Exacerbation of Pre-existing Psychosis
CNS stimulants may exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder in patients with a pre-existing psychotic disorder.
Induction of a Manic Episode in Patients with Bipolar Disorder
CNS stimulants may induce a manic or mixed episode in patients. Prior to initiating treatment, screen patients for risk factors for developing a manic episode (e.g., comorbid or history of depressive symptoms or a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, or depression).
New Psychotic or Manic Symptoms
CNS stimulants, at recommended doses, may cause psychotic or manic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusional thinking, or mania) in patients without a prior history of psychotic illness or mania. If such occur, consider discontinuing JORNAY PM. In a pooled analysis of multiple short-term, placebo-controlled studies of CNS stimulants, psychotic or manic symptoms occurred in approximately 0.1% of CNS stimulant-treated patients, compared with 0 in placebo-treated patients.
Clinical Trials Experience with Other Methylphenidate Products in Children, Adolescents, and Adults with ADHD
Commonly reported (≥2% of the methylphenidate group and at least twice the rate of the placebo group) adverse reactions from placebo-controlled trials of methylphenidate products include: appetite decreased, weight decreased, nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, dry mouth, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, affect lability, agitation, irritability, dizziness, vertigo, tremor, blurred vision, blood pressure increased, heart rate increased, tachycardia, palpitations, hyperhidrosis, and pyrexia.
Clinical Trials Experience with JORNAY PM in Pediatric Patients (6 to 12 years) with ADHD
The safety of JORNAY PM was evaluated in 280 patients (6 to 12 years of age) who participated in two controlled clinical studies of patients with ADHD [see Clinical Studies (14)].
Study 1, conducted in pediatric patients 6 to 12 years of age, was comprised of a 6-week open-label dose-optimization phase in which all patients received JORNAY PM (n=125; mean dose 50 mg), followed by a 1-week, double-blind controlled phase in which patients were randomized to continue JORNAY PM (n=65) or switch to placebo (n=54). During the open-label JORNAY PM treatment phase, adverse reactions reported in > 5% of patients included: any insomnia (41%), decreased appetite (27%), affect lability (22%), headache (19%), upper respiratory tract infection (17%), upper abdominal pain (9%), nausea or vomiting (9%), increased diastolic blood pressure (8%), tachycardia (7%), and irritability (6%). Three patients discontinued treatment because of adverse reactions of affect lability, panic attacks, and agitation and aggression. Because of the trial design (6-week open-label active treatment phase followed by a 1-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled withdrawal), the adverse reaction rates described in the double-blind phase are lower than expected in clinical practice. No difference occurred in the incidence of adverse reactions between JORNAY PM and placebo during the 1-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment phase.
Study 2 was a 3-week, placebo-controlled study of JORNAY PM (n=81; mean dose 52mg) in pediatric patients 6 to 12 years.
Most Common Adverse Reactions (incidence of ≥ 5% and at a rate at least twice placebo): any insomnia, decreased appetite, headache, vomiting, nausea, psychomotor hyperactivity, and affect lability or mood swings.
One patient in the JORNAY PM group discontinued from the study due to mood swings.
Table 1 provides the incidence of adverse reactions reported in Study 2 (incidence of 2% or more and at least twice placebo) among pediatric patients 6 to 12 years in a 3-week clinical trial.
Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% of JORNAY PM-treated Pediatric Patients and Greater than Placebo in a 3-Week ADHD Study (Study 2)
| Body Organ System
| Adverse Reaction
| JORNAY PM (N=81)
| Placebo (N=80)
|
| Psychiatric disorders
| Any insomnia
| 33%
| 9%
|
| | | |
| Initial insomnia
| 14%
| 5%
|
| Middle insomnia
| 11%
| 4%
|
| Terminal insomnia
| 11%
| 1%
|
| Insomnia, not specified
| 4%
| 1%
|
| | | |
| Affect lability/ Mood swings
| 6%
| 1%
|
| | | |
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders
| Decreased appetite
| 19%
| 4%
|
| Nervous system disorders
| Headache
| 10%
| 5%
|
| Psychomotor hyperactivity
| 5%
| 1%
|
| Cardiovascular
| Blood pressure diastolic increased
| 7%
| 4%
|
| Gastrointestinal disorders
| Vomiting
| 9%
| 0%
|
| Nausea
| 6%
| 0%
|
| | | |
Infections and infestations
| Nasopharyngitis Pharyngitis streptococcal
| 3% 3%
| 1% 0%
|
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
| Contusion
| 3%
| 0%
|
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
| Back pain
| 3%
| 0%
|
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
| Rash
| 2%
| 0%
|
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to JORNAY PM during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychostimulants at 1-866-961-2388.
