These highlights do not include all the information needed to use BETAINE ANHYDROUS FOR ORAL SOLUTION safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for BETAINE ANHYDROUS FOR ORAL SOLUTION. BETAINE ANHYDROUS for oral solution Initial U.S. Approval 1996

Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution by

Drug Labeling and Warnings

Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution by is a Prescription medication manufactured, distributed, or labeled by OAKRUM PHARMA, LLC, Novitium Pharma LLC. Drug facts, warnings, and ingredients follow.

Drug Details [pdf]

BETAINE ANHYDROUS FOR ORAL SOLUTION- betaine anhydrous for solution 
OAKRUM PHARMA, LLC

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HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

These highlights do not include all the information needed to use BETAINE ANHYDROUS FOR ORAL SOLUTION safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for BETAINE ANHYDROUS FOR ORAL SOLUTION.

BETAINE ANHYDROUS for oral solution
Initial U.S. Approval 1996

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution is a methylating agent indicated in pediatric and adult patients for the treatment of homocystinuria to decrease elevated homocysteine blood concentrations. Included within the category of homocystinuria are (1):

  • Cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) deficiency
  • 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency
  • Cobalamin cofactor metabolism (cbl) defect

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Adults and Pediatric Patients 3 Years of Age and Older

  • The recommended dosage is 6 grams per day, administered orally in divided doses of 3 grams twice daily. (2.1)

Pediatric Patients Less than 3 Years of Age

  • The recommended starting dosage is 100 mg/kg/day, administered orally in divided doses of 50 mg/kg twice daily, and then increased weekly by 50 mg/kg increments. (2.1)
  • Monitor patient response by plasma homocysteine concentrations. (2.1)
  • Increase the dosage gradually until the plasma total homocysteine concentration is undetectable or present only in small amounts. (2.1)

Preparation and Administration Instructions

  • Prescribed amount of Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution should be measured with the measuring scoop provided and then dissolved in 4 to 6 ounces of water, juice, milk, or formula until completely dissolved, or mixed with food for immediate ingestion. (2.2)

DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

For oral solution: in bottles containing 180 grams of betaine anhydrous. (3)

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • None (4)

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

  • Hypermethioninemia in Patients with CBS Deficiency:

Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution may worsen elevated plasma methionine concentrations and cerebral edema has been reported. Monitor plasma methionine concentrations in patients with CBS deficiency. Keep plasma methionine concentrations below 1,000 micromol/L through dietary modification and, if necessary, a reduction of Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution dosage. (5.1)

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Most common adverse reactions (> 2%) are: nausea and gastrointestinal distress, based on physician survey (6.1).


To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Oakrum Pharma, LLC at 1-833-444-8010 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION.

Revised: 12/2021

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution is indicated for the treatment of homocystinuria to decrease elevated homocysteine blood concentrations in pediatric and adult patients. Included within the category of homocystinuria are

  • Cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) deficiency
  • 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency
  • Cobalamin cofactor metabolism (cbl) defect

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.1 Dosage

Therapy with Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution should be directed by physicians knowledgeable in the management of patients with homocystinuria.

Adults and Pediatric Patients 3 Years of Age and Older
The recommended dosage is 6 grams per day, administered orally in divided doses of 3 grams twice daily.

Pediatric Patients Less than 3 Years of Age
The recommended starting dosage is 100 mg/kg/day divided in twice daily doses, and then increased weekly by 50 mg/kg increments.

Monitoring
Monitor patient response to Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution by homocysteine plasma concentration. Increase the dosage in all patients gradually until the plasma total homocysteine concentration is undetectable or present only in small amounts. An initial response in homocysteine plasma concentrations usually occurs within several days and steady state plasma concentrations occur within a month.

Monitor plasma methionine concentrations in patients with CBS deficiency [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Maximum Dosage
Dosages of up to 20 grams/day have been necessary to control homocysteine concentrations in some patients. However, one pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic in vitro simulation study indicated minimal benefit from exceeding a twice-daily dosing schedule and a 150 mg/kg/day dosage for Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution.

2.2 Preparation and Administration Instructions

  • Shake bottle lightly before removing cap.
  • Measure the number of scoops for the patient's dose with the scoop provided. One level scoop (1.9cc) is equivalent to 1 gram of betaine anhydrous powder.
  • Mix powder with 4 to 6 ounces (120 to 180 mL) of water, juice, milk, or formula until completely dissolved, or mix with food, then ingest mixture immediately.
  • Always replace the cap tightly after using and protect the bottle from moisture.

