Linzess
HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATIONThese highlights do not include all the information needed to use LINZESS safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for LINZESS.LINZESS (linaclotide) capsules, for oral useInitial U.S. Approval: 2012 BOXED WARNING WARNING: PEDIATRIC RISK See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. LINZESS is contraindicated in pediatric patients up to 6 years of age. Avoid use of LINZESS in pediatric patients 6 through 17 years of age. Linaclotide caused deaths in young juvenile mice (4, 5.1, 8.4, 13.2). INDICATIONS AND USAGE LINZESS is a guanylate cyclase-C agonist indicated in adults for treatment of: Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) (1.1) Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) (1.2) DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION IBS-C: Take 290 mcg orally once daily (2.1) CIC: Take 145 mcg orally once daily (2.2) Take on empty stomach at least 30 minutes prior to first meal of the day (2.1, 2.2) DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHSCapsules: 145 mcg and 290 mcg (3) CONTRAINDICATIONS Pediatric patients up to 6 years of age (4) Patients with known or suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction (4) WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Diarrhea: Patients may experience severe diarrhea. Hold or stop LINZESS (5.2) Side EffectsMost common adverse reactions (incidence of at least 2%) reported in IBS-C or CIC patients are diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence and abdominal distension. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc., at 1- 800- 678-1605 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*
- WARNING: PEDIATRIC RISK
- 1 LINZESS INDICATIONS AND USAGE
- 2 LINZESS DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
- 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
- 4 LINZESS CONTRAINDICATIONS
- 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
- 6 LINZESS ADVERSE REACTIONS
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
- 8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
- 10 OVERDOSAGE
- 11 LINZESS DESCRIPTION
- 12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
- 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
- 14 CLINICAL STUDIES
- 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
- 17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
WARNING: PEDIATRIC RISK
LINZESS is contraindicated in pediatric patients up to 6 years of age. Avoid use in pediatric patients 6 through 17 years of age. In nonclinical studies, administration of a single, clinically relevant adult oral dose of linaclotide caused deaths in young juvenile mice [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.4) and Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2)].
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
1.1 Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C)
LINZESS (linaclotide) is indicated in adults for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).
1.2 Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
LINZESS is indicated in adults for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC).
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1 Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C)
The recommended dose of LINZESS is 290 mcg taken orally once daily on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes prior to the first meal of the day.
2.2 Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
The recommended dose of LINZESS is 145 mcg taken orally once daily on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes prior to the first meal of the day.
2.3 Important Administration Instructions
Swallow capsules whole; do not break apart or chew.
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
- 145 mcg capsules are white to off-white opaque with gray imprint “FL 145”
- 290 mcg capsules are white to off-white opaque with gray imprint “FL 290”
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
LINZESS is contraindicated in:
- Pediatric patients up to 6 years of age [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.4) and Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2)]
- Patients with known or suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Pediatric Risk
LINZESS is contraindicated in pediatric patients up to 6 years of age. In nonclinical studies, deaths occurred within 24 hours in young juvenile mice (1 to 3 week-old mice; approximately equivalent to human pediatric patients less than 2 years of age) following administration of one or two daily oral doses of linaclotide [see Contraindications (4), Use in Specific Populations (8.4) and Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2)].
Avoid the use of LINZESS in pediatric patients 6 through 17 years of age. Linaclotide did not cause deaths in older juvenile mice (approximately equivalent to humans ages 12 to 17 years). Although there were no deaths in older juvenile mice, given the deaths in young juvenile mice and the lack of clinical safety and efficacy data in pediatric patients, avoid the use of LINZESS in pediatric patients 6 through 17 years of age [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) and Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2)].
5.2 Diarrhea
Diarrhea was the most common adverse reaction of LINZESS-treated patients in the pooled IBS-C and CIC double-blind placebo-controlled trials. Severe diarrhea was reported in 2% of the LINZESS-treated patients. The incidence of diarrhea was similar between the IBS-C and CIC populations [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Instruct patients to stop LINZESS if severe diarrhea occurs and to contact their healthcare provider, who should consider dose suspension [see Patient Counseling Information (17)].
