Amitza

Q: What are the side effects of Amitza?

The following adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in labeling: Nausea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Syncope and Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Dyspnea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction… See the full label for the complete list.

Lubiprostone · Capsule, Gelatin Coated · Oral

Prescription (Rx) Chloride Channel Activator

Uses

1.1 Chronic Idiopathic Constipation in Adults Lubiprostone capsules are indicated for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults. 1.2 Opioid-Induced Constipation in Adult Patients with Chronic Non-Cancer Pain Lubiprostone capsules are indicated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adult patients with chronic non-cancer pain, including patients with chronic pain related to prior cancer or its treatment who do not require frequent (e.g., weekly) opioid dosage escalation. Limitations of Use: Effectiveness of lubiprostone capsules in the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in patients taking diphenylheptane opioids (e.g., methadone) has not been established [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. 1.3 Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation Lubiprostone capsules are indicated for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in women at least 18 years old.

Dosage and administration

2.1 Recommended Dosage The recommended oral dosage of lubiprostone capsules by indication and adjustments for patients with moderate (Child Pugh Class B) and severe (Child Pugh Class C) hepatic impairment are shown in Table 1. Table 1. Recommended Dosage Regimen CIC and OIC IBS-C Recommended Adult Dosage Regimen 24 mcg twice daily 8 mcg twice daily Dosage Adjustment for Hepatic Impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)] Moderate Impairment (Child-Pugh Class B): 16 mcg twice daily* Moderate Impairment (Child-Pugh Class B): No adjustment necessary Severe Impairment (Child-Pugh Class C): 8 mcg twice daily* Severe Impairment (Child-Pugh Class C): 8 mcg once daily* *If the dose is tolerated and an adequate response has not been obtained after an appropriate interval, doses can then be escalated to full dosing with appropriate monitoring of patient response. 2.2 Administration Instructions Take lubiprostone capsules orally with food and water. Swallow capsules whole and do not break apart or chew. Physicians and patients should periodically assess the need for continued therapy.

Dosage forms and strengths

Lubiprostone capsules are available as oval, gelatin capsules containing 8 mcg or 24 mcg of lubiprostone. 8 mcg capsules are opaque pink and are printed with A08 on the outer shell in black ink 24 mcg capsules are clear orange and are printed with A04 on the outer shell in black ink

Contraindications

Lubiprostone is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Warnings and precautions

5.1 Nausea Patients taking lubiprostone may experience nausea. Concomitant administration of food with lubiprostone may reduce symptoms of nausea [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. 5.2 Diarrhea Avoid use of lubiprostone in patients with severe diarrhea. Patients should be aware of the possible occurrence of diarrhea during treatment. Instruct patients to discontinue lubiprostone and contact their healthcare provider if severe diarrhea occurs [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. 5.3 Syncope and Hypotension Syncope and hypotension have been reported with lubiprostone in the postmarketing setting and a few of these adverse reactions resulted in hospitalization. Most cases occurred in patients taking 24 mcg twice daily and some occurred within an hour after taking the first dose or subsequent doses of lubiprostone. Some patients had concomitant diarrhea or vomiting prior to developing the adverse reaction. Syncope and hypotension generally resolved following lubiprostone discontinuation or prior to next dose, but recurrence has been reported with subsequent doses. Several cases reported concomitant use of medications known to lower blood pressure, which may increase the risk for the development of syncope or hypotension. Patients should be aware of the risk of syncope and hypotension during treatment and that other adverse reactions may increase this risk, such as diarrhea or vomiting. 5.4 Dyspnea In clinical trials, dyspnea was reported by 3%, 1%, and <1% of the treated CIC, OIC, and IBS-C populations receiving lubiprostone, respectively, compared to 0%, 1%, and <1% of placebo-treated patients. There have been postmarketing reports of dyspnea when using lubiprostone 24 mcg twice daily. Some patients have discontinued treatment because of dyspnea. These events have usually been described as a sensation of chest tightness and difficulty taking in a breath, and generally have an acute onset within 30 to 60 minutes after taking the first dose. They generally resolve within a few hours after taking the dose, but recurrence has been frequently reported with subsequent doses. Instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider if dyspnea occurs. 5.5 Bowel Obstruction In patients with symptoms suggestive of mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction, perform a thorough evaluation to confirm the absence of an obstruction prior to initiating therapy with lubiprostone [see Contraindications (4)].

