FDA Label for Welchol

1.1 Primary Hyperlipidemia

WELCHOL is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with primary hyperlipidemia (Fredrickson Type IIa) as monotherapy or in combination with an hydroxymethyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitor (statin).

WELCHOL is indicated as monotherapy or in combination with a statin to reduce LDL-C levels in boys and postmenarchal girls, 10 to 17 years of age, with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia if after an adequate trial of diet therapy the following findings are present:
a. LDL-C remains ≥ 190 mg/dL or
b. LDL-C remains ≥ 160 mg/dL and

• there is a positive family history of premature cardiovascular disease or
• two or more other CVD risk factors are present in the pediatric patient.

Lipid-altering agents should be used in addition to a diet restricted in saturated fat and cholesterol when response to diet and non-pharmacological interventions alone has been inadequate [See Clinical Studies (14.1)].

In patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) or CHD risk equivalents such as diabetes mellitus, LDL-C treatment goals are < 100 mg/dL. An LDL-C goal of < 70 mg/dL is a therapeutic option on the basis of recent trial evidence. If LDL-C is at goal but the serum triglyceride (TG) value is > 200 mg/dL, then non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C) (total cholesterol [TC] minus high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]) becomes a secondary target of therapy. The goal for non-HDL-C in persons with high serum TG is set at 30 mg/dL higher than that for LDL-C.

1.2 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

WELCHOL is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus [See Clinical Studies (14.2)].

Diabetes mellitus is considered a CHD risk equivalent. In addition to glycemic control, intensive lipid control is warranted [See Indications and Usage (1.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

1.3 Important Limitations Of Use

• WELCHOL should not be used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
• WELCHOL has not been studied in type 2 diabetes as monotherapy or in combination with a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor and has not been extensively studied in combination with thiazolidinediones.
• WELCHOL has not been studied in Fredrickson Type I, III, IV, and V dyslipidemias.
• WELCHOL has not been studied in children younger than 10 years of age or in pre-menarchal girls.

2.1 Primary Hyperlipidemia

The recommended dose of WELCHOL Tablets in adults, whether used as monotherapy or in combination with a statin, is 6 tablets once daily or 3 tablets twice daily. WELCHOL Tablets should be taken with a meal and liquid.

The recommended dose of WELCHOL for Oral Suspension, in adults and children 10 to 17 years of age, is one 3.75 gram packet once daily or one 1.875 gram packet twice daily. To prepare, empty the entire contents of one packet into a glass or cup. Add ½ to 1 cup (4 to 8 ounces) of water, fruit juice, or diet soft drinks. Stir well and drink. WELCHOL for Oral Suspension should be taken with meals. To avoid esophageal distress, WELCHOL for Oral Suspension should not be taken in its dry form. Due to tablet size, it is recommended that any patient who has difficulty swallowing tablets use WELCHOL for Oral Suspension.

WELCHOL can be dosed at the same time as a statin or the two drugs can be dosed apart [See Clinical Studies (14.1)].

After initiation of WELCHOL, lipid levels should be analyzed within 4 to 6 weeks.

2.2 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The recommended dose of WELCHOL Tablets is 6 tablets once daily or 3 tablets twice daily. WELCHOL should be taken with a meal and liquid.

The recommended dose of WELCHOL for Oral Suspension is one 3.75 gram packet once daily or one 1.875 gram packet twice daily. To prepare, empty the entire contents of one packet into a glass or cup. Add ½ to 1 cup (4 to 8 ounces) of water, fruit juice, or diet soft drinks. Stir well and drink. WELCHOL for Oral Suspension should be taken with meals. To avoid esophageal distress, WELCHOL for Oral Suspension should not be taken in its dry form.

3 Dosage Forms And Strengths

• Tablets: 625 mg tablets are off-white, oval, film-coated and imprinted with "Sankyo" and "C01" on one side.
• Oral Suspension: a white to pale yellow powder containing yellow granules packaged in single-dose packets: 3.75 gram single-dose packet, 1.875 gram single-dose packet.

4 Contraindications

WELCHOL is contraindicated in patients with

• A history of bowel obstruction [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
• Serum TG concentrations >500 mg/dL [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• A history of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]

5.1 General

The effect of WELCHOL on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined.

