FDA Label for Alyq
View Indications, Usage & Precautions
- 1.1 PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
- 2.1 PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
- 2.2 DOSE ADJUSTMENT IN RENAL IMPAIRMENT
- 2.3 DOSE ADJUSTMENT IN HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT
- 2.4 DOSE ADJUSTMENTS FOR USE WITH RITONAVIR
- 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
- 4.1 CONCOMITANT ORGANIC NITRATES
- 4.2 CONCOMITANT GUANYLATE CYCLASE (GC) STIMULATORS
- 4.3 HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS
- 5.1 HYPOTENSION
- 5.2 WORSENING PULMONARY VASCULAR OCCLUSIVE DISEASE
- 5.3 VISUAL LOSS
- 5.4 HEARING IMPAIRMENT
- 5.5 COMBINATION WITH OTHER PDE5 INHIBITORS
- 5.6 PROLONGED ERECTION
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
- 6.1 CLINICAL TRIALS EXPERIENCE
- 6.2 POSTMARKETING EXPERIENCE
- 7.1 NITRATES
- 7.2 ALPHA-BLOCKERS
- 7.3 ANTIHYPERTENSIVES
- 7.4 ALCOHOL
- 7.5 CYP3A INHIBITORS/INDUCERS
- 8.1 PREGNANCY
- 8.2 LACTATION
- 8.3 FEMALES AND MALES OF REPRODUCTIVE POTENTIAL
- 8.4 PEDIATRIC USE
- 8.5 GERIATRIC USE
- 8.6 RENAL IMPAIRMENT
- 8.7 HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT
- 10 OVERDOSAGE
- 11 DESCRIPTION
- 12.1 MECHANISM OF ACTION
- 12.3 PHARMACOKINETICS
- 13.2 ANIMAL TOXICOLOGY AND/OR PHARMACOLOGY
- 14.1 TADALAFIL FOR PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
- 14.2 LONG-TERM TREATMENT OF PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
- 16.1 HOW SUPPLIED
- 16.2 STORAGE
- 17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
- PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
Alyq Product Label
The following document was submitted to the FDA by the labeler of this product Teva Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. The document includes published materials associated whith this product with the essential scientific information about this product as well as other prescribing information. Product labels may durg indications and usage, generic names, contraindications, active ingredients, strength dosage, routes of administration, appearance, warnings, inactive ingredients, etc.
1.1 Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
ALYQ® (tadalafil tablets, USP) is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1) to improve exercise ability. Studies establishing effectiveness included predominately patients with NYHA Functional Class II - III symptoms and etiologies of idiopathic or heritable PAH (61%) or PAH associated with connective tissue diseases (23%).
2.1 Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
The recommended dose of ALYQ® is 40 mg (two 20 mg tablets) taken once daily with or without food. Dividing the dose (40 mg) over the course of the day is not recommended.
2.2 Dose Adjustment In Renal Impairment
Mild (creatinine clearance 51 to 80 mL/min) or moderate (creatinine clearance 31 to 50 mL/min): Start dosing at 20 mg once daily. Increase to 40 mg once daily based on individual tolerability.
Severe (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min and on hemodialysis): Avoid use of ALYQ® because of increased tadalafil exposure (AUC), limited clinical experience, and the lack of ability to influence clearance by dialysis [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
2.3 Dose Adjustment In Hepatic Impairment
Mild or moderate (Child Pugh Class A or B): Because of limited clinical experience in patients with mild to moderate hepatic cirrhosis, consider a starting dose of 20 mg once per day.
Severe (Child Pugh Class C): Patients with severe hepatic cirrhosis have not been studied. Avoid use of ALYQ® [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].
2.4 Dose Adjustments For Use With Ritonavir
Co-administration of ALYQ® in Patients on Ritonavir
In patients receiving ritonavir for at least one week, start ALYQ® at 20 mg once daily. Increase to 40 mg once daily based upon individual tolerability [see Drug Interactions (7.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Co-administration of Ritonavir in Patients on ALYQ®
Avoid use of ALYQ® during the initiation of ritonavir. Stop ALYQ® at least 24 hours prior to starting ritonavir. After at least one week following the initiation of ritonavir, resume ALYQ® at 20 mg once daily. Increase to 40 mg once daily based upon individual tolerability [see Drug Interactions (7.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
3 Dosage Forms And Strengths
20 mg, white to off-white, oval shaped, film-coated tablets (not scored) debossed with “J11” on one side and “T” on the other side.
