Tapentadol Hydrochloride

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Nucynta, Nucynta Er, Tapentadol, Tapentadol Hydrochloride

Brand Names: Nucynta, Nucynta Er, Tapentadol, Tapentadol Hydrochloride
Route: ORAL
Dosage Form: TABLET, FILM COATED
Product Type: HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)

WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF NUCYNTA TABLETS WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF NUCYNTA TABLETS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning . NUCYNTA tablets expose 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, especially upon initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of NUCYNTA tablets are essential. ( 5.2 ) 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. ( 5.3 , 7 ) Accidental ingestion of NUCYNTA tablets, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of tapentadol. ( 5.2 ) Advise pregnant women using opioids for an extended period of time 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. ( 5.5 ) Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because the use of NUCYNTA tablets 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 NUCYNTA tablets, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of NUCYNTA tablets are essential [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Accidental Ingestion Accidental ingestion of even one dose of NUCYNTA tablets, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of tapentadol [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 NUCYNTA tablets 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) Advise pregnant women using opioids for an extended period of time 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 [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) ].

Description

11 DESCRIPTION NUCYNTA (tapentadol) tablets are a mu-opioid receptor agonist, available in immediate-release film-coated tablets for oral administration, containing 58.24, 87.36 and 116.48 mg of tapentadol hydrochloride in each tablet strength, equivalent to 50, 75, and 100 mg of tapentadol free-base, respectively. The chemical name is 3-[(1 R ,2 R )-3-(dimethylamino)-1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl]phenol monohydrochloride, and it has the following chemical structure: The molecular weight of tapentadol HCl is 257.80, and the molecular formula is C 14 H 23 NO∙HCl. The n-octanol:water partition coefficient log P value is 2.87. The pKa values are 9.34 and 10.45. The inactive ingredients in NUCYNTA tablets include: croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone. The film coatings for all tablet strengths contain polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, talc, and the colorant FD&C Yellow #6 aluminum lake; the film coatings for the 50 mg and 75 mg tablets also contain the additional colorant D&C Yellow #10 aluminum lake. Chemical Structure

What Is Tapentadol Hydrochloride Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE NUCYNTA (tapentadol) tablets are indicated for the management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate in adults and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with a body weight of at least 40kg. NUCYNTA tablets are an opioid analgesic indicated for the management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate in adults and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with a body weight of at least 40 kg. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death, which can occur at any dosage or duration, and persist over the course of therapy, reserve opioid analgesics, including NUCYNTA tablets for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain. ( 1 , 5.1 ) Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death, which can occur at any dose or duration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] , and persist over the course of therapy, reserve opioid analgesics, including NUCYNTA tablets for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain.

Dosage and Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION NUCYNTA tablets 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 consistent with individual patient treatment goals. Reserve titration to higher doses of NUCYNTA tablets 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 NUCYNTA tablets. Consider this risk when selecting an initial dose and when making dose adjustments. ( 2.1 , 5.2 ) NUCYNTA tablets can be taken with or without food ( 2.1 ). Discuss opioid overdose reversal agents and options for acquiring them with the patient and/or caregiver, both when initiating andrenewing treatment with NUCYNTA tablets, especially if the patient has additional risk factors for overdose, or close contacts at risk for exposure and overdose. ( 2.2 , 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 ) Dosing in adults: See full prescribing information for detailed dosing instructions. ( 2.3 ) Dosing in Pediatric Patients aged 6 years and older with a body weight of at least 40 kg and who are able to swallow tablets: See full prescribing information for detailed dosing instructions. ( 2.4 ) Moderate Hepatic Impairment in Adult Patients: Initiate treatment with 50 mg no more than once every 8 hours (maximum of three doses in 24 hours). Regularly evaluate for respiratory and central nervous system depression. ( 2.4 ) Periodically reassess patients receiving NUCYNTA tablets to evaluate the continued need for opioid analgesics to maintain pain control, for the signs or symptoms of adverse reactions, and for the development of addiction, abuse, or misuse. ( 2.6 ) Do not rapidly reduce or abruptly discontinue NUCYNTA tablets in a physically dependent patient because rapid reduction or abrupt discontinuation of opioid analgesics has resulted in serious withdrawal symptoms, uncontrolled pain, and suicide. ( 2.6 , 5.14 ) 2.1 IMPORTANT DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS NUCYNTA tablets 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...

