FDA Label for Sevelamer Carbonate For Oral Suspension

1 Indications And Usage

Sevelamer carbonate for oral suspension is indicated for the control of serum phosphorus in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis.

Pediatric use information is approved for Genzyme Corporation’s Renvela (sevelamer carbonate) tablets and Renvela (sevelamer carbonate) for oral suspension. However, due to Genzyme Corporation’s marketing exclusivity rights, these drug products are not labeled with that pediatric information.

2 Dosage And Administration

2.1 General Dosing Information

Starting Dose for Adult Patients Not Taking a Phosphate Binder. The recommended starting dose of sevelamer carbonate is 0.8 to 1.6 grams taken orally with meals based on serum phosphorus level.

Table 1 provides recommended starting doses of sevelamer carbonate for adult patients not taking a phosphate binder.

Table 1. Starting Dose for Adult Dialysis Patients Not Taking a Phosphate Binder

Dose Titration for Adult Patients Taking Sevelamer Carbonate. Titrate the sevelamer carbonate dose by 0.8 grams three times per day with meals at two-week intervals as necessary to achieve target serum phosphorus levels. Based on clinical studies, the average prescribed adult daily dose of sevelamer carbonate is approximately 7.2 grams per day. The highest daily adult dose of sevelamer carbonate studied was 14 grams in CKD patients on dialysis.  

Switching from Sevelamer Hydrochloride Tablets. For adult patients switching from sevelamer hydrochloride tablets to sevelamer carbonate tablets or powder, use the same dose in grams.  

Switching between Sevelamer Carbonate Tablets and Powder. Use the same dose in grams.  

Switching from Calcium Acetate. Table 3 gives recommended starting doses of sevelamer carbonate based on a patient’s current calcium acetate dose.

Table 3. Starting Dose for Dialysis Patients Switching From Calcium Acetate to Sevelamer carbonate

Pediatric use information is approved for Genzyme Corporation’s Renvela (sevelamer carbonate) tablets and Renvela (sevelamer carbonate) for oral suspension. However, due to Genzyme Corporation’s marketing exclusivity rights, these drug products are not labeled with that pediatric information.

2.2 Sevelamer Carbonate Powder Preparation Instructions

Sevelamer carbonate powder is available in 0.8 or 2.4 grams packets. Place the sevelamer carbonate powder in a cup and suspend in the amount of water described in Table 4.  

Table 4. Sevelamer Carbonate Powder Preparation Instructions

Instruct patients to stir the mixture vigorously (it does not dissolve), resuspend, if necessary, right before administration, and drink the entire preparation within 30 minutes.  

As an alternative to water, the entire contents of the sachet may be pre-mixed with a small amount of food or beverage and consumed immediately (within 30 minutes) as part of the meal. Do not heat sevelamer carbonate powder (e.g., microwave) or add to heated foods or liquids.  

Pediatric use information is approved for Genzyme Corporation’s Renvela sevelamer carbonate) tablets and Renvela (sevelamer carbonate) for oral suspension. However, due to Genzyme Corporation’s marketing exclusivity rights, these drug products are not labeled with that pediatric information.  

3 Dosage Forms And Strengths

Powder: 0.8 grams and 2.4 grams off white to pale yellow color powder packaged in an opaque, foil lined, heat sealed packet.

4 Contraindications

Sevelamer carbonate for oral suspension is contraindicated in patients with bowel obstruction.

Sevelamer carbonate for oral suspension is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to sevelamer carbonate, sevelamer hydrochloride, or to any of the excipients.

5 Warnings And Precautions

5.1 Gastrointestinal Adverse Events

Cases of dysphagia and esophageal tablet retention have been reported in association with use of the tablet formulation of sevelamer, some requiring hospitalization and intervention. Consider using sevelamer suspension in patients with a history of swallowing disorders.

Cases of bowel obstruction and perforation have also been reported with sevelamer use.

Patients with dysphagia, swallowing disorders, severe gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders including severe constipation, or major GI tract surgery were not included in the sevelamer carbonate clinical studies.