4.1 Concomitant Organic Nitrates
ALYQ® is contraindicated in patients who are using any form of organic nitrate, either regularly or intermittently. Do not use nitrates within 48 hours of the last dose of ALYQ®. ALYQ® potentiates the hypotensive effect of nitrates. This potentiation is thought to result from the combined effects of nitrates and ALYQ® on the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].
4.2 Concomitant Guanylate Cyclase (Gc) Stimulators
Coadministration of GC stimulators such as riociguat with ALYQ® is contraindicated. ALYQ® may potentiate the hypotensive effects of GC stimulators.
4.3 Hypersensitivity Reactions
ALYQ® is contraindicated in patients with a known serious hypersensitivity to tadalafil (ALYQ® or CIALIS®). Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and exfoliative dermatitis [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].
5.1 Hypotension
ALYQ® has vasodilatory properties that may result in transient decreases in blood pressure. Prior to prescribing ALYQ®, carefully consider whether patients with underlying cardiovascular disease could be affected adversely by such vasodilatory effects. Patients with preexisting hypotension, with autonomic dysfunction, with left ventricular outflow obstruction, may be particularly sensitive to the actions of vasodilators.
5.2 Worsening Pulmonary Vascular Occlusive Disease
Pulmonary vasodilators may significantly worsen the cardiovascular status of patients with pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD). Since there are no clinical data on administration of ALYQ® to patients with veno-occlusive disease, administration of ALYQ® to such patients is not recommended. Should signs of pulmonary edema occur when ALYQ® is administered, the possibility of associated PVOD should be considered.
5.3 Visual Loss
When used to treat erectile dysfunction, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a cause of decreased vision including permanent loss of vision, has been reported postmarketing in temporal association with the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, including tadalafil. Most, but not all, of these patients had underlying anatomic or vascular risk factors for development of NAION, including but not necessarily limited to: low cup to disc ratio (“crowded disc”), age over 50, diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia, and smoking. Based on published literature, the annual incidence of NAION is 2.5 to 11.8 cases per 100,000 in males aged ≥50 in the general population. An observational case-crossover study evaluated the risk of NAION when PDE5 inhibitor use, as a class, typical of erectile dysfunction treatment, occurred immediately before NAION onset (within 5 half-lives), compared to PDE5 inhibitor use in a prior time period. The results suggest an approximate 2-fold increase in the risk of NAION, with a risk estimate of 2.15 (95% CI 1.06, 4.34). A similar study reported a consistent result, with a risk estimate of 2.27 (95% CI 0.99, 5.20). Other risk factors for NAION, such as the presence of “crowded” optic disc, may have contributed to the occurrence of NAION in these studies.
Patients with known hereditary degenerative retinal disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa, were not included in the clinical trials, and use in these patients is not recommended.
5.4 Hearing Impairment
Cases of sudden decrease or loss of hearing, which may be accompanied by tinnitus and dizziness, have been reported in patients taking tadalafil. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to the use of PDE5 inhibitors or to other factors [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].
5.5 Combination With Other Pde5 Inhibitors
Tadalafil is also marketed for erectile dysfunction. The safety and efficacy of taking ALYQ® together with another PDE5 inhibitor has not been studied. Inform patients taking ALYQ® not to take other PDE5 inhibitors.
5.6 Prolonged Erection
There have been reports of prolonged erections greater than 4 hours and priapism (painful erections greater than 6 hours in duration) for this class of compounds. Patients with conditions that might predispose them to priapism (such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia), or in patients with anatomical deformation of the penis (such as angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, or Peyronie's disease) are at an increased risk. Priapism, if not treated promptly, can result in irreversible damage to the erectile tissue. Patients who have an erection lasting greater than 4 hours, whether painful or not, should seek emergency medical attention.
6 Adverse Reactions
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling:
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 practice.
Tadalafil was administered to 398 patients with PAH during clinical trials worldwide. In trials of tadalafil, a total of 311 and 251 subjects have been treated for at least 182 days and 360 days, respectively. The overall rates of discontinuation because of an adverse event (AE) in the placebo-controlled trial were 9% for tadalafil 40 mg and 15% for placebo. The rates of discontinuation because of AEs, other than those related to worsening of PAH, in patients treated with tadalafil 40 mg was 4% compared to 5% in placebo-treated patients.