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
6.1 Clinical 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 with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
During clinical development, approximately 2570, 2040, and 1220 patients with either IBS-C or CIC were treated with LINZESS for 6 months or longer, 1 year or longer, and 18 months or longer, respectively (not mutually exclusive).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C)
Most Common Adverse Reactions
The data described below reflect exposure to LINZESS in the two placebo-controlled clinical trials involving 1605 adult patients with IBS-C (Trials 1 and 2). Patients were randomized to receive placebo or 290 mcg LINZESS once daily on an empty stomach for up to 26 weeks. Demographic characteristics were comparable between treatment groups [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. Table 1 provides the incidence of adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of IBS-C patients in the LINZESS treatment group and at an incidence that was greater than in the placebo group.
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a: “Abdominal pain” term includes abdominal pain, upper abdominal pain, and lower abdominal pain. |
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Adverse Reactions
|
LINZESS
290 mcg [N=807] % |
Placebo [N=798] % |
|
Gastrointestinal
Diarrhea Abdominal paina Flatulence Abdominal distension |
20 7 4 2 |
3 5 2 1 |
|
Infections and Infestations
Viral Gastroenteritis |
3 |
1 |
|
Nervous System Disorders
Headache |
4 |
3 |
Diarrhea
Diarrhea was the most commonly reported adverse reaction of the LINZESS-treated patients in the pooled IBS-C pivotal placebo-controlled trials. In these trials, 20% of LINZESS-treated patients reported diarrhea compared to 3% of placebo-treated patients. Severe diarrhea was reported in 2% of the LINZESS-treated patients versus less than 1% of the placebo-treated patients, and 5% of LINZESS-treated patients discontinued due to diarrhea vs less than 1% of placebo-treated patients. The majority of reported cases of diarrhea started within the first 2 weeks of LINZESS treatment. Fecal incontinence and dehydration were each reported in less than or equal to 1% of patients in the LINZESS treatment group [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation
In placebo-controlled trials in patients with IBS-C, 9% of patients treated with LINZESS and 3% of patients treated with placebo discontinued prematurely due to adverse reactions. In the LINZESS treatment group, the most common reasons for discontinuation due to adverse reactions were diarrhea (5%) and abdominal pain (1%). In comparison, less than 1% of patients in the placebo group withdrew due to diarrhea or abdominal pain.
Adverse Reactions Leading to Dose Reductions
In the open-label, long-term trials, 2147 patients with IBS-C received 290 mcg of LINZESS daily for up to 18 months. In these trials, 29% of patients had their dose reduced or suspended secondary to adverse reactions, the majority of which were diarrhea or other GI adverse reactions.
Other Adverse Reactions
Adverse reactions that were reported in at least 1% and less than 2% of IBS-C patients in the LINZESS treatment group and at an incidence greater than in the placebo treatment group are listed below by body system:
Gastrointestinal Disorders: gastroesophageal reflux disease, vomiting
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: fatigue
Other Adverse Events
In placebo-controlled trials in patients with IBS-C, less than 1% LINZESS-treated patients and no placebo-treated patients reported hematochezia; no patient in either treatment group reported melena. Less than 1% of LINZESS-treated and placebo treated patients reported allergic reactions, urticaria, or hives as adverse events.
Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
Most Common Adverse Reactions
The data described below reflect exposure to LINZESS in the two double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials of 1275 adult patients with CIC (Trials 3 and 4). Patients were randomized to receive placebo or 145 mcg LINZESS or 290 mcg LINZESS once daily on an empty stomach, for at least 12 weeks. Demographic characteristics were comparable between both LINZESS treatment groups and placebo [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. Only data for the recommended LINZESS 145 mcg dose and placebo are presented. Table 2 provides the incidence of adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of CIC patients in the 145 mcg LINZESS treatment group and at an incidence that was greater than in the placebo treatment group.
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a: “Abdominal pain” term includes the abdominal pain, upper abdominal pain, and lower abdominal pain |
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| Adverse Reactions |
LINZESS
145 mcg [N=430] % |
Placebo [N=423] % |
|
Gastrointestinal
Diarrhea Abdominal paina Flatulence Abdominal distension |
16 7 6 3 |
5 6 5 2 |
|
Infections and Infestations
Upper respiratory tract infection Sinusitis |
5 3 |
4 2 |
Diarrhea
Diarrhea was the most commonly reported adverse reaction of the LINZESS-treated patients in the two pooled placebo-controlled CIC trials. In these trials, 16% of LINZESS-treated patients reported diarrhea compared to 5% of placebo-treated patients. Severe diarrhea was reported in 2% of the 145 mcg LINZESS-treated patients versus less than 1% of the placebo-treated patients, and 5% of LINZESS-treated patients discontinued due to diarrhea vs less than 1% of placebo-treated patients. The majority of reported cases of diarrhea started within the first 2 weeks of LINZESS treatment. Fecal incontinence was reported in 1% of patients in the LINZESS treatment group, compared with less than 1% in the placebo group. Dehydration was reported in less than 1% of patients in the LINZESS treatment group [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation
In placebo-controlled trials in patients with CIC, 8% of patients treated with LINZESS and 4% of patients treated with placebo discontinued prematurely due to adverse reactions. In the 145 mcg LINZESS treatment group, the most common reasons for discontinuation due to adverse reactions were diarrhea (5%) and abdominal pain (1%). In comparison, less than 1% of patients in the placebo group withdrew due to diarrhea or abdominal pain.
