Source: FDA, National Drug Code (US) Revision Year: 2021
RYBELSUS is contraindicated in patients with:
In mice and rats, semaglutide caused a dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent increase in the incidence of thyroid C-cell tumors (adenomas and carcinomas) after lifetime exposure at clinically relevant plasma exposures [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. It is unknown whether RYBELSUS causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined.
Cases of MTC in patients treated with liraglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist, have been reported in the postmarketing period; the data in these reports are insufficient to establish or exclude a causal relationship between MTC and GLP-1 receptor agonist use in humans.
RYBELSUS is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2. Counsel patients regarding the potential risk for MTC with the use of RYBELSUS and inform them of symptoms of thyroid tumors (e.g., a mass in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness).
Routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or using thyroid ultrasound is of uncertain value for early detection of MTC in patients treated with RYBELSUS. Such monitoring may increase the risk of unnecessary procedures, due to the low test specificity for serum calcitonin and a high background incidence of thyroid disease. Significantly elevated serum calcitonin value may indicate MTC and patients with MTC usually have calcitonin values >50 ng/L. If serum calcitonin is measured and found to be elevated, the patient should be further evaluated. Patients with thyroid nodules noted on physical examination or neck imaging should also be further evaluated.
In glycemic control trials, pancreatitis was reported as a serious adverse event in 6 RYBELSUS-treated patients (0.1 events per 100 patient years) versus 1 in comparator-treated patients (<0.1 events per 100 patient years).
After initiation of RYBELSUS, observe patients carefully for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis (including persistent severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back and which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting). If pancreatitis is suspected, RYBELSUS should be discontinued and appropriate management initiated; if confirmed, RYBELSUS should not be restarted.
In a pooled analysis of glycemic control trials with RYBELSUS, patients reported diabetic retinopathy related adverse reactions during the trial (4.2% with RYBELSUS and 3.8% with comparator).
In a 2-year cardiovascular outcomes trial with semaglutide injection involving patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk, diabetic retinopathy complications (which was a 4 component adjudicated endpoint) occurred in patients treated with semaglutide injection (3.0%) compared to placebo (1.8%). The absolute risk increase for diabetic retinopathy complications was larger among patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy at baseline (semaglutide injection 8.2%, placebo 5.2%) than among patients without a known history of diabetic retinopathy (semaglutide injection 0.7%, placebo 0.4%).
Rapid improvement in glucose control has been associated with a temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy. The effect of long-term glycemic control with semaglutide on diabetic retinopathy complications has not been studied. Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy should be monitored for progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Patients receiving RYBELSUS in combination with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Drug Interactions (7)].
The risk of hypoglycemia may be lowered by a reduction in the dose of sulfonylurea (or other concomitantly administered insulin secretagogue) or insulin. Inform patients using these concomitant medications of the risk of hypoglycemia and educate them on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.
There have been postmarketing reports of acute kidney injury and worsening of chronic renal failure, which may sometimes require hemodialysis, in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide. Some of these events have been reported in patients without known underlying renal disease. A majority of the reported events occurred in patients who had experienced nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration. Monitor renal function when initiating or escalating doses of RYBELSUS in patients reporting severe adverse gastrointestinal reactions.
Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema) have been reported in patients treated with RYBELSUS. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue use of RYBELSUS; treat promptly per standard of care, and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. Do not use in patients with a previous hypersensitivity to RYBELSUS [see Contraindications (4) and Adverse Reactions (6.3)].
Anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Use caution in a patient with a history of angioedema or anaphylaxis with another GLP-1 receptor agonist because it is unknown whether such patients will be predisposed to anaphylaxis with RYBELSUS.