In the placebo-controlled study, the most common AEs were generally transient and mild to moderate in intensity. Table 1 presents treatment-emergent adverse events reported by ≥9% of patients in the tadalafil 40 mg group and occurring more frequently than with placebo.
EVENT | Placebo (%) (N=82) | Tadalafil 20 mg (%) (N=82) | Tadalafil 40 mg (%) (N=79) |
Headache | 15 | 32 | 42 |
Myalgia | 4 | 9 | 14 |
Nasopharyngitis | 7 | 2 | 13 |
Flushing | 2 | 6 | 13 |
Respiratory Tract Infection (Upper and Lower) | 6 | 7 | 13 |
Pain in Extremity | 2 | 5 | 11 |
Nausea | 6 | 10 | 11 |
Back Pain | 6 | 12 | 10 |
Dyspepsia | 2 | 13 | 10 |
Nasal Congestion (Including sinus congestion) | 1 | 0 | 9 |
6.2 Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of tadalafil. These events have been chosen for inclusion either because of their seriousness, reporting frequency, lack of clear alternative causation, or a combination of these factors. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate reliably their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The list does not include adverse events that are reported from clinical trials and that are listed elsewhere in this section.
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular - Serious cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, stroke, chest pain, palpitations, and tachycardia, have been reported postmarketing in temporal association with the use of tadalafil [see Contraindications (4.1)]. Most, but not all, of these patients had preexisting cardiovascular risk factors. Many of these events were reported to occur during or shortly after sexual activity, and a few were reported to occur shortly after the use of tadalafil without sexual activity. Others were reported to have occurred hours to days after the use of tadalafil and sexual activity. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to tadalafil, to sexual activity, to the patient's underlying cardiovascular disease, to a combination of these factors, or to other factors.
Body as a whole - Hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and exfoliative dermatitis
Nervous - Migraine, seizure and seizure recurrence, and transient global amnesia
Ophthalmologic - Visual field defect, retinal vein occlusion, retinal artery occlusion, and NAION [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Patient Counseling Information (17)].
Otologic - Cases of sudden decrease or loss of hearing have been reported postmarketing in temporal association with the use of PDE5 inhibitors, including tadalafil. In some of the cases, medical conditions and other factors were reported that may have also played a role in the otologic adverse events. In many cases, medical follow-up information was limited. It is not possible to determine whether these reported events are related directly to the use of tadalafil, to the patient's underlying risk factors for hearing loss, a combination of these factors, or to other factors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Patient Counseling Information (17)].
Urogenital - Priapism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
7.1 Nitrates
Administration of nitrates within 48 hours after the last dose of ALYQ® is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4.1)].
7.2 Alpha-Blockers
PDE5 inhibitors, including ALYQ®, and alpha-adrenergic blocking agents are both vasodilators with blood-pressure-lowering effects. When vasodilators are used in combination, an additive effect on blood pressure may be anticipated. Clinical pharmacology studies have been conducted with coadministration of tadalafil with doxazosin, alfuzosin or tamsulosin [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].
7.3 Antihypertensives
PDE5 inhibitors, including ALYQ®, are mild systemic vasodilators. Clinical pharmacology studies were conducted to assess the effect of tadalafil on the potentiation of the blood-pressure-lowering effects of selected antihypertensive medications (amlodipine, angiotensin II receptor blockers, bendroflumethiazide, enalapril, and metoprolol). Small reductions in blood pressure occurred following coadministration of tadalafil with these agents compared with placebo [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].
7.4 Alcohol
Both alcohol and tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, act as mild vasodilators. When mild vasodilators are taken in combination, blood pressure-lowering effects of each individual compound may be increased. Substantial consumption of alcohol (e.g., 5 units or greater) in combination with ALYQ® can increase the potential for orthostatic signs and symptoms, including increase in heart rate, decrease in standing blood pressure, dizziness, and headache. Tadalafil (10 mg or 20 mg) did not affect alcohol plasma concentrations and alcohol did not affect tadalafil plasma concentrations. [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].
7.5 Cyp3a Inhibitors/Inducers
Ritonavir
Ritonavir initially inhibits and later induces CYP3A, the enzyme involved in the metabolism of tadalafil. At steady state of ritonavir (about 1 week), the exposure to tadalafil is similar as in the absence of ritonavir [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Potent Inhibitors of CYP3A
Tadalafil is metabolized predominantly by CYP3A in the liver. In patients taking potent inhibitors of CYP3A such as ketoconazole, and itraconazole, avoid use of ALYQ® [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Potent Inducers of CYP3A
For patients chronically taking potent inducers of CYP3A, such as rifampin, avoid use of ALYQ® [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
8.1 Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Limited data from case series with tadalafil use in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed with oral administration of tadalafil to pregnant rats or mice during organogenesis at exposures 7 times the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 40 mg/day based on AUC (see Data).