5.2 Monitor For Reduced Vitamins D, E, K (Clotting Factors) And Folic Acid Levels

In preclinical studies in rats and dogs, sevelamer hydrochloride, which contains the same active moiety as sevelamer carbonate, reduced vitamins D, E, and K (coagulation parameters) and folic acid levels at doses of 6 to 10 times the recommended human dose. In short-term clinical trials, there was no evidence of reduction in serum levels of vitamins. However, in a one-year clinical trial, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (normal range 10 to 55 ng/mL) fell from 39 ± 22 ng/mL to 34 ± 22 ng/mL (p<0.01) with sevelamer hydrochloride treatment. Most (approximately 75%) patients in sevelamer hydrochloride clinical trials were receiving vitamin supplements.

6 Adverse Reactions

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

There are limited clinical trial data on the safety of sevelamer carbonate. However, because it contains the same active ingredient as the hydrochloride salt, the adverse event profiles of the two salts are expected to be similar. In a cross-over study in hemodialysis patients with treatment durations of eight weeks each and no washout, and another cross-over study in hemodialysis patients, with treatment durations of four weeks each and no washout between treatment periods, the adverse reactions on sevelamer carbonate powder were similar to those reported for sevelamer hydrochloride.

In a parallel design study of sevelamer hydrochloride with treatment duration of 52 weeks, adverse reactions reported for sevelamer hydrochloride (n=99) were similar to those reported for the active-comparator group (n=101). Overall adverse reactions among those treated with sevelamer hydrochloride occurring in > 5% of patients included: vomiting (22%), nausea (20%), diarrhea (19%), dyspepsia (16%), abdominal pain (9%), flatulence (8%) and constipation (8%). A total of 27 patients treated with sevelamer and 10 patients treated with comparator withdrew from the study due to adverse reactions.

Based on studies of 8 to 52 weeks, the most common reason for withdrawal from sevelamer hydrochloride was gastrointestinal adverse reactions (3 to 16%).

In 143 peritoneal dialysis patients studied for 12 weeks using sevelamer hydrochloride, most common adverse reactions were similar to adverse reactions observed in hemodialysis patients. The most frequently occurring treatment emergent serious adverse reaction was peritonitis (8 reactions in 8 patients [8%] in the sevelamer group and 2 reactions in 2 patients [4%] on active-control). Thirteen patients (14%) in the sevelamer group and 9 patients (20%) in the active-control group discontinued, mostly for gastrointestinal adverse reactions.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of sevelamer hydrochloride or sevelamer carbonate: hypersensitivity, pruritus, rash, abdominal pain, fecal impaction, and uncommon cases of ileus, intestinal obstruction, and intestinal perforation. Appropriate medical management should be given to patients who develop constipation or have worsening of existing constipation to avoid severe complications.

7 Drug Interactions

There are no empirical data on avoiding drug interactions between sevelamer carbonate and most concomitant oral drugs. For oral medication where a reduction in the bioavailability of that medication would have a clinically significant effect on its safety or efficacy (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus, levothyroxine), consider separation of the timing of the administration of the two drugs [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The duration of separation depends upon the absorption characteristics of the medication concomitantly administered, such as the time to reach peak systemic levels and whether the drug is an immediate release or an extended release product. Where possible consider monitoring clinical responses and/or blood levels of concomitant drugs that have a narrow therapeutic range.

Table 5. Sevelamer Drug Interactions

8 Use In Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Sevelamer carbonate is not absorbed systemically following oral administration and maternal use is not expected to result in fetal exposure to the drug.

Clinical Considerations

Sevelamer carbonate may decrease serum levels of fat soluble vitamins and folic acid in pregnant women [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. Consider supplementation.  

Data

Animal Data

In pregnant rats given dietary doses of 0.5, 1.5 or 4.5 g/kg/day of sevelamer hydrochloride during organogenesis, reduced or irregular ossification of fetal bones, probably due to a reduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamin D, occurred in mid-and high-dose groups (human equivalent doses approximately equal to 3 to 4 times the maximum clinical trial dose of 13 grams). In pregnant rabbits given oral doses of 100, 500 or 1000 mg/kg/day of sevelamer hydrochloride by gavage during organogenesis, an increase of early resorptions occurred in the high-dose group (human equivalent dose twice the maximum clinical trial dose).

