Cotempla Drug Information
Generic name: METHYLPHENIDATE
Central Nervous System Stimulant [EPC]
Uses of Cotempla
XR-ODT is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age. Limitations of Use The use of COTEMPLA XR-ODT 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 . COTEMPLA XR-ODT is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age. Limitations of Use The use of COTEMPLA XR-ODT 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.
Dosage & Administration of Cotempla
Pretreatment Screening
Prior to treating patients with COTEMPLA XR-ODT, assess: for the presence of cardiac disease (i.e. perform a careful history, family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia, and physical exam) . the family history and clinically evaluate patients for motor or verbal tics or Tourette's sydrome before initiating COTEMPLA XR-ODT.
General Dosing Information
COTEMPLA XR-ODT is given orally once daily in the morning. Advise patients to take COTEMPLA XR-ODT consistently either with food or without food . The recommended starting dose of COTEMPLA XR-ODT for patients 6 to 17 years of age is 17.3 mg once daily in the morning. The dose may be titrated weekly in increments of 8.6 mg to 17.3 mg.
Daily doses above 51.8 mg have not been studied and are not recommended. The dose should be individualized according to the needs and responses of the patient.
Dosage Reduction and Discontinuation
If paradoxical aggravation of symptoms or other adverse reactions occur, reduce dosage, or, if necessary, discontinue COTEMPLA XR-ODT. If improvement is not observed after appropriate dosage adjustment over a one-month period, discontinue COTEMPLA XR-ODT.
COTEMPLA XR-ODT
Administration Instruct the patient or caregiver on the following administration instructions: Do not remove the tablet from the blister pack until just prior to dosing. Take the tablet immediately after opening the blister pack. Do not store the tablet for future use.
Use dry hands when opening the blister pack. Remove the tablet by peeling back the foil on the blister pack. Do not push the tablet through the foil.
As soon as the blister is opened, remove the tablet and place on the patient's tongue. Place the whole tablet on the tongue and allow it to disintegrate without chewing or crushing. The tablet will disintegrate in saliva so that it can be swallowed.
No liquid is needed to take the tablet.
Side Effects of Cotempla
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 COTEMPLA XR-ODT in Children with ADHD There is limited experience with COTEMPLA XR-ODT in controlled trials.
Based on this limited experience, the adverse reaction profile of COTEMPLA XR-ODT appears similar to other methylphenidate extended release-products.
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, Extrasystole, Supraventricular tachycardia, Ventricular extrasystole Eye Disorders : Diplopia, Increased intraocolar pressure, Mydriasis, Visual impairment General Disorders : Chest pain, Chest discomfort, Hyperpyrexia Immune System Disorders : Hypersensitivity reactions such as Angioedema, Anaphylactic reactions, Auricular swelling, Bullous conditions, Exfoliative conditions, Urticarias, Pruritis 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
Warnings & Cautions for Cotempla
Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction
COTEMPLA XR-ODT has a high potential for abuse and misuse. The use of COTEMPLA XR-ODT exposes individuals to the risks of abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. COTEMPLA XR-ODT can be diverted for nonmedical use into illicit channels or distribution . Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including COTEMPLA XR-ODT, can result in overdose and death , and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.
Before prescribing COTEMPLA XR-ODT, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks and proper disposal of any unused drug. Advise patients to store COTEMPLA XR-ODT in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients to not give COTEMPLA XR-ODT to anyone else.
Throughout COTEMPLA XR-ODT treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of 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 dosages. Avoid COTEMPLA XR-ODT use in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmia, 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 COTEMPLA XR-ODT-treated patients for hypertension and tachycardia.
Priapism Prolonged and painful erections, sometimes requiring surgical intervention, have been reported
with methylphenidate use in both adult 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 methylphenidate withdrawal (drug holidays or during discontinuation). COTEMPLA XR-ODT-treated patients who develop abnormally sustained or frequent and painful erections should seek immediate medical attention.
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 COTEMPLA XR-ODT 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 COTEMPLA XR-ODT.