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk
Pregnant women with untreated pulmonary arterial hypertension are at risk for heart failure, stroke, preterm delivery, and maternal and fetal death.
Data
Animal Data
Tadalafil and/or its metabolites cross the placenta, resulting in fetal exposure in rats.
Animal reproduction studies showed no evidence of teratogenicity, embryotoxicity, or fetotoxicity when tadalafil was given to pregnant rats or mice at unbound tadalafil exposures up to 7 times the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 40 mg/day during organogenesis based on AUC. In one of two perinatal/postnatal developmental studies in rats, a reduction of postnatal pup survival was observed at dose levels of 60, 200 and 1000 mg/kg. The no-observed-effect-level (NOEL) for developmental toxicity was 30 mg/kg, which provided maternal exposure to unbound tadalafil concentrations approximately 5 times the exposure at the MRHD based on AUC. Signs of maternal toxicity occurred at doses greater than 200 mg/kg/day, which produced AUCs greater than 8 times the exposure at the MRHD. Surviving offspring had normal development and reproductive performance.
8.2 Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of tadalafil and/or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Tadalafil and/or its metabolites are present in the milk of lactating rats at concentrations approximately 2.4-times that found in the plasma. When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk.
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for ALYQ® and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from ALYQ® or from the underlying maternal condition.
8.3 Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential
Infertility
Males
Based on the data from 3 studies in adult males, tadalafil decreased sperm concentrations in the study of 10 mg tadalafil for 6 months and the study of 20 mg tadalafil for 9 months. This effect was not seen in the study of 20 mg tadalafil taken for 6 months. There was no adverse effect of tadalafil 10 mg or 20 mg on mean concentrations of testosterone, luteinizing hormone or follicle stimulating hormone. The clinical significance of the decreased sperm concentrations in the two studies is unknown. There have been no studies evaluating the effect of tadalafil on fertility in men or women [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].
8.4 Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of ALYQ® in pediatric patients have not been established.
8.5 Geriatric Use
Of the total number of subjects in the clinical study of tadalafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension, 28 percent were 65 and over, while 8 percent were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety were observed between subjects over 65 years of age compared to younger subjects or those over 75 years of age. No dose adjustment is warranted based on age alone; however, a greater sensitivity to medications in some older individuals should be considered. [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
8.6 Renal Impairment
For patients with mild or moderate renal impairment, start ALYQ® at 20 mg once daily. Increase the dose to 40 mg once daily based upon individual tolerability [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
In patients with severe renal impairment, avoid use of ALYQ® because of increased tadalafil exposure (AUC), limited clinical experience, and the lack of ability to influence clearance by dialysis [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
8.7 Hepatic Impairment
Because of limited clinical experience in patients with mild to moderate hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh Class A or B), consider a starting dose of ALYQ® 20 mg once daily. Patients with severe hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh Class C) have not been studied, thus avoid use of ALYQ® in such patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
10 Overdosage
Single doses up to 500 mg have been given to healthy male subjects, and multiple daily doses up to 100 mg have been given to male patients with erectile dysfunction. Adverse reactions were similar to those seen at lower doses. Doses greater than 40 mg have not been studied in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. In cases of overdose, standard supportive measures should be adopted as needed. Hemodialysis contributes negligibly to tadalafil elimination.
11 Description
ALYQ® (tadalafil, USP), an oral treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension, is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). Tadalafil, USP has the molecular formula C22H19N3O4 representing a molecular weight of 389.40. The structural formula is:
The chemical designation is pyrazino[1´,2´:1,6]pyrido[3,4-b]indole-1,4-dione, 6-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2,3,6,7,12,12a-hexahydro-2-methyl-, (6R,12aR)-. It is a white or almost white powder that is practically insoluble in water, slightly soluble in methylene chloride, and freely soluble in dimethylsulfoxide.
ALYQ® (tadalafil tablets, USP) is available as white to off-white, oval shaped, film-coated tablets for oral administration. Each tablet contains 20 mg of tadalafil, USP and the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, pregelatinized (corn) starch, sodium lauryl sulfate, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.
