Quillivant XR

Pretreatment Screening

Prior to treating patients with QUILLIVANT XR, assess:

• for the presence of cardiac disease (i.e., perform a careful history, family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia, and physical exam) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
• the family history and clinically evaluate patients for motor or verbal tics or Tourette’s syndrome before initiating QUILLIVANT XR [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].

Recommended Dosage

Administration Instructions

QUILLIVANT XR should be orally administered once daily in the morning with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].

Switching from other Methylphenidate Products

If switching from other methylphenidate products, discontinue that treatment, and titrate with QUILLIVANT XR using the above titration schedule.

Do not substitute for other methylphenidate products on a milligram-per-milligram basis, because of different methylphenidate base compositions and differing pharmacokinetic profiles [see Description ( 11 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].

Dose Reduction and Discontinuation

Reconstitution Instructions for the Pharmacist

QUILLIVANT XR is supplied as a powder for oral suspension which must be reconstituted with water prior to dispensing. Preparation instructions: Tap bottle until powder flows freely. Remove bottle cap, and add specified amount of water to the bottle (see Table 1 below). Fully insert bottle adapter into neck of bottle [see Instructions for Use,  Figures F and G]. Replace bottle cap. Shake with vigorous back and forth motion for at least 10 seconds to prepare suspension.

Store reconstituted QUILLIVANT XR at 25ºC (77ºF); excursions permitted from 15º to 30ºC (59º to 86ºF). Dispense in original packaging (bottle in carton) with bottle adapter inserted and with enclosed oral dosing dispenser. QUILLIVANT XR is stable for up to 4 months after reconstitution.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Exposure Registry

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ADHD medications during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychostimulants at 1-866-961-2388 or visiting online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/othermedications/.

Risk Summary

There are limited published studies and small case series that report on the use of methylphenidate in pregnant women; however, the data are insufficient to inform any drug-associated risks. There are clinical considerations [see Clinical Considerations]. No teratogenic effects were observed in embryo-fetal development studies with oral administration of methylphenidate to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses 2 and 11 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). However, spina bifida was observed in rabbits at a dose 40 times the MRHD [see Data].

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.

Clinical Considerations

Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions

CNS stimulant medications, such as QUILLIVANT XR, 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

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 40 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) on a mg/m2 basis. The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rabbits was 60 mg/kg/day (11 times the MRHD 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 (7 times the MRHD 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 on a mg/m2 basis).

Lactation

Risk Summary

Limited published literature 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. 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 QUILLIVANT XR and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from QUILLIVANT XR or from the underlying maternal condition.

Clinical Considerations

Monitor breastfeeding infants for adverse reactions, such as agitation, insomnia, anorexia, and reduced weight gain.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of QUILLIVANT XR have been established in pediatric patients ages 6 to 17 years. Use of QUILLIVANT XR in pediatric patients 6 to 12 years of age is supported by one adequate and well-controlled study [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Use in 12 to 17 year old’s is supported by the adequate and well-controlled studies of QUILLIVANT XR in younger pediatric patients and additional pharmacokinetic data in adolescents, along with safety information from other methylphenidate‑containing products. The safety and effectiveness of QUILLIVANT XR in pediatric patients less than 6 years have not been established.

The long-term efficacy of methylphenidate in pediatric patients has not been established.

Long Term Suppression of Growth

Growth should be monitored during treatment with CNS stimulants, including QUILLIVANT XR. Children who are not growing or gaining weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Juvenile Animal 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 6 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) on a mg/m2 basis.

In the 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 to 14), decreased spontaneous locomotor activity was observed in males and females previously treated with 50 mg/kg/day (approximately 6 times the maximum recommended human dose [MRHD] on a mg/m2 basis) or greater, and a deficit in the acquisition of a specific learning task was observed in females exposed to the highest dose (12 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). The no effect level for juvenile neurobehavioral development in rats was 5 mg/kg/day (half the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). The clinical significance of the long-term behavioral effects observed in rats is unknown.

Geriatric Use

QUILLIVANT XR has not been studied in patients over the age of 65 years.

Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction

Risks to Patients with Serious Cardiac Disease

Sudden death has occurred in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious cardiac disease who were treated with CNS stimulants at the recommended ADHD dosage.

Avoid QUILLIVANT XR use in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease.

Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

CNS stimulants cause an increase in blood pressure (mean increase approximately 2 to 4 mm Hg) and heart rate (mean increase approximately 3 to 6 bpm). Some patients may have larger increases.

Monitor all QUILLIVANT XR-treated patients for hypertension and tachycardia.

Psychiatric Adverse Reactions

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 QUILLIVANT XR 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 the recommended dosage, may cause psychotic or manic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusional thinking, or mania) in patients without a prior history of psychotic illness or mania. 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 to 0 % of placebo-treated patients. If such symptoms occur, consider discontinuing QUILLIVANT XR.

