- The recommended dosage for the induction of remission in adult patients with mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis is 2.4 g to 4.8 g (two to four 1.2-g tablets) taken once daily.
- The recommended dosage for the maintenance of remission is 2.4 g (two 1.2-g tablets) taken once daily.
Pediatric use information is approved for Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.’s LIALDA (mesalamine) delayed-release tablets. However, due to Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.
Adults
Induction
The most common adverse reactions occurring in at least 1% of mesalamine delayed-release tablets - or placebo-treated adult patients with mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis in two eight-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (Study 1 and Study 2) [see Clinical Studies (14.1)] are listed in Table 2.
Table 2: Adverse ReactionsReported in at least 1% of patients in at least one mesalamine delayed-release tablets group and greater than placebo
in Two Eight-Week, Placebo-Controlled Trials of Induction Therapy (Study 1 and Study 2) in Adults with Mildly to Moderately Active Ulcerative Colitis| Adverse Reaction | Mesalamine Delayed-Release Tablets 2.4 g once daily | Mesalamine Delayed-Release Tablets 4.8 g once daily | Placebo |
|---|
| (n=177) | (n=179) | (n=179) |
|---|
| Headache | 6% | 3% | <1% |
| Flatulence | 4% | 3% | 3% |
| Liver Function Test Abnormal | <1% | 2% | 1% |
| Alopecia | 0 | 1% | 0 |
| Pruritus | <1% | 1% | 1% |
Pancreatitis occurred in less than 1% of patients during induction in clinical trials and resulted in discontinuation of therapy with mesalamine delayed-release tablets in patients experiencing this event.
Maintenance of Remission
A mesalamine delayed-release tablets dosage of 2.4 g/day, administered as either 1.2 g twice daily or 2.4 g once daily, was evaluated for safety in three maintenance trials in patients with mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis: a 6-month double-blind, active-controlled study (Study 3) [see Clinical Studies (14.1)] and two 12- to 14-month open-label studies. The most common adverse reactions with mesalamine delayed-release tablets in these maintenance trials are listed in Table 3.
Table 3: Adverse ReactionsReported in at least 1% of patients
in Three Trials of Maintenance of Remission in Adults with Ulcerative Colitis | Mesalamine Delayed-Release Tablets 2.4 g/dayAdministered either as 1.2 g twice daily or 2.4 g once daily |
|---|
| (n=1,082) |
|---|
| Adverse Reaction | % |
|---|
| Headache | 3% |
| Liver function test abnormal | 2% |
| Abdominal pain | 2% |
| Diarrhea | 2% |
| Abdominal distension | 1% |
| Abdominal pain upper | 1% |
| Dyspepsia | 1% |
| Back pain | 1% |
| Rash | 1% |
| Arthralgia | 1% |
| Fatigue | 1% |
| Hypertension | 1% |
The following adverse reactions, presented by body system, were reported in less than 1% of mesalamine delayed-release tablets-treated patients with ulcerative colitis in either induction or maintenance trials:
Cardiac Disorder: tachycardia
Ear and Labyrinth Disorders: ear pain
Gastrointestinal Disorders: abdominal distention, colitis, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, pancreatitis, rectal polyp, vomiting
General Disorders and Administrative Site Disorders: asthenia, face edema, fatigue, pyrexia
Investigations: decreased platelet count
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: arthralgia, back pain
Nervous System Disorders: dizziness, somnolence, tremor
Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: pharyngolaryngeal pain
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: acne, prurigo, rash, alopecia, pruritus, urticaria
Vascular Disorders: hypertension, hypotension
Pediatric use information is approved for Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.’s LIALDA (mesalamine) delayed-release tablets. However, due to Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.
Risk Summary
Published data from meta-analyses, cohort studies, and case series on the use of mesalamine during pregnancy have not reliably informed an association with mesalamine and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data). There are adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcomes associated with ulcerative colitis in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations).
