PHENTERMINE HYDROCHLORIDE capsule

PHENTERMINE HYDROCHLORIDE by

Drug Labeling and Warnings

PHENTERMINE HYDROCHLORIDE by is a Prescription medication manufactured, distributed, or labeled by Epic Pharma, LLC. Drug facts, warnings, and ingredients follow.

Drug Details [pdf]

  • 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    Phentermine Hydrochloride Capsules USP, 37.5 mg are indicated as a short-term (a few weeks) adjunct in a regimen of weight reduction based on exercise, behavioral modification and caloric restriction in the management of exogenous obesity for patients with an initial body mass index ≥30 kg/m2, or ≥27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors (e.g., controlled hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia).

    Below is a chart of body mass index (BMI) based on various heights and weights.

    BMI is calculated by taking the patient’s weight, in kilograms (kg), divided by the patient’s height, in meters (m), squared. Metric conversions are as follows: pounds ÷ 2.2 = kg; inches x 0.0254 = meters.

    BODY MASS INDEX (BMI), kg/m2

    Height (feet, inches)

    Weight (pounds)

    5'0"

    5'3"

    5'6"

    5'9"

    6'0"

    6'3"

    140

    27

    25

    23

    21

    19

    18

    150

    29

    27

    24

    22

    20

    19

    160

    31

    28

    26

    24

    22

    20

    170

    33

    30

    28

    25

    23

    21

    180

    35

    32

    29

    27

    25

    23

    190

    37

    34

    31

    28

    26

    24

    200

    39

    36

    32

    30

    27

    25

    210

    41

    37

    34

    31

    29

    26

    220

    43

    39

    36

    33

    30

    28

    230

    45

    41

    37

    34

    31

    29

    240

    47

    43

    39

    36

    33

    30

    250

    49

    44

    40

    37

    34

    31

    The limited usefulness of agents of this class, including phentermine [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1, 12.2)] should be measured against possible risk factors inherent in their use such as those described below.

  • 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    2.1 Exogenous Obesity Generic Section

    Dosage should be individualized to obtain an adequate response with the lowest effective dose.

    The usual adult dose is one capsule (37.5 mg) daily, as prescribed by the physician, administered before breakfast or 1 to 2 hours after breakfast for appetite control. The dosage may be adjusted to the patient’s need.

    Phentermine is not recommended for use in pediatric patients ≤ 16 years of age.

    Late evening medication should be avoided because of the possibility of resulting insomnia.

    2.2 Dosage in Patients With Renal Impairment

    The recommended maximum dosage of phentermine is 15 mg daily for patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73m2). Avoid use of phentermine in patients with eGFR less than 15 mL/min/1.73m2 or end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]

  • 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

    Capsules containing 37.5 mg phentermine hydrochloride (equivalent to 30 mg phentermine base).

  • 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

    • History of cardiovascular disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, stroke, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension)
    • During or within 14 days following the administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors
    • Hyperthyroidism
    • Glaucoma
    • Agitated states
    • History of drug abuse
    • Pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]
    • Nursing [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)]
    • Known hypersensitivity, or idiosyncrasy to the sympathomimetic amines
  • 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    5.1 Coadministration with Other Drug Products for Weight Loss

    Phentermine is indicated only as short-term (a few weeks) monotherapy for the management of exogenous obesity. The safety and efficacy of combination therapy with phentermine and any other drug products for weight loss including prescribed drugs, over-the-counter preparations, and herbal products, or serotonergic agents such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, paroxetine), have not been established. Therefore, coadministration of phentermine and these drug products is not recommended.

    5.2 Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

    Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) – a rare, frequently fatal disease of the lungs – has been reported to occur in patients receiving a combination of phentermine with fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine. The possibility of an association between PPH and the use of phentermine alone cannot be ruled out; there have been rare cases of PPH in patients who reportedly have taken phentermine alone. The initial symptom of PPH is usually dyspnea. Other initial symptoms may include angina pectoris, syncope or lower extremity edema. Patients should be advised to report immediately any deterioration in exercise tolerance. Treatment should be discontinued in patients who develop new, unexplained symptoms of dyspnea, angina pectoris, syncope or lower extremity edema, and patients should be evaluated for the possible presence of pulmonary hypertension.

    5.3 Valvular Heart Disease

    Serious regurgitant cardiac valvular disease, primarily affecting the mitral, aortic and/or tricuspid valves, has been reported in otherwise healthy persons who had taken a combination of phentermine with fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine for weight loss. The possible role of phentermine in the etiology of these valvulopathies has not been established and their course in individuals after the drugs are stopped is not known. The possibility of an association between valvular heart disease and the use of phentermine alone cannot be ruled out; there have been rare cases of valvular heart disease in patients who reportedly have taken phentermine alone.

