L-GLUTAMINE powder, for solution

Drug Labeling and Warnings

Drug Details [pdf]

  • 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    L-glutamine oral powder is indicated to reduce the acute complications of sickle cell disease in adult and pediatric patients 5 years of age and older.

  • 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    2.1 Dosage

    Administer L-glutamine oral powder orally, twice per day at the dose based on body weight according to Table 1.

     Table 1. Recommended Dosing
    Weight in kilogramsWeight in poundsPer dose in gramsPer day in gramsPackets per dosePackets per day
    less than 30less than 6651012
    30 to 6566 to 143102024
    greater than 65greater than 143153036

    2.2 Preparation of Product

    Mix L-glutamine oral powder immediately before ingestion with 8 oz. (240 mL) of cold or room temperature beverage, such as water, milk or apple juice, or 4 oz. to 6 oz. of food such as applesauce or yogurt. Complete dissolution is not required prior to administration.

  • 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

    Oral powder: 5 grams of L–glutamine as a white crystalline powder in paper-foil-plastic laminate packets.

  • 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

    None

  • 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

    6.1 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 practice.

    The data described below reflect exposure to L-glutamine oral powder in 187 patients, including 136 exposed for 6 months and 109 exposed for ≥1 year. L-glutamine oral powder was studied in 2 placebo-controlled clinical trials (a phase 3 study, n=230 and a phase 2 study, n=70). In these trials, patients with sickle cell anemia or sickle β0-thalassemia were randomized to receive L-glutamine oral powder (n=187) or placebo (n=111) orally twice daily for 48 weeks followed by 3 weeks of tapering. Both studies included pediatric and adult patients (5-58 years of age) and 54% were female. The majority of patients were black (97.3%), had a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia (89.9%) and were receiving hydroxyurea at baseline (63.4%).

    Treatment discontinuation due to adverse reactions was reported in 2.7% (n=5) of patients receiving L-glutamine oral powder. These adverse reactions included one case each of hypersplenism, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, burning sensation, and hot flash.

    Serious adverse reactions were reported in both treatment groups, more frequently in the placebo group, and were consistent with the underlying disease.

    Three deaths (3/187=1.6%) occurred during the study in the L-glutamine oral powder treatment group as compared to none in the placebo treatment group. None of the deaths were considered to be related to L-glutamine oral powder treatment. Adverse reactions occurring in greater than 10% of patients treated with L-glutamine oral powder are shown in Table 2 below.

    Table 2. Adverse Reactions Occurring at an Incidence > 10% in Clinical Studies of L-glutamine oral powder
  • * Abdominal pain = abdominal pain and abdominal pain, upper
    		•
    Adverse reactionL-glutamine oral powder
    N = 187
    (%)    		Placebo
    N = 111
    (%)
    Constipation2118
    Nausea1914
    Headache1815
    Abdominal Pain*1716
    Cough1614
    Pain in extremity137
    Back pain125
    Chest pain128

  • 8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

    8.1 Pregnancy

    Risk Summary

    There are no available data on L-glutamine oral powder use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. Animal reproduction studies were not conducted with L-glutamine oral powder.

    Adverse outcomes in pregnancy occur regardless of the health of the mother or the use of medications. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown. 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.

    8.2 Lactation

    Risk Summary

    There are no data on the presence of L-glutamine oral powder in human milk, the effect on the breastfed infant or the effect on milk production. The developmental and health benefits from breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for L-glutamine oral powder and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from L-glutamine oral powder or from the underlying maternal condition.

    8.4 Pediatric Use

    The safety and effectiveness of L-glutamine oral powder have been established in pediatric patients 5 years and older. Use of L-glutamine oral powder is supported by evidence from 2 placebo-controlled studies in adult and pediatric patients with sickle cell disease. The clinical studies enrolled 110 pediatric patients in the following age groups: 46 children (5 years up to less than 12 years) and 64 adolescents (12 years to less than 17 years).

    The safety and effectiveness of L-glutamine oral powder in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease younger than 5 years old has not been established.

    8.5 Geriatric Use

    Clinical studies of L-glutamine oral powder did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. 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.

  • 10 OVERDOSAGE

    Single oral doses of L-glutamine at about 20 g/kg to 22 g/kg, 8 g/kg to 11 g/kg, and 19 g/kg were lethal in mice, rats, and rabbits, respectively. Supportive measures should be undertaken in the event of overdose of L-glutamine oral powder.

  • 11 DESCRIPTION

    L-glutamine oral powder (L-glutamine) is an amino acid. L-glutamine is designated chemically as (S)-2-aminoglutaramic acid, L-glutamic acid 5-amide, or (S)-2,5-diamino-5-oxopentanoic acid. The molecular formula is C5H10N2O3 with the molecular weight of 146.15 g/mol and the following structural formula:

    chemstructure

    L-glutamine oral powder is formulated as a white crystalline powder and is packaged as 5 grams in a paper-foil-plastic laminate packet for oral administration.