Priapism

Prolonged and painful erections, sometimes requiring surgical intervention, have been reported with methylphenidate use in both adults and pediatric male patients. Although priapism was not reported with methylphenidate initiation, it developed after some time on methylphenidate, often subsequent to an increase in dosage. Priapism also occurred during a methylphenidate withdrawal (drug holidays or during discontinuation).

QUILLIVANT XR-treated patients who develop abnormally sustained or frequent and painful erections should seek immediate medical attention.

Peripheral Vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s Phenomenon

CNS stimulants, including QUILLIVANT XR, used to treat ADHD are associated with peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon. Signs and symptoms are usually intermittent and mild; however, sequelae have included digital ulceration and/or soft tissue breakdown. Effects of peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon, were observed in post-marketing reports and at the therapeutic dosage of CNS stimulants in all age groups throughout the course of treatment. Signs and symptoms generally improved after dosage reduction or discontinuation of the CNS stimulant.

Careful observation of digital changes is necessary during QUILLIVANT XR treatment. Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for QUILLIVANT XR-treated patients who develop signs or symptoms of peripheral vasculopathy.

Long-Term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients

CNS stimulants have been associated with weight loss and slowing of growth rate in pediatric patients. Careful follow-up of weight and height in pediatric patients ages 7 to 10 years who were randomized to either methylphenidate or nonmedication treatment groups over 14 months, as well as in naturalistic subgroups of newly methylphenidate-treated and nonmedication-treated pediatric patients over 36 months (to the ages of 10 to 13 years), suggests that pediatric patients who received methylphenidate for 7 days per week throughout the year had a temporary slowing in growth rate (on average, a total of about 2 cm less growth in height and 2.7 kg less growth in weight over 3 years), without evidence of growth rebound during this development period.

Closely monitor growth (weight and height) in QUILLIVANT XR-treated pediatric patients. Pediatric patients who are not growing or gaining height or weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted.

   Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma

There have been reports of angle closure glaucoma associated with methylphenidate treatment. 
Although the mechanism is not clear, QUILLIVANT XR -treated patients considered at risk for acute angle closure glaucoma (e.g., patients with significant hyperopia) should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.

 Increased Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma

There have been reports of an elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with methylphenidate treatment [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Prescribe QUILLIVANT XR to patients with open-angle glaucoma or abnormally increased IOP only if the benefit of treatment is considered to outweigh the risk. Closely monitor QUILLIVANT XR -treated patients with a history of abnormally increased IOP or open angle glaucoma.

 Motor and Verbal Tics, and Worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome

CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate, have been associated with the onset or exacerbation of motor and verbal tics. Worsening of Tourette’s syndrome has also been reported [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Before initiating QUILLIVANT XR, assess the family history and clinically evaluate patients for tics or Tourette’s syndrome. Regularly monitor QUILLIVANT XR -treated patients for the emergence or worsening of tics or Tourette’s syndrome, and discontinue treatment if clinically appropriate.

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

Adverse Reactions in Studies 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.

Adverse Reactions in Studies with QUILLIVANT XR in Children and Adolescents with ADHD

There is limited experience with QUILLIVANT XR in controlled trials. Based on this limited experience, the adverse reaction profile of QUILLIVANT XR appears similar to other methylphenidate extended-release products. The most common (≥2% in the QUILLIVANT XR group and greater than placebo) adverse reactions reported in the Phase 3 controlled study conducted in 45 ADHD patients (ages 6 to 12 years) were affect lability, excoriation, initial insomnia, tic, decreased appetite, vomiting, motion sickness, eye pain, and rash.

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of methylphenidate products. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. These adverse reactions are as follows:

Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Pancytopenia, Thrombocytopenia, Thrombocytopenic purpura

Cardiac Disorders: Angina pectoris, Bradycardia, Extra systole, Supraventricular tachycardia, Ventricular extra systole

Eye Disorders: Diplopia, Increased intraocular pressure, Mydriasis, Visual impairment

General Disorders: Chest pain, Chest discomfort, Hyperpyrexia

Hepatobiliary Disorders: Severe hepatocellular injury

Immune System Disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions such as Angioedema, Anaphylactic reactions, Auricular swelling, Bullous conditions, Exfoliative conditions, Urticarias, Pruritus NEC, Rashes, Eruptions, and Exanthemas NEC

Investigations: Alkaline phosphatase increased, Bilirubin increased, Hepatic enzyme increased, Platelet count decreased, White blood cell count abnormal

Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue and Bone Disorders: Arthralgia, Myalgia, Muscle twitching, Rhabdomyolysis

Nervous System Disorders: Convulsion, Grand mal convulsion, Dyskinesia, Serotonin syndrome in combination with serotonergic drugs, Motor and Verbal Tics  

Psychiatric Disorders: Disorientation, Hallucination, Hallucination auditory, Hallucination visual, Libido changes, Mania

Urogenital System: Priapism

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Alopecia, Erythema

Vascular Disorders: Raynaud’s phenomenon

Clinically Important Drug Interactions

MAOI Inhibitors
Do not administer QUILLIVANT XR concomitantly with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI treatment. Concomitant use of MAOIs and CNS stimulants can cause hypertensive crisis. Potential outcomes include death, stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, ophthalmological complications, eclampsia, pulmonary edema, and renal failure.