5.2 Serum Triglycerides (Tg)

WELCHOL, like other bile acid sequestrants, can increase serum TG concentrations.

WELCHOL had small effects on serum TG (median increase 5% compared to placebo) in trials of patients with primary hyperlipidemia [See Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14.1)].

In clinical trials in patients with type 2 diabetes, greater increases in TG levels occurred when WELCHOL was used in combination with sulfonylureas (median increase 18% compared to placebo in combination with sulfonylureas) and when WELCHOL was used in combination with insulin (median increase 22% compared to placebo in combination with insulin) [See Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14.2)]. Hypertriglyceridemia of sufficient severity can cause acute pancreatitis. The long-term effect of hypertriglyceridemia on the risk of coronary artery disease is uncertain. In patients with type 2 diabetes, the effect of WELCHOL on LDL-C levels may be attenuated by WELCHOL’s effects on TG levels and a smaller reduction in non-HDL-C compared to the reduction in LDL-C. Caution should be exercised when treating patients with TG levels greater than 300 mg/dL. Because most patients in the WELCHOL clinical trials had baseline TG <300 mg/dL, it is unknown whether patients with more uncontrolled baseline hypertriglyceridemia would have greater increases in serum TG levels with WELCHOL. In addition, the use of WELCHOL is contraindicated in patients with TG levels >500 mg/dL [See Contraindications (4)]. Lipid parameters, including TG levels and non-HDL-C, should be obtained before starting WELCHOL and periodically thereafter. WELCHOL should be discontinued if TG levels exceed 500 mg/dL or if the patient develops hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis [See Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

5.3 Vitamin K Or Fat-Soluble Vitamin Deficiencies Precautions

Bile acid sequestrants may decrease the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. No specific clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of WELCHOL on the absorption of co-administered dietary or supplemental vitamin therapy. In non-clinical safety studies, rats administered colesevelam hydrochloride at doses greater than 30-fold the projected human clinical dose experienced hemorrhage from vitamin K deficiency. Patients on oral vitamin supplementation should take their vitamins at least 4 hours prior to WELCHOL. Caution should be exercised when treating patients with a susceptibility to deficiencies of vitamin K (e.g., patients on warfarin, patients with malabsorption syndromes) or other fat-soluble vitamins.

5.4 Gastrointestinal Disorders

Because of its constipating effects, WELCHOL is not recommended in patients with gastroparesis, other gastrointestinal motility disorders, and in those who have had major gastrointestinal tract surgery and who may be at risk for bowel obstruction. Because of the tablet size, WELCHOL Tablets can cause dysphagia or esophageal obstruction and should be used with caution in patients with dysphagia or swallowing disorders. To avoid esophageal distress, WELCHOL for Oral Suspension should not be taken in its dry form. Always mix WELCHOL for Oral Suspension with water, fruit juice, or diet soft drinks before ingesting.

5.5 Drug Interactions

WELCHOL reduces gastrointestinal absorption of some drugs. Drugs with a known interaction with colesevelam should be administered at least 4 hours prior to WELCHOL. Drugs that have not been tested for interaction with colesevelam, especially those with a narrow therapeutic index, should also be administered at least 4 hours prior to WELCHOL. Alternatively, the physician should monitor drug levels of the co-administered drug [See Drug Interactions (7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

5.6 Phenylketonurics

WELCHOL for Oral Suspension contains 24 mg phenylalanine per 1.875 gram packet and 48 mg phenylalanine per 3.75 gram packet [See Description (11)].

6.1 Clinical Studies Experience

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

In the lipid-lowering trials, 807 adult patients received at least one dose of WELCHOL (total exposure 199 patient-years). In the type 2 diabetes trials, 566 patients received at least one dose of WELCHOL (total exposure 209 patient-years).

In clinical trials for the reduction of LDL-C, 68% of patients receiving WELCHOL vs. 64% of patients receiving placebo reported an adverse reaction. In clinical trials of type 2 diabetes, 60% of patients receiving WELCHOL vs. 56% of patients receiving placebo reported an adverse reaction.