Adverse Reactions Leading to Dose Reductions
In the open-label, long-term trials, 1129 patients with CIC received 290 mcg of LINZESS daily for up to 18 months. In these trials, 27% of patients had their dose reduced or suspended secondary to adverse reactions, the majority of which were diarrhea or other GI adverse reactions.
Other Adverse Reactions
Adverse reactions that were reported in at least 1% and less than 2% of CIC patients in the 145 mcg LINZESS treatment group and at an incidence greater than in the placebo treatment group are listed below by body system:
Gastrointestinal Disorders: dyspepsia, fecal incontinence
Infections and Infestations: viral gastroenteritis
Other Adverse Events
In placebo-controlled trials in patients with CIC, less than 1% of both LINZESS-treated and placebo-treated patients reported rectal hemorrhage, hematochezia or melena. Less than 1% of LINZESS-treated and placebo-treated patients reported allergic reactions, urticaria, or hives as adverse events.
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
No drug-drug interaction studies have been conducted with LINZESS. Linaclotide and its active metabolite are not measurable in plasma following administration of the recommended clinical doses; hence, no systemic drug-drug interactions or drug interactions mediated by plasma protein binding of linaclotide or its metabolite are anticipated [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Linaclotide does not interact with the cytochrome P450 enzyme system based on the results of in vitro studies. In addition, linaclotide is neither a substrate nor an inhibitor of the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp).
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1 Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C
Risk Summary
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with LINZESS in pregnant women. In animal developmental studies, adverse fetal effects were observed only with maternal toxicity and at doses of linaclotide much higher than the maximum recommended human dose. LINZESS should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Animal Data
The potential for linaclotide to cause teratogenic effects was studied in rats, rabbits and mice. Oral administration of up to 100,000 mcg/kg/day in rats and 40,000 mcg/kg/day in rabbits produced no maternal toxicity and no effects on embryo-fetal development. In mice, oral dose levels of at least 40,000 mcg/kg/day produced severe maternal toxicity including death, reduction of gravid uterine and fetal weights, and effects on fetal morphology. Oral doses of 5000 mcg/kg/day did not produce maternal toxicity or any adverse effects on embryo-fetal development in mice.
The maximum recommended human dose is approximately 5 mcg/kg/day, based on a 60-kg body weight. Limited systemic exposure to linaclotide was achieved at the tested dose levels in animals (AUC = 40, 640, and 25 ng•hr/mL in rats, rabbits, and mice, respectively, at the highest dose levels), whereas no detectable exposure occurred in humans. Therefore, animal and human doses should not be compared directly for evaluating relative exposure.
8.3 Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether linaclotide is excreted in human milk; however, linaclotide and its active metabolite are not measurable in plasma following administration of the recommended clinical doses [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Caution should be exercised when LINZESS is administered to nursing women [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].
8.4 Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
LINZESS is contraindicated in pediatric patients up to 6 years of age. In nonclinical studies, deaths occurred within 24 hours in young juvenile mice (1 to 3 week-old-mice; approximately equivalent to human pediatric patients less than 2 years of age) following administration of one or two daily oral doses of linaclotide [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2)].
Avoid the use of LINZESS in pediatric patients 6 through 17 years of age. Linaclotide did not cause deaths in older juvenile mice (approximately equivalent to humans age 12 to 17 years). Although there were no deaths in older juvenile mice, given the deaths in young juvenile mice and the lack of clinical safety and efficacy data in pediatric patients, avoid the use of LINZESS in pediatric patients 6 through 17 years of age [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2)].