In animal reproduction studies, there were no adverse developmental outcomes with administration of oral mesalamine during organogenesis to pregnant rats and rabbits at doses 1.8 and 2.9 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (see Data).
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriages in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Disease-associated maternal and embryo/fetal risk
Published data suggest that increased disease activity is associated with the risk of developing adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with ulcerative colitis. Adverse pregnancy outcomes include preterm delivery (before 37 weeks of gestation), low birth weight (less than 2,500 g) infants, and small for gestational age at birth.
Data
Human Data
Published data from meta-analyses, cohort studies, and case series on the use of mesalamine during early pregnancy (first trimester) and throughout pregnancy have not reliably informed an association of mesalamine and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There is no clear evidence that mesalamine exposure in early pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of major congenital malformations, including cardiac malformations. Published epidemiologic studies have important methodological limitations which hinder interpretation of the data, including inability to control for confounders, such as underlying maternal disease, maternal use of concomitant medications, and missing information on the dose and duration of use for mesalamine products.
Animal Data
Reproduction studies with mesalamine during organogenesis have been performed in rats at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg/day (1.8 times the maximum recommended human dose based on a body surface area comparison) and rabbits at doses up to 800 mg/kg/day (2.9 times the maximum recommended human dose based on a body surface area comparison) and have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to mesalamine.
Risk Summary
Data from published literature report the presence of mesalamine and its metabolite, N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid in human milk in small amounts with relative infant doses (RID) of 0.1% or less for mesalamine (see Data). There are case reports of diarrhea in breastfed infants exposed to mesalamine (see Clinical Considerations). There is no information on the effects of the drug on milk production. The lack of clinical data during lactation precludes a clear determination of the risk of mesalamine delayed-release tablets to an infant during lactation; therefore, the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for mesalamine delayed-release tablets and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from mesalamine delayed-release tablets or from the underlying maternal condition.
Clinical Considerations
Advise the caregiver to monitor the breastfed infant for diarrhea.
Data
In published lactation studies, maternal mesalamine doses from various oral and rectal formulations and products ranged from 500 mg to 4.8 g daily. The average concentration of mesalamine in milk ranged from non-detectable to 0.5 mg/L. The average concentration of N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid in milk ranged from 0.2 to 9.3 mg/L. Based on these concentrations, estimated infant daily dosages for an exclusively breastfed infant are 0 to 0.075 mg/kg/day (RID 0% to 0.1%) of mesalamine and 0.03 to 1.4 mg/kg/day of N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid.
Absorption
The total absorption of mesalamine from mesalamine delayed-release tablets 2.4 g or 4.8 g given once daily for 14 days to healthy subjects was found to be approximately 21% to 22% of the administered dose.
Gamma-scintigraphy studies have shown that a single dose of mesalamine delayed-release tablets 1.2 g (one tablet) passed intact through the upper gastrointestinal tract of fasted healthy subjects. Scintigraphic images showed a trail of radio-labeled tracer in the colon, suggesting that mesalamine had distributed through this region of the gastrointestinal tract.
In a single-dose study, mesalamine delayed-release tablets 1.2 g, 2.4 g, and 4.8 g were administered in the fasted state to healthy subjects. Plasma concentrations of mesalamine were detectable after 2 hours and reached a maximum by 9-12 hours on average for the doses studied. The pharmacokinetic parameters are highly variable among subjects (Table 4). Mesalamine systemic exposure in terms of area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) was slightly more than dose proportional between 1.2 g and 4.8 g mesalamine delayed-release tablets. Maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) of mesalamine increased approximately dose proportionately between 1.2 g and 2.4 g and sub-proportionately between 2.4 g and 4.8 g of mesalamine delayed-release tablets, with the dose normalized value at 4.8 g representing, on average, 74% of that at 2.4 g based on geometric means.
