Timing of Loading Dose
In the clinical trial that established the efficacy and safety of Effient, the loading dose of Effient was not administered until coronary anatomy was established in UA/NSTEMI patients and in STEMI patients presenting more than 12 hours after symptom onset. In STEMI patients presenting within 12 hours of symptom onset, the loading dose of Effient was administered at the time of diagnosis, although most received Effient at the time of PCI [see Clinical Studies (14)]. For the small fraction of patients that required urgent CABG after treatment with Effient, the risk of significant bleeding was substantial.
Although it is generally recommended that antiplatelet therapy be administered promptly in the management of ACS because many cardiovascular events occur within hours of initial presentation, in a trial of 4033 NSTEMI patients, no clear benefit was observed when Effient loading dose was administered prior to diagnostic coronary angiography compared to at the time of PCI; however, risk of bleeding was increased with early administration in patients undergoing PCI or early CABG.
Dosing in Low Weight Patients
Compared to patients weighing ≥60 kg, patients weighing <60 kg have an increased exposure to the active metabolite of prasugrel and an increased risk of bleeding on a 10 mg once daily maintenance dose. Consider lowering the maintenance dose to 5 mg in patients <60 kg. The effectiveness and safety of the 5 mg dose have not been prospectively studied [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Adverse Reactions (6.1), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Drug Discontinuation
The rate of study drug discontinuation because of adverse reactions was 7.2% for Effient and 6.3% for clopidogrel. Bleeding was the most common adverse reaction leading to study drug discontinuation for both drugs (2.5% for Effient and 1.4% for clopidogrel).
Bleeding
Bleeding Unrelated to CABG Surgery
In TRITON-TIMI 38, overall rates of TIMI Major or Minor bleeding adverse reactions unrelated to coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) were significantly higher on Effient than on clopidogrel, as shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Non-CABG-Related BleedingPatients may be counted in more than one row.
(TRITON-TIMI 38) | Effient (%) (N=6741) | Clopidogrel (%) (N=6716) |
|---|
| TIMI Major or Minor bleeding | 4.5 | 3.4 |
| TIMI Major bleeding See 5.1 for definition. | 2.2 | 1.7 |
| Life-threatening | 1.3 | 0.8 |
| Fatal | 0.3 | 0.1 |
| Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Requiring inotropes | 0.3 | 0.1 |
| Requiring surgical intervention | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Requiring transfusion (≥4 units) | 0.7 | 0.5 |
| TIMI Minor bleeding | 2.4 | 1.9 |
Figure 1 demonstrates non-CABG-related TIMI Major or Minor bleeding. The bleeding rate is highest initially, as shown in Figure 1 (inset: Days 0 to 7) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Bleeding by Weight and Age
In TRITON-TIMI 38, non-CABG-related TIMI Major or Minor bleeding rates in patients with the risk factors of age ≥75 years and weight <60 kg are shown in Table 2.
Table 2: Bleeding Rates for Non-CABG-Related Bleeding by Weight and Age (TRITON-TIMI 38) | Major/Minor | Fatal |
|---|
| Effient 10 mg Effient maintenance dose (%) | Clopidogrel 75 mg clopidogrel maintenance dose (%) | Effient (%) | Clopidogrel (%) |
|---|
| Weight <60 kg (N=308 Effient, N=356 clopidogrel) | 10.1 | 6.5 | 0.0 | 0.3 |
| Weight ≥60 kg (N=6373 Effient, N=6299 clopidogrel) | 4.2 | 3.3 | 0.3 | 0.1 |
| Age <75 years (N=5850 Effient, N=5822 clopidogrel) | 3.8 | 2.9 | 0.2 | 0.1 |
| Age ≥75 years (N=891 Effient, N=894 clopidogrel) | 9.0 | 6.9 | 1.0 | 0.1 |
Bleeding Related to CABG
In TRITON-TIMI 38, 437 patients who received a thienopyridine underwent CABG during the course of the study. The rate of CABG-related TIMI Major or Minor bleeding was 14.1% for the Effient group and 4.5% in the clopidogrel group (see Table 3). The higher risk for bleeding adverse reactions in patients treated with Effient persisted up to 7 days from the most recent dose of study drug.
Table 3: CABG-Related BleedingPatients may be counted in more than one row.
