FDA Label for Guanfacine Extended-release
View Indications, Usage & Precautions
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
- 2.1 GENERAL INSTRUCTION FOR USE
- 2.2 DOSE SELECTION
- 2.3 SWITCHING FROM IMMEDIATE-RELEASE GUANFACINE TO GUANFACINE EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS
- 2.4 MAINTENANCE TREATMENT
- 2.5 DISCONTINUATION OF TREATMENT
- 2.6 MISSED DOSES
- 2.7 DOSAGE ADJUSTMENT WITH CONCOMITANT USE OF STRONG AND MODERATE CYP3A4 INHIBITORS OR INDUCERS
- 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
- 5.1 HYPOTENSION, BRADYCARDIA, AND SYNCOPE
- 5.2 SEDATION AND SOMNOLENCE
- 5.3 CARDIAC CONDUCTION ABNORMALITIES
- 5.4 REBOUND HYPERTENSION
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
- 6.1 CLINICAL TRIALS EXPERIENCE
- 6.2 POSTMARKETING EXPERIENCE
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
- 8.1 PREGNANCY
- 8.3 NURSING MOTHERS
- 8.4 PEDIATRIC USE
- 8.5 GERIATRIC USE
- 8.6 RENAL IMPAIRMENT
- 8.7 HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT
- 9.1 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
- 10 OVERDOSAGE
- 11 DESCRIPTION
- 12.1 MECHANISM OF ACTION
- 12.2 PHARMACODYNAMICS
- 12.3 PHARMACOKINETICS
- 13.1 CARCINOGENESIS, MUTAGENESIS, IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY
- 14 CLINICAL STUDIES
- 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
- 17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
- PATIENT INFORMATION
- PACKAGE/LABEL PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
- PACKAGE/LABEL DISPLAY PANEL
Guanfacine Extended-release Product Label
The following document was submitted to the FDA by the labeler of this product Proficient Rx Lp. 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 Indications And Usage
2.1 General Instruction For Use
Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or break tablets because this will increase the rate of guanfacine release. Do not administer with high fat meals, due to increased exposure.
2.2 Dose Selection
Weight | Target dose range (0.05 to 0.12 mg/kg/day) |
In the adjunctive trial which evaluated guanfacine extended-release tablets treatment with psychostimulants, the majority of patients reached optimal doses in the 0.05 to 0.12 mg/kg/day range. Doses above 4 mg/day have not been studied in adjunctive trials.
2.3 Switching From Immediate-Release Guanfacine To Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets
2.4 Maintenance Treatment
2.5 Discontinuation Of Treatment
2.6 Missed Doses
2.7 Dosage Adjustment With Concomitant Use Of Strong And Moderate Cyp3a4 Inhibitors Or Inducers
Strong and moderate Inhibitors
Strong and moderate Inducers
Clinical Scenarios | |||
Starting guanfacine extended-release tablets while currently on a CYP3A4 modulator | Continuing guanfacine extended-release tablets while adding a CYP3A4 modulator | Continuing guanfacine extended-release tablets while stopping a CYP3A4 modulator | |
3 Dosage Forms And Strengths
4 Contraindications
5.1 Hypotension, Bradycardia, And Syncope
5.2 Sedation And Somnolence
Somnolence and sedation were commonly reported adverse reactions in clinical studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Before using guanfacine extended-release tablets with other centrally active depressants, consider the potential for additive sedative effects. Caution patients against operating heavy equipment or driving until they know how they respond to treatment with guanfacine extended-release tablets . Advise patients to avoid use with alcohol.
5.3 Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities
5.4 Rebound Hypertension
In post marketing experience, abrupt discontinuation of guanfacine extended-release tablets has resulted in clinically significant and persistent rebound hypertension above baseline levels and increases in heart rate. Hypertensive encephalopathy has also been reported in association with rebound hypertension with both guanfacine extended-release tablets and immediate release guanfacine [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. In these cases, high-dosage guanfacine was discontinued; concomitant stimulant use was also reported, which may potentially increase hypertensive response upon abrupt discontinuation of guanfacine. Children commonly have gastrointestinal illnesses that lead to vomiting, and a resulting inability to take medications, so they may be especially at risk for rebound hypertension.