Table 4: Mean (SD) Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Mesalamine Following Single-Dose Administration of Mesalamine Delayed-Release Tablets Under Fasting Conditions| Parameter Arithmetic mean of parameter values are presented except for Tmax and Tlag. of Mesalamine | Mesalamine Delayed-Release Tablets 1.2 g (N=47) | Mesalamine Delayed-Release Tablets 2.4 g (N=48) | Mesalamine Delayed-Release Tablets 4.8 g (N=48) |
|---|
| AUC0-t (ng∙h/mL) | 9,039 N=43 (5,054) | 20,538 (12,980) | 41,434 (26,640) |
| AUC0- (ng∙h/mL) | 9,578 N=27 (5,214) | 21,084 (13,185) | 44,775 N=36 (30,302) |
| Cmax (ng/mL) | 857 (638) | 1,595 (1,484) | 2,154 (1,140) |
| Tmax
Median (min, max) (h) | 9.0 N=46 (4.0-32.1) | 12.0 (4.0-34.1) | 12.0 (4.0-34.0) |
| Tlag¶ (h) | 2.0# (0-8.0) | 2.0 (1.0-4.0) | 2.0 (1.0-4.0) |
| T1/2 (h) (Terminal Phase) | 8.56(6.38) | 7.05 N=33 5.54) | 7.25§(8.32) |
Food Effects
Administration of a single dose of mesalamine delayed-release tablets 4.8 g with a high-fat meal resulted in further delay in absorption, and plasma concentrations of mesalamine were detectable 4 hours following dosing. However, a high-fat meal increased systemic exposure of mesalamine (mean Cmax: increased 91%; mean AUC: increased 16%) compared to results in the fasted state. Mesalamine delayed-release tablets were administered with food in the controlled clinical trials [see Dosage and Administration (2)].
In a single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetic study of mesalamine delayed-release tablets, 2.4 g or 4.8 g was administered once daily with standard meals to 28 healthy subjects per dose group. Plasma concentrations of mesalamine were detectable after 4 hours and were maximal by 8 hours after the single dose. Steady state was achieved generally by 2 days after dosing. Mean AUC at steady state was only modestly greater (1.1- to 1.4-fold) than predictable from single dose pharmacokinetics.
Distribution
Mesalamine is approximately 43% bound to plasma proteins at the concentration of 2.5 mcg/mL.
Elimination
Metabolism
The only major metabolite of mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid) is N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid. Its formation is brought about by N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity in the liver and intestinal mucosa cells, principally by NAT-1.
Excretion
Excretion of mesalamine is mainly via the renal route following metabolism to N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid (acetylation); however, there is also limited excretion of the parent drug in urine. Of the approximately 21% to 22% of the dose absorbed, less than 8% of the dose was excreted unchanged in the urine after 24 hours, compared with greater than 13% for N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid. The mean renal clearance (CLR) in adults ranged from 1.8 L/h to 2.9 L/h following single dose administration and ranged from 5.5 L/h to 6.4 L/h after a multiple dosing for 14 days. The apparent terminal half-lives for mesalamine and its major metabolite after administration of mesalamine delayed-release tablets 2.4 g and 4.8 g were, on average, 7 to 9 hours and 8 to 12 hours, respectively.
Systemic exposures in adult subjects were inversely correlated with renal function as assessed by estimated creatinine clearance [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Specific Populations
Geriatric Patients
In a single-dose pharmacokinetic study of mesalamine delayed-release tablets, 4.8 g was administered in the fasted state to 71 healthy male and female subjects (28 young (18-35 years); 28 elderly (65-75 years); 15 elderly (>75 years)). Increased age resulted in increased systemic exposure (approximately 2-fold in Cmax) to mesalamine and its metabolite N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid. Increased age resulted in a slower apparent elimination of mesalamine, though there was high between-subject variability.