6.2 Post-Marketing Experience

The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of WELCHOL. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

7 Drug Interactions

Table 4 lists the drugs that have been tested in in vitro binding or in vivo drug interaction studies with colesevelam and/or drugs with postmarketing reports consistent with potential drug-drug interactions. Orally administered drugs that have not been tested for interaction with colesevelam, especially those with a narrow therapeutic index, should also be administered at least 4 hours prior to WELCHOL. Alternatively, the physician should monitor drug levels of the co-administered drug.

In an in vivo drug interaction study, WELCHOL and warfarin coadministration had no effect on warfarin drug levels. This study did not assess the effect of WELCHOL and warfarin coadministration on INR. In postmarketing reports, concomitant use of WELCHOL and warfarin has been associated with reduced INR. Therefore, in patients on warfarin therapy, the INR should be monitored before initiating WELCHOL and frequently enough during early WELCHOL therapy to ensure that no significant alteration in INR occurs. Once the INR is stable, continue to monitor the INR at intervals usually recommended for patients on warfarin. [See Post-marketing Experience (6.2)]

8.3 Nursing Mothers

Colesevelam hydrochloride is not expected to be excreted in human milk because colesevelam hydrochloride is not absorbed systemically from the gastrointestinal tract.

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of WELCHOL as monotherapy or in combination with a statin were evaluated in children, 10 to 17 years of age with heFH [See Clinical Studies (14.1)]. The adverse reaction profile was similar to that of patients treated with placebo. In this limited controlled study, there were no significant effects on growth, sexual maturation, fat-soluble vitamin levels or clotting factors in the adolescent boys or girls relative to placebo [See Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Due to tablet size, WELCHOL for Oral Suspension is recommended for use in the pediatric population. Dose adjustments are not required when WELCHOL is administered to children 10 to 17 years of age.

WELCHOL has not been studied in children younger than 10 years of age or in pre-menarchal girls.

8.6 Hepatic Impairment

No special considerations or dosage adjustments are recommended when WELCHOL is administered to patients with hepatic impairment.

10 Overdosage

Doses of WELCHOL in excess of 4.5 g/day have not been tested. Because WELCHOL is not absorbed, the risk of systemic toxicity is low. However, excessive doses of WELCHOL may cause more severe local gastrointestinal effects (e.g., constipation) than recommended doses.

11 Description

WELCHOL (colesevelam hydrochloride) is a non-absorbed, polymeric, lipid-lowering and glucose-lowering agent intended for oral administration. Colesevelam hydrochloride is a high-capacity bile acid-binding molecule.

Colesevelam hydrochloride is poly(allylamine hydrochloride) cross-linked with epichlorohydrin and alkylated with 1-bromodecane and (6-bromohexyl)-trimethylammonium bromide. The chemical name (IUPAC) of colesevelam hydrochloride is allylamine polymer with 1-chloro-2,3-epoxypropane, [6-(allylamino)-hexyl]trimethylammonium chloride and N-allyldecylamine, hydrochloride. The chemical structure of colesevelam hydrochloride is represented by the following formula:

colesevelam hydrochloride chemical structure - welchol figure 1

wherein (a) represents allyl amine monomer units that have not been alkylated by either of the 1-bromodecane or (6-bromohexyl)-trimethylammonium bromide alkylating agents or cross-linked by epichlorohydrin; (b) represents allyl amine units that have undergone crosslinking with epichlorohydrin; (c) represents allyl amine units that have been alkylated with a decyl group; (d) represents allyl amine units that have been alkylated with a (6-trimethylammonium) hexyl group, and m represents a number ≥ 100 to indicate an extended polymer network. A small amount of the amines are dialkylated, and are not depicted in the formula above. No regular order of the groups is implied by the structure; cross-linking and alkylation are expected to occur randomly along the polymer chains. A large amount of the amines are protonated. The polymer is depicted in the hydrochloride form; a small amount of the halides are bromide. Colesevelam hydrochloride is hydrophilic and insoluble in water.

WELCHOL Tablets are an off-white, oval, film-coated, solid tablet containing 625 mg colesevelam hydrochloride. In addition, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), and acetylated monoglyceride. The tablets are imprinted using a water-soluble black ink.

