Dexlansoprazole delayed release

Dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated in patients 12 years of age and older for healing of all grades of erosive esophagitis (EE) for up to eight weeks.

Dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated in patients 12 years of age and older to maintain healing of EE and relief of heartburn for up to six months in adults and 16 weeks in patients 12 to 17 years of age.

Dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules are indicated in patients 12 years of age and older for the treatment of heartburn associated with symptomatic non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for four weeks.

For patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B), the recommended dosage is 30 mg dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules once daily for up to eight weeks. Dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules are not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

• Take without regard to food.
• Missed doses: If a dose is missed, administer as soon as possible. However, if the next scheduled dose is due, do not take the missed dose, and take the next dose on time. Do not take two doses at one time to make up for a missed dose.
• Swallow whole; do not chew.
• For patients who have trouble swallowing capsules, dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules can be opened and administered with applesauce as follows:
  1. Place one tablespoonful of applesauce into a clean container.
  2. Open capsule.
  3. Sprinkle intact granules on applesauce.
  4. Swallow applesauce and granules immediately. Do not chew granules. Do not save the applesauce and granules for later use.
• Alternatively, the capsule can be administered with water via oral syringe or nasogastric (NG) tube.
  Administration with Water in an Oral Syringe
  1. Open the capsule and empty the granules into a clean container with 20 mL of water.
  2. Withdraw the entire mixture into a syringe.
  3. Gently swirl the syringe in order to keep granules from settling.
  4. Administer the mixture immediately into the mouth. Do not save the water and granule mixture for later use.
  5. Refill the syringe with 10 mL of water, swirl gently, and administer.
  6. Refill the syringe again with 10 mL of water, swirl gently, and administer.
  Administration with Water via a NG Tube (≥16 French)
  1. Open the capsule and empty the granules into a clean container with 20 mL of water.
  2. Withdraw the entire mixture into a catheter-tip syringe.
  3. Swirl the catheter-tip syringe gently in order to keep the granules from settling, and immediately inject the mixture through the NG tube into the stomach. Do not save the water and granule mixture for later use.
  4. Refill the catheter-tip syringe with 10 mL of water, swirl gently, and flush the tube.
  5. Refill the catheter-tip syringe again with 10 mL of water, swirl gently, and administer.

In adults, symptomatic response to therapy with dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules does not preclude the presence of gastric malignancy. Consider additional follow-up and diagnostic testing in adult patients who have a suboptimal response or an early symptomatic relapse after completing treatment with a PPI. In older patients, also consider an endoscopy.

Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) has been observed in patients taking PPIs and may occur at any point during PPI therapy. Patients may present with varying signs and symptoms from symptomatic hypersensitivity reactions to non-specific symptoms of decreased renal function (e.g., malaise, nausea, anorexia). In reported case series, some patients were diagnosed on biopsy and in the absence of extra-renal manifestations (e.g., fever, rash or arthralgia).

Discontinue dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules and evaluate patients with suspected acute TIN [see Contraindications (4)].

Published observational studies suggest that PPI therapy like dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules may be associated with an increased risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, especially in hospitalized patients. This diagnosis should be considered for diarrhea that does not improve [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Patients should use the lowest dose and shortest duration of PPI therapy appropriate to the condition being treated.

Several published observational studies suggest that PPI therapy may be associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip, wrist or spine. The risk of fracture was increased in patients who received high-dose, defined as multiple daily doses, and long-term PPI therapy (a year or longer). Patients should use the lowest dose and shortest duration of PPI therapy appropriate to the conditions being treated. Patients at risk for osteoporosis-related fractures should be managed according to established treatment guidelines [see Dosage and Administration (2), Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported in association with the use of PPIs [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. Discontinue dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules at the first signs or symptoms of severe cutaneous adverse reactions or other signs of hypersensitivity and consider further evaluation.

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been reported in patients taking PPIs. These events have occurred as both new onset and an exacerbation of existing autoimmune disease. The majority of PPI-induced lupus erythematosus cases were CLE.

