Pantoprazole Sodium: Package Insert and Label Information

PANTOPRAZOLE SODIUM- pantoprazole sodium tablet, delayed release
Proficient Rx LP

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Pantoprazole Sodium Delayed-Release Tablets, USP are indicated for:

1.1 Short-Term Treatment of Erosive Esophagitis Associated With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Pantoprazole is indicated in adults and pediatric patients five years of age and older for the short-term treatment (up to 8 weeks) in the healing and symptomatic relief of erosive esophagitis (EE). For those adult patients who have not healed after 8 weeks of treatment, an additional 8-week course of Pantoprazole may be considered. Safety of treatment beyond 8 weeks in pediatric patients has not been established.

1.2 Maintenance of Healing of Erosive Esophagitis

Pantoprazole is indicated for maintenance of healing of EE and reduction in relapse rates of daytime and nighttime heartburn symptoms in adult patients with GERD. Controlled studies did not extend beyond 12 months.

1.3 Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions Including Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

Pantoprazole is indicated for the long-term treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.1 Recommended Dosing Schedule

Pantoprazole is supplied as delayed-release tablets. The recommended dosages are outlined in Table 1.

Table 1: Recommended Dosing Schedule for Pantoprazole

Indication	Dose	Frequency
* For adult patients who have not healed after 8 weeks of treatment, an additional 8-week course of Pantoprazole may be considered. † Controlled studies did not extend beyond 12 months ‡ Dosage regimens should be adjusted to individual patient needs and should continue for as long as clinically indicated. Doses up to 240 mg daily have been administered.
Short-Term Treatment of Erosive Esophagitis Associated With GERD
Adults	40 mg	Once daily for up to 8 weeks *
Children (5 years and older)
≥ 15 kg to < 40 kg	20 mg	Once daily for up to 8 weeks
≥ 40 kg	40 mg
Maintenance of Healing of Erosive Esophagitis
Adults	40 mg	Once daily †
Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions Including Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Adults	40 mg	Twice daily ‡

2.2 Administration Instructions

Directions for method of administration for each dosage form are presented in Table 2.

Table 2: Administration Instructions

Formulation	Route	Instructions *
* Patients should be cautioned that Pantoprazole Sodium Delayed-Release Tablets should not be split, chewed, or crushed.
Delayed-Release Tablets	Oral	Swallowed whole, with or without food

Pantoprazole Sodium Delayed-Release Tablets

Pantoprazole Sodium Delayed-Release Tablets should be swallowed whole, with or without food in the stomach. If patients are unable to swallow a 40 mg tablet, two 20 mg tablets may be taken. Concomitant administration of antacids does not affect the absorption of Pantoprazole Sodium Delayed-Release Tablets.

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Delayed-Release Tablets:

•

40 mg, white oval biconvex tablets debossed with “17” on one side

•

20 mg, white oval biconvex tablets imprinted in black ink with “KU” on one side and “180” on the other side

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

Pantoprazole is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation or any substituted benzimidazole. Hypersensitivity reactions may include anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, angioedema, bronchospasm, acute interstitial nephritis, and urticaria [see Adverse Reactions (6) ].

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), including Pantoprazole, are contraindicated in patients receiving rilpivirine-containing products [see Drug Interactions (7) ].

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Presence of Gastric Malignancy

In adults, symptomatic response to therapy with Pantoprazole does not preclude the presence of gastric malignancy. Consider additional follow-up and diagnostic testing in adult patients who have a suboptimal response or an early symptomatic relapse after completing treatment with a PPI. In older patients, also consider an endoscopy.

5.2 Acute Interstitial Nephritis

Acute interstitial nephritis has been observed in patients taking PPIs including Pantoprazole. Acute interstitial nephritis may occur at any point during PPI therapy and is generally attributed to an idiopathic hypersensitivity reaction. Discontinue Pantoprazole if acute interstitial nephritis develops [see Contraindications (4) ].

5.3 Clostridium difficile- Associated Diarrhea

Published observational studies suggest that PPI therapy like Pantoprazole may be associated with an increased risk of Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea, especially in hospitalized patients. This diagnosis should be considered for diarrhea that does not improve [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ].

Patients should use the lowest dose and shortest duration of PPI therapy appropriate to the condition being treated.

5.4 Bone Fracture

Several published observational studies suggest that PPI therapy may be associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine. The risk of fracture was increased in patients who received high-dose, defined as multiple daily doses, and long-term PPI therapy (a year or longer). Patients should use the lowest dose and shortest duration of PPI therapy appropriate to the condition being treated. Patients at risk for osteoporosis-related fractures should be managed according to established treatment guidelines [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

5.5 Cutaneous and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been reported in patients taking PPIs, including pantoprazole sodium. These events have occurred as both new onset and an exacerbation of existing autoimmune disease. The majority of PPI-induced lupus erythematous cases were CLE.

The most common form of CLE reported in patients treated with PPIs was subacute CLE (SCLE) and occurred within weeks to years after continuous drug therapy in patients ranging from infants to the elderly. Generally, histological findings were observed without organ involvement.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is less commonly reported than CLE in patients receiving PPIs. PPI associated SLE is usually milder than non-drug induced SLE. Onset of SLE typically occurred within days to years after initiating treatment primarily in patients ranging from young adults to the elderly. The majority of patients presented with rash; however, arthralgia and cytopenia were also reported.