To minimize the risk of rebound hypertension upon discontinuation, the total daily dose of guanfacine extended-release tablets should be tapered in decrements of no more than 1 mg every 3 to 7 days [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)]. Blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored when reducing the dose or discontinuing guanfacine extended-release tablets. If abrupt discontinuation occurs (especially with concomitant stimulant use), patients should be closely followed for rebound hypertension.
6 Adverse Reactions
• Hypotension, bradycardia, and syncope [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1)]• Sedation and somnolence [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2)]• Cardiac conduction abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3)]• Rebound Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4)]
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact TWi Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 1-844-518-2989 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
(N=149)
(N=61)
(N=150)
(N=151)
(N=151)
a: The somnolence term includes somnolence, sedation, and hypersomnia.
b: The hypotension term includes hypotension, diastolic hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, blood pressure decreased, blood pressure diastolic decreased, blood pressure systolic decreased).
(N=149)
(N=61)
(N=150)
(N=151)
(N=151)
* The lowest dose of 1 mg used in Study 2 was not randomized to patients weighing more than 50 kg.
a: The somnolence term includes somnolence, sedation, and hypersomnia.
(N=149)
(N=61)
(N=150)
(N=151)
(N=151)
* The lowest dose of 1 mg used in Study 2 was not randomized to patients weighing more than 50 kg.
a: The abdominal pain term includes abdominal pain, abdominal pain lower, abdominal pain upper, and abdominal tenderness.
b: The nightmare term includes abnormal dreams, nightmare, and sleep terror.
c: The enuresis term includes enuresis, nocturia, and urinary incontinence.
d: The affect lability term includes affect lability and mood swings.
(N=112)
(N=107)
(N=114)
(N=221)
b: The abdominal pain term includes abdominal pain, abdominal pain lower, abdominal pain upper, and abdominal tenderness
c: The hypotension term includes hypotension, diastolic hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, blood pressure decreased, blood pressure diastolic decreased, blood pressure systolic decreased).
d: The enuresis term includes enuresis, nocturia, and urinary incontinence.
(N=112)
(N=107)
(N=114)
a: The somnolence term includes somnolence, sedation, and hypersomnia.
(N=112)
(N=107)
(N=114)
(N=155)
(N=157)
b: The insomnia term includes insomnia, initial insomnia, middle insomnia, terminal insomnia, and sleep disorder.
c: The hypotension term includes hypotension, diastolic hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, blood pressure decreased, blood pressure diastolic decreased, blood pressure systolic decreased).
d: The bradycardia term includes bradycardia and sinus bradycardia.
(N=155)
(N=157)
a: The abdominal pain term includes abdominal pain, abdominal pain lower, abdominal pain upper, and abdominal tenderness.
b: The anxiety term includes anxiety and nervousness.
c: The rash term includes rash, rash generalized, and rash papular.
d: The abdominal/stomach discomfort term includes abdominal discomfort, epigastric discomfort, and stomach discomfort.
(N=153)
(N=150)
(N=152)
(N=302)
b: The insomnia term includes insomnia, initial insomnia, middle insomnia, terminal insomnia, and sleep disorder.
c: The abdominal pain term includes abdominal pain, abdominal pain lower, abdominal pain upper, and abdominal tenderness.
(N=153)
(N=150)
(N=152)
(N=302)
a: The hypotension term includes hypotension, diastolic hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, blood pressure decreased, blood pressure diastolic decreased, blood pressure systolic decreased.
b: The affect lability term includes affect lability and mood swings.
c: The bradycardia term includes bradycardia and sinus bradycardia.
d: The rash term includes rash, rash generalized, and rash papular.
e: The nightmare term includes abnormal dreams, nightmare, and sleep terror.
f: The tachycardia term includes tachycardia and sinus tachycardia.