8.5 Geriatric Use
Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C)
Of 1605 IBS-C patients in the placebo-controlled clinical studies of LINZESS, 85 (5%) were at least 65 years of age, while 20 (1%) were at least 75 years old. Clinical studies of LINZESS did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
Of 1275 CIC patients in the placebo-controlled clinical studies of LINZESS, 155 (12%) were at least 65 years of age, while 30 (2%) were at least 75 years old. Clinical trials of LINZESS did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
8.6 Hepatic or Renal Impairment
No dose adjustment is necessary based on hepatic or renal function [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
10 OVERDOSAGE
There is limited experience with overdose of LINZESS. During the clinical development program of LINZESS, single doses of 2897 mcg were administered to 22 healthy volunteers; the safety profile in these subjects was consistent with that in the overall LINZESS-treated population, with diarrhea being the most commonly reported adverse reaction.
11 DESCRIPTION
LINZESS (linaclotide) is a guanylate cyclase-C agonist. Linaclotide is a 14-amino acid peptide with the following chemical name: L-cysteinyl-L-cysteinyl-L-glutamyl-L-tyrosyl-L-cysteinyl-L-cysteinyl-L-asparaginyl-L-prolyl-L-alanyl-L-cysteinyl-L-threonyl-glycyl-L-cysteinyl-L-tyrosine, cyclic (1-6), (2-10), (5-13)-tris (disulfide).
The molecular formula of linaclotide is C59H79N15O21S6 and its molecular weight is 1526.8. The amino acid sequence for linaclotide is shown below:
Linaclotide is an amorphous, white to off-white powder. It is slightly soluble in water and aqueous sodium chloride (0.9%). LINZESS contains linaclotide-coated beads in hard gelatin capsules. LINZESS is available as 145 mcg and 290 mcg capsules for oral administration.
The inactive ingredients of LINZESS capsules include: calcium chloride dihydrate, L-leucine, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, gelatin, and titanium dioxide.
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1 Mechanism of Action
Linaclotide is a guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist. Both linaclotide and its active metabolite bind to GC-C and act locally on the luminal surface of the intestinal epithelium. Activation of GC-C results in an increase in both intracellular and extracellular concentrations of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Elevation in intracellular cGMP stimulates secretion of chloride and bicarbonate into the intestinal lumen, mainly through activation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) ion channel, resulting in increased intestinal fluid and accelerated transit. In animal models, linaclotide has been shown to both accelerate GI transit and reduce intestinal pain. The linaclotide-induced reduction in visceral pain in animals is thought to be mediated by increased extracellular cGMP, which was shown to decrease the activity of pain-sensing nerves.
12.2 Pharmacodynamics
Although the pharmacologic effects of LINZESS in humans have not been fully evaluated, in clinical studies, LINZESS has been shown to change stool consistency as measured by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) and increase stool frequency.
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
LINZESS is minimally absorbed with low systemic availability following oral administration. Concentrations of linaclotide and its active metabolite in plasma are below the limit of quantitation after oral doses of 145 mcg or 290 mcg were administered. Therefore, standard pharmacokinetic parameters such as area under the curve (AUC), maximum concentration (Cmax), and half-life (t½) cannot be calculated.
Distribution
Given that linaclotide plasma concentrations following therapeutic oral doses are not measurable, linaclotide is expected to be minimally distributed to tissues.
Metabolism
Linaclotide is metabolized within the gastrointestinal tract to its principal, active metabolite by loss of the terminal tyrosine moiety. Both linaclotide and the metabolite are proteolytically degraded within the intestinal lumen to smaller peptides and naturally occurring amino acids.
Elimination
Active peptide recovery in the stool samples of fed and fasted subjects following the daily administration of 290 mcg of LINZESS for seven days averaged about 5% (fasted) and about 3% (fed) and virtually all as the active metabolite.
Food Effect
In a cross-over study, 18 healthy subjects were given LINZESS 290 mcg for 7 days both in the non-fed and fed state. Neither linaclotide nor its active metabolite was detected in the plasma. Taking LINZESS immediately after the high fat breakfast resulted in looser stools and a higher stool frequency compared with taking it in the fasted state [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2)]. In clinical trials, LINZESS was administered on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before breakfast.
Specific Populations
Age and Gender
Clinical studies to determine the impact of age and gender on the pharmacokinetics of LINZESS have not been conducted. See Use in Specific Populations (8.5) for information regarding patients aged 65 years and older.