Antihypertensive Drugs
QUILLIVANT XR may decrease the effectiveness of drugs used to treat hypertension. Monitor blood pressure and adjust the dosage of the hypertensive drug as needed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Halogenated Anesthetics
Concomitant use of halogenated anesthetics and QUILLIVANT XR may increase the risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increase during surgery. Monitor blood pressure and avoid use of QUILLIVANT XR in patients being treated with anesthetics on the day of surgery.

Risperidone

Combined use of methylphenidate with risperidone when there is a change, whether an increase or decrease, in dosage of either or both medications, may increase the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). Monitor for signs of EPS.

Mechanism of Action

Methylphenidate HCl is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant.

Pharmacodynamics

Methylphenidate is a racemic mixture comprised of the d- and l-isomers. The d-isomer is more pharmacologically active than the l‑isomer. The mode of therapeutic action in ADHD is not known. Methylphenidate blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron and increases the release of these monoamines into the extraneuronal space.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Following a single, 60 mg oral dose of QUILLIVANT XR in 28 healthy adult subjects in a crossover study under fasting conditions, d-methylphenidate (d-MPH) mean (± SD) peak plasma concentrations of 13.6 (± 5.8) ng/mL occurred at a median time of 5 hours after dosing (Figure 2). The relative bioavailability of QUILLIVANT XR compared to Methylphenidate IR oral solution (2x30 mg, q6h) is 95%.

Figure 2: Mean d-Methylphenidate Plasma Concentration-Time Profiles

The single dose pharmacokinetics of d-MPH under fed conditions are summarized (Table 3) from studies in children and adolescents with ADHD, and healthy adults following an oral dose of 60 mg QUILLIVANT XR.

* Breakfast was given 30 min prior to drug administration† total MPH measured in children (9 to 12 years old) and adolescents (13 to 15 years old), l-MPH <2% of d-MPH in circulation‡ data presented as median (range)

Food Effects

In a study in adult volunteers to investigate the effects of a high-fat meal on the bioavailability of QUILLIVANT XR at a dose of 60 mg, the presence of food reduced the time to peak concentration by approximately 1 hour (fed: 4 hours vs. fasted: 5 hours). Overall, a high-fat meal increased the average Cmax of QUILLIVANT XR by about 28% and the AUC by about 19%. These changes are not considered clinically significant.

Elimination

Following a single 60 mg oral dose of QUILLIVANT XR in 28 healthy adult subjects under fasting conditions, the mean plasma terminal elimination half-life of d-methylphenidate was 5.6 (± 0.8) hours.

Metabolism

In humans, methylphenidate is metabolized primarily via deesterification to alpha-phenyl-piperidine acetic acid (PPAA). The metabolite has little or no 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

An in vitro study was conducted to explore the effect of alcohol on the release characteristics of methylphenidate from QUILLIVANT XR Oral Suspension. At alcohol concentrations of 5% and 10%, there was no effect of alcohol on the release characteristics of methylphenidate. At 20% alcohol concentration, there was on average a 20% increase in drug exposure [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )].

Specific Populations

Sex

There is insufficient experience with the use of QUILLIVANT XR to detect gender variations in pharmacokinetics.

Race

There is insufficient experience with the use of QUILLIVANT XR to detect ethnic variations in pharmacokinetics.

Age

The pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate after QUILLIVANT XR administration were studied in pediatric patients with ADHD between 9 and 15 years of age. After a single oral dose of 60 mg QUILLIVANT XR, plasma concentrations of methylphenidate in children (9 to 12 years old; n=3) were approximately twice the concentrations observed in adults. The plasma concentrations in adolescent patients (13 to 15 years old; n=4) were similar to those in adults.

Renal Impairment

There is no experience with the use of QUILLIVANT XR 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 QUILLIVANT XR.

Hepatic Impairment

There is no experience with the use of QUILLIVANT XR in patients with hepatic insufficiency.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

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 4 times the maximum recommended human dose 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 increase 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 5 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis.

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 an in vivo 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 of up to 160 mg/kg/day, approximately 8-fold the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis.