DailyMed Label: Rowasa

DailyMed Label: Rowasa

2023

DailyMed Prescription

Rowasa

mesalamine

Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc.

NDC: 0037-0066

NDC: 0037-0066

The active ingredient in ROWASA ® (mesalamine) Rectal Suspension Enema, a disposable (60 mL) unit, is mesalamine, also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). Chemically, mesalamine is 5-amino-2-hydroxybenzoic acid. The empirical formula is C 7 H 7 NO 3 , representing a molecular weight of 153.14. The structural formula is: Each rectal suspension enema unit contains 4 grams of mesalamine. In addition to mesalamine the preparation contains the inactive ingredients carbomer 934P, edetate disodium, potassium acetate, potassium metabisulfite, purified water and xanthan gum. Sodium benzoate is added as a preservative. The disposable unit consists of an applicator tip protected by a polyethylene cover and lubricated with USP white petrolatum. The unit has a one-way valve to prevent back flow of the dispensed product. mesalamine structural formula

ROWASA ® (mesalamine) Rectal Suspension Enema is indicated for the treatment of active mild to moderate distal ulcerative colitis, proctosigmoiditis or proctitis in adults.

The recommended adult dosage of ROWASA ® (mesalamine) Rectal Suspension Enema in 60 mL units is one rectal instillation (4 grams) once a day, preferably at bedtime, and retained for approximately eight hours. While the effect of ROWASA ® (mesalamine) Rectal Suspension Enema may be seen within 3 to 21 days, the usual course of therapy would be from 3 to 6 weeks depending on symptoms and sigmoidoscopic findings. Studies available to date have not assessed if ROWASA ® (mesalamine) Rectal Suspension Enema will modify relapse rates after the 6-week short-term treatment. ROWASA ® (mesalamine) Rectal Suspension Enema is for rectal use only. Drink an adequate amount of fluids during treatment. Patients should be instructed to shake the bottle well to make sure the suspension is homogeneous. The patient should remove the protective sheath from the applicator tip. Holding the bottle at the neck will not cause any of the medication to be discharged. The position most often used is obtained by lying on the left side (to facilitate migration into the sigmoid colon); with the lower leg extended and the upper right leg flexed forward for balance. An alternative is the knee-chest position. The applicator tip should be gently inserted in the rectum pointing toward the umbilicus. A steady squeezing of the bottle will discharge most of the preparation. The preparation should be taken at bedtime with the objective of retaining it all night. Patient instructions are included with every seven units.

ROWASA ® (mesalamine) Rectal Suspension Enema is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to salicylates, aminosalicylates, sulfites or any other component of this medication.

There have been reports of hepatic failure in patients with pre-existing liver disease who have been administered other products containing mesalamine. Evaluate the risks and benefits of using ROWASA in patients with known liver impairment. Severe cutaneous adverse reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported with the use of mesalamine (see  ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Discontinue ROWASA at the first signs or symptoms of severe cutaneous adverse reactions or other signs of hypersensitivity and consider further evaluation. Patients with pre‑existing skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and atopic eczema have reported more severe photosensitivity reactions. Advise patients to avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors. Cases of nephrolithiasis have been reported with the use of mesalamine, including stones with 100% mesalamine content. Mesalamine‑containing stones are radiotransparent and undetectable by standard radiography or computed tomography (CT). Ensure adequate hydration during treatment. Advise patients that urine may become discolored reddish-brown while taking ROWASA when it comes in contact with surfaces or water treated with hypochlorite-containing bleach. If discolored urine is observed, advise patients to observe their urine flow. Report to the healthcare provider only if urine is discolored on leaving the body, before contact with any surface or water (e.g., in the toilet). Use of mesalamine may lead to spuriously elevated test results when measuring urinary normetanephrine by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection because of the similarity in the chromatograms of normetanephrine and mesalamine’s main metabolite, N‑acetyl‑5‑aminosalicylic acid (N‑Ac‑5‑ASA). Consider an alternative, selective assay for normetanephrine. The concurrent use of mesalamine with known nephrotoxic agents, including non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity. Monitor patients taking nephrotoxic drugs for changes in renal function and mesalamine-related adverse reactions. The concurrent use of mesalamine with azathioprine or 6‑mercaptopurine and/or any other drugs known to cause myelotoxicity may increase the risk for blood disorders, bone marrow failure, and associated complications. If concomitant use of ROWASA and azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine cannot be avoided, monitor blood tests, including complete blood cell counts and platelet counts. Mesalamine caused no increase in the incidence of neoplastic lesions over controls in a 2-year study of Wistar rats fed up to 320 mg/kg/day of mesalamine admixed with diet. Mesalamine is not mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium tester strains TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537, TA1538. There were no reverse mutations in an assay using E. coli strain WP2UVRA. There were no effects in an in vivo mouse micronucleus assay at 600 mg/kg and in an in vivo sister chromatid exchange at doses up to 610 mg/kg. No effects on fertility were observed in rats receiving up to 320 mg/kg/day. The oligospermia and infertility in men associated with sulfasalazine has very rarely been reported among patients treated with mesalamine. Teratologic studies have been performed in rats and rabbits at oral doses up to five and eight times respectively, the maximum recommended human dose, and have revealed no evidence of harm to the embryo or the fetus. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women for either sulfasalazine or 5-ASA. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, 5-ASA should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known whether mesalamine or its metabolite(s) are excreted in human milk. As a general rule, nursing should not be undertaken while a patient is on a drug since many drugs are excreted in human milk. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Clinical trials of ROWASA did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Reports from uncontrolled clinical studies and postmarketing reporting systems suggested a higher incidence of blood dyscrasias (i.e., agranulocytosis, neutropenia and pancytopenia) in patients receiving mesalamine-containing products such as ROWASA who were 65 years or older compared to younger patients, which may also be associated with ulcerative colitis, use of interacting drugs, or reduced renal function. Consider monitoring complete blood cell counts and platelet counts in elderly patients during treatment with ROWASA, especially if used concomitantly with anticoagulants. In general, consider the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concurrent disease or other drug therapy in elderly patients when prescribing ROWASA. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-866-210-5949 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