Risk Summary
Published studies and postmarketing reports on methylphenidate use during pregnancy are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of adverse pregnancy-related outcomes [see Data]. No teratogenic effects were observed in embryo-fetal development studies with oral administration of methylphenidate to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses up to 2 and 9 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 100 mg/day given to adolescents on a mg/m2 basis, respectively. However, spina bifida was observed in rabbits at a dose 31 times the MRHD given to adolescents. A decrease in pup body weight was observed in a pre-and post-natal development study with oral administration of methylphenidate to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation at doses 3.5 times the MRHD given to adolescents [see Data].
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. However, the background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2% to 4% and of miscarriage is 15% to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.
Clinical Considerations
Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
CNS stimulant medications, such as JORNAY PM, can cause vasoconstriction and thereby decrease placental perfusion. No fetal and/or neonatal adverse reactions have been reported with the use of therapeutic doses of methylphenidate during pregnancy; however, premature delivery and low birth weight infants have been reported in amphetamine-dependent mothers.
Data
Human Data
A limited number of pregnancies have been reported in published observational studies and postmarketing reports describing methylphenidate use during pregnancy. Due to the small number of methylphenidate-exposed pregnancies with known outcomes, these data cannot definitely establish or exclude any drug-associated risk during pregnancy. Methodological limitations of these observational studies include small sample size, concomitant use of other medications, lack of detail regarding dose and duration of exposure to methylphenidate and nongeneralizability of the enrolled populations.
Animal Data
In studies conducted in rats and rabbits, methylphenidate was administered orally at doses of up to 75 and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively, during the period of organogenesis. Teratogenic effects (increased incidence of fetal spina bifida) were observed in rabbits at the highest dose, which is approximately 31 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 100 mg/day given to adolescents on a mg/m2 basis. The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rabbits was 60 mg/kg/day (9 times the MRHD given to adolescents on a mg/m2 basis). There was no evidence of specific teratogenic activity in rats, although increased incidences of fetal skeletal variations were seen at the highest dose level (6 times the MRHD given to adolescents on a mg/m2 basis), which was also maternally toxic. The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rats was 25 mg/kg/day (2 times the MRHD given to adolescents on a mg/m2 basis).
Risk Summary
Limited published literature, based on breast milk sampling from five mothers, reports that methylphenidate is present in human milk, which resulted in infant doses of 0.16% to 0.7% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage and a milk/plasma ratio ranging between 1.1 and 2.7. There are no reports of adverse effects on the breastfed infant and no effects on milk production. However, long-term neurodevelopmental effects on infants from CNS stimulant exposure are unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for JORNAY PM and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from JORNAY PM or from the underlying maternal condition.
Clinical Considerations
Monitor breastfeeding infants for adverse reactions, such as agitation, insomnia, anorexia, and reduced weight gain.
Long-Term Suppression of Growth
Growth should be monitored during treatment with stimulants, including JORNAY PM. Pediatric patients who are not growing or gaining weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data
Rats treated with methylphenidate early in the postnatal period through sexual maturation demonstrated a decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity in adulthood. A deficit in acquisition of a specific learning task was observed in females only. The doses at which these findings were observed are at least 2.5 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 100 mg/day given to children on a mg/m2 basis.
In a study conducted in young rats, methylphenidate was administered orally at doses of up to 100 mg/kg/day for 9 weeks, starting early in the postnatal period (postnatal Day 7) and continuing through sexual maturity (postnatal week 10). When these animals were tested as adults (postnatal weeks 13-14), decreased spontaneous locomotor activity was observed in males and females previously treated with ≥ 50 mg/kg/day (approximately ≥ 2.5 times the MRHD of 100 mg/day given to children on a mg/m2 basis), and a deficit in the acquisition of a specific learning task was seen in females exposed to the highest dose (5 times the MRHD of 100 mg/day given to children on a mg/m2 basis). The no effect level for juvenile neurobehavioral development in rats was 5 mg/kg/day (0.25 times the MRHD of 100 mg/day given to children on a mg/m2 basis). The clinical significance of the long-term behavioral effects observed in rats is unknown.
Tolerance
Tolerance (a state of adaptation in which exposure to a drug results in a reduction of the drug's desired and/or undesired effects over time) can occur during chronic therapy with CNS stimulants including JORNAY PM.