12.1 Mechanism Of Action
Tadalafil is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), the enzyme responsible for the degradation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Pulmonary arterial hypertension is associated with impaired release of nitric oxide by the vascular endothelium and consequent reduction of cGMP concentrations in the pulmonary vascular smooth muscle. PDE5 is the predominant phosphodiesterase in the pulmonary vasculature. Inhibition of PDE5 by tadalafil increases the concentrations of cGMP resulting in relaxation of pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells and vasodilation of the pulmonary vascular bed.
Studies in vitro have demonstrated that tadalafil is a selective inhibitor of PDE5. PDE5 is found in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle, visceral smooth muscle, corpus cavernosum, skeletal muscle, platelets, kidney, lung, cerebellum, and pancreas.
In vitro studies have shown that the effect of tadalafil is more potent on PDE5 than on other phosphodiesterases. These studies have shown that tadalafil is >10,000-fold more potent for PDE5 than for PDE1, PDE2, PDE4, and PDE7 enzymes, which are found in the heart, brain, blood vessels, liver, leukocytes, skeletal muscle, and other organs. Tadalafil is >10,000-fold more potent for PDE5 than for PDE3, an enzyme found in the heart and blood vessels. Additionally, tadalafil is 700-fold more potent for PDE5 than for PDE6, which is found in the retina and is responsible for phototransduction. Tadalafil is >9,000-fold more potent for PDE5 than for PDE8, PDE9, and PDE10. Tadalafil is 14-fold more potent for PDE5 than for PDE11A1 and 40-fold more potent for PDE5 than for PDE11A4, two of the four known forms of PDE11. PDE11 is an enzyme found in human prostate, testes, skeletal muscle and in other tissues. In vitro, tadalafil inhibits human recombinant PDE11A1 and, to a lesser degree, PDE11A4 activities at concentrations within the therapeutic range. The physiological role and clinical consequence of PDE11 inhibition in humans have not been defined.
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
Over a dose range of 2.5 to 20 mg, tadalafil exposure (AUC) increases proportionally with dose in healthy subjects. In PAH patients administered between 20 and 40 mg of tadalafil, an approximately 1.5-fold greater AUC was observed indicating a less than proportional increase in exposure over the entire dose range of 2.5 to 40 mg. During tadalafil 20 and 40 mg once daily dosing, steady-state plasma concentrations were attained within 5 days, and exposure was approximately 1.3-fold higher than after a single dose.
13.2 Animal Toxicology And/Or Pharmacology
Animal studies showed vascular inflammation in tadalafil–treated mice, rats, and dogs. In mice and rats, lymphoid necrosis and hemorrhage were seen in the spleen, thymus, and mesenteric lymph nodes at unbound tadalafil exposure of 1- to 17-fold the human exposure (AUCs) at the MRHD of 40 mg. In dogs, an increased incidence of disseminated arteritis was observed in 1- and 6-month studies at unbound tadalafil exposure of 0.5- to 38-fold the human exposure (AUC) at the MRHD of 40 mg. In a 12-month dog study, no disseminated arteritis was observed, but 2 dogs exhibited marked decreases in white blood cells (neutrophils) and moderate decreases in platelets with inflammatory signs at unbound tadalafil exposures of approximately 4- to 10-fold the human exposure at the MRHD of 40 mg. The abnormal blood-cell findings were reversible within 2 weeks upon removal of the drug.
14.1 Tadalafil For Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
A randomized, double-blind, 16 week placebo-controlled study was conducted in 405 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, defined as a resting mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) ≥25 mm Hg, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) ≤15 mm Hg, and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) ≥3 Wood units via right heart catheterization. Allowed background therapy included bosentan (maintenance dosing up to 125 mg twice daily) and chronic anticoagulation. The use of prostacyclin or analogue, L-arginine, phosphodiesterase inhibitor, or other chronic PAH medications were not permitted.
Subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatment groups (tadalafil 2.5, 10, 20, 40 mg, or placebo) in a 1:1:1:1:1 ratio. Subjects had to be at least 12 years of age and had a diagnosis of PAH that was idiopathic, heritable, related to connective tissue disease, anorexigen use, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, associated with an atrial-septal defect, or associated with surgical repair of a congenital systemic-to-pulmonary shunt of least 1 year in duration (for example, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus). Patients with a history of left-sided heart disease, severe renal insufficiency, or pulmonary hypertension related to conditions other than specified in the inclusion criteria were not eligible for enrollment.