Fixed Dose Trials
Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets (mg) | ||||||
Adverse Reaction Term | All Doses of guanfacine extended-release tablets (N=513) | |||||
Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets (mg) | ||||||
Adverse Reaction Term | All Doses of guanfacine extended-release tablets (N=513) | |||||
n (%) | n (%) | n (%) | n (%) | n (%) | ||
Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets (mg) | ||||||
Adverse Reaction Term | All Doses of guanfacine extended-release tablets (N=513) | |||||
Monotherapy Flexible Dose Trials
Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets | ||||
Adverse Reaction Term | ||||
Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets | ||||
Adverse Reaction Term | All Doses of guanfacine extended-release tablets (N=221) | |||
n (%) | n (%) | n (%) | n (%) | |
Adverse reactions ≥ 2% for all doses of guanfacine extended-release tablets and > rate in placebo in any dose group but did not meet this criteria inall doses combined: affect lability (affect lability, mood swings), increased weight, syncope/loss of consciousness (loss ofconsciousness, presyncope, syncope), dyspepsia, tachycardia (tachycardia, sinus tachycardia), and bradycardia (bradycardia, sinus bradycardia). a: The insomnia term includes insomnia, initial insomnia, middle insomnia, terminal insomnia, and sleep disorder. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adverse Reaction Term | All Doses of guanfacine extended-release tablets (N=221) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adverse Reaction Term | ||
Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets | ||
Adverse Reaction Term | ||
Adjunctive Trial
Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets + stimulant | ||||
Adverse Reaction Term | ||||
There were no specific adverse reactions ≥ 2% in any treatment group that led to discontinuation in the short-term adjunctive study (Study 3).
Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets + stimulant | ||||
Adverse Reaction Term | ||||
Effects on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
Discontinuation of Treatment
Blood pressure and pulse may increase above baseline values following discontinuation of guanfacine extended-release tablets. In five studies of children and adolescents [see CLINICAL STUDIES (14)] , increases in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure averaging approximately 3 mmHg and increases in heart rate averaging 5 beats per minute above original baseline were observed upon discontinuation with tapering of guanfacine extended-release tablets. In a maintenance of efficacy study, increases in blood pressure and heart rate above baseline slowly diminished over the follow up period, which ranged between 3 and 26 weeks post final dose; the estimated average time to return to baseline was between six and twelve months. In this study, the increases in blood pressure and pulse were not considered serious or associated with adverse events. However, individuals may have larger increases than reflected by the mean changes.
In postmarketing experience, following abrupt discontinuation of guanfacine extended-release tablets, rebound hypertension and hypertensive encephalopathy have been reported [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.2]
Effects on Height, Weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI)
Patients taking guanfacine extended-release tablets demonstrated similar growth compared to normative data. Patients taking guanfacine extended-release tablets had a mean increase in weight of 0.5 kg compared to those receiving placebo over a comparable treatment period. Patients receiving guanfacine extended-release tablets for at least 12 months in open-label studies gained an average of 8 kg inweight and 8 cm (3 in) in height. The height, weight, and BMI percentile remained stable in patients at 12 months in the long-term studies compared to when they began receiving guanfacine extended-release tablets.
Other Adverse Reactions Observed in Clinical Studies
Table 13 includes additional adverse reactions observed in short-term, placebo-controlled and long-term, open-label clinical studies not included elsewhere in section 6.1, listed by organ system.
Body System | Adverse Reaction |
6.2 Postmarketing Experience
General : edema, malaise, tremor
Cardiovascular : palpitations, tachycardia, rebound hypertension, hypertensive encephalopathy
Central Nervous System : paresthesias, vertigo
Eye Disorders : blurred vision
Musculo-Skeletal System : arthralgia, leg cramps, leg pain, myalgia
Psychiatric : confusion, hallucinations
Reproductive System, Male : erectile dysfunction
Respiratory System : dyspnea
Skin and Appendages : alopecia, dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, pruritus, rash
Special Senses : alterations in taste
7 Drug Interactions
Table 14 contains clinically important drug interactions with guanfacine extended-release tablets [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .
Consider dose increase[see Dosage and administration (2.7)] |
8.1 Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category B
Risk Summary
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of guanfacine extended-release tablets in pregnant women. No fetal harm was observed in rats and rabbits with administration of guanfacine at 4 and 2.7 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose. Because animal studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Animal data
Reproduction studies conducted in rats have shown that guanfacine crosses the placenta. However, administration of guanfacine to rats and rabbits at 4 and 2.7 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose of 0.12 mg/kg/day on a mg/m 2basis resulted in no evidence of harm to the fetus. Higher doses (13.5 times the maximum recommended human dose in both rabbits and rats) were associated with reduced fetal survival and maternal toxicity.
8.3 Nursing Mothers
8.4 Pediatric Use
Animal Data
In studies in juvenile rats, guanfacine alone produced a slight delay in sexual maturation in males and females at 2 to 3 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). Guanfacine in combination with methylphenidate produced a slight delay in sexual maturation and decreased growth as measured by a decrease in bone length in males at a dose of guanfacine comparable to the MRHD and a dose of methylphenidate approximately 4 times the MRHD.
8.5 Geriatric Use
The safety and efficacy of guanfacine extended-release tablets in geriatric patients have not been established.
8.6 Renal Impairment
8.7 Hepatic Impairment
9.1 Controlled Substance
10 Overdosage
Symptoms
Treatment
Management of guanfacine extended-release tablets overdose should include monitoring for and the treatment of initial hypertension, if that occurs, as well as hypotension, bradycardia, lethargy and respiratory depression. Children and adolescents who develop lethargy should be observed for the development of more serious toxicity including coma, bradycardia and hypotension for up to 24 hours, due to the possibility of delayed onset hypotension.
11 Description
12.1 Mechanism Of Action
12.2 Pharmacodynamics
In a thorough QT study, the administration of two dose levels of immediate-release guanfacine (4 mg and 8 mg) produced concentrations approximately 2 to 4 times the concentrations observed with the maximum recommended dose of guanfacine extended-release tablets of 0.12 mg/kg. Guanfacine was not shown to prolong the QTc interval to any clinically relevant extent.
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
Absorption and Distribution
1 mg once daily
(n=52)
1 mg once daily
(n=12)
Immediate-release guanfacine and guanfacine extended-release tablets have different pharmacokinetic characteristics; dose substitution on a milligram per milligram basis will result in differences in exposure.
Parameter | ||
Figure 1: Comparison of Pharmacokinetics: Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets vs. Immediate-release guanfacine in Adults
Exposure to guanfacine was higher in children (ages 6 to 12) compared to adolescents (ages 13 to 17) and adults. After oral administration of multiple doses of guanfacine extended-release tablets 4 mg, the C max was 10 ng/mL compared to 7 ng/mL and the AUC was 162 ng∙h/mL compared to 116 ng∙h/mL in children (ages 6 to 12) and adolescents (ages 13 to 17), respectively. These differences are probably attributable to the lower body weight of children compared to adolescents and adults.
The pharmacokinetics were affected by intake of food when a single dose of guanfacine extended-release tablets 4 mg was administered with a high-fat breakfast. The mean exposure increased (C max ~75% and AUC ~40%) compared to dosing in a fasted state.
Dose Proportionality
Following administration of guanfacine extended-release tablets in single doses of 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, and 4 mg to adults, C max and AUC 0-∞ of guanfacine were proportional to dose.
Metabolism and Elimination
In vitro studies with human liver microsomes and recombinant CYP's demonstrated that guanfacine was primarily metabolized by CYP3A4. In pooled human hepatic microsomes, guanfacine did not inhibit the activities of the major cytochrome P450 isoenzymes (CYP1A2,CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 or CYP3A4/5); guanfacine is also not an inducer of CYP3A, CYP1A2 and CYP2B6. Guanfacine is a substrate of CYP3A4/5 and exposure is affected by CYP3A4/5 inducers/inhibitors.