    5.4 Development of Tolerance, Discontinuation in Case of Tolerance

    When tolerance to the anorectant effect develops, the recommended dose should not be exceeded in an attempt to increase the effect; rather, the drug should be discontinued.

    5.5 Effect on the Ability to Engage in Potentially Hazardous Tasks

    Phentermine may impair the ability of the patient to engage in potentially hazardous activities such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle; the patient should therefore be cautioned accordingly.

    5.6 Risk of Abuse and Dependence

    Phentermine is related chemically and pharmacologically to amphetamine (d- and dll-amphetamine) and other related stimulant drugs that have been extensively abused. The possibility of abuse of phentermine should be kept in mind when evaluating the desirability of including a drug as part of a weight reduction program. See Drug Abuse and Dependence (9) and Overdosage (10).

    The least amount feasible should be prescribed or dispensed at one time in order to minimize the possibility of overdosage.

    5.7 Usage with Alcohol

    Concomitant use of alcohol with phentermine may result in an adverse drug reaction.

    5.8 Use in Patients With Hypertension

    Use caution in prescribing phentermine for patients with even mild hypertension (risk of increase in blood pressure).

    5.9 Use in Patients on Insulin or Oral Hypoglycemic Medications for Diabetes Mellitus

    A reduction in insulin or oral hypoglycemic medications in patients with diabetes mellitus may be required.

  • 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

    The following adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections:

    The following adverse reactions to phentermine have been identified:

    Cardiovascular

    Primary pulmonary hypertension and/or regurgitant cardiac valvular disease, palpitation, tachycardia, elevation of blood pressure, ischemic events.

    Central Nervous System

    Overstimulation, restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, euphoria, dysphoria, tremor, headache, psychosis.

    Gastrointestinal

    Dryness of the mouth, unpleasant taste, diarrhea, constipation, other gastrointestinal disturbances.

    Allergic

    Urticaria.

    Endocrine

    Impotence, changes in libido.

  • 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

    7.1 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

    Use of phentermine is contraindicated during or within 14 days following the administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors because of the risk of hypertensive crisis.

    7.2 Alcohol

    Concomitant use of alcohol with phentermine may result in an adverse drug reaction.

    7.3 Insulin and Oral Hypoglycemic Medications

    Requirements may be altered [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].

    7.4 Adrenergic Neuron Blocking Drugs

    Phentermine may decrease the hypotensive effect of adrenergic neuron blocking drugs.

  • 8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

    8.1 Pregnancy

    Teratogenic Effects

    Pregnancy Category X

    Phentermine is contraindicated during pregnancy because weight loss offers no potential benefit to a pregnant woman and may result in fetal harm. A minimum weight gain, and no weight loss, is currently recommended for all pregnant women, including those who are already overweight or obese, due to obligatory weight gain that occurs in maternal tissues during pregnancy. Phentermine has pharmacologic activity similar to amphetamine (d- and dll-amphetamine) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)]. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with phentermine. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus.

    8.3 Nursing Mothers

    It is not known if phentermine is excreted in human milk; however, other amphetamines are present in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

    8.4 Pediatric Use

    Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Because pediatric obesity is a chronic condition requiring long-term treatment, the use of this product, approved for short-term therapy, is not recommended.

    8.5 Geriatric Use

    In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

    This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.

    8.6 Renal Impairment

    Based on the reported excretion of phentermine in urine, exposure increases can be expected in patients with renal impairment. [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

    Use caution when administering phentermine to patients with renal impairment. In patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73m2), limit the dosage of phentermine to 15 mg daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. Phentermine has not been studied in patients with eGFR less than 15 mL/min/1.73m2, including end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis; avoid use in these populations.

  • 9 DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE

    9.1 Controlled Substance

    Phentermine is a Schedule IV controlled substance.

    9.2 Abuse

    Phentermine is related chemically and pharmacologically to the amphetamines. Amphetamines and other stimulant drugs have been extensively abused and the possibility of abuse of phentermine should be kept in mind when evaluating the desirability of including a drug as part of a weight reduction program.

    9.3 Dependence

    Abuse of amphetamines and related drugs may be associated with intense psychological dependence and severe social dysfunction. There are reports of patients who have increased the dosage of these drugs to many times than recommended. Abrupt cessation following prolonged high dosage administration results in extreme fatigue and mental depression; changes are also noted on the sleep EEG. Manifestations of chronic intoxication with anorectic drugs include severe dermatoses, marked insomnia, irritability, hyperactivity and personality changes. A severe manifestation of chronic intoxication is psychosis, often clinically indistinguishable from schizophrenia.