The following serious adverse reactions are described below or elsewhere in the prescribing information:
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 data in Table 1 are derived from 2 placebo-controlled trials in patients with type 2 diabetes [see Clinical Studies (14)]. These data reflect exposure of 1071 patients to RYBELSUS with a mean duration of exposure of 41.8 weeks. The mean age of patients was 58 years, 3.9% were 75 years or older and 52% were male. In these trials, 63% were White, 6% were Black or African American, and 27% were Asian; 19% identified as Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. At baseline, patients had type 2 diabetes for an average of 9.4 years and had a mean HbA1c of 8.1%. At baseline, 20.1% of the population reported retinopathy. Baseline estimated renal function was normal (eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73m²) in 66.2%, mildly impaired (eGFR 60 to 90 mL/min/1.73m²) in 32.4% and moderately impaired (eGFR 30 to 60 mL/min/1.73m²) in 1.4% of patients.
The occurrence of adverse reactions was also evaluated in a larger pool of patients with type 2 diabetes participating in 9 placebo- and active-controlled trials [see Clinical Studies (14)]. In this pool, 4116 patients with type 2 diabetes were treated with RYBELSUS for a mean duration of 59.8 weeks. The mean age of patients was 58 years, 5% were 75 years or older and 55% were male. In these trials, 65% were White, 6% were Black or African American, and 24% were Asian; 15% identified as Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. At baseline, patients had type 2 diabetes for an average of 8.8 years and had a mean HbA1c of 8.2%. At baseline, 16.6% of the population reported retinopathy. Baseline estimated renal function was normal (eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73m²) in 65.9%, mildly impaired (eGFR 60 to 90 mL/min/1.73m²) in 28.5%, and moderately impaired (eGFR 30 to 60 mL/min/1.73m²) in 5.4% of the patients.
Table 1 shows common adverse reactions, excluding hypoglycemia, associated with the use of RYBELSUS in the pool of placebo-controlled trials. These adverse reactions occurred more commonly on RYBELSUS than on placebo and occurred in at least 5% of patients treated with RYBELSUS.
Table 1. Adverse Reactions in Placebo-Controlled Trials Reported in ≥5% of RYBELSUS-Treated Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus:
| Adverse Reaction | Placebo (N=362) % | RYBELSUS 7 mg (N=356) % | RYBELSUS 14 mg (N=356) % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 6 | 11 | 20 |
| Abdominal Pain | 4 | 10 | 11 |
| Diarrhea | 4 | 9 | 10 |
| Decreased appetite | 1 | 6 | 9 |
| Vomiting | 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Constipation | 2 | 6 | 5 |
In the pool of placebo- and active-controlled trials, the types and frequency of common adverse reactions, excluding hypoglycemia, were similar to those listed in Table 1.
In the pool of placebo-controlled trials, gastrointestinal adverse reactions occurred more frequently among patients receiving RYBELSUS than placebo (placebo 21%, RYBELSUS 7 mg 32%, RYBELSUS 14 mg 41%). The majority of reports of nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea occurred during dose escalation. More patients receiving RYBELSUS 7 mg (4%) and RYBELSUS 14 mg (8%) discontinued treatment due to gastrointestinal adverse reactions than patients receiving placebo (1%).
In addition to the reactions in Table 1, the following gastrointestinal adverse reactions with a frequency of <5% were associated with RYBELSUS (frequencies listed, respectively, as placebo; 7 mg; 14 mg): abdominal distension (1%, 2%, 3%), dyspepsia (0.6%, 3%, 0.6%), eructation (0%, 0.6%, 2%), flatulence (0%, 2%, 1%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (0.3%, 2%, 2%), and gastritis (0.8%, 2%, 2%).
Table 2 summarizes the incidence of hypoglycemia by various definitions in the placebo-controlled trials.
Table 2. Hypoglycemia Adverse Reactions in Placebo-Controlled Trials In Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus:
| Placebo | RYBELSUS 7 mg | RYBELSUS 14 mg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monotherapy | |||
| (26 weeks) | N=178 | N=175 | N=175 |
| Severe* | 0% | 1% | 0% |
| Plasma glucose<54 mg/dL | 1% | 0% | 0% |
| Add-on to metformin and/or sulfonylurea, basal insulin alone or metformin in combination with basal insulin in patients with moderate renal impairment | |||
| (26 weeks) | N=161 | - | N=163 |
| Severe* | 0% | - | 0% |
| Plasma glucose<54 mg/dL | 3% | - | 6% |
| Add-on to insulin with or without metformin | |||
| (52 weeks) | N=184 | N=181 | N=181 |
| Severe* | 1% | 0% | 1% |
| Plasma glucose <54 mg/dL | 32% | 26% | 30% |
* “Severe” hypoglycemia adverse reactions are episodes requiring the assistance of another person.
