Other nervous system drugs

Riluzole

Approved 9 Dec 2019OralTablet

The FDA lists this product in 9 strengths and forms.

Indications

Riluzole tablets is indicated for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Riluzole tablets is indicated for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) ( 1 )

Contraindications

Riluzole tablets is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions to riluzole or to any of its components (anaphylaxis has occurred) [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions to riluzole tablets or to any of its components ( 4 )

Warnings and precautions

Hepatic injury: Use of riluzole tablets is not recommended in patients with baseline elevations of serum aminotransferases greater than 5 times upper limit of normal; discontinue Riluzole tablets if there is evidence of liver dysfunction ( 5.1 ) Neutropenia: Advise patients to report any febrile illness ( 5.2 ) Interstitial lung disease: Discontinue Riluzole tablets if interstitial lung disease develops ( 5.3 )

5.1Hepatic Injury Cases

of drug-induced liver injury, some of which were fatal, have been reported in patients taking riluzole tablets. Asymptomatic elevations of hepatic transaminases have also been reported, and in some patients have recurred upon rechallenge with riluzole tablets. In clinical studies, the incidence of elevations in hepatic transaminases was greater in riluzole-treated patients than placebo-treated patients. The incidence of elevations of ALT above 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) was 2% in riluzole -treated patients.

Maximum increases in ALT occurred within 3 months after starting riluzole tablets. About 50% and 8% of riluzole-treated patients in pooled Studies 1 and 2, had at least one elevated ALT level above ULN and above 3 times ULN, respectively [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hepatic injury, every month for the first 3 months of treatment, and periodically thereafter. The use of riluzole tablets is not recommended if patients develop hepatic transaminases levels greater than 5 times the ULN.

Discontinue riluzole tablets if there is evidence of liver dysfunction (e.g., elevated bilirubin).

5.2Neutropenia Cases

of severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count less than 500 per mm 3 ) within the first 2 months of riluzole treatment have been reported. Advise patients to report febrile illnesses.

At a glance

Brand name: Riluzole
Drug class: Other nervous system drugs
Route: Oral
Dosage form: Tablet
Applicant: Kenton
Status: Prescription
FDA approval: 9 Dec 2019
Application: ANDA206045-001
RxCUI: 35623

Contraindications

Warnings and precautions

5.1Hepatic Injury Cases

Discontinue riluzole tablets if there is evidence of liver dysfunction (e.g., elevated bilirubin).

5.2Neutropenia Cases

of severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count less than 500 per mm 3 ) within the first 2 months of riluzole treatment have been reported. Advise patients to report febrile illnesses.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary

There are no studies of riluzole in pregnant women, and case reports have been inadequate to inform the drug-associated risk. The background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. In studies in which riluzole was administered orally to pregnant animals, developmental toxicity (decreased embryofetal/offspring viability, growth, and functional development) was observed at clinically relevant doses [see Data] .

Based on these results, women should be advised of a possible risk to the fetus associated with use of riluzole during pregnancy. Data Animal Data Oral administration of riluzole (3, 9, or 27 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis resulted in decreases in fetal growth (body weight and length) at the high dose. The mid dose, a no-effect dose for embryofetal developmental toxicity, is approximately equal to the recommended human daily dose (RHDD, 100 mg) on a mg/m 2 basis.

When riluzole was administered orally (3, 10, or 60 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis, embryofetal mortality was increased at the high dose and fetal body weight was decreased and morphological variations increased at all but the lowest dose tested. The no-effect dose (3 mg/kg/day) for embryofetal developmental toxicity is less than the RHDD on a mg/m 2 basis. Maternal toxicity was observed at the highest dose tested in rat and rabbit.

When riluzole was orally administered (3, 8, or 15 mg/kg/day) to male and female rats prior to and during mating and to female rats throughout gestation and lactation, increased embryofetal mortality and decreased postnatal offspring viability, growth, and functional development were observed at the high dose. The mid dose, a no-effect dose for pre-and postnatal developmental toxicity, is approximately equal to the RHDD on a mg/m 2 basis.

Adverse reactions

The following adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Hepatic Injury [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Interstitial lung disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 5% and greater than placebo) were asthenia, nausea, dizziness, decreased lung function, and abdominal pain ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AvKARE at 1-855-361-3993 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1Clinical 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. Adverse Reactions in Controlled Clinical Trials In the placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with ALS (Study 1 and 2), a total of 313 patients received riluzole tablets 50 mg twice daily [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] .

The most common adverse reactions in the riluzole group (in at least 5% of patients and more frequently than in the placebo group) were asthenia, nausea, dizziness, decreased lung function, and abdominal pain. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in the riluzole group were nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and elevated ALT. There was no difference in rates of adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in females and males.

However, the incidence of dizziness was higher in females (11%) than in males (4%). The adverse reaction profile was similar in older and younger patients. There were insufficient data to determine if there were differences in the adverse reaction profile in different races. Table 1 lists adverse reactions that occurred in at least 2% of riluzole-treated patients (50 mg twice daily) in pooled Study 1 and 2, and at a higher rate than placebo.

Table 1. Adverse Reactions in Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials (Studies 1 and 2) in Patients with ALS table1

6.2Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of riluzole tablets. 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. Acute hepatitis and icteric toxic hepatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Renal tubular impairment Pancreatitis To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS contact AvKARE at 1-855-361-3993; email drugsafety@avkare.com; or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Riluzole

Indications

Contraindications

Warnings and precautions

5.1Hepatic Injury Cases

5.2Neutropenia Cases

At a glance

Two medicines in one question?

Riluzole

Indications

Contraindications

Warnings and precautions

5.1Hepatic Injury Cases

5.2Neutropenia Cases

At a glance

Two medicines in one question?

5.3Interstitial Lung Disease

Interactions

7.3Hepatotoxic Drugs

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary

Adverse reactions

6.1Clinical Trials Experience

6.2Postmarketing Experience

Composition

Strengths and forms

Official product information