Concerta Drug Information

CONCERTA is indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in patients aged 6 to 65 years old. Limitations of Use The use of CONCERTA is not recommended in pediatric patients younger than 6 years of age because they had higher plasma exposure and a higher incidence of adverse reactions (e.g., weight loss) than patients 6 years and older at the same dosage.

Pretreatment Screening Prior to treating patients with CONCERTA, assess: For the presence of cardiac disease (e.g., perform a careful history, family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia, and physical exam). The family history for tics or Tourette' syndrome and clinically evaluate patients for motor or verbal tics or Tourette's syndrome.

Important Administration Instructions Administer

CONCERTA orally once daily in the morning with or without food. Swallow CONCERTA whole with liquids. Do not split, crush, or chew the extended-release tablets because doing so will compromise the extended-release characteristics of CONCERTA and may compromise the effectiveness or safety of CONCERTA.

Recommended CONCERTA Dosage in Patients New to Methylphenidate See Table 1 for the recommended once-daily dosage of CONCERTA in patients who were not taking a methylphenidate product. In patients who have not achieved an optimal response at a lower dosage, increase the CONCERTA dosage in 18 mg increments at weekly intervals. However, if a slower titration is recommended for patients who have not achieved an optimal response taking 18 mg of CONCERTA once daily, increase their daily dosage to 27 mg once per day.

Recommended CONCERTA Dosage in Patients Switching from Another Methylphenidate Product See Table 2 for the recommended starting dosage of CONCERTA in patients switching from an immediate-release methylphenidate product administered twice daily or three times daily (total daily dosage of 10 to 60 mg/day). The maximum recommended dosage in pediatric patients 6 to 12 years of age is 54 mg/day, and the maximum recommended dosage in patients 13–65 years old is 72 mg/day.

Dosage Reduction and Discontinuation

If paradoxical aggravation of ADHD symptoms or CONCERTA-associated adverse reactions occur, reduce the CONCERTA dosage or, if necessary, discontinue CONCERTA. If ADHD improvement is not observed after appropriate dosage modification over a one-month period, discontinue CONCERTA.

Clinical Trial 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 clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The data below is based on a total of 3,906 patients in clinical studies who received CONCERTA. Table 3: CONCERTA-treated Patients in Double-Blind and Open-Label Clinical Studies in double-blind clinical trials were: Pediatric patients: upper abdominal pain.

Adults: decreased appetite, headache, dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, weight decreased, irritability, tachycardia, and hyperhidrosis. The most common adverse reactions associated with CONCERTA discontinuation (≥1%) from the pediatric and adult clinical trials were anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and increased blood pressure. Most Common Adverse Reactions in Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials: Adverse reactions in either the pediatric or adult double-blind adverse reactions tables may be relevant for both patient populations.

Table 5: Most Common Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 2% of CONCERTA-treated patients in Adults with ADHD in 2 Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trials Other Adverse Reactions Observed in Clinical Trials of CONCERTA The following adverse reactions occurred in less than 2% of CONCERTA-treated patients ages 6 to 65 years of age in the double-blind and open-label clinical ADHD trials. Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Leukopenia Cardiac Disorders: Cardiac murmur, Hypertension, Heart rate increased Ear and Labyrinth Disorders: Vertigo Eye Disorders: Accommodation disorder, Dry eye, Vision blurred Gastrointestinal Disorders: Abdominal discomfort/pain, Constipation, Diarrhea, Vomiting General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Asthenia, Fatigue, Feeling jittery, Thirst Hepatobiliary Disorders: Hepatic enzymes increased Infections and Infestations: Sinusitis Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: Anorexia Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Muscle spasms, Muscle tightness Nervous System Disorders: Lethargy, Paresthesia, Psychomotor hyperactivity, Sedation, Somnolence, Tension headache Psychiatric Disorders: Affect lability, Aggression, Anger, Bruxism, Confusional state, Depression, Hypervigilance, decreased libido, Mood swings, Panic attack, Sleep disorder, Tearfulness, Tension, Tic Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: Erectile dysfunction Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: Cough, Dyspnea, Oropharyngeal pain Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Rash Vascular Disorders: Hot flush Discontinuation Due to Adverse Reactions In the 2 placebo-controlled studies in adults with ADHD, 25 (6%) CONCERTA-treated patients and 6 (3%) placebo-treated patients discontinued due to an adverse reaction. In the placebo group, adverse reactions leading to discontinuation with an incidence of >0.5% were increased blood pressure (0.9%) and depressed mood (0.9%).

Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Increases In the 1-week treatment, controlled trials in pediatric patients 6 to 12 years of age with ADHD (Studies 1 and 2), both the CONCERTA once daily group and the methylphenidate three times daily group increased resting pulse by an average of 2 to 6 beats per minute (bpm) and increased the average systolic and diastolic blood pressure roughly 1 to 4 mm Hg during the day, relative to placebo. In the randomized withdrawal portion of the double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with pediatric patients 13 to 17 years of age with ADHD (Study 4), mean increases from baseline in resting pulse rate were observed with CONCERTA and placebo at the end of the double-blind phase (5 and 3 beats/minute (bpm), respectively). At the end of four weeks of treatment, mean increases from baseline in blood pressure for CONCERTA and placebo-treated patients were 0.7 and 0.7 mm Hg (systolic) and 2.6 and 1.4 mm Hg (diastolic), respectively.

Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency: Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Pancytopenia, Thrombocytopenia, Thrombocytopenic purpura Cardiac Disorders: Angina pectoris, Bradycardia, Supraventricular tachycardia, Ventricular extrasystoles Eye Disorders: Diplopia, Increased intraocular pressure, Mydriasis General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Chest pain, Drug effect decreased, Hyperpyrexia Hepatobiliary Disorders: Hepatocellular injury, Acute hepatic failure, Blood bilirubin increased Immune System Disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions such as Angioedema, Anaphylactic reactions, Auricular swelling, Exanthemas NEC Investigations: Blood alkaline phosphatase increased, Platelet count decreased, Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Arthralgia, Myalgia, Muscle twitching, Rhabdomyolysis Nervous System Disorders: Convulsion, Grand mal convulsion, Stroke in pediatric patients, Dyskinesia, Serotonin syndrome in combination with serotonergic drugs, Motor and Verbal Tics Psychiatric Disorders: Disorientation, Hallucination, Mania, Logorrhea Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: Priapism Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Alopecia, Bullous conditions, Erythema, Exfoliative conditions, Pruritus, Urticarias Vascular Disorders: Raynaud's phenomenon

Table 6 describes clinically significant drug interactions with CONCERTA. Table 6: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors Prevention or Management Concomitant use of CNS stimulants, including CONCERTA, with MAOIs or within 14 days after discontinuing an MAOI is contraindicated. CONCERTA may decrease effectiveness of drugs used to treat hypertension.

Antihypertensive drugs: Monitor blood pressure. Adjust dosage of antihypertensive drug as needed. See additional clinically significant drug interactions, in the DRUG INTERACTIONS section.

Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ADHD drugs, including CONCERTA, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to advise patients to register by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for ADHD Medications at 1-866-961-2388 or visiting https://womensmentalhealth.org/adhd-medications/. Risk Summary Published studies and post-marketing reports on methylphenidate use during pregnancy have inconsistent findings about a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.

There are risks to the fetus associated with the use of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants during pregnancy ( see Clinical Considerations ). No effects on morphological development were observed in embryo-fetal development studies with oral administration of methylphenidate to pregnant rats and rabbits throughout organogenesis at doses up to 4 and 16 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 72 mg/day given to adults on a mg/m 2 basis. However, spina bifida was observed in rabbits at a dose 54 times the MRHD given to adults.

A slight decrease in body weight was observed in pregnant rats at the highest dose of 30 mg/kg/day (4 times the MRHD given to adults). In a pre- and postnatal development study in which rats were treated with oral administration of methylphenidate throughout pregnancy and lactation, a decrease in pup body weight, alterations in sensory and neuromotor performance, and deficits in learning and memory were observed in both sexes at the highest dose (4 times the MRHD given to adults on a mg/m 2 basis) (see Data ). The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in those with ADHD is unknown.