Side effects

The following adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in labeling: Nausea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Syncope and Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Dyspnea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. During clinical development of lubiprostone for CIC, OIC, and IBS-C, 1,648 patients were treated with lubiprostone for 6 months and 710 patients were treated for 1 year (not mutually exclusive). Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Adverse reactions in adult dose-finding, efficacy, and long-term clinical studies: The data described below reflect exposure to lubiprostone 24 mcg twice daily in 1,113 patients with CIC over 3- or 4-week, 6-month, and 12-month treatment periods; and from 316 patients receiving placebo over short-term exposure (≤4 weeks). The placebo population (N=316) had a mean age of 48 (range 21 to 81) years; was 87% female; 81% Caucasian, 10% African American, 7% Hispanic, 1% Asian, and 12% elderly (≥65 years of age). Of those patients treated with lubiprostone 24 mcg twice daily (N=1,113), the mean age was 50 (range 19 to 86) years; 87% were female; 86% Caucasian, 8% African American, 5% Hispanic, 1% Asian, and 17% elderly (≥65 years of age). The most common adverse reactions (>4%) in CIC were nausea, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and flatulence. Table 2 presents data for the adverse reactions that occurred in at least 1% of patients and that occurred more frequently with lubiprostone than placebo. Table 2. Adverse Reactions1 in Clinical Trials of Adults with CIC System/Adverse Reaction Placebo N=316 % Lubiprostone 24 mcg Twice Daily N=1,113 % Nausea 3 29 Diarrhea 1 12 Headache 5 11 Abdominal pain 3 8 Abdominal distension 2 6 Flatulence 2 6 Vomiting 0 3 Loose stools 0 3 Edema <1 3 Abdominal discomfort2 1 3 Dizziness 1 3 Chest discomfort/pain 0 2 Dyspnea 0 2 Dyspepsia <1 2 Fatigue 1 2 Dry mouth <1 1 1 Reported in at least 1% of patients treated with lubiprostone and greater than placebo 2 This term combines “abdominal tenderness,” “abdominal rigidity,” “gastrointestinal discomfort,” “stomach discomfort”, and “abdominal discomfort.” Nausea: Approximately 29% of patients who received lubiprostone experienced nausea; 4% of patients had severe nausea and 9% of patients discontinued treatment due to nausea. The rate of nausea was lower among male (8%) and elderly (19%) patients. No patients in the clinical studies were hospitalized due to nausea. Diarrhea: Approximately 12% of patients who received lubiprostone experienced diarrhea; 2% of patients had severe diarrhea and 2% of patients discontinued treatment due to diarrhea. Electrolytes: No serious adverse reactions of electrolyte imbalance were reported in clinical studies, and no clinically significant changes were seen in serum electrolyte levels in patients receiving lubiprostone. Less common adverse reactions (<1%): fecal incontinence, muscle cramp, defecation urgency, frequent bowel movements, hyperhidrosis, pharyngolaryngeal pain, intestinal functional disorder, anxiety, cold sweat, constipation, cough, dysgeusia, eructation, influenza, joint swelling, myalgia, pain, syncope, tremor, decreased appetite. Opioid-Induced Constipation Adverse reactions in adult efficacy and long-term clinical studies: The data described below reflect exposure to lubiprostone 24 mcg twice daily in 860 patients with OIC for up to 12 months and from 632 patients receiving placebo twice daily for up to 12 weeks. The total population (N=1,492) had a mean age of 50 (range 20 to 89) years; was 63% female; 83% Caucasian, 14% African American, 1% American Indian/Alaska Native, 1% Asian; 5% were of Hispanic ethnicity, and 9% were elderly (≥65 years of age). The most common adverse reactions (>4%) in OIC were nausea and diarrhea. Table 3 presents data for the adverse reactions that occurred in at least 1% of patients and that occurred more frequently with study drug than placebo. Table 3. Adverse Reactions1 in Clinical Trials of Adults with OIC System/Adverse Reaction1 Placebo N=632 % Lubiprostone 24 mcg Twice Daily N=860 % Nausea 5 11 Diarrhea 2 8 Abdominal pain 1 4 Flatulence 3 4 Abdominal distension 2 3 Vomiting 2 3 Headache 1 2 Peripheral edema <1 1 Abdominal discomfort2 1 1 1 Reported in at least 1% of patients treated with lubiprostone and greater than placebo 2 This term combines “abdominal tenderness,” “abdominal rigidity,” “gastrointestinal discomfort,” “stomach discomfort”, and “abdominal discomfort.” Nausea: Approximately 11% of patients who received lubiprostone experienced nausea; 1% of patients had severe nausea and 2% of patients discontinued treatment due to nausea. Diarrhea: Approximately 8% of patients who received lubiprostone experienced diarrhea; 2% of patients had severe diarrhea and 1% of patients discontinued treatment due to diarrhea. Less common adverse reactions (<1%): fecal incontinence, blood potassium decreased. Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation Adverse reactions in adult dose-finding, efficacy, and long-term clinical studies: The data described below reflect exposure to lubiprostone 8 mcg twice daily in 1,011 patients with IBS-C for up to 12 months and from 435 patients receiving placebo twice daily for up to 16 weeks. The total population (N=1,267) had a mean age of 47 (range 18 to 85) years; was 92% female; 78% Caucasian, 13% African American, 9% Hispanic, 0.4% Asian, and 8% elderly (≥65 years of age). The most common adverse reactions (>4%) in IBS-C were nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Drug interactions

7.1 Methadone Diphenylheptane opioids (e.g., methadone) have been shown in nonclinical studies to dose-dependently reduce the activation of ClC-2 by lubiprostone in the gastrointestinal tract. There is a possibility of a dose-dependent decrease in the efficacy of lubiprostone in patients using diphenylheptane opioids. No in vivo interaction studies have been conducted. The effectiveness of lubiprostone in the treatment of OIC in patients taking diphenylhepatane opioids (e.g., methadone) has not been established [see Indications and Usage (1.2)].

Use in specific populations

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Following oral administration, concentrations of lubiprostone in plasma are below the level of quantitation; however, one of the metabolites, M3, has measurable systemic concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Limited available data with lubiprostone use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes. Animal reproduction studies did not show an increase in structural malformations. Although a dose dependent increase in fetal loss was observed in pregnant guinea pigs that received lubiprostone (doses equivalent to 0.2 to 6 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) based on body surface area (mg/m2)), these effects were probably secondary to maternal toxicity and occurred after the period of organogenesis (see Data). The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population 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 miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In developmental toxicity studies, pregnant rats and rabbits received oral lubiprostone during organogenesis at doses up to approximately 338 times (rats) and approximately 34 times (rabbits) the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) based on body surface area (mg/m2). Maximal animal doses were 2,000 mcg/kg/day (rats) and 100 mcg/kg/day (rabbits). In rats, there were increased incidences of early resorptions and soft tissue malformations (situs inversus, cleft palate) at the 2,000 mcg/kg/day dose; however, these effects were probably secondary to maternal toxicity. A dose-dependent increase in fetal loss occurred when guinea pigs received lubiprostone after the period of organogenesis, on days 40 to 53 of gestation, at daily oral doses of 1, 10, and 25 mcg/kg/day (approximately 0.2, 2 and 6 times the MRHD based on body surface area (mg/m2)); however, these effects were probably secondary to maternal toxicity. The potential of lubiprostone to cause fetal loss was also examined in pregnant rhesus monkeys. Monkeys received lubiprostone post-organogenesis on gestation days 110 through 130 at daily oral doses of 10 and 30 mcg/kg/day (approximately 3 and 10 times the MRHD based on body surface area (mg/m2)). Fetal loss was noted in one monkey from the 10-mcg/kg dose group, which is within normal historical rates for this species. There was no drug-related adverse effect seen in monkeys. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data available on the presence of lubiprostone in human milk or the effect of lubiprostone on milk production. There are limited data available on the effect of lubiprostone on the breastfed infant. Neither lubiprostone nor its active metabolite (M3) were present in the milk of lactating rats. When a drug is not present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will not be present in human milk. If present, lubiprostone may cause diarrhea in the breastfed infant (see Clinical Considerations). The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for lubiprostone and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from lubiprostone or from the underlying maternal condition. Clinical Considerations Infants of nursing mothers being treated with lubiprostone should be monitored for diarrhea. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients with IBS-C, pediatric functional constipation (PFC), and OIC. Efficacy was not demonstrated for the treatment of PFC in patients 6 years of age and older in a 12 week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in 606 patients 6 to 17 years with PFC comparing lubiprostone to placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was an overall response based on spontaneous bowel movement frequency over the duration of the trial; the treatment difference from placebo was not statistically significant. In this age group, adverse reactions to lubiprostone were similar to those reported in adults. In a 36-week, long-term safety extension trial after approximately 9 months of treatment with lubiprostone, a single case of reversible elevation of ALT (17-times upper limit of normal [ULN]), AST (13-times ULN), and GGT (9-times [ULN]) was observed in a child with baseline elevated values (less than or equal to 2.5-times ULN). Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data In a 13-week oral toxicity study in juvenile rats, a significant decrease in total bone mineral density was observed in female pups at 0.5 mg/kg/day; in male pups, a significantly lower cortical thickness at the tibial diaphysis was observed at 0.5 mg/kg. The 0.5 mg/kg/day dose is approximately 101 times the maximum recommended adult dose of 48 mcg/day, based on body surface area (mg/m2). 8.5 Geriatric Use Chronic Idiopathic Constipation The efficacy of lubiprostone 24 mcg twice daily in the elderly (at least 65 years of age) subpopulation with CIC was consistent with the efficacy in the overall study population. Of the total number of patients treated in the dose-finding, efficacy, and long-term studies of lubiprostone, 16% were at least 65 years of age, and 4% were at least 75 years of age. Elderly patients taking lubiprostone experienced a lower rate of associated nausea compared to the overall study population taking lubiprostone (19% vs. 29%, respectively). Opioid-Induced Constipation The safety profile of lubiprostone in the elderly (at least 65 years of age) subpopulation with OIC (9% were at least 65 years of age and 2% were at least 75 years of age) was consistent with the safety profile in the overall study population. Clinical studies of lubiprostone did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.