WELCHOL for Oral Suspension is a citrus-flavored, white to pale yellow powder containing yellow granules packaged in single-dose packets containing either 1.875 gram or 3.75 gram colesevelam hydrochloride. In addition, each packet contains the following inactive ingredients: lemon flavor, orange flavor, propylene glycol alginate, simethicone, aspartame, citric acid, medium chain triglycerides, and magnesium trisilicate.

PHENYLKETONURICS: WELCHOL for Oral Suspension contains 24 mg phenylalanine per 1.875 gram dose and 48 mg phenylalanine per 3.75 gram dose.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

A maximum therapeutic response to the lipid-lowering effects of WELCHOL was achieved within 2 weeks and was maintained during long-term therapy. In the diabetes clinical studies, a therapeutic response to WELCHOL, as reflected by a reduction in hemoglobin A1C (A1C), was initially noted following 4-6 weeks of treatment and reached maximal or near-maximal effect after 12-18 weeks of treatment.

13.2 Animal Toxicology And/Or Pharmacology

Reproductive Toxicology Studies
      Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and rabbits at doses up to 3 g/kg/day and 1 g/kg/day, respectively (approximately 50 and 17 times the maximum human dose, based on body weight, mg/kg) and have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to colesevelam hydrochloride.

14.1 Primary Hyperlipidemia

WELCHOL reduces TC, LDL-C, apolipoprotein B (Apo B), and non-HDL-C when administered alone or in combination with a statin in patients with primary hyperlipidemia.

Approximately 1600 patients were studied in 9 clinical trials with treatment durations ranging from 4 to 50 weeks. With the exception of one open-label, uncontrolled, long-term extension study, all studies were multicenter, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled. A maximum therapeutic response to WELCHOL was achieved within 2 weeks and was maintained during long-term therapy.

14.2 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

WELCHOL has been studied in combination with metformin, sulfonylureas, and insulin. WELCHOL has not been studied as monotherapy.

The efficacy of WELCHOL 3.8 g/day in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was evaluated in 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled add-on therapy trials involving a total of 1018 patients with baseline A1C 7.5-9.5%. Patients were enrolled and maintained on their pre-existing, stable, background anti-diabetic regimen. WELCHOL and placebo were administered either as 3 tablets twice daily with lunch and dinner or as 6 tablets with dinner alone.

In these studies, the overall mean age was 57 years (range 24-81 years), 47% were women, and 59% of the patients were Caucasian, 23% were Hispanic, 14% were Black, 3% were Asian, and 1% were of other racial groups. Statin use at baseline was reported in 42% of the WELCHOL-treated patients and 50% of the placebo-treated patients.

In all 3 pivotal add-on therapy trials, treatment with WELCHOL resulted in a statistically significant reduction in A1C of 0.5% compared to placebo. Similar placebo-corrected reductions in A1C occurred in patients who received WELCHOL in combination with metformin, sulfonylurea, or insulin monotherapy or combinations of these therapies with other anti-diabetic agents. In the metformin and sulfonylurea trials, treatment with WELCHOL also resulted in statistically significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) of 14 mg/dL compared to placebo.

WELCHOL had consistent effects on A1C across subgroups of age, gender, race, body mass index, and baseline A1C. WELCHOL’s effects on A1C were also similar for the two dosing regimens (3 tablets with lunch and with dinner or 6 tablets with dinner alone).

The mean baseline LDL-C was 104 mg/dL in the metformin study (range 32-214 mg/dL), 106 mg/dL in the sulfonylurea study (range 41-264 mg/dL), and 102 mg/dL in the insulin study (range 35-204 mg/dL). In these trials, WELCHOL treatment was associated with a 12% to 16% reduction in LDL-C levels. The percentage decreases in LDL-C were of similar magnitude to those observed in patients with primary hyperlipidemia. WELCHOL treatment was associated with statistically significant increases in TG levels in the studies of patients on insulin and patients on a sulfonylurea, but not in the study of patients on metformin. The clinical significance of these increases is unknown. WELCHOL is contraindicated in patients with TG levels > 500 mg/dL [See Contraindications (4)] and periodic monitoring of lipid parameters including TG and non-HDL-C levels is recommended [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Body weight did not significantly increase from baseline with WELCHOL therapy, compared with placebo, in any of the 3 pivotal clinical studies.