Guanfacine inhibits MATE1 and OCT1, but does not inhibit BSEP, MRP2, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, or MATE2K. Guanfacine is a substrate of OCT1 and OCT2, but not BCRP, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OAT1, OAT3, MATE1, or MATE2. Concomitant administration of guanfacine with OCT1 substrates might potentially increase the exposure of these OCT1 substrates.
Studies in Specific Populations
Renal Impairment
Hepatic Impairment
Drug Interaction Studies
Figure 2: Effect of Other Drugs on the Pharmacokinetics (PK) of Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets
Figure 3: Effect of Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets on the Pharmacokinetics (PK) of Other Drugs
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
14 Clinical Studies
• Five short-term, placebo-controlled monotherapy trials (Studies 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6).• One short-term, placebo-controlled adjunctive trial with psychostimulants (Study 3).• One long-term, placebo-controlled monotherapy maintenance trial (Study 7).• (Age Range)
a Difference (drug minus placebo) in least-squares mean change from baseline.
* Doses statistically significantly superior to placebo.
^ The lowest dose of 1 mg used in Study 2 was not randomized to patients weighing more than 50 kg.• (Age Range)• Study 3 a
(6 to 17 years)
(6 to 12 years)
(13 to 17 years)
(6 to 17 years)
a Treatment was given in combination with a psychostimulant.
b Difference (drug minus placebo) in least-squares mean change from baseline.
* Doses statistically significantly superior to placebo.
Studies 1 and 2: Fixed-dose Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets Monotherapy
Study Number | Treatment Group | Primary Efficacy Measure: ADHD-RS-IV Total Score | ||
Mean Baseline Score (SD) | LS Mean Change from Baseline (SE) | Placebo-subtracted Difference a (95% CI) | ||
Study 3: Flexible-dose Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets as Adjunctive Therapy to Psychostimulants
Study 3 (313 study) was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-optimization study, in which efficacy of once daily optimized dosing (morning or evening) with guanfacine extended-release tablets (1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg and 4 mg), when co-administered with psychostimulants, was evaluated for 8 weeks, in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years with a diagnosis of ADHD, with a sub-optimal response to stimulants (n=455). Patients were started at the 1 mg guanfacine extended-release tablets dose level and were titrated weekly over a 5-week dose-optimization period to an optimal guanfacine extended-release tablets dose not to exceed 4 mg/day based on tolerability and clinical response. The dose was then maintained for a 3-week dose maintenance period before entry to 1 week of dose tapering. Patients took guanfacine extended-release tablets either in the morning or the evening while maintaining their current dose of psychostimulant treatment given each morning. Allowable psychostimulants in the study were ADDERALL XR ® , VYVANSE ® , CONCERTA ® , FOCALIN XR ® , RITALIN LA ® , METADATE CD ® or FDA-approved generic equivalents.
Studies 4, 5 and 6: Flexible-dose Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets Monotherapy
Study 6 (316 study) was a 12-week (for children aged 6 to 12) or 15-week (for adolescents aged 13 to 17), randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo- and active-reference, dose-optimization study conducted in pediatric patients (children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years old inclusive) (n=337) to assess the efficacy and safety of once-daily dosing (children: 1 to 4 mg/day, adolescents: 1 to 7 mg/day; optimized dose range of 0.05 to 0.12 mg/kg/day) in the treatment of ADHD. Guanfacine extended-release tablets were statistically superior to placebo on symptoms of ADHD in patients 6 to 17 years as measured by change from baseline in ADHD-RS-IV total scores (see Table 17 ).
