RAGWITEK
HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATIONThese highlights do not include all the information needed to use RAGWITEK safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for RAGWITEK. RAGWITEK™ (Short Ragweed Pollen Allergen Extract)Tablet for Sublingual UseInitial U.S. Approval: 2014BOXED WARNINGWARNING: SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTIONS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. RAGWITEK can cause life-threatening allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis and severe laryngopharyngeal restriction. (5.1) Do not administer RAGWITEK to patients with severe, unstable or uncontrolled asthma. (4) Observe patients in the office for at least 30 minutes following the initial dose. (5.1) Prescribe auto-injectable epinephrine, instruct and train patients on its appropriate use, and instruct patients to seek immediate medical care upon its use. (5.2) RAGWITEK may not be suitable for patients with certain underlying medical conditions that may reduce their ability to survive a serious allergic reaction. (5.2) RAGWITEK may not be suitable for patients who may be unresponsive to epinephrine or inhaled bronchodilators, such as those taking beta-blockers. (5.2) INDICATIONS AND USAGERAGWITEK is an allergen extract indicated as immunotherapy for the treatment of short ragweed pollen-induced allergic rhinitis, with or without conjunctivitis, confirmed by positive skin test or in vitro testing for pollen-specific IgE antibodies for short ragweed pollen. RAGWITEK is approved for use in adults 18 through 65 years of age. (1)DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For sublingual use only. One tablet daily. (2.1) Initiate treatment at least 12 weeks before the expected onset of ragweed pollen season and continue treatment throughout the season. (2.2) Place the tablet immediately under the tongue. Allow it to remain there until completely dissolved. Do not swallow for at least 1 minute. (2.2) Administer the first dose of RAGWITEK under the supervision of a physician with experience in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. Observe patients in the office for at least 30 minutes following the initial dose. (2.2) DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Tablet, 12 Amb a 1-Unit (Amb a 1-U) (3) CONTRAINDICATIONS Severe, unstable or uncontrolled asthma. (4) History of any severe systemic allergic reaction or any severe local reaction to sublingual allergen immunotherapy. (4) A history of eosinophilic esophagitis. (4) Hypersensitivity to any of the inactive ingredients contained in this product. (4) WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of serious allergic reactions and instruct them to seek immediate medical care and discontinue therapy should any of these occur. (5.1) In case of oral inflammation or wounds, stop treatment with RAGWITEK to allow complete healing of the oral cavity. (5.7) Side Effects Adverse reactions reported in ≥5% of patients were: throat irritation, oral pruritus, ear pruritus, oral paraesthesia, mouth edema, and tongue pruritus. (6) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., at 1-877-888-4231 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*
- 1 RAGWITEK INDICATIONS AND USAGE
- 2 RAGWITEK DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
- 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
- 4 RAGWITEK CONTRAINDICATIONS
- 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
- 6 RAGWITEK ADVERSE REACTIONS
- 8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
- 11 RAGWITEK DESCRIPTION
- 12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
- 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
- 14 CLINICAL STUDIES
- 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
- 17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
- MEDICATION GUIDE
- PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 3 Blister Pack Carton
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
- RAGWITEK can cause life-threatening allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis and severe laryngopharyngeal restriction. (5.1)
- Do not administer RAGWITEK to patients with severe, unstable or uncontrolled asthma. (4)
- Observe patients in the office for at least 30 minutes following the initial dose. (5.1)
- Prescribe auto-injectable epinephrine, instruct and train patients on its appropriate use, and instruct patients to seek immediate medical care upon its use. (5.2)
- RAGWITEK may not be suitable for patients with certain underlying medical conditions that may reduce their ability to survive a serious allergic reaction. (5.2)
- RAGWITEK may not be suitable for patients who may be unresponsive to epinephrine or inhaled bronchodilators, such as those taking beta-blockers. (5.2)
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
RAGWITEK™ is an allergen extract indicated as immunotherapy for the treatment of short ragweed pollen-induced allergic rhinitis, with or without conjunctivitis, confirmed by positive skin test or in vitro testing for pollen-specific IgE antibodies for short ragweed pollen. RAGWITEK is approved for use in adults 18 through 65 years of age.
RAGWITEK is not indicated for the immediate relief of allergic symptoms.
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
For sublingual use only.
