Benzhydrocodone And Acetaminophen

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Apadaz

Brand Names: Apadaz
Route: ORAL
Dosage Form: TABLET
Product Type: HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)

WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF APADAZ Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because the use of APADAZ exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of APADAZ, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of APADAZ are essential [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Accidental Ingestion Accidental ingestion of even one dose of APADAZ, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of hydrocodone [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of APADAZ and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) If opioid use is required for an extended period of time in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of NOWS, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . Opioid Analgesic Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to complete a REMS-compliant education program and to counsel patients and caregivers on serious risks, safe use, and the importance of reading the Medication Guide with each prescription [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] . Cytochrome P450 3A4 Interaction The concomitant use of APADAZ with all cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors may result in an increase in hydrocodone plasma concentrations, which could increase or prolong adverse reactions and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression. In addition, discontinuation of a concomitantly used cytochrome P450 3A4 inducer may result in an increase in hydrocodone plasma concentration. Regularly evaluate patients receiving APADAZ and any CYP3A4 inhibitor or inducer [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Hepatotoxicity APADAZ contains acetaminophen. Acetaminophen has been associated with cases of acute liver failure, at times resulting in liver transplant and death. Most of the cases of liver injury are associated with the use of acetaminophen at doses that exceed 4000 milligrams per day, and often involve more than one acetaminophen-containing product [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF APADAZ See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. APADAZ exposes users to risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Assess patient’s risk before prescribing and reassess regularly for these behaviors and conditions. ( 5.1 ) Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur. Monitor closely, especially upon initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of APADAZ are essential. ( 5.3 ) Accidental ingestion of APADAZ, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of hydrocodone. ( 5.3 ) Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. ( 5.7 , 7 ) If opioid use is required for an extended period of time in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery. ( 5.4 ) Healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to complete a REMS-compliant education program and to counsel patients and caregivers on serious risks, safe use, and the importance of reading the Medication Guide with each prescription. ( 5.2 ) Concomitant use with CYP3A4 inhibitors (or discontinuation of CYP3A4 inducers) can result in a fatal overdose of hydrocodone from APADAZ. ( 5.5 , 7 , 12.3 ) APADAZ contains acetaminophen. Acetaminophen has been associated with cases of acute liver failure, at times resulting in liver transplant and death. Most of the cases of liver injury are associated with the use of acetaminophen at doses that exceed 4000 milligrams per day, and often involve more than one acetaminophen-containing product. ( 5.6 )

Description

11 DESCRIPTION APADAZ (benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen) tablet is an immediate-release, fixed-dose combination of an opioid agonist and acetaminophen. APADAZ tablets are white to off-white, capsule shaped tablets that contain 4.08 mg, 6.12 mg, or 8.16 mg of benzhydrocodone (equivalent to 4.45 mg, 6.67 mg, 8.90 mg benzhydrocodone hydrochloride, respectively) and 325 mg of acetaminophen for oral administration. Benzhydrocodone hydrochloride is a prodrug of hydrocodone. It occurs as a fine white powder and is not affected by light. The chemical name is 6,7-didehydro-4,5α-epoxy-3-methoxy-17- methylmorphinan-6-yl benzoate hydrochloride. The molecular formula is C 25 H 26 ClNO 4 , which corresponds to a molecular weight of 439.93 g/mol. It has the following chemical structure: Acetaminophen, 4’-hydroxyacetanilide, a slightly bitter, white, odorless, crystalline powder, is a non-opiate, non-salicylate analgesic and antipyretic. The molecular formula for acetaminophen is C 8 H 9 NO 2 , which corresponds to a molecular weight of 151.16 g/mol. It has the following structural formula: APADAZ tablets contain 4.08 mg, 6.12 mg, or 8.16 mg of benzhydrocodone (equivalent to 4.45 mg, 6.67 mg, 8.90 mg benzhydrocodone hydrochloride, respectively) and 325 mg of acetaminophen and are white to off-white in color. In addition, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: crospovidone, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, Povidone K30, and stearic acid. benz-structure apap-structure

What Is Benzhydrocodone And Acetaminophen Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE APADAZ is indicated for the short-term (no more than 14 days) management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, which can occur at any dosage or duration [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] reserve APADAZ for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics]: Have not been tolerated or are not expected to be tolerated, Have not provided adequate analgesia or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia. APADAZ should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate. APADAZ is a combination of benzhydrocodone, a prodrug of the opioid agonist hydrocodone, and acetaminophen, and is indicated for the short-term (no more than 14 days) management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use ( 1 ) Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, which can occur at any dosage or duration, reserve APADAZ for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics]: Have not been tolerated or are not expected to be tolerated, Have not provided adequate analgesia or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia APADAZ should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.