Peripheral Vasculopathy, including Raynaud's Phenomenon
CNS stimulants, including COTEMPLA XR-ODT, 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 dosages 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 for digital changes is necessary during COTEMPLA XR-ODT treatment. Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for COTEMPLA XRODT-treated patients who develop signs or symptoms of peripheral vasculopathy.
Long-Term Suppression of Growth in Pediatric Patients
COTEMPLA XR-ODT is not approved for use and is not recommended in pediatric patients below 6 years of age. 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 COTEMPLA XR-ODT-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, COTEMPLA XR-ODT-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 . Prescribe COTEMPLA XR-ODT to patients with open-angle glaucoma or abnormally increased IOP only if the benefit of treatment is considered to outweigh the risk. Closely monitor COTEMPLA XR-ODT-treated patients with a history of abnormally increased IOP or open angle glaucoma. 5.10 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 . Before initiating COTEMPLA XR-ODT, assess the family history and clinically evaluate patients for tics or Tourette's syndrome.
Regulary monitor COTEMPLA XR-ODT-treated patients for the emergence or worsening of tics or Tourette's syndrome, and discontine treatment if clinically appropriate.
Drug Interactions with Cotempla
Clinically Important Interactions with
COTEMPLA XR-ODT Table 1: Drugs Having Clinically Important Interactions with Methylphenidate Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) Clinical Impact: 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 . Intervention: Do not administer COTEMPLA-XR ODT concomitantly with MAOIs or within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI treatment. Gastric pH Modulators Clinical Impact: May change the release profile and alter the pharmacodynamics of COTEMPLA-XR ODT. Intervention: Concomitant use of Cotempla XR-ODT with a gastric pH modulator (i.e., a H2-blocker or a proton pump inhibitor) is not recommended.
Antihypertensive Drugs Clinical Impact: Cotempla XR-ODT may decrease the effectiveness of drug used to treat hypertension. Intervention: Monitor blood pressure and adjust the dosage of the antihypertensive drug as needed. Halogenated Anesthetics Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of halogenated anesthetics and COTEMPLA XR-ODT may increase the risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increase during surgery.
Intervention: Avoid use of COTEMPLA XR-ODT in patients being treated with anesthetics on the day of surgery. Risperidone Clinical Impact: 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). Intervention: Monitor for signs of EPS.
Pregnancy Safety for Cotempla
Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to COTEMPLA XR-ODT during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychostimulants at 1-866-961-2388. Risk Summary Published studies and postmarketing reports on methylphenidate use during pregnancy are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of adverse pregnancy-related outcomes . There are risks to the fetus associated with the use of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants during pregnancy. No teratogenic effects were observed in embryo-fetal development studies with oral administration of methylphenidate to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses 4 and 18 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 51.8 mg (as base). However, spina bifida was observed in rabbits at a dose 60 times the MRHD. The estimated 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 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions CNS stimulants, such as COTEMPLA XR-ODT, 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 Human Data A limited number of pregnancies have been reported in published observational studies and postmarketing reports describing methylphenidate use during pregnancy. Due to the small number of methylphenidate-exposed pregnancies with known outcomes, these data cannot definitely establish or exclude any drug-associated risk during pregnancy.
Methodological limitations of these observational studies include small sample size, concomitant use of other medications, lack of detail regarding dose and duration of exposure to methylphenidate and non-generalizability of the enrolled populations. 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 60 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 51.8 mg (as base) for adolescents on a mg/m 2 basis.
The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rabbits was 60 mg/kg/day (18 times the MRHD for adolescent on a mg/m 2 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 (11 times the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis for adolescent), which was also maternally toxic. The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rats was 25 mg/kg/day (4 times the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis for adolescent).
Pediatric Use of Cotempla
Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of COTEMPLA XR-ODT 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.
The safety and effectiveness of COTEMPLA XR-ODT have been established in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age in one adequate and well-controlled study in pediatric patients 6 to 12 years, pharmacokinetic data in adolescents, and safety information from other methyphenidate-containing products . Long Term Suppression Growth Growth should be monitored during treatment with stimulants, including COTEMPLA XR-ODT. Children who are not growing or gaining weight as expected may need to have their 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. The doses at which these findings were observed are at least 6 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 51.8 mg (as base) for pediatric patients on a mg/m 2 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 13-14), decreased spontaneous locomotor activity was observed in males and females previously treated with 50 mg/kg/day 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/m 2 basis). The no effect level for juvenile neurobehavioral development in rats was 5 mg/kg/day (half the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis). The clinical significance of the long-term behavioral effects observed in rats is unknown.