Hypoglycemia was more frequent when RYBELSUS was used in combination with insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas) or insulin.
In placebo-controlled trials, patients exposed to RYBELSUS 7 mg and 14 mg had a mean increase from baseline in amylase of 10% and 13%, respectively, and lipase of 30% and 34%, respectively. These changes were not observed in placebo-treated patients.
In placebo-controlled trials, cholelithiasis was reported in 1% of patients treated with RYBELSUS 7 mg. Cholelithiasis was not reported in RYBELSUS 14 mg or placebo-treated patients.
In placebo-controlled trials, RYBELSUS 7 mg and 14 mg resulted in a mean increase in heart rate of 1 to 3 beats per minute. There was no change in heart rate in placebo-treated patients.
Consistent with the potentially immunogenic properties of protein and peptide pharmaceuticals, patients treated with RYBELSUS may develop anti-semaglutide antibodies. The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, the incidence of antibodies to semaglutide in the studies described below cannot be directly compared with the incidence of antibodies in other studies or to other products.
Across the placebo- and active-controlled glycemic control trials with antibody measurements, 14 (0.5%) RYBELSUS-treated patients developed anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) to the active ingredient in RYBELSUS (i.e., semaglutide). Of the 14 semaglutide-treated patients that developed semaglutide ADAs, 7 patients (0.2% of the overall population) developed antibodies cross-reacting with native GLP-1. The neutralizing activity of the antibodies is uncertain at this time.
The following adverse reactions have been reported during post-approval use of semaglutide, the active ingredient of RYBELSUS. 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.
Hypersensitivity: anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash, urticaria
When initiating RYBELSUS, consider reducing the dose of concomitantly administered insulin secretagogue (such as sulfonylureas) or insulin to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
RYBELSUS causes a delay of gastric emptying, and thereby has the potential to impact the absorption of other oral medications. Levothyroxine exposure was increased 33% (90% CI: 125-142) when administered with RYBELSUS in a drug interaction study.
When coadministering oral medications instruct patients to closely follow RYBELSUS administration instructions. Consider increased clinical or laboratory monitoring for medications that have a narrow therapeutic index or that require clinical monitoring [see Dosage and Administration (2)].
Available data with RYBELSUS use in pregnant women are insufficient to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are clinical considerations regarding the risks of poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations). Based on animal reproduction studies, there may be potential risks to the fetus from exposure to RYBELSUS during pregnancy. RYBELSUS should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
In pregnant rats administered semaglutide during organogenesis, embryofetal mortality, structural abnormalities and alterations to growth occurred at maternal exposures below the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) based on AUC. In rabbits and cynomolgus monkeys administered semaglutide during organogenesis, early pregnancy losses and structural abnormalities were observed at exposure below the MRHD (rabbit) and ≥10-fold the MRHD (monkey). These findings coincided with a marked maternal body weight loss in both animal species (see Data).
The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6–10% in women with pre-gestational diabetes with an HbA1c >7 and has been reported to be as high as 20–25% in women with a HbA1c >10. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, pre- eclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia related morbidity.
In a combined fertility and embryofetal development study in rats, subcutaneous doses of 0.01, 0.03 and 0.09 mg/kg/day (0.2-, 0.7-, and 2.1-fold the MRHD) were administered to males for 4 weeks prior to and throughout mating and to females for 2 weeks prior to mating, and throughout organogenesis to Gestation Day 17. In parental animals, pharmacologically mediated reductions in body weight gain and food consumption were observed at all dose levels. In the offspring, reduced growth and fetuses with visceral (heart blood vessels) and skeletal (cranial bones, vertebra, ribs) abnormalities were observed at the human exposure.