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

Sevelamer carbonate is not absorbed systemically by the mother following oral administration, and breastfeeding is not expected to result in exposure of the child to sevelamer carbonate.

Clinical Considerations

Sevelamer carbonate may decrease serum levels of fat soluble vitamins and folic acid in pregnant women [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. Consider supplementation. 

8.4 Pediatric Use

Sevelamer carbonate has not been studied in pediatric patients below 6 years of age. 

Pediatric use information is approved for Genzyme Corporation’s Renvela (sevelamer carbonate) tablets and Renvela (sevelamer carbonate) for oral suspension. However, due to Genzyme Corporation’s marketing exclusivity rights, these drug products are not labeled with that pediatric information.  

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of sevelamer carbonate did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range.

10 Overdosage

In CKD patients on dialysis, the maximum dose studied was 14 grams of sevelamer carbonate and 13 grams of sevelamer hydrochloride. There are no reports of overdosage with sevelamer carbonate or sevelamer hydrochloride in patients. Since sevelamer is not absorbed, the risk of systemic toxicity is low.

11 Description

The active ingredient in sevelamer carbonate for oral suspension is sevelamer carbonate, a polymeric amine that binds phosphate and is meant for oral administration. It was developed as a pharmaceutical alternative to sevelamer hydrochloride. Sevelamer carbonate is an anion exchange resin, with the same polymeric structure as sevelamer hydrochloride, in which carbonate replaces chloride as the counterion. While the counterions differ for the two salts, the polymer itself, the active moiety involved in phosphate binding, is the same.

Sevelamer carbonate is known chemically as poly(allylamine-co-N,N’-diallyl-1,3-diamino-2-hydroxypropane) carbonate salt. Sevelamer carbonate is hygroscopic, but insoluble in water. The structure is represented in Figure 1.  

Figure 1. Chemical Structure of Sevelamer Carbonate

figure1 - figure1

a, b = number of primary amine groups a + b = 9

c = number of crosslinking groups c = 1

m = large number to indicate extended polymer network

Sevelamer Carbonate Powder:Each packet of sevelamer carbonate for oral suspension contains 0.8 grams or 2.4 grams of sevelamer carbonate. The inactive ingredients are colloidal silicon dioxide, iron oxide yellow, lemon spray dry flavor, mannitol, propylene glycol, PHA vanilla flavor, PHA orange flavor, and sucralose.  

12 Clinical Pharmacology

12.1 Mechanism Of Action

Sevelamer carbonate for oral suspension contains sevelamer carbonate, a non-absorbed phosphate binding crosslinked polymer, free of metal and calcium. It contains multiple amines separated by one carbon from the polymer backbone. These amines exist in a protonated form in the intestine and interact with phosphate molecules through ionic and hydrogen bonding. By binding phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract and decreasing absorption, sevelamer carbonate lowers the phosphate concentration in the serum (serum phosphorus).

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

In addition to effects on serum phosphorus levels, sevelamer hydrochloride has been shown to bind bile acids in vitro and in vivo in experimental animal models. Because sevelamer binds bile acids, it may interfere with normal fat absorption and thus may reduce absorption of fat soluble vitamins such as A, D and K. In clinical trials of sevelamer hydrochloride, both the mean total and LDL cholesterol declined by 15 to 31% the clinical significance of this finding, which was observed after 2 weeks, is unclear. Triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and albumin did not change.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

A mass balance study using ¹⁴C-sevelamer hydrochloride, in 16 healthy male and female volunteers showed that sevelamer hydrochloride is not systemically absorbed. No absorption studies have been performed in patients with renal disease.

Drug Interactions

 In vivo  

Sevelamer carbonate has been studied in human drug-drug interaction studies (9.6 grams once daily with a meal) with warfarin and digoxin. Sevelamer hydrochloride, which contains the same active moiety as sevelamer carbonate, has been studied in human drug-drug interaction studies (2.4 to 2.8 grams single dose or three times daily with meals or two times daily without meals) with ciprofloxacin, digoxin, enalapril, iron, metoprolol, mycophenolate mofetil and warfarin.  

