EXXUA Delayed release tablet Ref.[107407] Active ingredients: Gepirone

5.1 Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Adolescents and Young Adults

In pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressant classes) that included approximately 77,000 adult patients, and 4,500 pediatric patients, the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in antidepressant-treated patients aged 24 years and younger was greater than in placebo-treated patients.

There was considerable variation in risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among drugs, but there was an increased risk identified in young patients for most drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors across the different indications, with the highest incidence in patients with MDD. The drug-placebo differences in the number of cases of suicidal thoughts and behaviors per 1000 patients treated are provided in Table 1.

Table 1. Risk Differences of the Number of Patients with Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of Antidepressants in Pediatric* and Adult Patients:

^* EXXUA is not approved for use in pediatric patients.

It is unknown whether the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond four months. However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with MDD that the use of antidepressants can delay the recurrence of depression and that depression itself is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially during the initial few months of drug therapy, and at times of dosage changes. Counsel family members or caregivers of patients to monitor for changes in behavior and to alert the healthcare provider. Consider changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing EXXUA, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

5.2 QT Prolongation

EXXUA prolongs the QTc interval [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

EXXUA is contraindicated in patients with congenital long QT syndrome and in patients with severe hepatic impairment or in patients receiving concomitant strong CYP3A4 inhibitors as they increase EXXUA plasma concentrations [see Contraindications (4), Drug Interactions (7), and Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].

Do not initiate EXXUA if QTc is >450 msec at baseline [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Contraindications (4)].

Correct electrolyte abnormalities prior to EXXUA initiation. In patients with electrolyte abnormalities, who are receiving diuretics or glucocorticoids, or have a history or hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, also monitor electrolytes during dose titration and periodically during treatment with EXXUA.

Perform an ECG prior to EXXUA initiation, during dosage titration, and periodically during treatment.

Monitor patients with ECGs more frequently.

• If EXXUA is used concomitantly with drugs known to prolong the QT interval [see Drug Interactions (7)].
• In patients who develop QTc ≥450 msec during treatment with EXXUA. Do not escalate the EXXUA dosage if QTcF is >450 msec [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
• In patients with a significant risk of developing torsade de pointes, including those with uncontrolled or significant cardiac disease, recent myocardial infarction, heart failure, unstable angina, bradyarrhythmias, uncontrolled hypertension, high degree atrioventricular block, severe aortic stenosis, or uncontrolled hypothyroidism.

Reduce the EXXUA dosage when used concomitantly with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, as they may increase EXXUA concentrations [see Dosage and Administration (2.7) and Drug Interactions (7)].

5.3 Serotonin Syndrome

Concomitant use of EXXUA with SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants may cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition with changes including altered mental status, hypertension, restlessness, myoclonus, hyperthermia, hyperreflexia, diaphoresis, shivering, and tremor [see Drug Interactions (7)].

The concomitant use of EXXUA with MAOIs is contraindicated. In addition, do not initiate EXXUA in a patient being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. If it is necessary to initiate treatment with an MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue in a patient taking EXXUA discontinue EXXUA before initiating treatment with the MAOI [see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7)].

If concomitant use of EXXUA with other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome and monitor for symptoms. Discontinue EXXUA and/or concomitant serotonergic drug immediately if the above symptoms occur and initiate supportive symptomatic treatment.

5.4 Activation of Mania/Hypomania

Antidepressant treatment can precipitate a manic, mixed, or hypomanic manic episode. The risk appears to be increased in patients with bipolar disorder or who have risk factors for bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating treatment with EXXUA, screen patients for a history of bipolar disorder and the presence of risk factors for bipolar disorder (e.g., family history of bipolar disorder, suicide, or depression) [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. EXXUA is not approved for use in treating bipolar depression.

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling:

• Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Adolescents and Young Adults [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
• QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• Activation of Mania or Hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]

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.

During premarketing assessment, multiple doses of EXXUA were administered to 1,976 adult patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) in controlled phase 2 and 3 clinical studies, including 1,639 patients in placebo-controlled phase 2 and 3 trials in MDD, with 237 patients exposed for over six months. The population treated with EXXUA in the pooled placebo-controlled studies ranged from 15 to 78 years of age, was 34% male and 66% female, and was 80% Caucasian, 11% Black, and 9% other race.