Hepatic Impairment
LINZESS has not been specifically studied in patients who have hepatic impairment. Hepatic impairment is not expected to affect the metabolism or clearance of the parent drug or its metabolite because linaclotide is metabolized within the gastrointestinal tract [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Renal Impairment
LINZESS has not been specifically studied in patients who have renal impairment. Renal impairment is not expected to affect clearance of the parent drug or its metabolite because linaclotide has low systemic availability following oral administration and is metabolized within the gastrointestinal tract [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility
Carcinogenesis
In 2-year carcinogenicity studies, linaclotide was not tumorigenic in rats at doses up to 3500 mcg/kg/day or in mice at doses up to 6000 mcg/kg/day. The maximum recommended human dose is approximately 5 mcg/kg/day based on a 60-kg bodyweight. Limited systemic exposure to linaclotide was achieved at the tested dose levels in animals, whereas no detectable exposure occurred in humans. Therefore, animal and human doses should not be compared directly for evaluating relative exposure.
Mutagenesis
Linaclotide was not genotoxic in an in vitro bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) assay or in the in vitro chromosomal aberration assay in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Impairment of Fertility
Linaclotide had no effect on fertility or reproductive function in male and female rats at oral doses of up to 100,000 mcg/kg/day.
13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology
Linaclotide caused deaths in two separate toxicology studies in juvenile mice. The mechanism for these deaths is unknown [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Linaclotide caused deaths at 10 mcg/kg/day in neonatal mice after oral administration of 1 or 2 daily doses, starting on post partum day 7. Deaths were also observed in juvenile mice after a single oral administration on post partum day 14 (100 mcg/kg) and post partum day 21 (600 mcg/kg). The deaths were identified in mice with ages approximately equivalent to human infants and children less than 2 years of age. There were no deaths in the control groups. There are currently no data for mice between ages of 21 days and 6 weeks. Linaclotide did not cause death in a study in older juvenile mice age 6 weeks (approximately equivalent to humans age 12 to 17 years) at a dose of 20,000 mcg/kg/day for 28 days. Linaclotide did not cause death in adult mice, rats, rabbits and monkeys at dose levels up to 5,000 mcg/kg/day. The maximum recommended dose in adults is approximately 5 mcg/kg/day, based on a 60-kg body weight. Animal and human doses of linaclotide should not be compared directly for evaluating relative exposure [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
14.1 Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C)
The efficacy of LINZESS for the management of symptoms of IBS-C was established in two double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multicenter trials in adult patients (Trials 1 and 2). A total of 800 patients in Trial 1 and 804 patients in Trial 2 [overall mean age of 44 years (range 18 - 87 years with 5% at least 65 years of age), 90% female, 77% white, 19% black, and 12% Hispanic] received treatment with LINZESS 290 mcg or placebo once daily and were evaluated for efficacy. All patients met Rome II criteria for IBS and were required, during the 2-week baseline period, to meet the following criteria:
- a mean abdominal pain score of at least 3 on a 0-to-10-point numeric rating scale
- less than 3 complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) per week [a CSBM is a spontaneous bowel movement (SBM) that is associated with a sense of complete evacuation; a SBM is a bowel movement occurring in the absence of laxative use], and
- less than or equal to 5 SBMs per week.
The trial designs were identical through the first 12 weeks, and thereafter differed only in that Trial 1 included a 4-week randomized withdrawal (RW) period, and Trial 2 continued for 14 additional weeks (total of 26 weeks) of double-blind treatment. During the trials, patients were allowed to continue stable doses of bulk laxatives or stool softeners but were not allowed to take laxatives, bismuth, prokinetic agents, or other drugs to treat IBS-C or chronic constipation.
Efficacy of LINZESS was assessed using overall responder analyses and change-from-baseline endpoints. Results for endpoints were based on information provided daily by patients in diaries.
The 4 primary efficacy responder endpoints were based on a patient being a weekly responder for either at least 9 out of the first 12 weeks of treatment or at least 6 out of the first 12 weeks of treatment. For the 9 out of 12 weeks combined primary responder endpoint, a patient had to have at least a 30% reduction from baseline in mean abdominal pain, at least 3 CSBMs and an increase of at least 1 CSBM from baseline, all in the same week, for at least 9 out of the first 12 weeks of treatment. Each of the 2 components of the 9 out of 12 weeks combined responder endpoint, abdominal pain and CSBMs, was also a primary endpoint.
For the 6 out of 12 weeks combined primary responder endpoint, a patient had to have at least a 30% reduction from baseline in mean abdominal pain and an increase of at least 1 CSBM from baseline, all in the same week, for at least 6 out of the first 12 weeks of treatment. To be considered a responder for this analysis, patients did not have to have at least 3 CSBMs per week.