  • 12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    12.1 Mechanism of Action

    The mechanism of action of the amino acid L-glutamine in treating sickle cell disease (SCD) is not fully understood. Oxidative stress phenomena are involved in the pathophysiology of SCD. Sickle red blood cells (RBCs) are more susceptible to oxidative damage than normal RBCs, which may contribute to the chronic hemolysis and vaso-occlusive events associated with SCD. The pyridine nucleotides, NAD+ and its reduced form NADH, play roles in regulating and preventing oxidative damage in RBCs. L-glutamine may improve the NAD redox potential in sickle RBCs through increasing the availability of reduced glutathione.

    12.2 Pharmacodynamics

    In vivo analyses demonstrated that L-glutamine supplementation improved NAD redox potential.

    12.3 Pharmacokinetics

    The pharmacokinetics of L-glutamine has been studied in healthy subjects and a variety of disease states. Relevant results from published literature are summarized below.

    Absorption

    Following single-dose oral administration of L-glutamine at 0.1 g/kg, mean peak L-glutamine concentration was 1028 μM (or 150 mcg/mL) occurring approximately 30 minutes after administration.

    The pharmacokinetics following multiple oral doses at 0.1 g/kg, 0.3 g/kg, and 0.6 g/kg found peak concentrations increasing with each dose, but maximum concentration did not increase proportionally to the dose, suggesting a saturable absorption process. The peak concentration was seen occurring approximately one hour after administration. There was no accumulation of L-glutamine levels upon multiple oral doses administered twice-daily.

    Effect of Food

    No significant change in L-glutamine concentration was associated with food, suggesting that L-glutamine can be taken with or without food.

    Distribution

    After multiple oral doses, the apparent volume of distribution was estimated to be approximately 750 mL/kg.

    Elimination

    After an intravenous bolus dose, the terminal elimination half-life of L-glutamine was approximately one hour.

    Metabolism

    Endogenous L-glutamine participates in various metabolic activities, including the formation of glutamate, and synthesis of proteins, nucleotides, and amino sugars. Exogenous L-glutamine is anticipated to undergo similar metabolism.

    Excretion

    Metabolism is the major route of disappearance for L-glutamine from the plasma. Urinary excretion of L-glutamine was less than 0.3% of the administered dose in intravenous infusion studies.

    Specific Populations

    In a population pharmacokinetic analysis, body weight was found to be a significant covariate of L-glutamine exposures supporting the tiered body weight based dosing of L-glutamine oral powder. The pharmacokinetics of L-glutamine oral powder has not been studied in subjects with renal or hepatic impairment.

    Drug Interactions

    No drug interaction studies have been conducted.

  • 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

    13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

    Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of L-glutamine.

    L-glutamine was not mutagenic in a bacterial mutagenicity (Ames) assay, nor clastogenic in a chromosome aberration assay in mammalian (Chinese Hamster Lung CHL/IU) cells.

    Animal reproduction studies and its potential for impairment of fertility have not been conducted with L-glutamine. It is also not known whether L-glutamine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or whether it can affect reproductive capacity.

  • 14 CLINICAL STUDIES

    The efficacy of L-glutamine oral powder in sickle cell disease was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial entitled "A Phase III Safety and Efficacy Study of L-Glutamine to Treat Sickle Cell Disease or Sickle β0-thalassemia" [NCT01179217] (see Table 3).

    The clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of L-glutamine oral powder in 230 patients (5 to 58 years of age) with sickle cell anemia or sickle β0-thalassemia who had 2 or more painful crises within 12 months prior to enrollment. Eligible patients stabilized on hydroxyurea for at least 3 months continued their therapy throughout the study. The trial excluded patients who had received blood products within 3 weeks, had renal insufficiency or uncontrolled liver disease, or were pregnant (or planning pregnancy) or lactating. Study patients received L-glutamine oral powder or placebo for a treatment duration of 48 weeks followed by 3 weeks of tapering. Efficacy was demonstrated by a reduction in the number of sickle cell crises through Week 48 and prior to the start of tapering among patients that received L-glutamine oral powder compared to patients who received placebo. This clinical benefit was observed irrespective of hydroxyurea use. A sickle cell crisis was defined as a visit to an emergency room/medical facility for sickle cell disease-related pain which was treated with a parenterally administered narcotic or parenterally administered ketorolac. In addition, the occurrence of chest syndrome, priapism, and splenic sequestration were considered sickle cell crises. Treatment with L-glutamine oral powder also resulted in fewer hospitalizations due to sickle cell pain at Week 48, fewer cumulative days in hospital and a lower incidence of acute chest syndrome.