Contraindications for Cotempla
XR-ODT is contraindicated in patients with: Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other components of COTEMPLA XR-ODT. Hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema and anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients treated with methylphenidate products . Concomitant treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and also within a minimum of 14 days following discontinuation of treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor because of the risk of hypertensive crisis . Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or product components. Concurrent treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or use of an MAOI within the preceding 14 days.
Overdosage Information for Cotempla
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 104⁰F) and rhabdomyolysis may develop.
Overdose Management Consider the possibility of multiple drug ingestion. The pharmacokinetic profile of COTEMPLA XR-ODT 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.
Clinical Studies of Cotempla
The efficacy of COTEMPLA XR-ODT was evaluated in a laboratory classroom study conducted in 87 pediatric patients (Aged 6 to 12 years) with ADHD. Following washout of previous methylphenidate medication, there was an open-label dose-optimization period (4 weeks) with an initial dose of 17.3 mg of COTEMPLA XR-ODT once daily in the morning. The dose could be titrated on a weekly basis from 17.3 mg, to 25.9 mg, to 34.6 mg, and up to 51.8 mg until an optimal dose or the maximum dose of 51.8 mg/day was reached. At the end of this period, subjects remained on their optimized dose for an additional week.
Subjects then entered a 1-week randomized, double-blind, parallel group treatment period with the individually optimized dose of COTEMPLA XR-ODT or placebo. At the end of this week, raters evaluated the attention and behavior of the subjects in a laboratory classroom setting, using the Swanson, Kotkin, Agler, M-Flynn, and Pelham (SKAMP) rating scale SKAMP is a validated 13-item teacher-rated scale that assesses manifestations of ADHD in a classroom setting. The primary efficacy endpoint was the average of the SKAMP-Combined (Attention and Deportment) scores over the test day (not including the baseline score), with assessments conducted at baseline, and 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, and 13 hours post-dosing.
The key secondary efficacy endpoints were onset and duration of effect, defined as the first point at which active drug separated from placebo on SKAMP-Combined scores and the last time point at which active drug separated from placebo on SKAMP-Combined scores, respectively. The SKAMP-Combined scores test day average was statistically significantly lower (improved) with COTEMPLA XR-ODT compared to placebo (difference of -11 (95% CI: -13.9, -8.2)) (Table 3). Table 3: Efficacy Analysis Results: SKAMP-Combined Scores Averaged Over Classroom Day in Patients with ADHD Study Number Treatment Group Baseline Score at Randomization a (SD) Pre-dose Score on Classroom Day b (SD) LS Mean c (SE) Placebo-subtracted Difference d (95% CI) SD: standard deviation; SE: standard error; LS Mean: least-squares mean; CI: confidence interval. a Visit 7 baseline score (Visit 7 occurred prior to the 1-week randomized, double-blind, parallel group treatment period). b Visit 8 baseline score (Visit 8 occurred at the end of the 1-week randomized, double-blind, parallel group treatment period). c Visit 8 LS mean over hours 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, and 13. d Difference (drug minus placebo) in least-squares means. Study 1 Cotempla XR-ODT (17.3-51.8 mg/day) 21.1 26.8 14.3 -11.0 (-13.9, -8.2) Placebo 20.4 19.1 25.3 -- The SKAMP-Combined scores were also statistically significantly lower (improved) at time points (1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12 hours) post-dosing with COTEMPLA XR-ODT compared to placebo (Figure 3). Figure 3: LS Mean SKAMP Combined Score After Treatment with COTEMPLA XR-ODT or Placebo During Classroom Day in Patients with ADHD *SE = Standard Error The database was not large enough to assess whether there were differences in effects in age, gender, or race subgroups.
Figure 3
Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.
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