Overdosage

There have been six reports of overdosage with lubiprostone during clinical development. Of these six cases, only two subjects reported adverse events: one reported vomiting, diarrhea and stomach ache after taking 168 to 192 mcg of lubiprostone, and another reported diarrhea and a joint injury on the day of overdose after taking 36 mcg of lubiprostone. Adverse reactions that occurred in at least 1% of healthy subjects given a single oral dose of 144 mcg of lubiprostone (6 times the highest recommended dose) in a cardiac repolarization study included nausea (45%), diarrhea (35%), vomiting (27%), dizziness (14%), headache (12%), abdominal pain (8%), flushing/hot flash (8%), retching (8%), dyspnea (4%), pallor (4%), stomach discomfort (4%), anorexia (2%), asthenia (2%), chest discomfort (2%), dry mouth (2%), hyperhidrosis (2%), and syncope (2%).

Description

Lubiprostone is a chloride channel activator for oral use. The chemical name for lubiprostone is (–)-7-[(2R,4aR,5R,7aR)-2-(1,1-difluoropentyl)-2-hydroxy-6-oxooctahydrocyclopenta[b]pyran-5-yl]heptanoic acid. The molecular formula of lubiprostone is C20H32F2O5 with a molecular weight of 390.47 and a chemical structure as follows: [1] Lubiprostone drug substance occurs as off-white to white crystalline powder, is very soluble in ether and ethanol, and is practically insoluble in hexane and water. Lubiprostone capsules are available as imprinted, oval, soft gelatin capsules in two strengths. Pink capsules contain 8 mcg of lubiprostone and the following inactive ingredients: black iron oxide, ferric oxide red, gelatin, hypromellose, lecithin, medium-chain triglycerides, propylene glycol, purified water, sorbitol sorbitan solution, and titanium dioxide. Orange capsules contain 24 mcg of lubiprostone and the following inactive ingredients: black iron oxide, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, hypromellose, lecithin, medium-chain triglycerides, propylene glycol, purified water, and sorbitol sorbitan solution.

How supplied

Lubiprostone capsules are available as follows: 8 mcg – Oval, opaque pink soft gelatin capsule printed with A08 on the outer shell in black ink, in bottles of 60 (NDC 0480-3479-06). 24 mcg – Oval, clear orange soft gelatin capsule printed with A04 on the outer shell in black ink, in bottles of 60 (NDC 0480-4138-06).

Storage

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light and extreme temperatures.

Label text from the FDA structured product label by Direct_Rx (revised Jan 22, 2025). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.

Active ingredients

Lubiprostone in 1 product

Amitza NDC products (1)

NDC	Strength & form	Labeler	Type
72189-410	Lubiprostone 8 ug/1 Capsule, Gelatin Coated	Direct_Rx	ANDA