The efficacy results for the 9 out of 12 weeks and the 6 out of 12 weeks responder endpoints are shown in Tables 3 and 4 , respectively. In both trials, the proportion of patients who were responders to LINZESS 290 mcg was statistically significantly higher than with placebo.
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* Primary Endpoints |
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Note: Analyses based on first 12 weeks of treatment for both Trials 1 and 2 |
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CI =Confidence Interval |
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|
Trial 1 | Trial 2 | ||||
|
LINZESS
290 mcg (N=405) |
Placebo (N=395) |
Treatment Difference [95% CI] |
LINZESS
290 mcg (N=401) |
Placebo (N=403) |
Treatment Difference [95% CI] |
|
|
Combined Responder* (Abdominal Pain and CSBM Responder) |
12.1% | 5.1% | 7.0% [3.2%, 10.9%] |
12.7% | 3.0% | 9.7% [6.1%, 13.4%] |
| Abdominal Pain Responder* (≥ 30% Abdominal Pain Reduction) |
34.3% | 27.1% | 7.2% [0.9%, 13.6%] |
38.9% | 19.6% | 19.3% [13.2%, 25.4%] |
| CSBM Responder* (≥ 3 CSBMs and Increase ≥1 CSBM from Baseline) |
19.5% | 6.3% | 13.2% [8.6%, 17.7%] |
18.0% | 5.0% | 13.0% [8.7%, 17.3%] |
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* Primary Endpoint, ** Secondary Endpoints |
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Note: Analyses based on first 12 weeks of treatment for both Trials 1 and 2 |
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CI =Confidence Interval |
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| Trial 1 | Trial 2 | |||||
|
LINZESS
290 mcg (N=405) |
Placebo (N=395) |
Treatment Difference [95% CI] |
LINZESS
290 mcg (N=401) |
Placebo (N=403) |
Treatment Difference [95% CI] |
|
|
Combined Responder* (Abdominal Pain and CSBM Responder) |
33.6% | 21.0% | 12.6% [6.5%, 18.7%] |
33.7% | 13.9% | 19.8% [14.0%, 25.5%] |
| Abdominal Pain Responder** (≥ 30% Abdominal Pain Reduction) |
50.1% | 37.5% | 12.7% [5.8%, 19.5%] |
48.9% | 34.5% | 14.4% [7.6%, 21.1%] |
| CSBM Responder** (Increase ≥ 1 CSBM from Baseline) |
48.6% | 29.6% | 19.0% [12.4%, 25.7%] |
47.6% | 22.6% | 25.1% [18.7%, 31.4%] |
In each trial, improvement from baseline in abdominal pain and CSBM frequency was seen over the first 12-weeks of the treatment periods. For change from baseline in the 11-point abdominal pain scale, LINZESS 290 mcg began to separate from placebo in the first week. Maximum effects were seen at weeks 6 - 9 and were maintained until the end of the study. The mean treatment difference from placebo at week 12 was a decrease in pain score of approximately 1.0 point in both trials (using an 11-point scale). Maximum effect on CSBM frequency occurred within the first week, and for change from baseline in CSBM frequency at week 12, the difference between placebo and LINZESS was approximately 1.5 CSBMs per week in both trials.
During the 4-week randomized withdrawal period in Trial 1, patients who received LINZESS during the 12-week treatment period were re-randomized to receive placebo or continue treatment on LINZESS 290 mcg. In LINZESS-treated patients re-randomized to placebo, CSBM frequency and abdominal-pain severity returned toward baseline within 1 week and did not result in worsening compared to baseline. Patients who continued on LINZESS maintained their response to therapy over the additional 4 weeks. Patients on placebo who were allocated to LINZESS had an increase in CSBM frequency and abdominal pain levels that were similar to the levels observed in patients taking LINZESS during the treatment period.
14.2 Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
The efficacy of LINZESS for the management of symptoms of CIC was established in two double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multicenter clinical trials in adult patients (Trials 3 and 4). A total of 642 patients in Trial 3 and 630 patients in Trial 4 [overall mean age of 48 years (range 18 - 85 years with 12% at least 65 years of age), 89% female, 76% white, 22% black, 10% Hispanic] received treatment with LINZESS 145 mcg, 290 mcg, or placebo once daily and were evaluated for efficacy. All patients met modified Rome II criteria for functional constipation. Modified Rome II criteria were less than 3 Spontaneous Bowel Movements (SBMs) per week and 1 of the following symptoms for at least 12 weeks, which need not be consecutive, in the preceding 12 months:
- Straining during greater than 25% of bowel movements
- Lumpy or hard stools during greater than 25% of bowel movements
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation during greater than 25% of bowel movements
Patients were also required to have less than 3 CSBMs per week and less than or equal to 6 SBMs per week during a 2-week baseline period. Patients were excluded if they met criteria for IBS-C or had fecal impaction that required emergency room treatment.