  • 10 OVERDOSAGE

    The least amount feasible should be prescribed or dispensed at one time in order to minimize the possibility of overdosage.

    10.1 Acute Overdosage

    Manifestations of acute overdosage include restlessness, tremor, hyperreflexia, rapid respiration, confusion, assaultiveness, hallucinations, and panic states. Fatigue and depression usually follow the central stimulation. Cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension or hypotension, and circulatory collapse. Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Overdosage of pharmacologically similar compounds has resulted in fatal poisoning and usually terminates in convulsions and coma.

    Management of acute phentermine hydrochloride intoxication is largely symptomatic and includes lavage and sedation with a barbiturate. Experience with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is inadequate to permit recommendations in this regard. Acidification of the urine increases phentermine excretion. Intravenous phentolamine (Regitine®, CIBA) has been suggested on pharmacologic grounds forpossible acute, severe hypertension, if this complicates overdosage.

    10.2 Chronic Intoxication

    Manifestations of chronic intoxication with anorectic drugs include severe dermatoses, marked insomnia, irritability, hyperactivity and personality changes. The most severe manifestation of chronic intoxications is psychosis, often clinically indistinguishable from schizophrenia. See Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3).

  • 11 DESCRIPTION

    Phentermine hydrochloride USP is a sympathomimetic amine anorectic. Its chemical name is α,α,-Dimethylphenethylamine hydrochloride. The structural formula is as follows:

    structural-formula

    C10H15NHCl M.W. 185.7

    Phentermine hydrochloride is a white, odorless, hygroscopic, crystalline powder which is soluble in water and lower alcohols, slightly soluble in chloroform and insoluble in ether.

    Phentermine hydrochloride, an anorectic agent for oral administration, is available as a capsule containing 37.5 mg of phentermine hydrochloride (equivalent to 30 mg of phentermine base).

    In addition, each capsule contains the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and talc. The capsule shell is composed of D&C Red No. 33, FD&C Blue No.1, titanium dioxide and gelatin.  The imprinting ink contains: shellac glaze in ethanol, iron oxide black, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, ethanol, methanol, D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue No.1 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue No.2 Aluminum Lake and FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake.

  • 12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    12.1 Mechanism of Action

    Phentermine is a sympathomimetic amine with pharmacologic activity similar to the prototype drugs of this class used in obesity, amphetamine (d- and dll-amphetamine). Drugs of this class used in obesity are commonly known as “anorectics” or “anorexigenics.” It has not been established that the primary action of such drugs in treating obesity is one of appetite suppression since other central nervous system actions, or metabolic effects, may also be involved.

    12.2 Pharmacodynamics

    Typical actions of amphetamines include central nervous system stimulation and elevation of blood pressure. Tachyphylaxis and tolerance have been demonstrated with all drugs of this class in which these phenomena have been looked for.

    12.3 Pharmacokinetics

    Following the administration of phentermine, phentermine reaches peak concentrations (Cmax) after 3 to 4.4 hours.

    Drug Interactions

    In a single-dose study comparing the exposures after oral administration of a combination capsule of 15 mg phentermine and 92 mg topiramate to the exposures after oral administration of a 15 mg phentermine capsule or a 92 mg topiramate capsule, there is no significant topiramate exposure change in the presence of phentermine. However in the presence of topiramate, phentermine Cmax and AUC increase 13% and 42 % respectively.

    Specific Populations

    Renal Impairment

    Cumulative urinary excretion of phentermine under uncontrolled urinary pH conditions was 62%-85%.

    Systemic exposure of phentermine may increase up to 91%, 45%, and 22% in patients with severe, moderate, and mild renal impairment, respectively [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

  • 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

    13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

    Studies have not been performed with phentermine to determine the potential for carcinogenesis, mutagenesis or impairment of fertility.

  • 14 CLINICAL STUDIES

    In relatively short-term clinical trials, adult obese subjects instructed in dietary management and treated with “anorectic” drugs lost more weight on the average than those treated with placebo and diet.

    The magnitude of increased weight loss of drug-treated patients over placebo-treated patients is only a fraction of a pound a week. The rate of weight loss is greatest in the first weeks of therapy for both drug and placebo subjects and tends to decrease in succeeding weeks. The possible origins of the increased weight loss due to the various drug effects are not established. The amount of weight loss associated with the use of an “anorectic” drug varies from trial to trial, and the increased weight loss appears to be related in part to variables other than the drugs prescribed, such as the physician-investigator, the population treated and the diet prescribed. Studies do not permit conclusions as to the relative importance of the drug and non-drug factors on weight loss.