(TRITON-TIMI 38) | Effient (%) (N=213) | Clopidogrel (%) (N=224) |
|---|
| TIMI Major or Minor bleeding | 14.1 | 4.5 |
| TIMI Major bleeding | 11.3 | 3.6 |
| Fatal | 0.9 | 0 |
| Reoperation | 3.8 | 0.5 |
| Transfusion of ≥5 units | 6.6 | 2.2 |
| Intracranial hemorrhage | 0 | 0 |
| TIMI Minor bleeding | 2.8 | 0.9 |
Bleeding Reported as Adverse Reactions
Hemorrhagic events reported as adverse reactions in TRITON-TIMI 38 were, for Effient and clopidogrel, respectively: epistaxis (6.2%, 3.3%), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (1.5%, 1.0%), hemoptysis (0.6%, 0.5%), subcutaneous hematoma (0.5%, 0.2%), post-procedural hemorrhage (0.5%, 0.2%), retroperitoneal hemorrhage (0.3%, 0.2%), pericardial effusion/hemorrhage/tamponade (0.3%, 0.2%), and retinal hemorrhage (0.0%, 0.1%).
Malignancies
During TRITON-TIMI 38, newly diagnosed malignancies were reported in 1.6% and 1.2% of patients treated with prasugrel and clopidogrel, respectively. The sites contributing to the differences were primarily colon and lung. In another Phase 3 clinical study of ACS patients not undergoing PCI, in which data for malignancies were prospectively collected, newly diagnosed malignancies were reported in 1.8% and 1.7% of patients treated with prasugrel and clopidogrel, respectively. The site of malignancies was balanced between treatment groups except for colorectal malignancies. The rates of colorectal malignancies were 0.3% prasugrel, 0.1% clopidogrel and most were detected during investigation of GI bleed or anemia. It is unclear if these observations are causally related, are the result of increased detection because of bleeding, or are random occurrences.
Other Adverse Events
In TRITON-TIMI 38, common and other important nonhemorrhagic adverse events were, for Effient and clopidogrel, respectively: severe thrombocytopenia (0.06%, 0.04%), anemia (2.2%, 2.0%), abnormal hepatic function (0.22%, 0.27%), allergic reactions (0.36%, 0.36%), and angioedema (0.06%, 0.04%). Table 4 summarizes the adverse events reported by at least 2.5% of patients.
Table 4: Non-Hemorrhagic Treatment Emergent Adverse Events Reported by at Least 2.5% of Patients in Either Group | Effient (%) (N=6741) | Clopidogrel (%) (N=6716) |
|---|
| Hypertension | 7.5 | 7.1 |
| Hypercholesterolemia/Hyperlipidemia | 7.0 | 7.4 |
| Headache | 5.5 | 5.3 |
| Back pain | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Dyspnea | 4.9 | 4.5 |
| Nausea | 4.6 | 4.3 |
| Dizziness | 4.1 | 4.6 |
| Cough | 3.9 | 4.1 |
| Hypotension | 3.9 | 3.8 |
| Fatigue | 3.7 | 4.8 |
| Noncardiac chest pain | 3.1 | 3.5 |
| Atrial fibrillation | 2.9 | 3.1 |
| Bradycardia | 2.9 | 2.4 |
| Leukopenia (<4 × 109 WBC WBC = white blood cell /L) | 2.8 | 3.5 |
| Rash | 2.8 | 2.4 |
| Pyrexia | 2.7 | 2.2 |
| Peripheral edema | 2.7 | 3.0 |
| Pain in extremity | 2.6 | 2.6 |
| Diarrhea | 2.3 | 2.6 |
Risk Summary
There are no data with Effient use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk. No structural malformations were observed in animal reproductive and developmental toxicology studies when rats and rabbits were administered prasugrel during organogenesis at doses of up to 30 times the recommended therapeutic exposures in humans [see Data]. Due to the mechanism of action of Effient, and the associated identified risk of bleeding, consider the benefits and risks of Effient and possible risks to the fetus when prescribing Effient to a pregnant woman [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3)].
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. The background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2-4% and of miscarriage is 15-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.
Data
Animal DataIn embryo-fetal developmental toxicology studies, pregnant rats and rabbits received prasugrel at maternally toxic oral doses equivalent to more than 40 times the human exposure. A slight decrease in fetal body weight was observed, but there were no structural malformations in either species. In prenatal and postnatal rat studies, maternal treatment with prasugrel had no effect on the behavioral or reproductive development of the offspring at doses greater than 150 times the human exposure.
Risk Summary
There is no information regarding the presence of prasugrel in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Metabolites of prasugrel were found in rat milk [see Data]. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Effient and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Effient or from the underlying maternal condition.
Data
Animal Data
Following a 5 mg/kg oral dose of [14C]-prasugrel to lactating rats, metabolites of prasugrel were detected in the maternal milk and blood.
5 mg in Low Body Weight Patients
In patients with stable coronary artery disease, mean platelet inhibition in subjects <60 kg taking 5 mg prasugrel was similar to that of subjects ≥60 kg taking 10 mg prasugrel. The relationship between inhibition of platelet aggregation and clinical activity has not been established.