The trial designs were identical through the first 12 weeks. Trial 3 also included an additional 4-week randomized withdrawal (RW) period. During the trials, patients were allowed to continue stable doses of bulk laxatives or stool softeners but were not allowed to take laxatives, bismuth, prokinetic agents, or other drugs to treat chronic constipation.
Efficacy of LINZESS was assessed using overall responder analysis and change-from-baseline endpoints. Results for endpoints were based on information provided daily by patients in diaries.
A CSBM overall responder in the CIC trials was defined as a patient who had at least 3 CSBMs and an increase of at least 1 CSBM from baseline in a given week for at least 9 weeks out of the 12-week treatment period. The CSBM responder rates are shown in Table 5 . During the individual double-blind placebo-controlled trials, LINZESS 290 mcg did not consistently offer additional clinically meaningful treatment benefit over placebo than that observed with the LINZESS 145 mcg dose. Therefore, the 145 mcg dose is the recommended dose. Only the data for the approved 145 mcg dose of LINZESS are presented in Table 5 .
In Trials 3 and 4, the proportion of patients who were CSBM responders was statistically significantly greater with the LINZESS 145 mcg dose than with placebo.
|
*Primary Endpoint |
||||||
|
CI=Confidence Interval |
||||||
| Trial 3 | Trial 4 | |||||
|
LINZESS
145 mcg (N=217) |
Placebo
(N=209) |
Treatment Difference [95% CI] |
LINZESS
145 mcg (N=213) |
Placebo
(N=215) |
Treatment Difference [95% CI] |
|
|
CSBM Overall Responder
(≥ 3 CSBMs and Increase ≥ 1 CSBM from Baseline) |
20.3% | 3.3% | 16.9% [11.0%, 22.8%] |
15.5% | 5.6% | 9.9% [4.2%, 15.7%] |
CSBM frequency reached maximum level during week 1 and was also demonstrated over the remainder of the 12-week treatment period in Trial 3 and Trial 4. For the mean change from baseline in CSBM frequency at week 12, the difference between placebo and LINZESS was approximately 1.5 CSBMs.
On average, patients who received LINZESS across the 2 trials had significantly greater improvements compared with patients receiving placebo in stool frequency (CSBMs/week and SBMs/week), and stool consistency (as measured by the BSFS).
During the 4-week randomized withdrawal period in Trial 3, patients who received LINZESS during the 12-week treatment period were re-randomized to receive placebo or continue treatment on the same dose of LINZESS taken during the treatment period. In LINZESS-treated patients re-randomized to placebo, CSBM and SBM frequency returned toward baseline within 1 week and did not result in worsening compared to baseline. Patients who continued on LINZESS maintained their response to therapy over the additional 4 weeks. Patients on placebo who were allocated to LINZESS had an increase in CSBM and SBM frequency similar to the levels observed in patients taking LINZESS during the treatment period.
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
How Supplied
-
145 mcg Capsules: White to off-white opaque hard gelatin capsules with grey imprint "FL 145"
Bottle of 30: NDC 0456-1201-30 -
290 mcg Capsules: White to off-white opaque hard gelatin capsules with grey imprint "FL 290"
Bottle of 30: NDC 0456-1202-30
Storage
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Keep LINZESS in the original container. Do not subdivide or repackage. Protect from moisture. Do not remove desiccant from the container. Keep bottles tightly closed in a dry place.
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
See FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Patients should be instructed as follows:
- Do not give LINZESS to children who are under 6 years of age. You should not give LINZESS to children 6 to 17 years of age. It may harm them [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.4) and Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2)].
- Keep LINZESS in the original container. Do not subdivide or repackage. Protect from moisture. Do not remove desiccant from the container. Keep bottles closed tightly in a dry place [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16)].
- Take LINZESS once daily on an empty stomach as prescribed. Swallow the capsule whole and do not break apart or chew [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 and 2.2)].