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution is a white to off-white, crystalline, hygroscopic powder for oral solution available in bottles containing 180 grams of betaine anhydrous.

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

None.

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Hypermethioninemia in Patients with CBS Deficiency

Patients with homocystinuria due to cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) deficiency may also have   elevated plasma methionine concentrations. Treatment with Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution may further increase methionine concentrations due to the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. Cerebral edema has been reported in patients with hypermethioninemia, including patients treated with Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. Monitor plasma methionine concentrations in patients with CBS deficiency. Plasma methionine concentrations should be kept below 1,000 micromol/L through dietary modification and, if necessary, a reduction of Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution dosage.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling:

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in 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 assessment of clinical adverse reactions is based on a survey study of 41 physicians, who treated a total of 111 homocystinuria patients with Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution. Adverse reactions were retrospectively recalled and were not collected systematically in this open-label, uncontrolled, physician survey. Thus, this list may not encompass all types of potential adverse reactions, reliably estimate their frequency, or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The following adverse reactions were reported (Table 1):

Table 1: Number of Patients with Adverse Reactions to Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution by Physician Survey
Adverse ReactionsNumber of Patients
Nausea 2
Gastrointestinal distress 2
Diarrhea 1
"Bad Taste" 1
"Caused Odor" 1
Questionable psychological changes 1
"Aspirated the powder" 1

6.2 Post-marketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Severe cerebral edema and hypermethioninemia have been reported within 2 weeks to 6 months of starting Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution therapy, with complete recovery after discontinuation of Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution. All patients who developed cerebral edema had homocystinuria due to CBS deficiency and had severe elevation in plasma methionine concentrations (range 1,000 to 3,000 microM). As cerebral edema has also been reported in patients with hypermethioninemia, secondary hypermethioninemia due to betaine therapy has been postulated as a possible mechanism of action [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Other adverse reactions include: anorexia, agitation, depression, irritability, personality disorder, sleep disturbed, dental disorders, diarrhea, glossitis, nausea, stomach discomfort, vomiting, hair loss, hives, skin odor abnormalities, and urinary incontinence.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary
Available data from a limited number of published case reports and post marketing experience with Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution use in pregnancy have not identified any drug associated risks for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with betaine.

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 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of betaine in human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution have been established in pediatric patients. The majority of case studies of homocystinuria patients treated with Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution have been pediatric patients, including patients ranging in age from 24 days to 17 years [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Children younger than 3 years of age may benefit from dose titration [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

10 OVERDOSAGE

There is no information on Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution overdose in humans. In an acute toxicology study in rats, death occurred frequently at doses equal to or greater than 10 g/kg.

11 DESCRIPTION

Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution is an agent for the treatment of homocystinuria. It contains no ingredients other than anhydrous betaine. Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution is a white to off-white crystalline, hygroscopic powder, which is diluted in water and administered orally. The chemical name of betaine anhydrous powder is trimethylglycine. It has a molecular weight of 117.15. The structural formula is:

                       Structural Formula

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution acts as a methyl group donor in the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine in patients with homocystinuria. Betaine occurs naturally in the body. It is a metabolite of choline and is present in small amounts in foods such as beets, spinach, cereals, and seafood.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution was observed to lower plasma homocysteine concentrations in three types of homocystinuria, including CBS deficiency; MTHFR deficiency; and cbl defect. Patients have taken Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution for many years without evidence of tolerance. There has been no demonstrated correlation between Betaine concentrations and homocysteine concentrations.

In CBS-deficient patients, large increases in methionine concentrations over baseline have been observed. Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution has also been demonstrated to increase low plasma methionine and S- adenosylmethionine (SAM) concentrations in patients with MTHFR deficiency and cbl defect.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetic studies of Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution are not available. Plasma betaine concentrations following administration of Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution have not been measured in patients and have not been correlated to homocysteine concentrations.

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term carcinogenicity and fertility studies have not been conducted with Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution. No evidence of genotoxicity was demonstrated in the following tests: metaphase analysis of human lymphocytes; bacterial reverse mutation assay; and mouse micronucleus test.

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution was studied in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 6 patients (3 males and 3 females) with CBS deficiency, ages 7 to 32 years at enrollment. Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution was administered   at a dosage of 3 grams twice daily, for 12 months. Plasma homocystine concentrations were significantly reduced (p<0.01) compared to placebo. Plasma methionine concentrations were variable and not significantly different compared to placebo.

Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution has also been evaluated in observational studies without concurrent controls in patients with homocystinuria due to CBS deficiency, MTHFR deficiency, or cbl defect. A review of 16 case studies and the randomized controlled trial previously described was also conducted, and the data available for each study were summarized; however, no formal statistical analyses were performed. The studies included a total of 78 male and female patients with homocystinuria who were treated with Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution. This included 48 patients with CBS deficiency, 13 with MTHFR deficiency, and 11   with cbl defect, ranging in age from 24 days to 53 years. The majority of patients (n=48) received 6 gm/day, 3 patients received less than 6 gm/day, 12 patients received doses from 6 to 15 gm/day, and 5 patients received doses over 15 gm/day. Most patients were treated for more than 3 months (n=57) and    30 patients were treated for 1 year or longer (range 1 month to 11 years). Homocystine is formed nonenzymatically from two molecules of homocysteine, and both have been used to evaluate the effect of Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution in patients with homocystinuria. Plasma homocystine or homocysteine concentrations were reported numerically for 62 patients, and 61 of these patients showed decreases   with Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution treatment. Homocystine decreased by 83 to 88% regardless of the pre-treatment concentration, and homocysteine decreased by 71 to 83%, regardless of the pre-treatment concentration. Clinical improvement, such as improvement in seizures, or behavioral and cognitive functioning, was reported by the treating physicians in about three-fourths of patients. Many of these patients were also taking other therapies such as vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cobalamin), and folate with variable biochemical responses. In most cases, adding Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution resulted in a further reduction of either homocystine or homocysteine concentrations.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution is available in plastic bottles containing 180 grams of betaine anhydrous as a white to off-white, crystalline, hygroscopic powder. Each bottle is equipped with a plastic child-resistant cap and is supplied with a polypropylene measuring scoop. One level scoop (1.9cc) is equal to 1 gram of betaine anhydrous powder.

NDC: 72647-900-01 (180 g/bottle)

Storage
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Protect from moisture.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Preparation and Administration Instructions
Instruct patients and caregivers to administer Betaine Anhydrous for Oral Solution as follows:

  • Shake bottle lightly before removing cap.
  • Measure the number of scoops for the patient’s dose with the scoop provided. One level scoop (1.9cc) is equivalent to 1 gram of betaine anhydrous powder.
  • Mix powder with 4 to 6 ounces (120 to 180 mL) of water, juice, milk, or formula until completely dissolved, or mix with food, then ingest mixture immediately.
  • Always replace the cap tightly after using and protect bottle from moisture.

Distributed by:
Oakrum Pharma, LLC
St. Louis, MO 63127

Issued: 12/2021
LB4423-00

PACKAGE LABEL

NDC 72647-900-01

Betaine Anhydrous
for Oral Solution

180 grams

1 gram of betaine anhydrous
powder per scoopful

Rx only

OAKRUM
PHARMA

Dosage and Administration:
See package insert for dosage information.

Preparation:
1. Shake bottle lightly before removing cap.
2. Measure with the scoop provided.
3. One level scoop (1.9cc) is equivalent to 1 gram of
    betaine anhydrous powder. Measure the number of
    scoops your physician has prescribed.
4. Mix with 4 to 6 ounces (120 to 180 mL) of water,
    juice, milk, or formula, until completely dissolved, or
    mix with food then ingest immediately.

Keep this and all medication out of the reach of children.

Always replace the cap tightly after using.

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), excursions permitted
to 15°C to 30° (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room
Temperature].


Protect from moisture.

Distributed by:
Oakrum Pharma, LLC
St. Louis, MO 63127

Issued: 12/2021

LB4424-00

carton
BETAINE ANHYDROUS FOR ORAL SOLUTION 
betaine anhydrous for solution
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC: 72647-900
Route of AdministrationORAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
Betaine (UNII: 3SCV180C9W) (Betaine - UNII:3SCV180C9W) Betaine1 g  in 1 g
Packaging
#Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
1NDC: 72647-900-01180 g in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product02/03/202204/30/2024
Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
ANDAANDA21486402/03/202204/30/2024
Labeler - OAKRUM PHARMA, LLC (081507685)
Establishment
NameAddressID/FEIBusiness Operations
Novitium Pharma LLC080301870label(72647-900) , manufacture(72647-900)

Revised: 11/2022
 

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