Absorption and Binding
Following oral administration, ≥79% of the dose is absorbed. The absorption and metabolism are rapid, with peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) of the active metabolite occurring approximately 30 minutes after dosing. The active metabolite's exposure (AUC) increases slightly more than proportionally over the dose range of 5 to 60 mg. Repeated daily doses of 10 mg do not lead to accumulation of the active metabolite. In a study of healthy subjects given a single 15 mg dose, the AUC of the active metabolite was unaffected by a high-fat, high-calorie meal, but Cmax was decreased by 49% and Tmax was increased from 0.5 to 1.5 hours. Effient can be administered without regard to food. The active metabolite is bound about 98% to human serum albumin.
Metabolism and Elimination
Prasugrel is not detected in plasma following oral administration. It is rapidly hydrolyzed in the intestine to a thiolactone, which is then converted to the active metabolite by a single step, primarily by CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 and to a lesser extent by CYP2C9 and CYP2C19. The estimates of apparent volume of distribution of prasugrel's active metabolite ranged from 44 to 68 L and the estimates of apparent clearance ranged from 112 to 166 L/hr in healthy subjects and patients with stable atherosclerosis. The active metabolite is metabolized to two inactive compounds by S-methylation or conjugation with cysteine. The major inactive metabolites are highly bound to human plasma proteins. Approximately 68% of the prasugrel dose is excreted in the urine and 27% in the feces as inactive metabolites.
Specific Populations
Geriatric Patients
In a study of 32 healthy subjects between the ages of 20 and 80 years, age had no significant effect on pharmacokinetics of prasugrel's active metabolite or its inhibition of platelet aggregation. In TRITON-TIMI 38, the mean exposure (AUC) of the active metabolite was 19% higher in patients ≥75 years of age than in patients <75 years of age. In a study in subjects with stable atherosclerosis, the mean exposure (AUC) to the active metabolite of prasugrel in subjects ≥75 years old taking a 5 mg maintenance dose was approximately half that seen in subjects 45 to 64 years old taking a 10 mg maintenance dose [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
Body Weight
The mean exposure (AUC) to the active metabolite is approximately 30 to 40% higher in subjects with a body weight of <60 kg than in those weighing ≥60 kg. In a study in subjects with stable atherosclerosis, the AUC of the active metabolite on average was 38% lower in subjects <60 kg taking 5 mg (N=34) than in subjects ≥60 kg taking 10 mg (N=38) [see Dosage and Administration (2), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Adverse Reactions (6.1), and Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Male and Female Patients
Pharmacokinetics of prasugrel's active metabolite is similar in men and women.
Racial or Ethnic Groups
Exposure in subjects of African and Hispanic descent is similar to that in Caucasians. In clinical pharmacology studies, after adjusting for body weight, the AUC of the active metabolite was approximately 19% higher in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean subjects than in Caucasian subjects.
Smoking
Pharmacokinetics of prasugrel's active metabolite is similar in smokers and nonsmokers.
Patients with Renal Impairment
Pharmacokinetics of prasugrel's active metabolite and its inhibition of platelet aggregation is similar in patients with moderate renal impairment (CrCL=30 to 50 mL/min) and healthy subjects. In patients with end-stage renal disease, exposure to the active metabolite (both Cmax and AUC (0-tlast)) was about half that in healthy controls and patients with moderate renal impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].
Patients with Hepatic Impairment
Pharmacokinetics of prasugrel's active metabolite and inhibition of platelet aggregation was similar in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment compared to healthy subjects. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of prasugrel's active metabolite in patients with severe hepatic disease have not been studied [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.8)].
Drug Interaction Studies
Potential for Other Drugs to Affect Prasugrel
Inhibitors of CYP3A - Ketoconazole (400 mg daily), a selective and potent inhibitor of CYP3A4 and CYP3A5, did not affect prasugrel-mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation or the active metabolite's AUC and Tmax, but decreased the Cmax by 34% to 46%. Therefore, CYP3A inhibitors such as verapamil, diltiazem, indinavir, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, and grapefruit juice are not expected to have a significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of the active metabolite of prasugrel [see Drug Interactions (7.4)].
Inducers of Cytochromes P450 - Rifampicin (600 mg daily), a potent inducer of CYP3A and CYP2B6 and an inducer of CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2C8, did not significantly change the pharmacokinetics of prasugrel's active metabolite or its inhibition of platelet aggregation. Therefore, known CYP3A inducers such as rifampicin, carbamazepine, and other inducers of cytochromes P450 are not expected to have significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of the active metabolite of prasugrel [see Drug Interactions (7.4)].