Avoid administration of PPIs for longer than medically indicated. If signs or symptoms consistent with CLE or SLE are noted in patients receiving Pantoprazole, discontinue the drug and refer the patient to the appropriate specialist for evaluation. Most patients improve with discontinuation of the PPI alone in 4 to 12 weeks. Serological testing (e.g. ANA) may be positive and elevated serological test results may take longer to resolve than clinical manifestations.

5.6 Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12) Deficiency

Generally, daily treatment with any acid-suppressing medications over a long period of time (e.g., longer than 3 years) may lead to malabsorption of cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12) caused by hypo- or achlorhydria. Rare reports of cyanocobalamin deficiency occurring with acid-suppressing therapy have been reported in the literature. This diagnosis should be considered if clinical symptoms consistent with cyanocobalamin deficiency are observed.

5.7 Hypomagnesemia

Hypomagnesemia, symptomatic and asymptomatic, has been reported rarely in patients treated with PPIs for at least three months, in most cases after a year of therapy. Serious adverse events include tetany, arrhythmias, and seizures. In most patients, treatment of hypomagnesemia required magnesium replacement and discontinuation of the PPI.

For patients expected to be on prolonged treatment or who take PPIs with medications such as digoxin or drugs that may cause hypomagnesemia (e.g., diuretics), health care professionals may consider monitoring magnesium levels prior to initiation of PPI treatment and periodically [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ].

5.8 Tumorigenicity

Due to the chronic nature of GERD, there may be a potential for prolonged administration of Pantoprazole. In long-term rodent studies, pantoprazole was carcinogenic and caused rare types of gastrointestinal tumors. The relevance of these findings to tumor development in humans is unknown [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ].

5.9 Interference with Urine Screen for THC

There have been reports of false positive urine screening tests for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in patients receiving PPIs, including Pantoprazole [see Drug Interactions (7) ].

5.10 Concomitant Use of Pantoprazole with Methotrexate

Literature suggests that concomitant use of PPIs with methotrexate (primarily at high dose; see methotrexate prescribing information) may elevate and prolong serum levels of methotrexate and/or its metabolite, possibly leading to methotrexate toxicities. In high-dose methotrexate administration, a temporary withdrawal of the PPI may be considered in some patients [see Drug Interactions (7) ].

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in labeling:

Acute Interstitial Nephritis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]

Clostridium difficile-

Associated Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]

Bone Fracture [see Warnings and Precautions ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. ) ]

Cutaneous and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus [see Warnings and Precautions ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. ) ]

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12) Deficiency [see Warnings and Precautions ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. ) ]

1.

Hypomagnesemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. ) ]

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.

Adults

Safety in nine randomized comparative US clinical trials in patients with GERD included 1,473 patients on oral Pantoprazole (20 mg or 40 mg), 299 patients on an H₂ -receptor antagonist, 46 patients on another PPI, and 82 patients on placebo. The most frequently occurring adverse reactions are listed in Table 3.

Table 3: Adverse Reactions Reported in Clinical Trials of Adult Patients with GERD at a Frequency of > 2%

	Pantoprazole (n=1473) %	Comparators (n=345) %	Placebo (n=82) %
Headache	12.2	12.8	8.5
Diarrhea	8.8	9.6	4.9
Nausea	7.0	5.2	9.8
Abdominal pain	6.2	4.1	6.1
Vomiting	4.3	3.5	2.4
Flatulence	3.9	2.9	3.7
Dizziness	3.0	2.9	1.2
Arthralgia	2.8	1.4	1.2

Additional adverse reactions that were reported for Pantoprazole in clinical trials with a frequency of ≤ 2% are listed below by body system:

Body as a Whole: allergic reaction, pyrexia, photosensitivity reaction, facial edema

Gastrointestinal: constipation, dry mouth, hepatitis

Hematologic: leukopenia, thrombocytopenia

Metabolic/Nutritional: elevated CK (creatine kinase), generalized edema, elevated triglycerides, liver enzymes elevated

Musculoskeletal: myalgia

Nervous: depression, vertigo

Skin and Appendages: urticaria, rash, pruritus

Special Senses: blurred vision

Pediatric Patients

Safety of Pantoprazole in the treatment of Erosive Esophagitis (EE) associated with GERD was evaluated in pediatric patients ages 1 year through 16 years in three clinical trials. Safety trials involved pediatric patients with EE; however, as EE is uncommon in the pediatric population, 249 pediatric patients with endoscopically-proven or symptomatic GERD were also evaluated. All adult adverse reactions to Pantoprazole are considered relevant to pediatric patients. In patients ages 1 year through 16 years, the most commonly reported (> 4%) adverse reactions include: URI, headache, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, and abdominal pain.

For safety information in patients less than 1 year of age see Use in Specific Populations (8.4).

Additional adverse reactions that were reported for Pantoprazole in pediatric patients in clinical trials with a frequency of ≤ 4% are listed below by body system:

Body as a Whole: allergic reaction, facial edema

Gastrointestinal: constipation, flatulence, nausea

Metabolic/Nutritional: elevated triglycerides, elevated liver enzymes, elevated CK (creatine kinase)

Musculoskeletal: arthralgia, myalgia

Nervous: dizziness, vertigo

Skin and Appendages: urticaria

The following adverse reactions seen in adults in clinical trials were not reported in pediatric patients in clinical trials, but are considered relevant to pediatric patients: photosensitivity reaction, dry mouth, hepatitis, thrombocytopenia, generalized edema, depression, pruritus, leukopenia, and blurred vision.

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

In clinical studies of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, adverse reactions reported in 35 patients taking Pantoprazole 80 mg/day to 240 mg/day for up to 2 years were similar to those reported in adult patients with GERD.