Dosage and Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION APADAZ should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. ( 2.1 ) Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals. Reserve titration to higher doses of APADAZ for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks. ( 2.1 , 5 ) Many acute pain conditions (e.g., the pain that occurs with a number of surgical procedures or acute musculoskeletal injuries) require no more than a few days of an opioid analgesic. Clinical guidelines on opioid prescribing for some acute pain conditions are available. ( 2.1 ) Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient’s underlying cause and severity of pain, prior analgesic treatment and response, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse. ( 2.1 , 5.1 ) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy especially when initiating and following dosage increases with APADAZ. Consider this risk when selecting an initial dose and when making dose adjustments. ( 2.1 , 5.2 ) Discuss availability of naloxone with the patient and caregiver and assess each patient’s need for access to naloxone, both when initiating and renewing treatment with APADAZ. Consider prescribing naloxone based on the patient’s risk factors for overdose ( 2.2 , 5.1 , 5.3 , 5.7 ). Initiate treatment with APADAZ at 1 or 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain, and at the lowest dose necessary to achieve adequate analgesia. Titrate the dose based upon the individual patient’s response to their initial dose of APADAZ. Dosage should not exceed 12 tablets in a 24- hour period. ( 2.5 ) See full prescribing information for conversion from hydrocodone bitartrate/acetaminophen. ( 2.4 ) Do not abruptly discontinue APADAZ in a physically-dependent patient because rapid discontinuation of opioid analgesics has resulted in serious withdrawal symptoms, uncontrolled pain, and suicide. ( 2.6 , 5.16 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions APADAZ should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5 )] . Because the risk of overdose increases as opioid doses increase, reserve titration to higher doses of APADAZ for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks. The total dosage of APADAZ and any concomitant acetaminophen-containing products should not exceed 4000 mg of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period. Many acute pain conditions (e.g.,...

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Interactions with Benzodiazepines and other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Severe Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] Serious Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.18 )] Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] Anaphylaxis and Other Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14 )] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.15 )] Withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.16 )] Most common adverse reactions (>5%) are nausea, somnolence, vomiting, constipation, pruritus, dizziness, and headache. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Zevra Therapeutics, Inc. at 1-888-958-1253 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 to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of APADAZ was evaluated in six Phase 1 studies in which a total of 200 healthy adult subjects receive at least one oral dose of APADAZ. The most common AEs (>5%) reported across these studies were: nausea (21.5%), somnolence (18.5%), vomiting (13.0%), constipation (12.0%), pruritus (11.5%), dizziness (7.5%), and headache (6.0%). The following adverse reactions occurred with an incidence of 1% to 5% in single-dose or repeated-dose clinical trials of APADAZ. Gastrointestinal disorder: abdominal distension, abdominal pain, flatulence General disorders and administration site conditions: asthenia Nervous system disorders: presyncope, tremor Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: dyspnea Vascular disorders: hot flush, hypotension Adverse reactions occurring at less than 1% : the following lists clinically relevant adverse reactions that occurred with an incidence of less than 1% in APADAZ clinical trials. Eye disorders: eye pruritus Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, haematemesis General disorders and administration site conditions: chest discomfort Infections and infestations: rhinitis Nervous system disorders: hypoesthesia, syncope Psychiatric disorders: agitation, euphoric mood, nightmare 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of hydrocodone. 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. Serotonin syndrome : Cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported during concomitant use of opioids with serotonergic drugs. Adrenal insufficiency : Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use. Anaphylaxis : Anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in APADAZ. Androgen deficiency : Cases of androgen deficiency have occurred with use of opioids for an extended period of time [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )]. Hyperalgesia and Allodynia : Cases of hyperalgesia and allodynia have been reported with opioid therapy of any duration [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Hypoglycemia : Cases of hypoglycemia have been reported in patients taking opioids. Most reports were in patients...

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 2. Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with APADAZ. CYP3A4 and 2D6 Inhibitors Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of APADAZ and CYP3A4 inhibitors can increase the plasma concentration of hydrocodone, resulting in increased or prolonged opioid effects. These effects could be more pronounced with concomitant use of APADAZ and CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 inhibitors, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of APADAZ is achieved [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] . After stopping a CYP3A4 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, the hydrocodone plasma concentration will decrease [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , resulting in decreased opioid efficacy or a withdrawal syndrome in patients who had developed physical dependence to hydrocodone. Intervention: If concomitant use is necessary, consider dosage reduction of APADAZ until stable drug effects are achieved. Evaluate patients at frequent intervals for respiratory depression and sedation at. If a CYP3A4 inhibitor is discontinued, consider increasing the APADAZ dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Assess for signs of opioid withdrawal. Examples: Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole-antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole), protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir) etc. CYP3A4 Inducers Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of APADAZ and CYP3A4 inducers can decrease the plasma concentration of hydrocodone [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence to hydrocodone [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.16 )] . After stopping a CYP3A4 inducer, as the effects of the inducer decline, the hydrocodone plasma concentration will increase [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , which could increase or prolong both the therapeutic effects and adverse reactions, and may cause serious respiratory depression. Intervention: If concomitant use is necessary, consider increasing the APADAZ dosage until stable drug effects are achieved [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )] . Assess for signs of opioid withdrawal. If a CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, consider APADAZ dosage reduction and evaluate patients at frequent intervals for signs of respiratory depression and sedation. Examples: Rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin etc. Benzodiazepines and Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Clinical Impact: Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, increases the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. Intervention: Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Inform patients and caregivers of this potential interaction and educate them on the signs and symptoms of respiratory depression...