Study Number | Treatment Group | Primary Efficacy Measure: ADHD-RS-IV Total Score | ||
Mean Baseline Score (SD) | LS Mean Change from Baseline (SE) | Placebo-subtracted Difference b (95% CI) | ||
Study 7: Long-Term Maintenance of Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets Efficacy
Study 7 (315 study) was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized withdrawal trial in pediatric patients aged 6 to 17 years with DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of ADHD. The study consisted of an open-label phase, including a 7-week dose optimization period to titrate patients to an optimal dose (maximum 4 mg/day for children and 7 mg/day for adolescents; optimized dose range: 0.05 to 0.12 mg/kg/day) and a 6-week dose maintenance period. There were 526 patients included in the open-label phase. Among those, 315 patients who met response criteria in the open-label phase were then randomized (1:1, guanfacine extended-release tablets:placebo) in a 26-week, double-blind, randomized withdrawal phase. The response criteria were defined by ≥ 30% reduction in ADHD-RS-IV total score and a Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) score of 1 or 2 during the open-label phase. A statistically significantly lower proportion of treatment failures occurred among guanfacine extended-release tablets patients compared to placebo at the end of the randomized withdrawal period (Figure 4). Treatment failure was defined as a ≥ 50% increase (worsening) in ADHD-RS-IV total score and a ≥ 2-point increase in Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) score. Patients who met the treatment failure criteria on two consecutive visits or discontinued for any reason were classified as treatment failure.
Figure 4. Kaplan-Meier Estimation of Proportion of Patients with Treatment Failure for Children and Adolescents Ages 6 to 17 (Study 7)
16 How Supplied/Storage And Handling
1 mg | 2 mg | 3 mg | 4 mg | |
Color | ||||
Shape | ||||
Debossment (top/bottom) | ||||
NDC number | 30 count: 71205-944-30 60 count: 71205-944-60 90 count: 71205-944-90 | 30 count: 71205-945-30 60 count: 71205-945-60 90 count: 71205-945-90 | 30 count: 71205-946-30 60 count: 71205-946-60 90 count: 71205-946-90 | 30 count: 71205-947-30 60 count: 71205-947-60 90 count: 71205-947-90 |
100 count: 71205-944-00 500 count: | 100 count: 71205-945-00 500 count: | 100 count: 71205-946-00 500 count: | 100 count: 71205-947-00 500 count: |
Storage - Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
17 Patient Counseling Information
Dosing and Administration
Adverse Reactions
Patient Information
Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets
(gwahn-fa-seen)
Read the Patient Information that comes with guanfacine extended-release tablets before you start taking it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment.
What are guanfacine extended-release tablets?
Guanfacine extended-release tablets are prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Guanfacine extended-release tablets may be used alone or with ADHD stimulant medicines.
Guanfacine extended-release tablets are not central nervous system (CNS) stimulant.
It is not known if guanfacine extended-release tablets are safe and effective in children younger than 6 years of age.
Who should not take guanfacine extended-release tablets?
Do not take guanfacine extended-release tablets if you are allergic to guanfacine or any of the ingredients in guanfacine extended-release tablets. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in guanfacine extended-release tablets.
What should I tell my doctor before taking guanfacine extended-release tablets?