ROWASA

The concurrent use of mesalamine with known nephrotoxic agents, including non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity. Monitor patients taking nephrotoxic drugs for changes in renal function and mesalamine-related adverse reactions. The concurrent use of mesalamine with azathioprine or 6‑mercaptopurine and/or any other drugs known to cause myelotoxicity may increase the risk for blood disorders, bone marrow failure, and associated complications. If concomitant use of ROWASA and azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine cannot be avoided, monitor blood tests, including complete blood cell counts and platelet counts.

ROWASA ® (mesalamine) Rectal Suspension Enema for rectal administration is an off-white to tan colored suspension. Each disposable enema bottle contains 4.0 grams of mesalamine in 60 mL aqueous suspension. Enema bottles are supplied in boxed, foil-wrapped trays as follows: NDC 0037-0066-01........................... Professional Sample NDC 0037-0066-05........................... Carton of 7 Bottles NDC 0037-0066-14........................... Carton of 14 Bottles NDC 0037-0066-03........................... Carton of 28 Bottles ROWASA ® (mesalamine) Rectal Suspension Enemas are for rectal use only. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN Patient instructions are included. Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted, please refer to current USP. Once the foil wrapped unit of seven bottles is opened, all enemas should be used promptly as directed by your physician. Contents of enemas removed from the foil pouch may darken with time. Slight darkening will not affect potency, however, enemas with dark brown contents should be discarded. NOTE: ROWASA ® (mesalamine) Rectal Suspension Enema will cause staining of direct contact surfaces, including but not limited to fabrics, flooring, painted surfaces, marble, granite, vinyl, and enamel. Take care in choosing a suitable location for administration of this product.