Table 5: Mean (SD) Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Mesalamine Following Single-Dose Administration of Mesalamine Delayed-Release Tablets 4.8 g under Fasting Conditions to Young and Elderly Subjects| Parameter of 5-ASA | Young Subjects (18 to 35 years) (N=28) | Elderly Subjects (65 to 75 years) (N=28) | Elderly Subjects (75 years and older) (N=15) |
|---|
Arithmetic mean (SD) data are presented, N = Number of subjects; 5-ASA = 5-aminosalicylic acid *N=15, †N=16, ‡N=13, §Median (min-max) |
| AUC0-t (ng∙h/mL) | 51,570 (23,870) | 73,001 (42,608) | 65,820 (25,283) |
| AUC0-∞ (ng∙h/mL) | 58,057*,(22,429) | 89,612†,(40,596) | 63,067‡,(22,531) |
| Cmax (ng/mL) | 2,243 (1,410) | 4,999 (4,381) | 4,832 (4,383) |
| tmax§ (h) | 22.0 (5.98–48.0) | 12.5 (4.00–36.0) | 16.0 (4.00–26.0) |
| tlag§ (h) | 2 (1–6) | 2 (1–4) | 2 (2–4) |
| t½ (h), terminal phase | 5.68*(2.83) | 9.68†(7.47) | 8.67‡(5.84) |
| Renal clearance (L/h) | 2.05 (1.33) | 2.04 (1.16) | 2.13 (1.20) |
Pediatric use information is approved for Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.’s LIALDA (mesalamine) delayed-release tablets. However, due to Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.
Drug Interaction Studies
The potential effect of mesalamine delayed-release tablets (4.8 g given once daily) on the pharmacokinetics of four commonly used antibiotics were evaluated in healthy subjects. The four antibiotics studied and their dosing regimens were as follows: amoxicillin (single 500-mg dose), ciprofloxacin XR (single 500-mg dose), metronidazole (750 mg twice daily for 3.5 days), and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (800 mg/160 mg twice daily for 3.5 days). The change in Cmax and AUC of amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and metronidazole when they were co-administered with mesalamine delayed-release tablets were all 3% or less. There was an increase of 12% in Cmax and an increase of 15% in AUC of sulfamethoxazole when sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim was coadministered with mesalamine delayed-release tablets. Coadministration of mesalamine delayed-release tablets did not result in clinically significant changes in the pharmacokinetics of any of the four antibiotics.
Carcinogenesis
In a 104-week dietary carcinogenicity study in CD-1 mice, mesalamine at doses up to 2,500 mg/kg/day was not tumorigenic. This dose is 2.2 times the maximum recommended human dose (based on a body surface area comparison) of mesalamine delayed-release tablets. Furthermore, in a 104-week dietary carcinogenicity study in Wistar rats, mesalamine up to a dose of 800 mg/kg/day was not tumorigenic. This dose is 1.4 times the recommended human dose (based on a body surface area comparison) of mesalamine delayed-release tablets.
Mutagenesis
No evidence of mutagenicity was observed in an in vitro Ames test or an in vivo mouse micronucleus test.
Impairment of Fertility
No effects on fertility or reproductive performance were observed in male or female rats at oral doses of mesalamine up to 400 mg/kg/day (0.7 times the maximum recommended human dose based on a body surface area comparison).
Induction of Remission
Two similarly designed, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (Study 1, NCT00503243 and Study 2, NCT00548574) were conducted in 517 adult patients with mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis. The study population was primarily Caucasian (80%), had a mean age of 42 years (6% age 65 years or older), and was approximately 50% male. Both studies used mesalamine delayed-release tablets dosages of 2.4 g and 4.8 g administered once daily for 8 weeks, except in Study 1 the 2.4 g dosage was administered as two divided doses (i.e., 1.2 g twice daily). The primary efficacy endpoint in both trials was to compare the percentage of patients in remission after 8 weeks of treatment for the mesalamine delayed-release tablets treatment groups versus placebo. Remission was defined as an Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity Index (UC-DAI) of ≤1, with scores of zero for rectal bleeding and for stool frequency, and a sigmoidoscopy score reduction of 1 point or more from baseline.