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed, 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 Benzodiazepine or Other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Severe Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ] Withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ] The most common adverse reactions were Adults (incidence ≥10%) were nausea, dizziness, vomiting and somnolence. ( 6.1 ) Pediatric patients 6 years and older (incidence ≥5%): vomiting, constipation, nausea, pruritus, and pyrexia To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. at 1-855-331-5615 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 CLINICAL TRIALS EXPERIENCE Adults 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. Based on data from nine Phase 2/3 studies that administered multiple doses (seven placebo- and/or active-controlled, one noncontrolled and one Phase 3 active-controlled safety study) the most common adverse reactions (reported by ≥10% in any NUCYNTA tablets dose group) were: nausea, dizziness, vomiting and somnolence. The most common reasons for discontinuation due to adverse reactions in the studies described above (reported by ≥1% in any NUCYNTA tablets dose group) were dizziness (2.6% vs. 0.5%), nausea (2.3% vs. 0.6%), vomiting (1.4% vs. 0.2%), somnolence (1.3% vs. 0.2%) and headache (0.9% vs. 0.2%) for NUCYNTA- and placebo-treated patients, respectively. Seventy-six percent of NUCYNTA-treated patients from the nine studies experienced adverse events. NUCYNTA tablets were studied in multiple-dose, active- or placebo-controlled studies, or noncontrolled studies (n = 2178), in single-dose studies (n = 870), in open-label study extension (n = 483) and in Phase 1 studies (n = 597). Of these, 2034 patients were treated with doses of 50 mg to 100 mg of NUCYNTA tablets dosed every 4 to 6 hours. The data described below reflect exposure to NUCYNTA tablets in 3161 patients, including 449 exposed for 45 days. NUCYNTA tablets were studied primarily in placebo- and active-controlled studies (n = 2266, and n = 2944, respectively). The population was 18 to 85 years old (mean age 46 years), 68% were female, 75% white and 67% were postoperative. Most patients received NUCYNTA tablets doses of 50 mg, 75 mg, or 100 mg every 4 to 6 hours. Table 1. Adverse Reactions Reported by ≥1% of NUCYNTA-Treated Patients In Seven Phase 2/3 Placebo- and/or Oxycodone-Controlled, One Non-controlled, and One Phase 3 Oxycodone-Controlled Safety, Multiple-Dose Clinical Studies System/Organ Class MedDRA Preferred Term NUCYNTA 21 mg – 120 mg (n = 2178) % Placebo (n = 619) % Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea 30 13 Vomiting 18 4 Constipation 8 3 Dry mouth 4 <1 Dyspepsia 2 <1 General disorders and administration site conditions Fatigue 3 <1 Feeling hot 1 <1 Infections and infestations Nasopharyngitis 1 <1 Upper respiratory tract infection 1 <1 Urinary tract infection 1 <1 Metabolism and nutrition disorders Decreased appetite 2 0 Nervous system disorders Dizziness 24 8 Somnolence 15 3 Tremor 1 <1 Lethargy 1 <1 Psychiatric disorders Insomnia 2 <1 Confusional state 1 0 Abnormal dreams 1 <1 Anxiety 1 <1 Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Pruritus 5 1...

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 2 includes clinically significant drug interactions with NUCYNTA tablets. Table 2. Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with NUCYNTA Tablets 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 respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death [Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] . 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 (including sedation). If concomitant use is warranted, consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3) ]. Examples: Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), other opioids, alcohol. Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system has resulted in serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ]. Intervention: If concomitant use is warranted, frequently evaluate the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue NUCYNTA tablets if serotonin syndrome is suspected. Examples: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that affect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Intervention: Do not use NUCYNTA tablets in patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment. If urgent use of an opioid is necessary, use test doses and frequent titration of small doses of other opioids (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, or buprenorphine) to treat pain while closely monitoring blood pressure and signs and symptoms of CNS and respiratory depression. Examples: phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics Clinical Impact: May reduce the analgesic effect of NUCYNTA tablets and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. Intervention:...

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS NUCYNTA tablets are contraindicated in patients with: Significant respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] 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 suspected paralytic ileus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] Hypersensitivity to tapentadol (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema) or to any other ingredients of the product [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use of MAOIs within the last 14 days [see Drug Interactions (7) ] 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 tapentadol ( 4 ) Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use of MAOIs within the last 14 days. ( 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) ] . Available data with NUCYNTA tablets are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage or adverse maternal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and infant associated with use of NUCYNTA tablets for an extended period of time during pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations ). In animal reproduction studies, embryofetal mortality and structural malformations were observed with subcutaneous administration of tapentadol during organogenesis to rabbits and delays in skeletal maturation were observed in rats at exposures equivalent to and less than the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), respectively. When administered to pregnant rats during organogenesis and through lactation, increased pup mortality was noted following oral tapentadol exposures to doses equivalent to the MRHD [see Data ] . Based on animal data, advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. 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 reaction. 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. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy for medical or nonmedical purposes can result in physical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea and failure to gain weight. The onset, duration, and severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome vary...

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE Clinical Presentation Acute overdosage with tapentadol 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, hypoglycemia, partial or complete airway obstruction, atypical snoring, and death. Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen due to severe hypoxia in overdose situations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]. Toxic leukoencephalopathy has been reported after opioid overdose and can present hours, days, or weeks after apparent recovery from the initial intoxication. Treatment of Overdose 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 life support measures. For clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to opioid overdose, administer an opioid overdose reversal agent such as naloxone or nalmefene. Because the duration of opioid reversal is expected to be less than the duration of action of tapentadol in NUCYNTA tablets, carefully monitor the patient until spontaneous respiration is reliably reestablished. If the response to an opioid overdose reversal agent is suboptimal or only brief in nature, administer additional reversal agent as directed in the product's prescribing information. In an individual physically dependent on opioids, administration of the recommended usual dosage of the opioid reversal agent will precipitate an acute withdrawal syndrome. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms experienced will depend on the degree of physical dependence and the dose of the reversal agent administered. If a decision is made to treat serious respiratory...

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING NUCYNTA Tablets are available in the following strengths and packages. All tablets are round and biconvex-shaped. 50 mg tablets are yellow and debossed with "O-M" on one side and "50" on the other side, and are available in bottles of 100 (NDC 24510-050-10) and hospital unit dose blister packs of 10 (NDC 24510-050-01). 75 mg tablets are yellow-orange and debossed with "O-M" on one side and "75" on the other side, and are available in bottles of 100 (NDC 24510-075-10) and hospital unit dose blister packs of 10 (NDC 24510-075-01). 100 mg tablets are orange and debossed with "O-M" on one side and "100" on the other side, and are available in bottles of 100 (NDC 24510-100-10) and hospital unit dose blister packs of 10 (NDC 24510-100-01). Storage and Handling Store at 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F); excursions permitted to 15° - 30°C (59° - 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture. Keep NUCYNTA tablets in a secure place out of reach of children. NUCYNTA tablets that are no longer needed should be destroyed by flushing down the toilet. Store NUCYNTA Tablets securely and dispose of properly [see Patient Counseling Information (17) ] .

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.