In an embryofetal development study in pregnant rabbits, subcutaneous doses of 0.0010, 0.0025 or 0.0075 mg/kg/day (0.06-, 0.6-, and 4.4-fold the MRHD) were administered throughout organogenesis from Gestation Day 6 to 19. Pharmacologically mediated reductions in maternal body weight gain and food consumption were observed at all dose levels. Early pregnancy losses and increased incidences of minor visceral (kidney, liver) and skeletal (sternebra) fetal abnormalities were observed at ≥0.0025 mg/kg/day, at clinically relevant exposures.
In an embryofetal development study in pregnant cynomolgus monkeys, subcutaneous doses of 0.015, 0.075, and 0.15 mg/kg twice weekly (1.9-, 9.9-, and 29-fold the MRHD) were administered throughout organogenesis, from Gestation Day 16 to 50. Pharmacologically mediated, marked initial maternal body weight loss and reductions in body weight gain and food consumption coincided with the occurrence of sporadic abnormalities (vertebra, sternebra, ribs) at ≥0.075 mg/kg twice weekly (≥9X human exposure).
In a pre- and postnatal development study in pregnant cynomolgus monkeys, subcutaneous doses of 0.015, 0.075, and 0.15 mg/kg twice weekly (1.3-, 6.4-, and 14-fold the MRHD) were administered from Gestation Day 16 to 140. Pharmacologically mediated marked initial maternal body weight loss and reductions in body weight gain and food consumption coincided with an increase in early pregnancy losses and led to delivery of slightly smaller offspring at ≥0.075 mg/kg twice weekly (≥6X human exposure).
Salcaprozate sodium (SNAC), an absorption enhancer in RYBELSUS, crosses the placenta and reaches fetal tissues in rats. In a pre- and postnatal development study in pregnant Sprague Dawley rats, SNAC was administered orally at 1,000 mg/kg/day (exposure levels were not measured) on Gestation Day 7 through lactation day 20. An increase in gestation length, an increase in the number of stillbirths and a decrease in pup viability were observed.
There are no data on the presence of semaglutide in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Semaglutide was present in the milk of lactating rats. SNAC and/or its metabolites concentrated in the milk of lactating rats. When a substance is present in animal milk, it is likely that the substance will be present in human milk (see Data). There are no data on the presence of SNAC in human milk. Since the activity of UGT2B7, an enzyme involved in SNAC clearance, is lower in infants compared to adults, higher SNAC plasma levels may occur in neonates and infants. Because of the unknown potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed infant due to the possible accumulation of SNAC from breastfeeding and because there are alternative formulations of semaglutide that can be used during lactation, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with RYBELSUS.
In lactating rats, semaglutide was detected in milk at levels 3-12 fold lower than in maternal plasma. SNAC and/or its metabolites were detected in milk of lactating rats following a single maternal administration on lactation day 10. Mean levels of SNAC and/or its metabolites in milk were approximately 2-12 fold higher than in maternal plasma.
Discontinue RYBELSUS in women at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy due to the long washout period for semaglutide [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Safety and efficacy of RYBELSUS have not been established in pediatric patients (younger than 18 years).
In the pool of glycemic control trials, 1229 (29.9%) RYBELSUS-treated patients were 65 years of age and over and 199 (4.8%) RYBELSUS-treated patients were 75 years of age and over. In PIONEER 6, the cardiovascular outcomes trial, 891 (56.0%) RYBELSUS-treated patients were 65 years of age and over and 200 (12.6%) RYBELSUS-treated patients were 75 years of age and over.
No overall differences in safety or efficacy were detected between these patients and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
The safety and efficacy of RYBELSUS was evaluated in a 26-week clinical study that included 324 patients with moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73m²) [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. In patients with renal impairment including end-stage renal disease (ESRD), no clinically relevant change in semaglutide pharmacokinetics (PK) was observed [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
No dose adjustment of RYBELSUS is recommended for patients with renal impairment.
In a study in subjects with different degrees of hepatic impairment, no clinically relevant change in semaglutide pharmacokinetics (PK) was observed [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
No dose adjustment of RYBELSUS is recommended for patients with hepatic impairment.
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