- Stop LINZESS and contact your physician if you experience severe diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
- Seek immediate medical attention if you develop unusual or severe abdominal pain, and /or severe diarrhea, especially if in combination with hematochezia or melena [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Revised: August 2012
LINZESS is a trademark of Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Distributed by:
Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Subsidiary of Forest Laboratories, Inc.
St. Louis, Missouri, 63045
Marketed by:
Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Subsidiary of Forest Laboratories, Inc. Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
St. Louis, Missouri, 63045 Cambridge, MA, 02142
© Copyright 2012 Forest Laboratories, Inc.
MEDICATION GUIDE
LINZESS TM (lin-ZESS)
(linaclotide)
capsules
Read this Medication Guide before you start taking LINZESS and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment.
What is the most important information I should know about LINZESS?
- Do not give LINZESS to children who are under 6 years of age. It may harm them.
- You should not give LINZESS to children 6 to 17 years of age. It may harm them.
See the section “ What are the possible side effects of LINZESS?” for more information about side effects.
What is LINZESS?
LINZESS is a prescription medication used in adults to treat
- irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)
- a type of constipation called chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). “Idiopathic” means the cause of the constipation is unknown.
It is not known if LINZESS is safe and effective in children.
Who should not take LINZESS?
- Do not give LINZESS to children who are under 6 years of age.
- Do not take LINZESS if a doctor has told you that you have a bowel blockage (intestinal obstruction).
What should I tell my doctor before taking LINZESS?
Before you take LINZESS, tell your doctor if you:
- have any other medical conditions
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if LINZESS will harm your unborn baby.
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if LINZESS passes into your breast milk. Talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your baby, if you take LINZESS.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
How should I take LINZESS?
- Take LINZESS exactly as your doctor tells you to take it.
- Take LINZESS one time each day on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before your first meal of the day.
- Swallow LINZESS capsules whole. Do not break or chew the capsules.
What are the possible side effects of LINZESS?
LINZESS can cause serious side effects, including:
- See “What is the most important information I should know about LINZESS?”
-
Diarrhea is the most common side effect of LINZESS, and it can sometimes be severe.
- Diarrhea often begins within the first 2 weeks of LINZESS treatment.
- Stop taking LINZESS and call your doctor right away if you get severe diarrhea during treatment with LINZESS.
Other common side effects of LINZESS include:
- gas
- stomach-area (abdomen) pain
- swelling, or a feeling of fullness or pressure in your abdomen (distention)
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of LINZESS. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
In addition, call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away, if you develop unusual or severe stomach-area (abdomen) pain, especially if you also have bright red, bloody stools or black stools that look like tar.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store LINZESS?
- Store LINZESS at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
- Keep LINZESS in the bottle that it comes in.
- The LINZESS bottle contains a desiccant packet to help keep your medicine dry (protect it from moisture). Do not remove the desiccant packet from the bottle.
- Keep the container of LINZESS tightly closed and in a dry place.
Keep LINZESS and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about LINZESS
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use LINZESS for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give LINZESS to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about LINZESS. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about LINZESS that is written for health professionals. For more information, go to www.LINZESS.com or call 1-800-678-1605.
What are the ingredients in LINZESS?
Active ingredient: linaclotide
Inactive ingredients: calcium chloride dihydrate, L-leucine, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, gelatin, and titanium dioxide.
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Issued: August 2012
LINZESS is a trademark of Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Distributed by:
Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Subsidiary of Forest Laboratories, Inc.
St. Louis, Missouri, 63045
Marketed by:
Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Subsidiary of Forest Laboratories, Inc. Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
St. Louis, Missouri, 63045 Cambridge, MA, 02142
© Copyright 2012 Forest Laboratories, Inc.
Principal Display Panel – 145 mcg Bottle Label
Rx Only NDC
0456-1201-30
30 CAPSULES
Linzess
™
(linaclotide) capsules
145 mcg / capsule
ATTENTION PHARMACIST:
Each patient is required to receive
the enclosed Medication Guide
Keep LINZESS in the original container
to protect from moisture. Do not remove
the desiccant from inside the bottle.
Principal Display Panel – 290 mcg Bottle Label
Rx Only NDC
0456-1202-30
30 CAPSULES
Linzess
™
(linaclotide) capsules
290 mcg / capsule
ATTENTION PHARMACIST:
Each patient is required to receive
the enclosed Medication Guide
Keep LINZESS in the original container
to protect from moisture. Do not remove
the desiccant from inside the bottle.
Linzesslinaclotide
CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Linzesslinaclotide
CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED
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