Before you take guanfacine extended-release tablets, tell your doctor if you:
• have heart problems or a low heart rate• have fainted• have low or high blood pressure• have liver or kidney problems• have any other medical conditions• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if guanfacine extended-release tablets will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if guanfacine extended-release tablets pass into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby while taking guanfacine extended-release tablets.• ketoconazole• medicines that can affect enzyme metabolism• high blood pressure medicine• sedatives• benzodiazepines• barbiturates• antipsychotics• Take guanfacine extended-release tablets exactly as your doctor tells you.• Your doctor may change your dose. Do not change your dose of guanfacine extended-release tablets without talking to your doctor.• Do not stop taking guanfacine extended-release tablets without talking to your doctor.• Try not to miss your dose of guanfacine extended-release tablets. If you miss a dose of guanfacine extended-release tablets, take the next dose at your regular time. If you miss 2 or more doses, talk to your doctor, as you may need to restart guanfacine extended-release tablets with a lower dose.• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.• Guanfacine extended-release tablets should be taken 1 time a day in the morning or in the evening, either alone or in combination with an ADHD stimulant medicine that your doctor may prescribe. Your doctor will tell you when to take guanfacine extended-release tablets and when to take your ADHD stimulant medication.• Guanfacine extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole with a small amount of water, milk, or other liquid.• Do not crush, chew, or break guanfacine extended-release tablets. Tell your doctor if you cannot swallow guanfacine extended-release tablets whole.• Do not take guanfacine extended-release tablets with a high-fat meal.• Your doctor will check your blood pressure and heart rate while you take guanfacine extended-release tablets.• If you take too much guanfacine extended-release tablets, call your local Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.• Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how guanfacine extended-release tablets affect you. Guanfacine extended-release tablets can slow your thinking and motor skills.• Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines that make you sleepy or dizzy while taking guanfacine extended-release tablets until you talk with your doctor. Guanfacine extended-release tablets taken with alcohol or medicines that cause sleepiness or dizziness may make your sleepiness or dizziness worse.• Do not become dehydrated or overheated. This may increase your chance of having low blood pressure or fainting while taking guanfacine extended-release tablets.• Do not suddenly stop guanfacine extended-release tablets. Tell your healthcare provider if you have been vomiting and cannot take guanfacine extended-release tablets, you may be at risk for rebound hypertension.• low blood pressure• low heart rate• fainting• sleepiness• increased blood pressure and heart rate after suddenly stopping guanfacine extended-release tablets (rebound hypertension). Suddenly stopping guanfacine extended-release tablets can cause increased blood pressure and heart rate and other withdrawal symptoms such as headache, confusion, nervousness, agitation, and tremors. If these symptoms continue to get worse and are left untreated, it could lead to a very serious condition including very high blood pressure, feeling very sleepy or tired, severe headache, vomiting, vision problems, seizures.• sleepiness• tiredness• trouble sleeping• low blood pressure• nausea• stomach pain• dizziness• dry mouth• irritability• vomiting• slow heart rate• Store guanfacine extended-release tablets at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Guanfacine extended-release tablets may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how guanfacine extended-release tablets work.
Especially tell your doctor if you take:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of these medicines, if you are not sure.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them and show it to your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I take guanfacine extended-release tablets?
What should I avoid while taking guanfacine extended-release tablets?
What are the possible side effects of guanfacine extended-release tablets?
Guanfacine extended-release tablets may cause serious side effects including:
Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.
The most common side effects of guanfacine extended-release tablets include:
Tell the doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of guanfacine extended-release tablets. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to TWi Pharmaceuticals, inc. 1-844-518-2989 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www. fda.gov/medwatch.
How should I store guanfacine extended-release tablets?
Keep guanfacine extended-release tablets and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General Information about the safe and effective use guanfacine extended-release tablets
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information Leaflet. Do not use guanfacine extended-release tablets for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give guanfacine extended-release tablets to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
This leaflet summarizes the most important information about guanfacine extended-release tablets. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about guanfacine extended-release tablets that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in guanfacine extended-release tablets?
Active ingredient: guanfacine hydrochloride
Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, polyvinyl acetate, povidone, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate and silica. In addition, the 3 mg and 4 mg tablets also contain FD&C Blue #1.
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Manufactured for:
TWi Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
Paramus, NJ 07652
Manufactured by:
TWi Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Taoyuan City, 32063, Taiwan
Revised: 10/19
Repackaged and Relabeled by:
Proficient Rx LP
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
OS24979533
Package/Label Principal Display Panel
Guanfacine
Extended-Release Tablets
1 mg
30-count
Package/Label Display Panel
Guanfacine
Extended-Release Tablets
2 mg
30-count
Guanfacine
Extended-Release Tablets
3 mg
30-count
Guanfacine
Extended-Release Tablets
4 mg
30-count
* Please review the disclaimer below.