Co-administered single dose of 2.8 grams of sevelamer hydrochloride in fasted state decreased the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin by approximately 50% in healthy subjects.  

Concomitant administration of sevelamer and mycophenolate mofetil in adult and pediatric patients decreased the mean MPA C_max and AUC_0-12h by 36% and 26% respectively.  

Sevelamer carbonate or sevelamer hydrochloride did not alter the pharmacokinetics of enalapril, digoxin, iron, metoprolol and warfarin when co-administered.

During postmarketing experience, cases of increased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels have been reported in patients co-administered sevelamer hydrochloride and levothyroxine. Reduction in concentrations of cyclosporine and tacrolimus leading to dose increases has also been reported in transplant patients when co-administered with sevelamer hydrochloride without any clinical consequences (for example, graft rejection). The possibility of an interaction cannot be excluded with these drugs.

13 Nonclinical Toxicology

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Standard lifetime carcinogenicity bioassays were conducted in mice and rats. Rats were given sevelamer hydrochloride by diet at 0.3, 1, or 3 grams/kg/day. There was an increased incidence of urinary bladder transitional cell papilloma in male rats of the high dose group (human equivalent dose twice the maximum clinical trial dose of 13 grams). Mice received dietary administration of sevelamer hydrochloride at doses of up to 9 grams/kg/day (human equivalent dose 3 times the maximum clinical trial dose). There was no increased incidence of tumors observed in mice.

In an in vitro mammalian cytogenetic test with metabolic activation, sevelamer hydrochloride caused a statistically significant increase in the number of structural chromosome aberrations. Sevelamer hydrochloride was not mutagenic in the Ames bacterial mutation assay.  

Sevelamer hydrochloride did not impair the fertility of male or female rats in a dietary administration study in which the females were treated from 14 days prior to mating through gestation and the males were treated for 28 days prior to mating. The highest dose in this study was 4.5 grams/kg/day (human equivalent dose 3 times the maximum clinical trial dose of 13 grams).

14 Clinical Studies

The ability of sevelamer to control serum phosphorus in CKD patients on dialysis was predominantly determined from the effects of the hydrochloride salt to bind phosphate. Six clinical trials used sevelamer hydrochloride and three clinical trials used sevelamer carbonate. The sevelamer hydrochloride studies include one double-blind, placebo-controlled 2-week study (sevelamer N=24); two open-label, uncontrolled, 8-week studies (sevelamer N=220) and three active-controlled open-label studies with treatment durations of 8 to 52 weeks (sevelamer N=256). The sevelamer carbonate studies include one double-blind, active-controlled, cross-over study with two 8-week treatment periods using sevelamer carbonate tablets (N=79), one open-label, active-controlled, cross-over study with two 4-week treatment periods using sevelamer carbonate powder (N=31) and one randomized, parallel, open-label study using sevelamer carbonate powder (N=144) dosed once daily or sevelamer hydrochloride tablets (N=73) dosed three times daily for 24 weeks. Six of the active-controlled studies are described here (three sevelamer carbonate and three sevelamer hydrochloride studies).

14.2 Cross-Over Study Of Sevelamer Carbonate Powder And Sevelamer Hydrochloride Tablets

Stage 5 CKD patients on hemodialysis were entered into a four-week sevelamer hydrochloride run-in period and 31 patients received, in random order, sevelamer carbonate powder and sevelamer hydrochloride tablets for four weeks each with no intervening washout. Study dose during the cross-over period was determined based on the sevelamer hydrochloride dose during the run-in period on a gram per gram basis. The phosphorus levels at the end of each of the two cross-over periods were similar. Average actual daily dose was 6 grams/day divided among meals for sevelamer carbonate powder and 6.4 grams/day divided among meals for sevelamer hydrochloride tablets.

Pediatric use information is approved for Genzyme Corporation’s Renvela (sevelamer carbonate) tablets and Renvela (sevelamer carbonate) for oral suspension. However, due to Genzyme Corporation’s marketing exclusivity rights, these drug products are not labeled with that pediatric information.