The adverse reaction data below are based on two placebo-controlled, flexible-dose, clinical studies (Study 1, Study 2) in which either EXXUA 18.2 mg to 72.6 mg (n=226) or placebo (n=230) was administered to adult patients with MDD during an 8-week double-blind treatment period [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Study 1 had a median age of 39 years and were 61% female, 73% Caucasian, 9% Black, 2% Asian, and 16% Other (Hispanic or Native American). Study 2 had a median age of 39 years and were 69% female, 65% Caucasian, 23% Black, 1% Asian, and 11% Hispanic.

In Study 1 and Study 2, 7% (15/226) of patients treated with EXXUA and 3% (6/230) of patients receiving placebo discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction. The most common reactions leading to discontinuation for patients taking EXXUA were dizziness and nausea.

The most common adverse reactions (≥ 5% and twice the incidence of placebo) in EXXUA-treated patients were dizziness, nausea, insomnia, abdominal pain, and dyspepsia.

Table 2 presents the adverse reactions that occurred at an incidence of ≥ 2% of patients treated with EXXUA and at a higher incidence than in the placebo-treated patients.

Table 2. Adverse Reactions that Occurred in ≥ 2% of Patients Treated with EXXUA and Greater than the Incidence in Placebo-Treated Patients in Pooled MDD Studies (Study 1 and Study 2):

^* The following terms were combined:
Dizziness=Lightheadedness, Dizziness, Dizziness Postural.
Headache=Headache, Sinus Headache, Tension Headache.
Feeling Sleepy or Tired=Fatigue, Sedation, Somnolence.
Insomnia=Initial Insomnia, Insomnia, Middle Insomnia, Terminal Insomnia.
Abdominal Pain=Abdominal Discomfort, Abdominal Pain, Abdominal Pain Upper.

Other Adverse Reactions Observed in Clinical Studies

The following is a list of adverse reactions that occurred at an incidence of < 2% in MDD patients treated with EXXUA and at least greater than placebo in Study 1 and Study 2: breast tenderness, confusional state, dyspnea, edema peripheral energy increased, feeling abnormal, hypoesthesia, poor quality sleep, and thinking abnormal.

Additional Adverse Reaction Observed in Clinical Studies

Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, pruritus, and urticaria were reported in clinical studies with EXXUA.

Table 3 displays clinically important drug interactions with EXXUA.

Table 3. Clinically Important Drug Interactions with EXXUA:

Pregnancy Exposure Registry

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants, including EXXUA, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-866-961-2388 or visiting online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/.

Risk Summary

Based on animal reproduction studies, gepirone has been shown to have adverse effects on embryo/fetal and postnatal development. In rats, increased mortality during the first 4 days after birth and persistent reduction in body weight through lactation and weaning were observed at all doses and increased still births were seen with a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) at 3 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) on a mg/m² basis. In embryofetal development studies in rats and rabbits, decreased embryofetal growth, body weights and lengths, with accompanying skeletal variations were seen with a NOAEL at 9 and 12 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis, respectively (see Data). There are insufficient clinical data on gepirone use during pregnancy to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are clinical considerations regarding neonates exposed to serotonergic antidepressants during the third trimester of pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations and Data). There are risks associated with untreated depression during pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations). Consider if the risks outweigh the benefits of treatment with gepirone during pregnancy.

The background risk of major birth defects and 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 Embryofetal Risk

Women who discontinue antidepressants during pregnancy are more likely to experience a relapse of major depression than women who continue antidepressants. This finding is from a prospective, longitudinal study of 201 pregnant women with a history of major depressive disorder who were euthymic and taking antidepressants at the beginning of pregnancy. Consider the risk of untreated depression when discontinuing or changing treatment with antidepressant medication during pregnancy and postpartum.

Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions

Neonates exposed to other serotonergic antidepressants in the third trimester have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Complications can arise immediately upon delivery. Reported clinical findings have included respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, tremors, jitteriness, irritability, and constant crying. These findings are consistent with either a direct toxic effect of SSRIs or possibly a drug discontinuation syndrome. It should be noted that, in some cases, the clinical picture is consistent with serotonin syndrome [See Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Data

Human Data

Exposure during late pregnancy to serotonergic antidepressants may have an increased risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). PPHN occurs in 1-2 per 1,000 live births in the general population and is associated with substantial neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Animal Data

In embryofetal development studies, oral administration of gepirone to pregnant rats (75, 150, and 300 mg/kg) or pregnant rabbits (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) during the period of organogenesis resulted in decreased embryofetal growth, body weights and lengths, with accompanying skeletal variations at mid and high doses; the mid doses are 18 and 24 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis in rats and rabbits, respectively. No malformations were seen in these studies. The developmental NOAEL was 9 and 12 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis in rats and rabbits, respectively.

