Diclofenac Potassium

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Diclofenac Potassium Capsules are indicated for relief of mild to moderate acute pain in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. ( 1 ) Diclofenac Potassium Capsules are a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indicated for relief of mild to moderate acute pain in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older.( 1 )

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Use the lowest effective dosage for shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals ( 2.1 ) The dosage is 25 mg four times a day 2.1 General Dosing Instructions Carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of Diclofenac Potassium Capsules and other treatment options before deciding to use Diclofenac Potassium Capsules. Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5 ) ]. For treatment of mild to moderate acute pain in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older, the dosage is 25 mg four times a day. 2.2 Dosage Adjustments in Patients with Hepatic Impairment Patients with hepatic disease may require reduced doses of Diclofenac Potassium Capsules compared to patients with normal hepatic function [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12 ) ]. As with other diclofenac products, start treatment at the lowest dose. If efficacy is not achieved with the lowest dose, discontinue use. 2.3 Non-Interchangeability with Other Formulations of Diclofenac Different dose strengths and formulations of oral diclofenac are not interchangeable. This difference should be taken into consideration when changing strengths or formulations. The only approved dosing regimen for Diclofenac Potassium Capsules are 25 mg four times a day.

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hepatotoxicity : Inform patients of warning signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity. Discontinue if abnormal liver tests persist or worsen or if clinical signs and symptoms of liver disease develop ( 5.3 ) Hypertension : Patients taking some antihypertensive medications may have impaired response to these therapies when taking NSAIDs. Monitor blood pressure ( 5.4 , 7 ) Heart Failure and Edema : Avoid use of Diclofenac Potassium Capsules in patients with severe heart failure unless benefits are expected to outweigh risk of worsening heart failure ( 5.5 ) Renal Toxicity : Monitor renal function in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, heart failure, dehydration, or hypovolemia. Avoid use of Diclofenac Potassium Capsules in patients with advanced renal disease unless benefits are expected to outweigh risk of worsening renal function ( 5.6 ) Anaphylactic Reactions : Seek emergency help if an anaphylactic reaction occurs ( 5.7 ) Exacerbation of Asthma Related to Aspirin Sensitivity : Diclofenac Potassium Capsules are contraindicated in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma. Monitor patients with preexisting asthma (without aspirin sensitivity) ( 5.8 ) Serious Skin Reactions : Discontinue Diclofenac Potassium Capsules at first appearance of skin rash or other signs of hypersensitivity ( 5.9 ) Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) : Discontinue and evaluate clinically ( 5.10 ). Fetal Toxicity : Limit use of NSAIDs, including Diclofenac Potassium Capsules, between about 20 to 30 weeks in pregnancy due to the risk of oligohydramnios/fetal renal dysfunction. Avoid use of NSAIDs in women at about 30 weeks gestation and later in pregnancy due to the risks of oligohydramnios/fetal renal dysfunction and premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus ( 5.11 , 8.1 ). Hematologic Toxicity : Monitor hemoglobin or hematocrit in patients with any signs or symptoms of anemia ( 5.12 , 7 ) 5.1 Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events Clinical trials of several COX-2 selective and nonselective NSAIDs of up to three years duration have shown an increased risk of serious cardiovascular (CV) thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke, which can be fatal. Based on available data, it is unclear that the risk for CV thrombotic events is similar for all NSAIDs. The relative increase in serious CV thrombotic events over baseline conferred by NSAID use appears to be similar in those with and without known CV disease or risk factors for CV disease. However, patients with known CV disease or risk factors had a higher absolute incidence of excess serious CV thrombotic events, due to their increased baseline rate. Some observational studies found that this increased risk of serious CV thrombotic events began as early as the first weeks of treatment. The increase in CV thrombotic risk has been observed most consistently at higher doses. To minimize the potential risk for an adverse CV event in NSAID-treated patients, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Physicians and patients should remain alert for the development of such events, throughout the entire treatment course, even in the absence of previous CV symptoms. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of serious CV events and the steps to take if they occur. There is no consistent evidence that concurrent use of aspirin mitigates the increased risk of serious CV thrombotic events associated with NSAID use. The concurrent use of aspirin and an NSAID, such as diclofenac, increases the risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) events [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ]. Status Post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery Two large, controlled clinical trials of a COX-2 selective NSAID for the treatment of pain in the first 10 to 14 days following CABG surgery found an increased incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke. NSAIDs are contraindicated in the setting of CABG [ see Contraindications ( 4 ) …