14.4 Sevelamer Hydrochloride Versus Active-Control, Cross-Over Study In Hemodialysis Patients

Eighty-four CKD patients on hemodialysis who were hyperphosphatemic (serum phosphorus >6 mg/dL) following a two-week phosphate binder washout period were randomized in a cross-over design to receive in random order sevelamer hydrochloride and active-control for eight weeks each. Treatment periods were separated by a two-week phosphate binder washout period. Patients started on treatment three times per day with meals. Over each eight-week treatment period, at three separate time points the dose of sevelamer hydrochloride could be titrated up to control serum phosphorus, the dose of active-control could also be altered to attain phosphorus control. Both treatments significantly decreased mean serum phosphorus by about 2 mg/dL (Table 6). 

Table 6. Mean Serum Phosphorus (mg/dL) at Baseline and Endpoint

figure3 - figure3

Average daily sevelamer hydrochloride dose at the end of treatment was 6.5 grams (range of 0.8 to 13 grams).

14.6 Sevelamer Hydrochloride Versus Active-Control In Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

One hundred and forty-three patients on peritoneal dialysis who were hyperphosphatemic (serum phosphorus >5.5 mg/dL) following a two-week phosphate binder washout period were randomized to receive sevelamer hydrochloride (N=97) or active-control (N=46) open label for 12 weeks. Average daily sevelamer hydrochloride dose at the end of treatment was 5.9 grams (range 0.8 to 14.3 grams). Thirteen patients (14%) in the sevelamer group and 9 patients (20%) in the active-control group discontinued, mostly for gastrointestinal adverse reactions. There were statistically significant changes in serum phosphorus (p<0.001) for sevelamer hydrochloride (-1.6 mg/dL from baseline of 7.5 mg/dL), similar to the active-control.

14.7 Once A Day Versus Three Times A Day Dosing

Stage 5 CKD patients on hemodialysis with a serum phosphate level of > 5.5 mg/dl after washout from baseline therapies were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either sevelamer carbonate powder once-daily (N=144) or sevelamer hydrochloride as a tablet with the dose divided three times per day (N=73) for 24 weeks. The initial dose for the two groups was 4.8 grams/day. At the end of the study, the total daily dose was 6.2 grams/day of sevelamer carbonate powder once daily and 6.7 grams/day of sevelamer hydrochloride tablets three times per day. A greater percentage of subjects on the once daily dose than three times per day regimen discontinued therapy prematurely, 35% versus 15%. The reasons for discontinuation were largely driven by adverse events and withdrawal of consent in the once daily dosing regimen. Serum phosphate levels and calcium-phosphate product were better controlled on the three times per day regimen than on the once daily regimen. Mean serum phosphorus decreased 2 mg/dL for sevelamer carbonate powder once daily and 2.9 mg/dL for sevelamer hydrochloride tablets three times per day.

16 How Supplied/Storage And Handling

Powder: Sevelamer carbonate for oral suspension is supplied as opaque, foil lined, heat sealed, packets containing 0.8 grams or 2.4 grams of sevelamer carbonate, colloidal silicon dioxide, iron oxide yellow, lemon spray dry flavour, mannitol, propylene glycol, PHA vanilla flavour, PHA orange flavour, and sucralose.  

1 Box of 90 ct 0.8 grams packets NDC 43598-478-90

1 Box of 90 ct 2.4 grams packets NDC 43598-479-90

Storage: Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]

Protect from moisture.

17 Patient Counseling Information

Dosing 

Inform patients to take sevelamer carbonate for oral suspension with meals and adhere to their prescribed diets.  

For patients using an oral medication where a reduction in the bioavailability of that medication would have a clinically significant effect on its safety or efficacy, advise the patient to take the oral medication at least one hour before or three hours after sevelamer carbonate.

For sevelamer carbonate powder, brief the patient on preparation of the powder in water.

Advise patients to report new onset or worsening of existing constipation promptly to their physician.  

R_X only 

Distributor:

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Inc.,

Princeton NJ 08540, USA

Made in India

Issued: 0917

Package Label Principal Display Panel Section

0.8 grams - Packet Label:

packet1 - packet1