    The natural history of obesity is measured over several years, whereas the studies cited are restricted to a few weeks’ duration; thus, the total impact of drug-induced weight loss over that of diet alone must be considered clinically limited.

  • 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

    Available as capsules containing 37.5 mg phentermine hydrochloride (equivalent to 30 mg phentermine base).

    Phentermine Hydrochloride Capsules, USP 37.5 mg are #3 bright blue opaque cap, white opaque body, imprinted "Є 524" in black ink on cap and body, filled with white powder. They are supplied in bottles of 100 (NDC: 42806-524-01); and 1000 (NDC: 42806-524-10).

    Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

    Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP, with a child-resistant closure (as required).

    KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

  • 17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

    Patients must be informed that phentermine hydrochloride is a short-term (a few weeks) adjunct in a regimen of weight reduction based on exercise, behavioral modification and caloric restriction in the management of exogenous obesity, and that coadministration of phentermine with other drugs for weight loss is not recommended [see Indications and Usage (1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1).

    Patients must be instructed on how much phentermine to take, and when and how to take it [see Dosage and Administration (2)].

    Advise pregnant women and nursing mothers not to use phentermine [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

    Patients must be informed about the risks of use of phentermine (including the risks discussed in Warnings and Precautions), about the symptoms of potential adverse reactions and when to contact a physician and/or take other action. The risks include, but are not limited to:

    See also, for example, Adverse Reactions (6) and Use In Specific Populations (8).

    The patients must also be informed about

    Tell patients to keep phentermine in a safe place to prevent theft, accidental overdose, misuse or abuse. Selling or giving away phentermine may harm others and is against the law.

    Manufactured and Distributed by:

    Epic Pharma, LLC

    Laurelton, NY 11413

    Manufactured in USA

    Rev.04-2017-00

    MF524REV04/17

    OE1525

  • PACKAGE/LABEL PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – 37.5 mg, 100 Capsules

    Phentermine Hydrochloride Capsules USP

    37.5 mg 100 Capsules

    CIV

    Rx Only

    100ct label

  • PACKAGE/LABEL PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – 37.5 mg, 1000 Capsules

    Phentermine Hydrochloride Capsules USP

    37.5 mg 1000 Capsules

    CIV

    Rx Only

    1000ct label

  • INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE
    PHENTERMINE HYDROCHLORIDE 
    phentermine hydrochloride capsule
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC: 42806-524
    Route of AdministrationORALDEA ScheduleCIV    
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    PHENTERMINE HYDROCHLORIDE (UNII: 0K2I505OTV) (PHENTERMINE - UNII:C045TQL4WP) PHENTERMINE37.5 mg
    Inactive Ingredients
    Ingredient NameStrength
    LACTOSE MONOHYDRATE (UNII: EWQ57Q8I5X)  
    MAGNESIUM STEARATE (UNII: 70097M6I30)  
    TALC (UNII: 7SEV7J4R1U)  
    D&C RED NO. 33 (UNII: 9DBA0SBB0L)  
    FD&C BLUE NO. 1 (UNII: H3R47K3TBD)  
    TITANIUM DIOXIDE (UNII: 15FIX9V2JP)  
    GELATIN, UNSPECIFIED (UNII: 2G86QN327L)  
    SHELLAC (UNII: 46N107B71O)  
    FERROSOFERRIC OXIDE (UNII: XM0M87F357)  
    BUTYL ALCOHOL (UNII: 8PJ61P6TS3)  
    PROPYLENE GLYCOL (UNII: 6DC9Q167V3)  
    ALCOHOL (UNII: 3K9958V90M)  
    METHYL ALCOHOL (UNII: Y4S76JWI15)  
    D&C YELLOW NO. 10 (UNII: 35SW5USQ3G)  
    FD&C BLUE NO. 2 (UNII: L06K8R7DQK)  
    FD&C RED NO. 40 (UNII: WZB9127XOA)  
    Product Characteristics
    ColorBLUE (Bright Blue Opaque Cap, White Opaque Body) Scoreno score
    ShapeCAPSULESize16mm
    FlavorImprint Code E524
    Contains    
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC: 42806-524-01100 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product04/15/2015
    2NDC: 42806-524-101000 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product04/15/2015
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    ANDAANDA04022804/15/2015
    Labeler - Epic Pharma, LLC (827915443)
    Registrant - Epic Pharma, LLC (827915443)
    Establishment
    NameAddressID/FEIBusiness Operations
    Epic Pharma, LLC827915443MANUFACTURE(42806-524)
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