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS APADAZ is contraindicated in patients with: Significant respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14 )] Hypersensitivity to hydrocodone or acetaminophen, or any other component of this product (e.g., anaphylaxis) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] Significant respiratory depression ( 4 ) Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in absence of resuscitative equipment ( 4 ) Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to hydrocodone or acetaminophen ( 4 )

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . There are no available human data on hydrocodone or APADAZ use during pregnancy to inform any drug associated risks. However, neonatal opioid withdrawal and other adverse reactions during pregnancy and labor can occur with use of APADAZ [see Clinical Considerations ] . Published studies with oral acetaminophen use during pregnancy have not reported an association with major congenital malformations. No reproductive or developmental toxicology studies in animals have been conducted with benzhydrocodone or the combination of benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen. Reproductive and developmental studies in rats and mice from the published literature identified adverse events at clinically relevant doses with acetaminophen. Treatment of pregnant rats with doses of acetaminophen approximately equal to the maximum human daily dose (MHDD) showed evidence of fetotoxicity and increases in bone variations in the fetuses. In another study, necrosis was observed in the liver and kidney of both pregnant rats and fetuses at doses approximately equal to the MHDD. In mice and rats treated with acetaminophen at doses within the clinical dosing range, cumulative adverse effects on reproductive capacity were reported. In mice, a reduction in number of litters of the parental mating pair was observed as well as retarded growth, abnormal sperm in their offspring, and reduced birth weight in the next generation. In rats, female fertility was decreased following in utero exposure to acetaminophen [see Data ] . The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population 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...

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE Clinical Presentation Hydrocodone Acute overdose with hydrocodone can be manifested by respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and, in some cases, pulmonary edema, bradycardia, hypotension, partial or complete airway obstruction, atypical snoring, and death. Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with hypoxia in overdose situations [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Acetaminophen In acute acetaminophen overdosage, dose-dependent, potentially fatal hepatic necrosis is the most serious adverse effect. Renal tubular necrosis, hypoglycemic coma, and thrombocytopenia also occur. Plasma acetaminophen levels > 300 mcg/mL at 4 hours after oral ingestion were associated with hepatic damage in 90% of patients; minimal hepatic damage is anticipated if plasma levels at 4 hours are < 150 mcg/mL or < 37.5 mcg/mL at 12 hours after ingestion. Early symptoms following a potentially hepatotoxic overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, and general malaise. Clinical and laboratory evidence of hepatic toxicity may not be apparent until 48 to 72 hours post-ingestion. Treatment of Overdose A single or multiple drug overdose with hydrocodone and acetaminophen is a potentially lethal polydrug overdose, and consultation with a regional poison control center is recommended. Immediate treatment includes support of cardiorespiratory function and measures to reduce drug absorption. Oxygen, intravenous fluids, vasopressors, assisted ventilation, and other supportive measures should be employed as indicated. Hydrocodone In case of overdose, priorities are the reestablishment of a patent and protected airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation, if needed. Employ other supportive measures (including oxygen and vasopressors) in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema as indicated. Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias will require advanced...

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING APADAZ (benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen) tablets are available as follows: Capsule-shaped, white tablets debossed with “KP201” on one side and “445” on the opposite side, containing 4.08 mg benzhydrocodone (equivalent to 4.45 mg benzhydrocodone hydrochloride) and 325 mg acetaminophen supplied as: bottles of 100 (NDC 70040-0145-1 ) Capsule-shaped, white tablets debossed with “KP201” on one side and blank on the opposite side, containing 6.12 mg benzhydrocodone (equivalent to 6.67 mg benzhydrocodone hydrochloride) and 325 mg acetaminophen supplied as: bottles of 100 (NDC 70040-0167-1 ) Capsule-shaped, white tablets debossed with “KP201” on one side and “890” on the opposite side containing 8.16 mg benzhydrocodone (equivalent to 8.90 mg benzhydrocodone hydrochloride) and 325 mg acetaminophen supplied as: bottles of 100 (NDC 70040-0189-1 ) Flush expired or unused APADAZ tablets that are no longer needed down the toilet or contact the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to find the location of an authorized collector (1-800-882-9539). Storage Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store APADAZ securely and dispose of properly.

About This Information

This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

What are drug interactions?

Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.