Dependence
Physical dependence (a state of adaptation manifested by a withdrawal syndrome produced by abrupt cessation, rapid dose reduction, or administration of an antagonist) can occur in patients treated with CNS stimulants, including JORNAY PM. Withdrawal symptoms after abrupt cessation following prolonged high-dosage administration of CNS stimulants include: dysphoric mood; depression; fatigue; vivid, unpleasant dreams; insomnia or hypersomnia; increased appetite; and psychomotor retardation or agitation.
Absorption
The pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate after a single, 100 mg oral dose of JORNAY PM administered in the evening at 9 pm were studied in healthy adults. The initial absorption of methylphenidate into plasma is delayed such that no more than 5% of total drug is available within the first 10 hours after dosing. After the lag period, the absorption of methylphenidate occurs in a single peak with a median Tmax 14.0 hours, followed by a gradual decline throughout the rest of the day.
Figure 1: Arithmetic Mean Plasma Methylphenidate Concentrations following a Single, Oral, 100 mg Dose of JORNAY PM (Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsule) or Methylphenidate Immediate-Release Oral Product Administered in a Crossover Manner to Healthy Adult Subjects
The relative bioavailability of JORNAY PM (given once a day) compared to the same daily dose of a methylphenidate immediate-release oral product (given 3 times a day) in adults is 73.9%.
Food Effects
Compared to the fasted state, JORNAY PM taken with a high-fat meal at night exhibited similar mean AUC 0-∞, a 14% lower mean Cmax, and a median Tmax extended by approximately 2.5 hours. After JORNAY PM was taken at night, a morning meal had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate.
The pharmacokinetic parameters were similar when JORNAY PM was taken as a whole capsule or when sprinkled on applesauce.
Elimination
The apparent half-life of methylphenidate in adults following oral administration of JORNAY PM was approximately 5.9 hours.
Metabolism
In humans, methylphenidate is metabolized primarily by de-esterification to α-phenyl-piperidine acetic acid (PPAA). The metabolite has little pharmacologic activity.
Excretion
After oral dosing of radiolabeled methylphenidate in humans, about 90% of the radioactivity was recovered in urine. The main urinary metabolite was PPAA, accounting for approximately 80% of the dose.
Alcohol Effect:
In vitro testing showed that approximately 97% of methylphenidate was released from JORNAY PM capsules in 2 hours in the presence of 40% alcohol. The increase in methylphenidate release rate was not observed in the presence of 5 to 20% alcohol. No in vivo studies have been conducted to assess the effect of alcohol on drug exposure.
Specific populations:
Pediatric Patients
The pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate after a single, 54 mg oral dose of JORNAY PM administered in the evening at 9 pm were studied in two separate studies in adults and in children and adolescent patients with ADHD between 8 and 17 years of age. The plasma methylphenidate concentration curves were qualitatively similar in healthy adult volunteers, children 8 to 12 years, and adolescents with ADHD. Body weight dose normalized AUC and Cmax were similar in children, adolescents, and adults. However, there were differences in mean PK parameters between children, adolescents, and adults; children were exposed to higher levels of methylphenidate when provided the same dose of JORNAY PM (Cmax: children = 11.6 ng/mL, adolescents = 7.2 ng/mL, adults = 6.0 ng/mL; AUCt: children = 206 ng·hr/mL, adolescents = 106 ng·hr/mL, adults = 83.4 ng·hr/mL).
Patients with Renal Impairment:
There is no experience with the use of JORNAY PM in patients with renal insufficiency. After oral administration of radiolabeled methylphenidate in humans, methylphenidate was extensively metabolized and approximately 80% of the radioactivity was excreted in the urine in the form of PPAA. Since renal clearance is not an important route of methylphenidate clearance, renal insufficiency is expected to have little effect on the pharmacokinetics of JORNAY PM.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment
There is no experience with the use of JORNAY PM in patients with hepatic insufficiency.
Carcinogenesis:
In a lifetime carcinogenicity study carried out in B6C3F1 mice, methylphenidate caused an increase in hepatocellular adenomas and, in males only, an increase in hepatoblastomas, at a daily dose of approximately 60 mg/kg/day. This dose is approximately 1.5 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 100 mg/day given to children on a mg/m2 basis. Hepatoblastoma is a relatively rare rodent malignant tumor type. There was no increase in total malignant hepatic tumors. The mouse strain used is sensitive to the development of hepatic tumors, and the significance of these results to humans is unknown.
Methylphenidate did not cause any increases in tumors in a lifetime carcinogenicity study carried out in F344 rats; the highest dose used was approximately 45 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 2 times the MRHD (children) on a mg/m2 basis.