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Diclofenac Potassium Capsules are contraindicated in the following patients: Known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reactions and serious skin reactions) to diclofenac or any components of the drug product [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 , 5.9 ) ] History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe, sometimes fatal, anaphylactic reactions to NSAIDs have been reported in such patients[ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 , 5.8 ) ] In the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] Diclofenac Potassium Capsules contains gelatin and is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to bovine protein. Known hypersensitivity to diclofenac or any components of the drug product ( 4 ) History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs ( 4 ) In the setting of CABG surgery ( 4 ) Diclofenac Potassium Capsules contains gelatin and should not be given to patients with known hypersensitivity to bovine protein. ( 4 )

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS See Table 3 for clinically significant drug interactions with diclofenac. Table 3: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with diclofenac Drugs That Interfere with Hemostasis Clinical Impact: Diclofenac and anticoagulants such as warfarin have a synergistic effect on bleeding. The concomitant use of diclofenac and anticoagulants have an increased risk of serious bleeding compared to the use of either drug alone. Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis. Case-control and cohort epidemiological studies showed that concomitant use of drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and an NSAID may potentiate the risk of bleeding more than an NSAID alone. Intervention: Monitor patients with concomitant use of Diclofenac Potassium Capsules with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for signs of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Aspirin Clinical Impact: Controlled clinical studies showed that the concomitant use of NSAIDs and analgesic doses of aspirin does not produce any greater therapeutic effect than the use of NSAIDs alone. In a clinical study, the concomitant use of an NSAID and aspirin was associated with a significantly increased incidence of GI adverse reactions as compared to use of the NSAID alone [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Intervention: Concomitant use of Diclofenac Potassium Capsules and analgesic doses of aspirin is not generally recommended because of the increased risk of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Diclofenac Potassium Capsules are not a substitute for low dose aspirin for cardiovascular protection ACE Inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers, and Beta-Blockers Clinical Impact: NSAIDs may diminish the antihypertensive effect of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), or beta-blockers (including propranolol). In patients who are elderly, volume-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or have renal impairment, co-administration of an NSAID with ACE inhibitors or ARBs may result in deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure. These effects are usually reversible. Intervention: During concomitant use of Diclofenac Potassium Capsules and ACE-inhibitors, ARBs, or beta-blockers, monitor blood pressure to ensure that the desired blood pressure is obtained. During concomitant use of Diclofenac Potassium Capsules and ACE-inhibitors or ARBs in patients who are elderly, volume-depleted, or have impaired renal function, monitor for signs of worsening renal function [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )]. When these drugs are administered concomitantly, patients should be adequately hydrated. Assess renal function at the beginning of the concomitant treatment and periodically thereafter. Diuretics Clinical Impact: Clinical studies, as well as post-marketing observations, showed that NSAIDs reduced the natriuretic effect of loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide) and thiazide diuretics in some patients. This effect has been attributed to the NSAID inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis. Intervention: During concomitant use of Diclofenac Potassium Capsules with diuretics, observe patients for signs of worsening renal function, in addition to assuring diuretic efficacy including antihypertensive effects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Digoxin Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of diclofenac with digoxin has been reported to increase the serum concentration and prolong the half-life of digoxin. Intervention: During concomitant use of Diclofenac Potassium Capsules and digoxin, monitor serum digoxin levels. Lithium Clinical Impact: NSAIDs have produced elevations in plasma lithium levels and reductions in renal lithium clearance. The mean minimum lithium concentration increased 15%, and the renal clearance decreased b…