In both studies, the mesalamine delayed-release tablets dosages of 2.4 g and 4.8 g once daily demonstrated superiority over placebo in the primary efficacy endpoint (Table 6). Both mesalamine delayed-release tablets dosages also provided consistent benefit in secondary efficacy parameters, including clinical improvement, clinical remission, and sigmoidoscopic improvement. Both mesalamine delayed-release tablets dosages had similar efficacy profiles.
Table 6: Proportion of Adult Patients with Mildly to Moderately Active Ulcerative Colitis in Remission at Week 8 in Two Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Induction Trials| Dose | Study 1 (n=262) n/N (%) | Study 2 (n=255) n/N (%) |
|---|
| Mesalamine delayed-release tablets 2.4 g/day | 30/88 (34) | 34/84 (41) |
| Mesalamine delayed-release tablets 4.8 g/day | 26/89 (29) | 35/85 (41) |
| Placebo | 11/85 (13) | 19/86 (22) |
Maintenance of Remission
A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, active comparator study (Study 3, NCT00151892) was conducted in a total of 826 adult patients in remission from ulcerative colitis. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either mesalamine delayed-release tablets 2.4 g administered once daily or another mesalamine delayed-release product administered as 0.8 g twice daily. The study population had a mean age of 45 years (8% age 65 years or older), were 52% male, and were primarily Caucasian (64%).
Maintenance of remission was assessed using a modified UC-DAI. For this trial, maintenance of remission was based on maintaining endoscopic remission defined as a modified UC-DAI endoscopy subscore of ≤1. An endoscopy subscore of 0 represented normal mucosal appearance with intact vascular pattern and no friability or granulation. For this trial the endoscopy score definition of 1 (mild disease) was modified such that it could include erythema, decreased vascular pattern, and minimal granularity; however, it could not include friability.
The proportion of patients who maintained remission at Month 6 in this study using mesalamine delayed-release tablets 2.4 g once daily (84%) was similar to the comparator (82%).
Renal Impairment
Inform patients that mesalamine delayed-release tablets may decrease their renal function, especially if they have known renal impairment or are taking nephrotoxic drugs, and periodic monitoring of renal function will be performed while they are on therapy. Advise patients to complete all blood tests ordered by their healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Mesalamine-Induced Acute Intolerance Syndrome and Other Hypersensitivity Reactions
Instruct patients to stop taking mesalamine delayed-release tablets and report to their healthcare provider if they experience new or worsening symptoms of acute intolerance syndrome (cramping, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, headache, and rash) or other symptoms suggestive of mesalamine-induced hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.3)].
Hepatic Failure
Advise patients with known liver disease to contact their healthcare provider if they experience signs or symptoms of worsening liver function [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions
Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Instruct patients to stop taking mesalamine delayed-release tablets and report to their healthcare provider at first appearance of a severe cutaneous adverse reaction or other sign of hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Obstruction
Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if they experience signs and symptoms of upper gastrointestinal tract obstruction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
Photosensitivity
Advise patients with pre-existing skin conditions to avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Nephrolithiasis
Instruct patients to drink an adequate amount of fluids during treatment in order to minimize the risk of kidney stone formation and to contact their healthcare provider if they experience signs or symptoms of a kidney stone (e.g., severe side or back pain, blood in the urine) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Blood Disorders
Inform elderly patients and those taking azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine of the risk for blood disorders and the need for periodic monitoring of complete blood cell counts and platelet counts while on therapy. Advise patients to complete all blood tests ordered by their healthcare provider [see Drug Interactions (7.2), Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
Administration
Instruct patients:
- Swallow mesalamine delayed-release tablets whole; do not split or crush.
- Take mesalamine delayed-release tablets with food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
- Drink an adequate amount of fluids [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Distributed by:
Lannett Company, Inc.
Philadelphia, PA 19136
Manufactured by:
Haimen Pharma Inc.,
No. 163, Zhuhai Rd., Binjiang Street,
Haimen District, Nantong, Jiangsu 226100,
China
L7342 Revised: 12/2022