In a 24-week carcinogenicity study in the transgenic mouse strain p53+/-, which is sensitive to genotoxic carcinogens, there was no evidence of carcinogenicity. Male and female mice were fed diets containing the same concentration of methylphenidate as in the lifetime carcinogenicity study; the high-dose groups were exposed to 60 to 74 mg/kg/day of methylphenidate.
Mutagenesis:
Methylphenidate was not mutagenic in the in vitro Ames reverse mutation assay or in the in vitro mouse lymphoma cell forward mutation assay. Sister chromatid exchanges and chromosome aberrations were increased, indicative of a weak clastogenic response, in an in vitro assay in cultured Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. Methylphenidate was negative in vivo in males and females in the mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay.
Impairment of Fertility:
Methylphenidate did not impair fertility in male or female mice that were fed diets containing the drug in an 18-week continuous breeding study. The study was conducted at doses up to 160 mg/kg/day, approximately 6-times the maximum recommended human dose of 100 mg/day given to adolescents on a mg/m2 basis.
Disposal
Comply with local laws and regulations on drug disposal of CNS stimulants. Dispose of remaining, unused, or expired JORNAY PM by a medicine take-back program or by an authorized collector registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration. If no take-back program or authorized collector is available, mix JORNAY PM with an undesirable, nontoxic substance to make it less appealing to children and pets. Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag and discard JORNAY PM in the household trash.
Controlled Substance Status/Potential for Abuse and Dependence
Advise patients that JORNAY PM is a federally controlled substance, and it can be abused or lead to dependence [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.1, 9.2, 9.3)]. Instruct patients that they should not give JORNAY PM to anyone else. Advise patients to store JORNAY PM in a safe place, preferably locked, to prevent abuse. Advise patients to comply with laws and regulations on drug disposal. Advise patients to dispose of remaining, unused, or expired JORNAY PM through a medicine take-back program if available [Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Abuse and Dependence (9.2, 9.3), How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16)].
Dosage and Administration Instructions
Advise patients that JORNAY PM is taken once daily in the evening. Advise patients that JORNAY PM should not be taken in the morning. It should be taken consistently, either with food or without food, and patients should establish a routine pattern of administration time.
For patients who take JORNAY PM sprinkled over applesauce, the contents of the entire capsule should be consumed immediately; it should not be stored. Patients should take the applesauce with sprinkled beads in its entirety without chewing. When initiating treatment with JORNAY PM, provide dosage escalation and administration instructions [see Dosage and Administration (2)].
Advise patients that if they forget to take JORNAY PM at their regularly scheduled time, they may take it as soon as they remember that same evening. If a patient remembers the following morning that they forgot to take their JORNAY PM dose the evening before, advise the patient to wait until their next scheduled evening administration.
Serious Cardiovascular Risks
Advise patients that there is a potential for serious cardiovascular risks including sudden death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and hypertension with JORNAY PM use. Instruct patients to contact a healthcare provider immediately if they develop symptoms such as exertional chest pain, unexplained syncope, or other symptoms suggestive of cardiac disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Increases
Advise patients that JORNAY PM can cause elevations in blood pressure and heart rate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Psychiatric Risks
Advise patients that JORNAY PM, at recommended doses, can cause psychotic or manic symptoms, even in patients without a prior history of psychotic symptoms or mania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Priapism
Advise patients, caregivers, and family members of the possibility of painful or prolonged penile erections (priapism). Instruct the patient to seek immediate medical attention in the event of priapism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Circulation Problems in Fingers and Toes [peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon]
- Instruct patients about the risk of peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon, and associated signs and symptoms: fingers or toes may feel numb, cool, painful, and/or may change from pale, to blue, to red.
- Instruct patients to report to their physician any new numbness, pain, skin color change, or sensitivity to temperature in fingers or toes.
- Instruct patients to call their physician immediately with any signs of unexplained wounds appearing on fingers or toes while taking JORNAY PM.
- Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for certain patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
Suppression of Growth
Advise patients, caregivers, and family members that JORNAY PM can cause slowing of growth and weight loss [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Alcohol Effect
Advise patients to avoid alcohol, while taking JORNAY PM. Consumption of alcohol while taking JORNAY PM may result in a more rapid release of the dose of methylphenidate [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Pregnancy Registry
Advise patients that there is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to JORNAY PM during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Packaged by:
Patheon Puerto Rico, Inc.
Manatí, Puerto Rico, 00674 USA
Manufactured for:
Ironshore Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Cherry Hill, NJ, 08002 USA