16 How Supplied/Storage And Handling

WELCHOL (colesevelam hydrochloride) Tablets, 625 mg, are supplied as an off-white, solid tablet imprinted with the word “Sankyo” and “C01” on one side. WELCHOL tablets are available as follows:

Storage And Handling

Storage:  Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Brief exposure to 40°C (104°F) does not adversely affect the product. Protect from moisture.

WELCHOL (colesevelam hydrochloride) for Oral Suspension is a white to pale yellow powder containing yellow granules. WELCHOL for Oral Suspension is available as follows:

• 3.75 gram single-dose packet
  Cartons of 30 packets – NDC 54868-6136-0

Storage: Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture.

17 Patient Counseling Information

Dosing:  Patients should be advised to take WELCHOL Tablets with a meal and liquid. WELCHOL can be taken as 6 tablets once daily or 3 tablets twice daily. Patients should be advised to take WELCHOL for Oral Suspension as one 3.75 gram packet once daily or one 1.875 gram packet twice daily. To prepare, empty the entire contents of one packet into a glass or cup. Add ½ to 1 cup (4 to 8 ounces) of water, fruit juice, or diet soft drinks. Stir well and drink. WELCHOL for Oral Suspension should be taken with meals. To avoid esophageal distress, WELCHOL for Oral Suspension should not be taken in its dry form. Always mix WELCHOL for Oral Suspension with water, fruit juice, or diet soft drinks before ingesting [See Dosage and Administration(2)]

Drug interactions:  Drugs with a known interaction with colesevelam (e.g., cyclosporine, glyburide, levothyroxine, oral contraceptives) should be administered at least 4 hours prior to WELCHOL. Drugs that have not been tested for interaction with colesevelam, especially those with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., phenytoin), should also be administered at least 4 hours prior to WELCHOL. Alternatively the physician should monitor blood levels of the coadministered drug. [See Drug Interactions (7)]

Gastrointestinal:  WELCHOL can cause constipation. WELCHOL is contraindicated in patients with a history of bowel obstruction. WELCHOL is not recommended in patients who may be at risk of bowel obstruction, including patients with gastroparesis, other gastrointestinal motility disorders, or a history of major gastrointestinal surgery. Patients should be instructed to consume a diet that promotes bowel regularity. Patients should be instructed to promptly discontinue WELCHOL and seek medical attention if severe abdominal pain or severe constipation occurs. Because of the tablet size, WELCHOL Tablets can cause dysphagia or esophageal obstruction and should be used with caution in patients with dysphagia or swallowing disorders. To avoid esophageal distress, WELCHOL for Oral Suspension should not be taken in its dry form. Always mix WELCHOL for Oral Suspension with water, fruit juice, or diet soft drinks before ingesting [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]

Hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatitis:  Patients should be instructed to discontinue WELCHOL and seek prompt medical attention if the hallmark symptoms of acute pancreatitis occur (e.g., severe abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting). [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]

17.1 Primary Hyperlipidemia:

Patients should be advised to adhere to their National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)-recommended diet.

17.2 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus:

  General:  Patients should be advised that it is important to adhere to dietary instructions, a regular exercise program, and regular testing of blood glucose.

  Hypertriglyceridemia and cardiovascular disease:  Patients receiving a sulfonylurea or insulin should be informed that WELCHOL may increase serum triglyceride concentrations and that the long-term effect of hypertriglyceridemia on the risk of coronary artery disease is uncertain. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]

  Marketed by:   Daiichi Sankyo, Inc
                                        Parsippany, New Jersey 07054

  Active Ingredient:   Product of Austria

P1801115

Relabeling and Repackaging by:
Physicians Total Care, Inc.
Tulsa, Oklahoma       74146

Package Label.Principal Display Panel

Package Label - Principal Display Panel – Welchol Tablet

Package Label - Principal Display Panel – 625 mg Bottle, Welchol Tablet - 4474

Package Label - Principal Display Panel – Welchol for Suspension