All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defects, 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 respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions: CNS stimulants, such as CONCERTA, can cause vasoconstriction and thereby decrease placental perfusion.

No fetal and/or neonatal adverse reactions have been reported with the use of a therapeutic dosage of methylphenidate during pregnancy; however, premature delivery and low birth weight infants have been reported in amphetamine dependent mothers. Data Animal Data: In embryo-fetal development studies conducted in rats and rabbits, methylphenidate was administered orally at doses up to 30 and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively, during the period of organogenesis. Malformations (increased incidence of fetal spina bifida) were observed in rabbits at the highest dose, which is approximately 54 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 72 mg/day given to adults on a mg/m 2 basis.

The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rabbits was 60 mg/kg/day (16 times the MRHD given to adults on a mg/m 2 basis). There was no evidence of changes in morphological development in rats, although a reduction in maternal body weight was observed at the highest dose of 30 mg/kg/day 4 times the MRHD of 72 mg/day given to adults (on a mg/m 2 basis). The no effect level for maternal body weight in rats is 5 mg/day (equal to the MRHD for adults on a mg/m 2 basis); and the no effect level for embryo-fetal development is 30 mg/kg/day (4 times the MRHD for adults on a mg/m 2 basis).

When methylphenidate was administered to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation at doses of up to 30 mg/kg/day, decreases in offspring body weight, alterations in sensory and neuromotor performance, and deficits in learning and memory were observed in both sexes at the highest dose (4 times the MRHD of 72 mg/day, given to adults on a mg/m 2 basis). The no effect level for pre- and post-natal development in rats was 12.5 mg/kg/day (2 times the MRHD given to adults on a mg/m 2 basis).

Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of CONCERTA for the treatment of ADHD have been established in pediatric patients 6 years of age and older. The safety and effectiveness of CONCERTA have not been established in pediatric patients below the age of 6 years. In studies evaluating extended-release methylphenidate products, patients 4 to <6 years of age had higher systemic methylphenidate exposures than those observed in older pediatric patients at the same dosage.

Pediatric patients 4 to <6 years of age also had a higher incidence of adverse reactions, including weight loss. CNS stimulants have been associated with weight loss and slowing of growth rate in pediatric patients. Growth (weight and height) should be monitored in pediatric patients during treatment with CNS stimulants, including CONCERTA.

Pediatric patients who are not growing or gaining weight as expected may need to have their CONCERTA treatment interrupted. 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.

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). The clinical significance of the long-term behavioral effects observed in rats is unknown.

CONCERTA is contraindicated in patients: Known to be hypersensitive to methylphenidate or other components of CONCERTA. Hypersensitivity reactions, such as angioedema and anaphylactic reactions, have been reported in patients treated with CONCERTA. Receiving concomitant monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and within 14 days following discontinuation of treatment with a MAO inhibitor because of the risk of a hypertensive crisis.

Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other components of CONCERTA Receiving concomitant monoamine oxidase inhibitors and within 14 days following discontinuation of treatment with a MAO inhibitor

Clinical Effects of Overdose Overdose of CNS stimulants is characterized by the following sympathomimetic effects: Cardiovascular effects including tachyarrhythmias, and hypertension or hypotension. Vasospasm, myocardial infarction, or aortic dissection may precipitate sudden cardiac death. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy may develop.

CNS effects including psychomotor agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. Serotonin syndrome, seizures, cerebral vascular accidents, and coma may occur. Life-threatening hyperthermia (temperatures greater than 104°F) and rhabdomyolysis may develop.

Overdose Management Consider the possibility of multiple drug ingestion. The pharmacokinetic profile of CONCERTA should be considered when treating patients with overdose. Because methylphenidate has a large volume of distribution and is rapidly metabolized, dialysis is not useful.

Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdose management recommendations.