2.1 Dose
One RAGWITEK tablet daily.
2.2 Administration
Administer the first dose of RAGWITEK in a healthcare setting under the supervision of a physician with experience in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. After receiving the first dose of RAGWITEK, observe the patient for at least 30 minutes to monitor for signs or symptoms of a severe systemic or a severe local allergic reaction. If the patient tolerates the first dose, the patient may take subsequent doses at home.
-
Place the tablet immediately under the tongue. Allow it to remain there until completely dissolved. Do not swallow for at least 1 minute.
Wash hands after handling the tablet.
Do not take the tablet with food or beverage. Food or beverage should not be taken for the following 5 minutes after taking the tablet.
Initiate treatment at least 12 weeks before the expected onset of ragweed pollen season and continue treatment throughout the season. The safety and efficacy of initiating treatment in season have not been established.
Data regarding the safety of restarting treatment after missing a dose of RAGWITEK are limited. In the clinical trials, treatment interruptions for up to seven days were allowed.
Prescribe auto-injectable epinephrine to patients prescribed RAGWITEK and instruct them in the proper use of emergency self-injection of epinephrine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
RAGWITEK is available as 12 Amb a 1-Unit (Amb a 1-U) tablets that are white to off-white, circular with a debossed double hexagon on one side.
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
RAGWITEK is contraindicated in patients with:
- Severe, unstable or uncontrolled asthma
- A history of any severe systemic allergic reaction
- A history of any severe local reaction after taking any sublingual allergen immunotherapy
- A history of eosinophilic esophagitis
- Hypersensitivity to any of the inactive ingredients [gelatin, mannitol, and sodium hydroxide] contained in this product [see Description (11)].
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Severe Allergic Reactions
RAGWITEK can cause systemic allergic reactions including anaphylaxis which may be life-threatening. In addition, RAGWITEK can cause severe local reactions, including laryngopharyngeal swelling, which can compromise breathing and be life-threatening. Educate patients to recognize the signs and symptoms of these allergic reactions and instruct them to seek immediate medical care and discontinue therapy should any of these occur. Allergic reactions may require treatment with epinephrine. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2).]
Administer the initial dose of RAGWITEK in a healthcare setting under the supervision of a physician with experience in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases and prepared to manage a life-threatening systemic or local allergic reaction. Observe patients in the office for at least 30 minutes following the initial dose of RAGWITEK.
5.2 Epinephrine
Prescribe auto-injectable epinephrine to patients receiving RAGWITEK. Instruct patients to recognize the signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction and in the proper use of emergency auto-injectable epinephrine. Instruct patients to seek immediate medical care upon use of auto-injectable epinephrine and to stop treatment with RAGWITEK. [See Patient Counseling Information (17).]
See the epinephrine package insert for complete information.
RAGWITEK may not be suitable for patients with certain medical conditions that may reduce the ability to survive a serious allergic reaction or increase the risk of adverse reactions after epinephrine administration. Examples of these medical conditions include but are not limited to: markedly compromised lung function (either chronic or acute), unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, significant arrhythmia, and uncontrolled hypertension.
RAGWITEK may not be suitable for patients who are taking medications that can potentiate or inhibit the effect of epinephrine. These medications include:
Βeta-adrenergic blockers: Patients taking beta-adrenergic blockers may be unresponsive to the usual doses of epinephrine used to treat serious systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Specifically, beta-adrenergic blockers antagonize the cardiostimulating and bronchodilating effects of epinephrine.
Alpha-adrenergic blockers, ergot alkaloids: Patients taking alpha-adrenergic blockers may be unresponsive to the usual doses of epinephrine used to treat serious systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Specifically, alpha-adrenergic blockers antagonize the vasoconstricting and hypertensive effects of epinephrine. Similarly, ergot alkaloids may reverse the pressor effects of epinephrine.
Tricyclic antidepressants, levothyroxine sodium, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and certain antihistamines: The adverse effects of epinephrine may be potentiated in patients taking tricyclic antidepressants, levothyroxine sodium, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and the antihistamines chlorpheniramine, and diphenhydramine.
Cardiac glycosides, diuretics: Patients who receive epinephrine while taking cardiac glycosides or diuretics should be observed carefully for the development of cardiac arrhythmias.
5.3 Upper Airway Compromise
RAGWITEK can cause local reactions in the mouth or throat that could compromise the upper airway [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Consider discontinuation of RAGWITEK in patients who experience persistent and escalating adverse reactions in the mouth or throat.
5.4 Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Eosinophilic esophagitis has been reported in association with sublingual tablet immunotherapy [see Contraindications (4)]. Discontinue RAGWITEK and consider a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis in patients who experience severe or persistent gastro-esophageal symptoms including dysphagia or chest pain.
5.5 Asthma
Subjects with asthma who participated in clinical trials had asthma of a severity that required, at most, a daily low dose of an inhaled corticosteroid. RAGWITEK has not been studied in subjects with moderate or severe asthma.
Withhold immunotherapy with RAGWITEK if the patient is experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation. Reevaluate patients who have recurrent asthma exacerbations and consider discontinuation of RAGWITEK.
5.6 Concomitant Allergen Immunotherapy
RAGWITEK has not been studied in subjects who are receiving concomitant allergen immunotherapy. Concomitant dosing with other allergen immunotherapy may increase the likelihood of local or systemic adverse reactions to either subcutaneous or sublingual allergen immunotherapy.
5.7 Oral Inflammation
Stop treatment with RAGWITEK to allow complete healing of the oral cavity in patients with oral inflammation (e.g., oral lichen planus, mouth ulcers, or thrush) or oral wounds, such as those following oral surgery or dental extraction.
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
Adverse reactions reported in ≥5% of patients were: throat irritation, oral pruritus, ear pruritus, oral paraesthesia, mouth edema, and tongue pruritus.
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 to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.
In 4 placebo-controlled clinical trials, 1057 subjects 18 years of age and older with short ragweed pollen-induced rhinitis, with or without conjunctivitis, received at least one dose of RAGWITEK, of whom 327 (31%) completed at least 12 weeks of therapy. Of the subjects treated with RAGWITEK, 52% were male, 25% had mild asthma, and 82% were sensitized to other allergens in addition to ragweed pollen. The subject population was 83% White, 12% African American, and 2% Asian. Subject demographics in placebo-treated subjects were similar to the active group. The pooled analysis includes safety data from two 28-day safety studies and safety data from the first 28 days of two 52-week safety and efficacy studies. Adverse reactions reported in ≥1% of subjects in the 28-day pooled analysis treated with RAGWITEK are shown in Table 1.
The most common adverse reactions reported in subjects treated with RAGWITEK were throat irritation (16.6% vs 3.3% placebo), oral pruritus (10.9% vs 2.0%), ear pruritus (10.4% vs 1.1%), and oral paraesthesia (10.0% vs 4.0%). The percentage of subjects who discontinued from the clinical trials because of an adverse reaction while exposed to RAGWITEK or placebo was 4.4% and 0.8%, respectively. The most common adverse reactions that led to study discontinuation in subjects who were exposed to RAGWITEK were mouth edema, swollen tongue, and dysphagia.
One subject (1/1057; 0.1%) who received RAGWITEK experienced a treatment-related severe systemic allergic reaction that led to discontinuation of RAGWITEK. The subject had local reactions starting on Day 1 of treatment with RAGWITEK. On Day 6 symptoms progressed and included swelling of the throat, dyspnea, nausea, and lightheadedness. The subject fully recovered after treatment with epinephrine (self-administered), antihistamines, and oral corticosteroids.
| Adverse Reaction | RAGWITEK (N=1057) |
Placebo (N=757) |
|---|---|---|
| Ear and Labyrinth Disorders | ||
| Ear pruritus | 10.4% | 1.1% |
| Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders | ||
| Throat irritation | 16.6% | 3.3% |
| Oropharyngeal pain | 1.5% | 0.7% |
| Throat tightness | 1.3% | 0.5% |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||
| Oral pruritus | 10.9% | 2.0% |
| Paraesthesia oral | 10.0% | 4.0% |
| Mouth edema | 6.1% | 0.5% |
| Tongue pruritus | 5.1% | 0.5% |
| Lip swelling | 3.0% | 0.4% |
| Swollen tongue | 2.9% | 0.5% |
| Lip pruritus | 1.5% | 0.1% |
| Dry mouth | 1.4% | 0.7% |
| Tongue edema | 1.3% | 0.5% |
| Nausea | 1.1% | 0.3% |
| Palatal edema | 1.1% | 0% |
| Dysphagia | 1.0% | 0% |
| Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders | ||
| Pruritus | 1.8% | 1.3% |
| General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions | ||
| Chest discomfort | 1.0% | 0% |
The overall safety profile beyond Day 28 in the two 52-week trials was similar to that observed in the pooled 28-day analysis.
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1 Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C:
Animal reproduction studies have not been performed with RAGWITEK. It is also not known whether RAGWITEK can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. RAGWITEK should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Because systemic and local adverse reactions with immunotherapy may be poorly tolerated during pregnancy, RAGWITEK should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
8.3 Nursing Mothers
It is not known if RAGWITEK is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when RAGWITEK is administered to a nursing woman.
8.4 Pediatric Use
RAGWITEK is not approved for use in pediatric patients because safety and efficacy have not been established.
8.5 Geriatric Use
RAGWITEK is not approved for use in patients over 65 years of age because safety and efficacy have not been established.
11 DESCRIPTION
RAGWITEK tablets contain pollen allergen extract from Short Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia). RAGWITEK is a sublingual orally disintegrating tablet that dissolves rapidly.
RAGWITEK is available as a tablet of 12 Amb a 1-U of short ragweed pollen allergen extract.
Inactive ingredients: gelatin NF (fish source), mannitol USP, and sodium hydroxide NF.
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1 Mechanism of Action
The precise mechanisms of action of allergen immunotherapy are not known.
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
No studies have been performed in animals to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of RAGWITEK.
There were no positive findings in a combined in vivo Comet and micronucleus assay in rats using Short Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) pollen allergen extract.
Fertility studies have not been performed with Short Ragweed pollen allergen extract.
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
The efficacy of RAGWITEK in the treatment of ragweed pollen-induced allergic rhinitis, with or without conjunctivitis, was investigated in two double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials in adults 18 through 50 years of age. Subjects received RAGWITEK or placebo for approximately 12 weeks prior to the start of the ragweed pollen season and throughout the ragweed pollen season.
The subject population was 86% White, 9% African American, and 3% Asian. The subject population was almost equally divided between males and females. Overall, the mean age of subjects was 36 years. Subjects with asthma who participated in clinical trials had asthma of a severity that required, at most, a daily low dose of an inhaled corticosteroid. Approximately 16% of subjects had mild asthma at baseline.
Efficacy was established by self-reporting of rhinoconjunctivitis daily symptom scores (DSS) and daily medication scores (DMS). Daily rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms included four nasal symptoms (runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, and itchy nose), and two ocular symptoms (gritty/itchy eyes and watery eyes). The rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms were measured on a scale of 0 (none) to 3 (severe). Subjects in clinical trials were allowed to take symptom-relieving medications (including systemic and topical antihistamines, and topical and oral corticosteroids) as needed. The daily medication score measured the use of standard open-label allergy medications. Predefined values were assigned to each class of medication. Generally, systemic and topical antihistamines were given the lowest score, topical steroids an intermediate score, and oral corticosteroids the highest score.
The sums of the DSS and DMS were combined into the Total Combined Score (TCS) which was averaged over the peak ragweed pollen season. Also, in each study, the average TCS over the entire ragweed season was assessed. Other endpoints in both studies included the average DSS during the peak and entire ragweed season, and the average DMS during the peak ragweed season.
Trial 1
The first study was a placebo-controlled trial which evaluated subjects 18 through 50 years of age comparing RAGWITEK (n=187) and placebo (n=188) administered as a sublingual tablet daily. In this trial, approximately 22% of subjects had mild asthma and 85% were sensitized to other allergens in addition to short ragweed. Subjects with asthma who participated in this trial had asthma of a severity that required, at most, a daily low dose of an inhaled corticosteroid. Subjects with a clinical history of symptomatic allergies to non-short ragweed pollen allergens that required treatment during the ragweed pollen season were excluded from the trial. The subject population was 78% White, 12% African American, and 8% Asian, and almost equally divided between males and females. The mean age of subjects in this study was 35.4 years. The two treatment groups were balanced with regard to baseline characteristics. The results of this study are shown in Table 2.
Trial 2
The second study was a placebo-controlled trial which evaluated subjects 18 through 50 years of age comparing RAGWITEK (n=194) and placebo (n=198) administered as a sublingual tablet daily. Approximately 17% of subjects had mild asthma and 78% were sensitized to other allergens in addition to short ragweed. Subjects with asthma who participated in this trial had asthma of a severity that required, at most, a daily low dose of an inhaled corticosteroid. Subjects with a clinical history of symptomatic allergies to non-short ragweed pollen allergens that required treatment during the ragweed pollen season were excluded from the trial. The subject population was 88% White, 8.9% African American, 2% Asian, and almost equally divided between males and females. The mean age of subjects in this study was 36.4 years. The two treatment groups were balanced with regard to baseline characteristics. The results of this study are shown in Table 3.
A decrease in TCS during the peak ragweed season for subjects treated with RAGWITEK compared to placebo-treated subjects was demonstrated in both trials. Subjects treated with RAGWITEK also showed a decrease in the average TCS from the start of and throughout the entire ragweed pollen season. Similar decreases were observed in subjects treated with RAGWITEK for other endpoints (see Tables 2 and 3).
| Endpoint |
RAGWITEK (N)  Score |
Placebo (N) Score |
Treatment Difference (RAGWITEK – Placebo) |
Difference Relative to Placebo Estimate (95% CI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCS=Total Combined Score (DSS + DMS); DSS=Daily Symptom Score; DMS=Daily Medication Score. | ||||
|
TCS Peak Season |
(159) 6.22 |
(164) 8.46 |
-2.24 | -26% (-38.7, -14.6) |
|
TCS Entire Season |
(160) 5.21 |
(166) 7.01 |
-1.80 | -26% (-37.6, -13.5) |
|
DSS Peak Season |
(159) 4.65 |
(164) 5.59 |
-0.94 | -17% (-28.6, -4.6) |
|
DSS Entire Season |
(160) 4.05 |
(166) 4.87 |
-0.82 | -17% (-28.5, -4.5) |
|
DMS Peak Season |
(159) 1.57 |
(164) 2.87 |
-1.30 | -45% (-65.4, -27.0) |
| Endpoint |
RAGWITEK (N) Score |
Placebo (N) Score |
Treatment Difference (RAGWITEK – Placebo) |
Difference Relative to Placebo Estimate (95% CI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCS=Total Combined Score (DSS + DMS); DSS=Daily Symptom Score; DMS=Daily Medication Score. | ||||
|
TCS Peak Season |
(152) 6.41 |
(169) 8.46 |
-2.04 | -24% (-36.5, -11.3) |
|
TCS Entire Season |
(158) 5.18 |
(174) 7.09 |
-1.92 | -27% (-38.8, -14.1) |
|
DSS Peak Season |
(152) 4.43 |
(169) 5.37 |
-0.94 | -18% (-29.2, -4.5) |
|
DSS Entire Season |
(158) 3.62 |
(174) 4.58 |
-0.96 | -21% (-31.6, -8.8) |
|
DMS Peak Season |
(152) 1.99 |
(169) 3.09 |
-1.10 | -36% (-55.8, -14.6) |
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
RAGWITEK 12 Amb a 1-U tablets are white to off-white, circular sublingual tablets with a debossed double hexagon on one side.
RAGWITEK is supplied as follows:
3 blister packages of 10 tablets (30 tablets total). NDC 0006-5420-30
9 blister packages of 10 tablets (90 tablets total). NDC 0006-5420-54
Store at controlled room temperature, 20ºC-25ºC (68ºF-77ºF); excursions permitted between 15ºC-30ºC (59ºF-86ºF). Store in the original package until use to protect from moisture.
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
Advise patients to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide) and to keep RAGWITEK and all medicines out of the reach of children.
Severe Allergic Reactions
Advise patients that RAGWITEK may cause life-threatening systemic or local allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Educate patients about the signs and symptoms of these allergic reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. The signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include: syncope, dizziness, hypotension, tachycardia, dyspnea, wheezing, bronchospasm, chest discomfort, cough, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, pruritus, flushing, and urticaria.
Ensure that patients have auto-injectable epinephrine and instruct patients in its proper use. Instruct patients who experience a severe allergic reaction to seek immediate medical care, discontinue RAGWITEK, and resume treatment only when advised by a physician to do so. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2).]
Advise patients to read the patient information for epinephrine.
Inform patients that the first dose of RAGWITEK must be administered in a healthcare setting under the supervision of a physician and that they will be monitored for at least 30 minutes to watch for signs and symptoms of life-threatening systemic or local allergic reaction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Because of the risk of upper airway compromise, instruct patients with persistent and escalating adverse reactions in the mouth or throat to discontinue RAGWITEK and to contact their healthcare professional. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.3).]
Because of the risk of eosinophilic esophagitis, instruct patients with severe or persistent symptoms of esophagitis to discontinue RAGWITEK and to contact their healthcare professional. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4).]
Asthma
Instruct patients with asthma that if they have difficulty breathing or if their asthma becomes difficult to control, they should stop taking RAGWITEK and contact their healthcare professional immediately [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Administration Instructions
Instruct patients to carefully remove the foil from the blister unit with dry hands and then take the sublingual tablet immediately by placing it under the tongue where it will dissolve. Also instruct patients to wash their hands after handling the tablet, and to avoid food or beverages for 5 minutes after taking the tablet. [See Dosage and Administration (2.2).]
Manufactured for: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of
MERCK & CO., INC., Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, USA
Manufactured by:
Catalent Pharma Solutions Limited, Blagrove,
Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 8RU UK
For patent information: www.merck.com/product/patent/home.html
Copyright © 2014 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.
All rights reserved.
uspi-mk3641-sb-1406r001
MEDICATION GUIDE
RAGWITEK™ (RAG-wi-tek)
(Short Ragweed Pollen Allergen Extract)
Carefully read this Medication Guide before you start taking RAGWITEK™ and each time you get a refill. This Medication Guide does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if there is something you do not understand or if you want to learn more about RAGWITEK.
What is the Most Important Information I Should Know about RAGWITEK?
RAGWITEK can cause severe allergic reactions that may be life-threatening. Stop taking RAGWITEK and get medical treatment right away if you have any of the following symptoms after taking RAGWITEK:
- Trouble breathing
- Throat tightness or swelling
- Trouble swallowing or speaking
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid or weak heartbeat
- Severe stomach cramps or pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Severe flushing or itching of the skin
For home administration of RAGWITEK, your doctor will prescribe auto-injectable epinephrine, a medicine you can inject if you have a severe allergic reaction after taking RAGWITEK. Your doctor will train and instruct you on the proper use of auto-injectable epinephrine.
Talk to your doctor or read the epinephrine patient information if you have any questions about the use of auto-injectable epinephrine.
What is RAGWITEK?
RAGWITEK is a prescription medicine used for sublingual (under the tongue) immunotherapy to treat ragweed pollen allergies that can cause sneezing, runny or itchy nose, stuffy or congested nose, or itchy and watery eyes. RAGWITEK may be prescribed for persons 18 through 65 years of age who are allergic to ragweed pollen.
RAGWITEK is taken for about 12 weeks before ragweed pollen season and throughout ragweed pollen season.
RAGWITEK is NOT a medication that gives immediate relief for symptoms of ragweed allergy.
Who Should Not Take RAGWITEK?
You should not take RAGWITEK if:
- You have severe, unstable or uncontrolled asthma
- You had a severe allergic reaction in the past that included any of these symptoms:
- Trouble breathing
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid or weak heartbeat
- You have ever had difficulty with breathing due to swelling of the throat or upper airway after using any sublingual immunotherapy before.
- You have ever been diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis.
- You are allergic to any of the inactive ingredients contained in RAGWITEK. The inactive ingredients contained in RAGWITEK are: gelatin, mannitol, and sodium hydroxide.
What Should I Tell My Doctor Before Taking RAGWITEK?
Your doctor may decide that RAGWITEK is not the best treatment if:
- You have asthma, depending on how severe it is.
- You suffer from lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- You suffer from heart disease such as coronary artery disease, an irregular heart rhythm, or you have hypertension that is not well controlled.
- You are pregnant, plan to become pregnant during the time you will be taking RAGWITEK, or are breast-feeding.
- You are unable or unwilling to administer auto-injectable epinephrine to treat a severe allergic reaction to RAGWITEK.
