variations at the highest dose tested. The higher no-effect dose for embryofetal developmental toxicity (100 mg/kg/day) was associated with a plasma armodafinil AUC less than that in humans at the MRHD of armodafinil. However, in a subsequent rat study of up to 480 mg/kg/day of modafinil, no adverse effects on embryofetal development were observed. In a study in which modafinil (45, 90, or 180 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis, embryofetal death was increased at the highest dose. The highest no-effect dose for developmental toxicity (100 mg/kg/day) was associated with a plasma armodafinil AUC less than that in humans at the MRHD of armodafinil. Modafinil administration to rats throughout gestation and lactation at oral doses of up to 200 mg/kg/day resulted in decreased viability in the offspring at doses greater than 20 mg/kg/day, a dose resulting in a plasma armodafinil AUC less than that in humans at the MRHD of armodafinil. No effects on postnatal developmental and neurobehavioral parameters were observed in surviving offspring.
Nursing mothers
8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential The effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives may be reduced when used with armodafinil and for one month after discontinuation of therapy. Advise women who are using a hormonal method of contraception to use an additional barrier method or an alternative non-hormonal method of contraception during treatment with armodafinil and for one month after discontinuation of armodafinil treatment [see and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
Adverse events
Most frequently reported events (FDA FAERS). Report frequency does not imply causation.
- drug ineffective1,562
- fatigue1,496
- nausea1,465
- headache1,396
- anxiety1,174
- somnolence1,096
- depression1,011
- insomnia967
- feeling abnormal954
- fall889
- dizziness870
- weight decreased743
- pain706
- condition aggravated695
- sleep apnoea syndrome625
- malaise566
Adverse reactions (label)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: • Serious Dermatologic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and System Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Angioedema and Anaphylaxis Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Persistent Sleepiness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Psychiatric Symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machinery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Cardiovascular Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥5%): headache, nausea, dizziness, and insomnia. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. at 1-866-850-2876 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. Armodafinil has been evaluated for safety in over 1,100 patients with excessive sleepiness associated with OSA, SWD, and narcolepsy. Most Common Adverse Reactions In the placebo-controlled clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions (≥ 5%) associated with the use of armodafinil more frequently than in placebo-treated patients were headache, nausea, dizziness, and insomnia. The adverse reaction profile was similar across the studies. Table 1 presents the adverse reactions that occurred at a rate of 1% or more and were more frequent in armodafinil-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients in the placebo-controlled clinical trials. Table 1: Adverse Reactions in Pooled Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials* in OSA, Narcolepsy, and SWD with Armodafinil (150 mg and 250 mg) * Adverse reactions that occurred in ≥ 1% of armodafinil-treated patients and greater incidence than that of placebo. Armodafinil (%) N=645 Placebo (%) N=445 Headache 17 9 Nausea 7 3 Dizziness 5 2 Insomnia 5 1 Anxiety 4 1 Diarrhea 4 2 Dry Mouth 4 1 Depression 2 0 Dyspepsia 2 0 Fatigue 2 1 Palpitations 2 1 Rash 2 0 Upper Abdominal Pain 2 1 Agitation 1 0 Anorexia 1 0 Constipation 1 0 Contact Dermatitis 1 0 Decreased Appetite 1 0 Depressed Mood 1 0 Disturbance In Attention 1 0 Dyspnea 1 0 Hyperhydrosis 1 0 Increased Gamma-Glutamyltransferase 1 0 Increased Heart Rate 1 0 Influenza-Like Illness 1 0 Loose Stools 1 0 Migraine 1 0 Nervousness 1 0 Pain 1 0 Paresthesia 1 0 Polyuria 1 0 Pyrexia 1 0 Seasonal Allergy 1 0 Thirst 1 0 Tremor 1 0 Vomiting 1 0 Dose-Dependent Adverse Reactions In the placebo-controlled clinical trials which compared doses of 150 mg/day and 250 mg/day of armodafinil and placebo, the following adverse reactions were dose-related: headache, rash, depression, dry mouth, insomnia, and nausea. See Table 2 for additional information. Table 2: Dose-Dependent Adverse Reactions in Pooled Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials in OSA, Narcolepsy and SWD Armodafinil 250 mg (%) N=198 Armodafinil 150 mg (%) N=447 Armodafinil Combined (%) N=645 Placebo (%) N=445 Headache 23 14 17 9 Nausea 9 6 7 3 Insomnia 6 4 5 1 Dry Mouth 7 2 4 <1 Rash 4 1 2 <1 Depression 3 1 2 <1 Adverse Reactions Resulting in Discontinuation of Treatment In placebo-controlled clinical trials, 44 of the 645 patients (7%) who received armodafinil discontinued due to an adverse reaction compared to 16 of the 445 (4%) of patients that received placebo. The most frequent reason for discontinuation was headache (1%). Laboratory Abnormalities Clinical chemistry, hematology, and urinalysis parameters were monitored in the studies. Mean plasma levels of gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) were found to be higher following administration of armodafinil, but not placebo. Few patients, however, had GGT or AP elevat…
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