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of NSAIDs, including Diclofenac Potassium Capsules, can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios and, in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. Because of these risks, limit dose and duration of Diclofenac Potassium Capsules use between about 20 and 30 weeks of gestation, and avoid Diclofenac Potassium Capsules use at about 30 weeks of gestation and later in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations, Data) . Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus Use of NSAIDs, including Diclofenac Potassium Capsules, at about 30 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy increases the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment Use of NSAIDs at about 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy has been associated with cases of fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios, and in some cases, neonatal renal impairment. Data from observational studies regarding other potential embryofetal risks of NSAID use in women in the first or second trimesters of pregnancy are inconclusive. In animal reproduction studies, no evidence of malformations was observed in mice, rats, and rabbits given diclofenac during the period of organogenesis at doses up to approximately 1, 1, and 2 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of Diclofenac Potassium Capsules, despite the presence of maternal and fetal toxicity at these doses. In published studies, administration of clinically relevant doses of diclofenac to pregnant rats produced adverse effects on brain, kidney, and testicular development [see Data] . Based on animal data, prostaglandins have been shown to have an important role in endometrial vascular permeability, blastocyst implantation, and decidualization. In animal studies, administration of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors such as diclofenac, resulted in increased pre- and post-implantation loss. Prostaglandins also have been shown to have an important role in fetal kidney development. In published animal studies, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors have been reported to impair kidney development when administered at clinically relevant doses. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population(s) is 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 Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus: Avoid use of NSAIDs in women at about 30 weeks gestation and later in pregnancy, because NSAIDs, including Diclofenac Potassium Capsules, can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus (see Data) . Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment: If an NSAID is necessary at about 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy, limit the use to the lowest dose and shortest duration possible. If Diclofenac Potassium Capsules treatment extends beyond 48 hours, consider monitoring with ultrasound for oligohydramnios. If oligohydramnios occurs, discontinue Diclofenac Potassium Capsules and follow up according to clinical practice (see Data). Labor or Delivery There are no studies on the effects of Diclofenac Potassium Capsules during labor or delivery. In animal studies, NSAIDS, including diclofenac, inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, cause delayed parturition, and increase the incidence of stillbirth. Data Human Data Premature Closure of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus: Published literature reports that the use of NSAIDs at about 30 weeks of gestation and later in pregnancy may cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. Oligohydramnios/Neonatal Renal Impairment: Published studies and postmarketing reports describe maternal NSAID use at about 20 weeks gestation or l…

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] GI Bleeding, Ulceration and Perforation [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] Hepatotoxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] Hypertension [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ] Heart Failure and Edema [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ] Renal Toxicity and Hyperkalemia [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ] Anaphylactic Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ] Serious Skin Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) ] Hematologic Toxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 ) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1%) are gastrointestinal experiences including abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, somnolence, pruritus, and increased sweating ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact PureTek Corporation at 1-877-921-7873 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 clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with the rates in clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of Diclofenac Potassium Capsules was evaluated in 965 adult subjects. In patients treated with Diclofenac Potassium Capsules 25 mg (N=345) or a higher dose, three or four times a day, for 4 to 5 days, the most common adverse reactions (i.e., reported in ≥ 1% of Diclofenac Potassium Capsules treated patients) were as follows: gastrointestinal experiences including abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, somnolence, pruritus, and increased sweating. (see Table 1). The safety of Diclofenac Potassium Capsules was evaluated in 125 pediatric patients, 12 years to 17 years of age. Forty-nine (49) patients with mild to moderate acute pain from a surgical procedure or an acute painful condition were treated with Diclofenac Potassium Capsules 25 mg up to four times a day, for 4 days. Seventy-six (76) pediatric patients who underwent insertion of either orthodontic separators or arch wires were treated with a single-dose of either Diclofenac Potassium Capsules 25 mg or Diclofenac Potassium Capsules 50 mg after completion of the procedure. The most common adverse reactions in the multiple-dose studies were nausea (14.3%), headache (10.2%), constipation (8.2%), abdominal pain (4.1%), vomiting (4.1%), dizziness (4.1%), back pain (4.1%), and musculoskeletal pain (4.1%). Table 1 Incidence of Treatment Emergent Adverse Reactions with Incidence ≥ 1% of Diclofenac Potassium Capsules Treated Patients in Multiple-Dose Studies MedDRA System Organ Class and Preferred Term Diclofenac Potassium Capsules * 25 mg n=345 n (%) Placebo* n=327 n (%) Any Adverse Events 144 (41.7) 181 (55.4) Nausea 57 (16.5) 66 (20.2) Headache 43 (12.5) 56 (17.1) Abdominal Pain 24 (7.0) 11 (3.4) Vomiting 20 (5.8) 17 (5.2) Dizziness 12 (3.5) 66 (20.2) Constipation 11 (3.2) 9 (2.8) Somnolence 9 (2.6) 6 (1.8) Diarrhea 8 (2.3) 9 (2.8) Pruitus 5 (1.4) 6 (1.8) Dyspepsia 4 (1.2) 8 (2.4) Sweating Increase 4 (1.2) 2 (0.6) *There was greater use of concomitant opioid rescue medication in placebo treated patients than in Diclofenac Potassium Capsules treated patients In patients taking other NSAIDs, the most frequently reported adverse experiences occurring in approximately 1% to 10% of patients are: Gastrointestinal experiences including: abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, gross bleeding/perforation, heartburn, nausea, GI ulcers (gastric/duodenal) and vomiting. Abnormal renal function, anemia, dizziness, edema, elevated liver enzymes, headaches, increased bleeding time, pruritus, rashes, and tinnitus. Additional adverse experiences reported in patient…