    Table 3. Results from the L-glutamine oral powder Clinical Trial in Sickle Cell Disease
  • * Measured through 48 weeks of treatment
  • † Hazard Ratio=0.69 (95% CI=0.52, 0.93), estimated based on unstratified Cox’s proportional model. Median time and 95% CI were estimated based on the Kaplan Meier method.
    		•
    EventL-glutamine oral powder
    (n = 152)    		Placebo
    (n = 78)
    Median number of sickle cell crises (min, max)*3 (0, 15)4 (0, 15)
    Median number of hospitalizations for sickle cell pain (min, max)*2 (0, 14)3 (0, 13)
    Median cumulative days hospitalized (min, max)*6.5 (0, 94)11 (0, 187)
    Median time (days) to first sickle cell crisis (95% CI)*,†84 (62,109)54 (31, 73)
    Patients with occurrences of acute chest syndrome (%)*13 (8.6%)18 (23.1%)

    The recurrent crisis event time analysis (Figure 1) yielded an intensity rate ratio (IRR) value of 0.75 with 95% CI= (0.62, 0.90) and (0.55, 1.01) based on unstratified models using the Andersen-Gill and Lin, Wei, Yang and Ying methods, respectively in favor of L-glutamine oral powder, suggesting that over the entire 48-week period, the average cumulative crisis count was reduced by 25% from the L-glutamine oral powder group over the placebo group.

    Figure 1. Recurrent Event Time for Sickle Cell Crises by Treatment Group

    figure1

    *Andersen-Gill: 95% CI (0.62, 0.90); Lin-Wei-Yang-Ying: 95% CI (0.55, 1.01)

  • 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

    L-glutamine oral powder is supplied in paper-foil-plastic laminate packets containing 5 grams of L-glutamine white crystalline powder.

    Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) away from direct sunlight.

  • 17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

    Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Instructions for Use).

    Dosage and Administration

    Advise patient to take a missed dose as soon as they remember. Patient should not double the dose that they take.

    Instruct patient to mix each dose in 8 oz. (240 mL) of cold or room temperature beverage or 4 to 6 oz. of food.

    Advise patient that complete dissolution is not required prior to administration.

    Distributed by:
    Renova Pharma LLC
    161 Dwight Pl, Fairfield, NJ 07004

    Rev. 01/2026

  • INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

    L-glutamine oral powder

    Read this Instructions for Use before you start taking L-glutamine oral powder and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This Instructions for Use does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. You and your healthcare provider should talk about L-glutamine oral powder before you start taking it and at regular checkups.

    L-glutamine oral powder is usually taken 2 times a day. Take L-glutamine oral powder as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

    You will need the following supplies to mix and take L-glutamine oral powder:
    • Your prescribed dose of L-glutamine oral powder (1, 2, or 3 packets as directed by your healthcare provider).
    • a clean cup or small bowl
    • a spoon 

    You can mix L-glutamine oral powder:

    • with a liquid, such as water, milk, or apple juice Or
    • with food, such as applesauce or yogurt
    		1

    How to mix and take a dose of L-glutamine oral powder.

    Mixing with LiquidMixing with Food
    Step 1:
    Fill a cup with 8 ounces (240 mL) of liquid or a small bowl with 4 to 6 ounces of food. The food or liquid should be cold or room temperature.

    Do not use a hot food or liquid.    		figure-3figure-4

    Step 2:
    Find the perforations at the top of each side of the L-glutamine oral powder packet.


    Use the perforations to fully tear open each L-glutamine oral powder packet.
    figure-5    		figure-6

    Step 3:
    Pour the contents of the L-glutamine oral powder packet into the cup or bowl.


    If more than 1 packet is needed, repeat steps 2 and 3 above for all of the packets needed to prepare your prescribed dose of L-glutamine oral powder.

    		figure-7figure-8

    Step 4:
    Use the spoon to mix the prescribed dose of L-glutamine oral powder with the liquid or food.


    L-glutamine oral powder may not fully dissolve. You can take your dose of L-glutamine oral powder even if it does not fully dissolve.

    		figure-9figure-10

    Step 5:
    Drink or eat the prescribed dose of L-glutamine oral powder right away after mixing it.


    Do not store the L-glutamine oral powder mixture for later use.

    		figure-11figure-12

    If you miss a dose of L-glutamine oral powder, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose.

    How should I store L-glutamine oral powder?

    • Store L-glutamine oral powder at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
    • Keep L-glutamine oral powder away from direct sunlight.

    Keep L-glutamine oral powder and all medicines out of the reach of children.

    Distributed by:
    Renova Pharma LLC

    161 Dwight Pl, Fairfield, NJ 07004

    Rev. 01/2026

  • PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

    Packet Label for L-glutamine Oral Powder, 5 g/Packet 

    label

    Carton Label for L-glutamine Oral Powder, 60 packets/carton

    carton

  • INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE
    L-GLUTAMINE 
    l-glutamine powder, for solution
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC: 84897-057
    Route of AdministrationORAL
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    GLUTAMINE (UNII: 0RH81L854J) (GLUTAMINE - UNII:0RH81L854J) GLUTAMINE5 g
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC: 84897-057-6060 in 1 CARTON05/19/2026
    1NDC: 84897-057-011 in 1 PACKET; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    ANDAANDA21975005/14/2026
    Labeler - Renova Pharmaceuticals LLC (119383689)
    Registrant - Renova Pharmaceuticals LLC (119383689)
    Establishment
    NameAddressID/FEIBusiness Operations
    STIRA PHARMACEUTICALS LLC117574154manufacture(84897-057) , analysis(84897-057) , pack(84897-057)
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