When pregnant rats were treated with gepirone (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) from late gestation through weaning, decreased birth weights were seen at mid and high doses; the mid dose is twice the MRHD. Increased offspring mortality during the first 4 days after birth and persistent reduction in body weight were observed at all doses; the lowest dose is approximately equal to the MRHD on a mg/m² basis. The no-effect dose for fetal effects was not determined in this study.

When gepirone was administered orally to male and female rats prior to and throughout mating, gestation, and lactation at doses of 5, 27, 64, and 150 mg/kg/day. Increased still births were seen at ≥64 mg/kg. Early postnatal mortality was increased at 150 mg/kg (18 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis). The NOAEL (27 mg/kg) for still births was associated with a maternal dose 3 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis. Fetal weights were decreased at 27 mg/kg (3 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis) and fetal lengths were decreased at 64 mg/kg (8 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis) and above. Pup weights were decreased at birth, throughout lactation and weaning, and until at least 14 weeks of age, with delays of some developmental landmarks, at 64 mg/kg and above. The NOAEL for growth and development (5 mg/kg) was associated with a maternal dose below the MRHD on a mg/m² basis.

Risk Summary

There are no data on the presence of gepirone in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Gepirone is present in rat milk. When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk. There are reports of breastfed infants exposed to other serotonergic antidepressants experiencing irritability, restlessness, excessive somnolence, decreased feeding, and weight loss (see Clinical Considerations). The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for EXXUA and any adverse effects on the breastfed infant from EXXUA or from the underlying maternal condition.

Clinical Considerations

Monitor breastfeeding infants for adverse reactions, such as irritability, restlessness, excessive somnolence, decreased feeding, and weight loss.

The safety and effectiveness of EXXUA in pediatric patients have not been established for the treatment of MDD.

Efficacy was not demonstrated in two 8-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trials in 426 pediatric patients 7 to 17 years of age with MDD. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from double-blind baseline to Week 8 on the Children’s Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R) measure. The effect of treatment with EXXUA was not significantly different from placebo. In the pediatric trial patients, there was a higher occurrence of vomiting in pediatric patients (13%) compared adults (6.6%).

Antidepressants, such as EXXUA, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data

In a juvenile animal study, male and female rats were treated with gepirone once daily with oral doses of 0, 10, 40, and 70 mg/kg, from postnatal day 14 to 42. Increased motor activity and impaired performance in the Morris water maze were observed at 40 and 70 mg/kg after a two-week recovery period. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for the neurobehavioral development effect was 10 mg/kg. When the animals were mated after a 3-week recovery period, increased pre-implantation loss was observed for mated pairs treated with 70 mg/kg. The NOAEL for this finding was 40 mg/kg/day.

Of the 1,639 patients exposed to EXXUA in placebo-controlled clinical studies of MDD, 0.7% (12 patients) were 65 years of age or older and 0.2% (3 patients) were 75 years or older.

Geriatric patients (65 to 81 years of age) had higher EXXUA AUC and C_max values than younger adult (18 to 40 years of age) patients [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The maximum recommended daily dosage of EXXUA in geriatric patients is lower than in younger adult patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].

In patients with creatinine clearance <50 mL/min, the metabolism and excretion of EXXUA and some of its major metabolites were decreased [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The maximum recommended daily dosage of EXXUA in patients with a creatinine clearance <50 mL/min is lower than in patients with normal renal function [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)]. The recommended dosage in patients with a creatinine clearance ≥50 mL/min is the same as in patients with normal renal function [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

In patients with mild (Child-Pugh A) hepatic impairment to moderate (Child-Pugh B) hepatic impairment, the metabolism of EXXUA and its major metabolites was decreased [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The maximum recommended dosage of EXXUA in patients with moderate hepatic impairment is lower than in patients with normal hepatic function [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)]. The recommended dosage in patients with mild hepatic impairment is the same as in patients with normal hepatic function.

EXXUA is contraindicated in patients with severe (Child- Pugh C) hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].