Drugs that Elevate Gastric pH - Daily coadministration of ranitidine (an H2 blocker) or lansoprazole (a proton pump inhibitor) decreased the Cmax of the prasugrel active metabolite by 14% and 29%, respectively, but did not change the active metabolite's AUC and Tmax. In TRITON-TIMI 38, Effient was administered without regard to coadministration of a proton pump inhibitor or H2 blocker [see Drug Interactions (7.4)].
Statins - Atorvastatin (80 mg daily), a drug metabolized by CYP450 3A4, did not alter the pharmacokinetics of prasugrel's active metabolite or its inhibition of platelet aggregation [see Drug Interactions (7.4)].
Heparin - A single intravenous dose of unfractionated heparin (100 units/kg) did not significantly alter coagulation or the prasugrel-mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation; however, bleeding time was increased compared with either drug alone [see Drug Interactions (7.4)].
Aspirin - Aspirin 150 mg daily did not alter prasugrel-mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation; however, bleeding time was increased compared with either drug alone [see Drug Interactions (7.4)].
Warfarin - A significant prolongation of the bleeding time was observed when prasugrel was coadministered with 15 mg of warfarin [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Potential for Prasugrel to Affect Other Drugs
In vitro metabolism studies demonstrate that prasugrel's main circulating metabolites are not likely to cause clinically significant inhibition of CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, or CYP3A, or induction of CYP1A2 or CYP3A.
Drugs Metabolized by CYP2B6 - Prasugrel is a weak inhibitor of CYP2B6. In healthy subjects, prasugrel decreased exposure to hydroxybupropion, a CYP2B6-mediated metabolite of bupropion, by 23%, an amount not considered clinically significant. Prasugrel is not anticipated to have significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of drugs that are primarily metabolized by CYP2B6, such as halothane, cyclophosphamide, propofol, and nevirapine.
Effect on Digoxin - The potential role of prasugrel as a Pgp substrate was not evaluated. Prasugrel is not an inhibitor of Pgp, as digoxin clearance was not affected by prasugrel coadministration [see Drug Interactions (7.4)].
Morphine - Coadministration of 5 mg intravenous morphine with 60 mg loading dose of prasugrel in healthy adults decreased the Cmax of prasugrel's active metabolite by 31% with no change in AUC, Tmax, or inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation. ADP-induced platelet aggregation was higher up to 2 hours following 60 mg loading dose of prasugrel in stable patients more than 1 year after an ACS who were coadministered morphine. In the patients with a 2-hour delay in the onset of platelet aggregation (5 of 11), Tmax was delayed and prasugrel active metabolite levels were significantly lower at 30 min (5 vs 120 ng/mL) following coadministration with morphine.
Carcinogenesis
No compound-related tumors were observed in a 2-year rat study with prasugrel at oral doses up to 100 mg/kg/day (>100 times the recommended therapeutic exposures in humans [based on plasma exposures to the major circulating human metabolite]). There was an increased incidence of tumors (hepatocellular adenomas) in mice exposed for 2 years to high doses (>250 times the human metabolite exposure).
Mutagenesis
Prasugrel was not genotoxic in two in vitro tests (Ames bacterial gene mutation test, clastogenicity assay in Chinese hamster fibroblasts) and in one in vivo test (micronucleus test by intraperitoneal route in mice).
Impairment of Fertility
Prasugrel had no effect on fertility of male and female rats at oral doses up to 300 mg/kg/day (80 times the human major metabolite exposure at daily dose of 10 mg prasugrel).
Administration
- Advise patients not to break Effient tablets.
- Remind patients not to discontinue Effient without first discussing it with the physician who prescribed Effient [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
- Inform patients to keep Effient in the container in which it comes, and keep the container closed tightly with the gray cylinder (desiccant) inside.
Bleeding
Inform patients that they:
- will bruise and bleed more easily.
- will take longer than usual to stop bleeding.
- should report any unanticipated, prolonged, or excessive bleeding, or blood in their stool or urine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
- Inform patients that TTP is a rare but serious condition that has been reported with Effient.
- Instruct patients to get prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms of TTP that cannot otherwise be explained [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Hypersensitivity
Inform patients that they may have hypersensitivity reactions and to seek immediate medical attention if any signs and symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction occur. Patients who have had hypersensitivity reactions to other thienopyridines may have hypersensitivity reactions to Effient.
Invasive Procedures
Instruct patients to:
- inform physicians and dentists that they are taking Effient before any invasive procedure is scheduled [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
- tell the doctor performing the invasive procedure to talk to the prescribing healthcare professional before stopping Effient.
Concomitant Medications
Ask patients to list all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, or dietary supplements they are taking or plan to take so the physician knows about other treatments that may affect bleeding risk (e.g., warfarin and NSAIDs) [see Drug Interactions (7.1, 7.2)].
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Effient® is a registered trademark of Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
8-EFFCP1 Revised: 02/2022