- You are taking certain medicines that enhance the likelihood of a severe reaction, or interfere with the treatment of a severe reaction. These medicines include:
- beta blockers and alpha-blockers (prescribed for high blood pressure)
- cardiac glycosides (prescribed for heart failure or problems with heart rhythm)
- diuretics (prescribed for heart conditions and high blood pressure)
- ergot alkaloids (prescribed for migraine headache)
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants (prescribed for depression)
- thyroid hormone (prescribed for low thyroid activity).
You should tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription and herbal supplements. Keep a list of them and show it to your doctor and pharmacist each time you get a new supply of RAGWITEK. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking RAGWITEK.
RAGWITEK is not indicated for use in children under 18 years of age.
Are there any Reasons to Stop Taking RAGWITEK?
Stop RAGWITEK and contact your doctor if you have any of the following after taking RAGWITEK:
- Any type of a serious allergic reaction
- Throat tightness that worsens or swelling of the tongue or throat that causes trouble speaking, breathing, or swallowing
- Asthma or any other breathing condition that gets worse
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid or weak heartbeat
- Severe stomach cramps or pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Severe flushing or itching of the skin
- Heartburn, difficulty swallowing, pain with swallowing, or chest pain that does not go away or worsens
Also, stop taking RAGWITEK following: mouth surgery procedures (such as tooth removal), or if you develop any mouth infections, ulcers or cuts in the mouth or throat.
How Should I Take RAGWITEK?
Take RAGWITEK exactly as your doctor tells you.
RAGWITEK is a prescription medicine that is placed under the tongue.
- Take the tablet from the blister package after carefully removing the foil with dry hands.
- Place the tablet immediately under the tongue. Allow it to remain there until completely dissolved. Do not swallow for at least 1 minute.
- Do not take RAGWITEK with food or beverage. Food and beverage should not be taken for the following 5 minutes.
- Wash hands after taking the tablet.
Take the first tablet of RAGWITEK in your doctor's office. After taking the first tablet, you will be watched for at least 30 minutes for symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
If you tolerate the first dose of RAGWITEK, you will continue RAGWITEK therapy at home by taking one tablet every day.
Take RAGWITEK as prescribed by your doctor until the end of the treatment course. If you forget to take RAGWITEK, do not take a double dose. Take the next dose at your normal scheduled time the next day. If you miss more than one dose of RAGWITEK, contact your healthcare provider before restarting.
What are the Possible Side Effects of RAGWITEK?
The most commonly reported side effects were itching of the mouth, lips, or tongue, swelling under the tongue, or throat irritation. These side effects, by themselves, were not dangerous or life-threatening.
RAGWITEK can cause severe allergic reactions that may be life-threatening. Symptoms of allergic reactions to RAGWITEK include:
- Trouble breathing
- Throat tightness or swelling
- Trouble swallowing or speaking
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid or weak heartbeat
- Severe stomach cramps or pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Severe flushing or itching of the skin
For additional information on the possible side effects of RAGWITEK talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You may report side effects to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How Should I Store RAGWITEK?
Keep RAGWITEK out of the reach of children.
Throw away any unused RAGWITEK after the expiration date which is stated on the carton and blister pack after "EXP."
Store RAGWITEK in a dry place at room temperature, 15ºC to 30ºC (59ºF to 86ºF), in the original package.
General Information about RAGWITEK
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use RAGWITEK for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give RAGWITEK to other people, even if they have the same symptoms. It may harm them.
This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about RAGWITEK. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about RAGWITEK that was written for healthcare professionals. For more information, go to: www.ragwitek.com or call 1-800-622-4477 (toll-free).
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Manufactured for: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of
MERCK & CO., INC., Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, USA
Manufactured by:
Catalent Pharma Solutions Limited, Blagrove,
Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 8RU UK
For patent information: www.merck.com/product/patent/home.html
Copyright © 2014 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.
All rights reserved.
Revised: 04/2014
usmg-mk3641-sb-1404r000
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 3 Blister Pack Carton
NDC 0006-5420-30
This carton contains 30 sublingual tablets in three 10-Tablet blister cards
Short Ragweed Pollen Allergen Extract,
Ragwitek™ Tablet for sublingual use
12 Amb a 1-U
For Adults 18 to 65 Years of Age
Each Ragwitek tablet contains 12 Amb a 1-U of short ragweed pollen allergen extract.
Dispense the enclosed Medication Guide to the patient.
Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children.
Rx only
RAGWITEKShort Ragweed Pollen Allergen Extract TABLET
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