Each ROWASA ® (mesalamine) Rectal Suspension Enema delivers up to 4 g of mesalamine to the left side of the colon. The mechanism of action of mesalamine (and sulfasalazine) is not fully understood, but appears to be a topical anti-inflammatory effect on colonic epithelial cells. Mucosal production of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites, both through the cyclooxygenase pathways, i.e., prostanoids, and through the lipoxygenase pathways, i.e., leukotrienes (LTs) and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) is increased in patients with ulcerative colitis, and it is possible that mesalamine diminishes inflammation by blocking cyclooxygenase and inhibiting prostaglandin (PG) production in the colon. Preclinical studies have shown the kidney to be the major target organ for mesalamine toxicity. Adverse renal function changes were observed in rats after a single 600 mg/kg oral dose, but not after a 200 mg/kg dose. Gross kidney lesions, including papillary necrosis, were observed after a single oral >900 mg/kg dose, and after I.V. doses of >214 mg/kg. Mice responded similarly. In a 13-week oral (gavage) dose study in rats, the high dose of 640 mg/kg/day mesalamine caused deaths, probably due to renal failure, and dose-related renal lesions (papillary necrosis and/or multifocal tubular injury) were seen in most rats given the high dose (males and females) as well as in males receiving lower doses 160 mg/kg/day. Renal lesions were not observed in the 160 mg/kg/day female rats. Minimal tubular epithelial damage was seen in the 40 mg/kg/day males and was reversible. In a six-month oral study in dogs, the no-observable dose level of mesalamine was 40 mg/kg/day and doses of 80 mg/kg/day and higher caused renal pathology similar to that described for the rat. In a combined 52-week toxicity and 127-week carcinogenicity study in rats, degeneration in kidneys was observed at doses of 100 mg/kg/day and above admixed with diet for 52 weeks, and at 127 weeks increased incidence of kidney degeneration and hyalinization of basement membranes and Bowman's capsule were seen at 100 mg/kg/day and above. In the 12-month eye toxicity study in dogs, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) occurred at oral doses of 40 mg/kg/day and above. The oral preclinical studies were done with a highly bioavailable suspension where absorption throughout the gastrointestinal tract occurred. The human dose of 4 grams represents approximately 80 mg/kg but when mesalamine is given rectally as a suspension, absorption is poor and limited to the distal colon (see Pharmacokinetics ). Overt renal toxicity has not been observed (see ADVERSE REACTIONS and PRECAUTIONS ), but the potential must be considered. Mesalamine administered rectally as ROWASA ® (mesalamine) Rectal Suspension Enema is poorly absorbed from the colon and is excreted principally in the feces during subsequent bowel movements. The extent of absorption is dependent upon the retention time of the drug product, and there is considerable individual variation. At steady state, approximately 10 to 30% of the daily 4-gram dose can be recovered in cumulative 24-hour urine collections. Other than the kidney, the organ distribution and other bioavailability characteristics of absorbed mesalamine in man are not known. It is known that the compound undergoes acetylation but whether this process takes place at colonic or systemic sites has not been elucidated. Whatever the metabolic site, most of the absorbed mesalamine is excreted in the urine as the N-acetyl-5-ASA metabolite. The poor colonic absorption of rectally administered mesalamine is substantiated by the low serum concentration of 5-ASA and N-acetyl-5-ASA seen in ulcerative colitis patients after dosage with mesalamine. Under clinical conditions patients demonstrated plasma levels 10 to 12 hours post mesalamine administration of 2 µg/mL, about two-thirds of which was the N-acetyl metabolite. While the elimination half-life of mesalamine is short (0.5 to 1.5 h), the acetylated metabolite exhibits a half-life of 5 to 10 hours [U. Klotz, Clin. Pharmacokin. 10:285-302 (1985)]. In addition, steady state plasma levels demonstrated a lack of accumulation of either free or metabolized drug during repeated daily administrations. In a placebo-controlled, international, multicenter trial of 153 patients with active distal ulcerative colitis, proctosigmoiditis or proctitis, ROWASA ® (mesalamine) Rectal Suspension Enema reduced the overall disease activity index (DAI) and individual components as follows: EFFECT OF TREATMENT ON SEVERITY OF DISEASE DATA FROM U.S.-CANADA TRIAL COMBINED RESULTS OF EIGHT CENTERS Activity Indices, mean Each parameter has a 4-point scale with a numerical rating: 0 = normal, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe. The four parameters are added together to produce a maximum overall DAI of 12. * Percent change for overall DAI only (calculated by taking the average of the change for each individual patient). † Significant ROWASA ® /placebo difference. p < 0.01 ‡ Significant ROWASA ® /placebo difference. p < 0.001 § Significant ROWASA ® /placebo difference. p < 0.05             N Baseline Day 22 End Point Change Baseline to End Point * Overall DAI ROWASA ® Placebo 76 77 7.42 7.40 4.05 †   6.03 3.37 ‡   5.83 -55.07% ‡   -21.58% Stool Frequency ROWASA ® Placebo    1.58 1.92 1.11 §   1.47 1.01 †   1.50 -0.57 §   -0.41 Rectal Bleeding ROWASA ® Placebo 1.82 1.73 0.59 ‡   1.21 0.51 ‡   1.11 -1.30 ‡   -0.61 Mucosal Inflammation ROWASA ® Placebo 2.17 2.18 1.22 †   1.74 0.96 ‡   1.61 -1.21 †   -0.56 Physician's Assessment of Disease Severity ROWASA ® Placebo 1.86 1.87 1.13 ‡   1.62 0.88 ‡   1.55 -0.97 ‡   -0.30 Differences between ROWASA ® (mesalamine) Rectal Suspension Enema and placebo were also statistically different in subgroups of patients on concurrent sulfasalazine and in those having an upper disease boundary between 5 and 20 or 20 and 40 cm. Significant differences between ROWASA ® (mesalamine) Rectal Suspension Enema and placebo were not achieved in those subgroups of patients on concurrent prednisone or with an upper disease boundary between 40 and 50 cm.

NDC 0037-0066-05 7 X 60 mL Unit-Dose Bottles 7 pack Rowasa ® (mesalamine) Rectal Suspension Enema   KIT 4.0g/60mL For Rectal Use Only Rx Only Kit includes 7 complimentary cleansing wipes. Dispense in existing packaging as one unit, do not repackage. Each disposable unit contains: Mesalamine  (5-aminosalicylic acid)……..….4.0 grams in suspension containing carbomer 934P, edetate disodium, potassium acetate, potassium metabisulfite, purified water, sodium benzoate, and xanthan gum. USUAL DOSE:  One unit-dose suspension in the evenings before going to bed. See package insert for complete prescribing information including usual dose. See enclosed directions for use. Use as directed by your physician. KEEP THIS AND ANY MEDICATION OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. SHAKE WELL BEFORE USING. FOIL WRAP PROTECTS PRODUCT FROM DISCOLORATION. DO NOT REMOVE PRODUCT FROM FOIL WRAP UNTIL READY TO USE. Product contents may darken with time. NOTE: product contents will cause staining of most direct contact surfaces. Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); brief excursions permitted 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP]. Dispensed in original foil-wrapped package. Individual trays are not to be dispensed separately. For medical inquiries, call toll-free 1-866-210-5949. SHAKE WELL BEFORE USING Distributed by: MEDA PHARMACEUTICALS ® Canonsburg, PA 15317 U.S.A. © 2023 Viatris Inc. UC-003605-04 Rev. 10/2023 Rowasa Rectal Suspension Enema Carton Label