The mean age of all subjects was 54 years (range 14 to 90 years) with the majority of subjects being Caucasian (81%) and female (78%). PAH etiologies were predominantly idiopathic or heritable PAH (61%) and related to connective tissue disease (23%). More than half (53%) of the subjects in the study were receiving concomitant bosentan therapy. The majority of subjects had a World Health Organization (WHO) Functional Class III (65%) or II (32%). The mean baseline 6-minute walk distance (6-MWD) was 343 meters. Of the 405 subjects, 341 completed the study.
The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline at week 16 in 6-MWD (see Figure 4). In the tadalafil 40 mg treatment group, the placebo-adjusted mean change increase in 6-MWD was 33 meters (95% C.I. 15-50 meters; p=0.0004). The improvement in 6-MWD was apparent at 8 weeks of treatment and then maintained at week 12 and week 16.
Figure 4: 6-Minute Walk Distance (meters) Mean Change from Baseline, with 95% Confidence Intervals
Placebo-adjusted changes in 6-MWD at 16 weeks were evaluated in subgroups (see Figure 5). In patients taking only tadalafil 40 mg (i.e., without concomitant bosentan), the placebo-adjusted mean change in 6-MWD was 44 meters. In patients taking tadalafil 40 mg and concomitant bosentan therapy, the placebo adjusted mean change in 6-MWD was 23 meters.
Figure 5: Placebo-adjusted Mean Change in 6-Minute Walk Distance (meters) of Tadalafil 40 mg, with 95% Confidence Intervals
There was less clinical worsening (defined as death, lung transplantation, atrial septostomy, hospitalization because of worsening PAH, initiation of new PAH therapy [prostacyclin or analog, endothelin receptor antagonist, PDE5 inhibitor], or worsening WHO functional class) in the tadalafil 40 mg group compared to the placebo group and the groups that used lower doses of tadalafil.
a Subjects may be counted in more than one category | |||||
Tadalafil | |||||
Placebo N=82 | 2.5 mg N=82 | 10 mg N=80 | 20 mg N=82 | 40 mg N=79 | |
Total with clinical worsening | 13 (16) | 10 (12) | 7 (9) | 8 (10) | 4 (5) |
Death | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Hospitalization for worsening PAH | 2 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
New PAH therapy | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
Worsening WHO class | 11 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 3 |
The Kaplan-Meier plot of times to clinical worsening is shown below in Figure 6.
Figure 6: Kaplan-Meier Plot of Time to Clinical Worsening
14.2 Long-Term Treatment Of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Patients (N=357) from the placebo-controlled study entered a long-term extension study. Of these, 311 patients have been treated with tadalafil for at least 6 months and 182 for 1 year (median exposure 356 days; range 2 days to 415 days). The survival rate in the extension study was 96.5 per 100 patient years. Without a control group, these data must be interpreted cautiously.
16.1 How Supplied
ALYQ® (tadalafil tablets, USP) is supplied as follows:
20 mg white to off-white, oval shaped, film-coated tablets (not scored) debossed with “J11” on one side and “T” on the other side.
Bottles of 60 NDC 0480-9277-06
16.2 Storage
Store at 25°C (77°F): excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
17 Patient Counseling Information
See FDA-Approved Patient Labeling (Patient Information)
- Inform patients of contraindication of ALYQ® with any use of organic nitrates or GC stimulators.
- Inform patients that tadalafil is also marketed as CIALIS® for erectile dysfunction (ED) and for the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Advise patients taking ALYQ® not to take CIALIS® or other PDE5 inhibitors.
- Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention in the event of a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes while taking ALYQ®. Such an event may be a sign of NAION. Also discuss with patients that there is an increased risk of NAION in individuals who have already experienced NAION in one eye, including whether such individuals could be adversely affected by use of vasodilators such as PDE5 inhibitors.
- Advise patients to seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing while taking ALYQ®. These events may be accompanied by tinnitus and dizziness.
Brands listed are the trademarks of their respective owners.
Manufactured In India By:
Watson Pharma Private Limited
Verna, Salcette Goa 403 722 India
Manufactured For:
Teva Pharmaceuticals
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Rev. A 4/2023
Package Label.Principal Display Panel
New NDC / New Product Appearance
NDC 0480-9277-06
ALYQ®
(Tadalafil Tablets, USP)
20 mg
Rx only
60 Tablets
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