The most common form of CLE reported in patients treated with PPIs was subacute CLE (SCLE) and occurred within weeks to years after continuous drug therapy in patients ranging from infants to the elderly. Generally, histological findings were observed without organ involvement.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is less commonly reported than CLE in patients receiving PPIs. PPI-associated SLE is usually milder than nondrug induced SLE. Onset of SLE typically occurred within days to years after initiating treatment primarily in patients ranging from young adults to the elderly. The majority of patients presented with rash; however, arthralgia and cytopenia were also reported.

Avoid administration of PPIs for longer than medically indicated. If signs or symptoms consistent with CLE or SLE are noted in patients receiving dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules, discontinue the drug and refer the patient to the appropriate specialist for evaluation. Most patients improve with discontinuation of the PPI alone in four to 12 weeks.

Serological testing (e.g., ANA) may be positive and elevated serological test results may take longer to resolve than clinical manifestations.

Daily treatment with any acid-suppressing medications over a long period of time (e.g., longer than three years) may lead to malabsorption of cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) caused by hypo- or achlorhydria. Rare reports of cyanocobalamin deficiency occurring with acid-suppressing therapy have been reported in the literature. This diagnosis should be considered if clinical symptoms consistent with cyanocobalamin deficiency are observed in patients treated with dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules.

Hypomagnesemia, symptomatic and asymptomatic, has been reported rarely in patients treated with PPIs for at least three months, in most cases after a year of therapy. Serious adverse events include tetany, arrhythmias, and seizures. Hypomagnesemia may lead to hypocalcemia and/or hypokalemia and may exacerbate underlying hypocalcemia in at-risk patients. In most patients, treatment of hypomagnesemia required magnesium replacement and discontinuation of the PPI.

For patients expected to be on prolonged treatment or who take PPIs with medications such as digoxin or drugs that may cause hypomagnesemia (e.g., diuretics), health care professionals may consider monitoring magnesium levels prior to initiation of PPI treatment and periodically [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Consider monitoring magnesium and calcium levels prior to initiation of dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules and periodically while on treatment in patients with a preexisting risk of hypocalcemia (e.g., hypoparathyroidism). Supplement with magnesium and/or calcium as necessary. If hypocalcemia is refractory to treatment, consider discontinuing the PPI.

Serum chromogranin A (CgA) levels increase secondary to drug-induced decreases in gastric acidity. The increased CgA level may cause false positive results in diagnostic investigations for neuroendocrine tumors. Healthcare providers should temporarily stop dexlansoprazole treatment at least 14 days before assessing CgA levels and consider repeating the test if initial CgA levels are high. If serial tests are performed (e.g., for monitoring), the same commercial laboratory should be used for testing, as reference ranges between tests may vary [see Drug Interactions (7), Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

Literature suggests that concomitant use of PPIs with methotrexate (primarily at high dose) may elevate and prolong serum levels of methotrexate and/or its metabolite, possibly leading to methotrexate toxicities. In high- dose methotrexate administration, a temporary withdrawal of the PPI may be considered in some patients [see Drug Interactions (7)].

PPI use is associated with an increased risk of fundic gland polyps that increases with long-term use, especially beyond one year. Most PPI users who developed fundic gland polyps were asymptomatic and fundic gland polyps were identified incidentally on endoscopy. Use the shortest duration of PPI therapy appropriate to the condition being treated.

Dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules are not recommended in pediatric patients less than two years of age. Nonclinical studies in juvenile rats with lansoprazole have demonstrated an adverse effect of heart valve thickening. Dexlansoprazole is the R-enantiomer of lansoprazole [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

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 following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules. 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.

Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: autoimmune hemolytic anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Ear and Labyrinth Disorders: deafness

Eye Disorders: blurred vision

Gastrointestinal Disorders: oral edema, pancreatitis, fundic gland polyps

General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: facial edema

Hepatobiliary Disorders: drug-induced hepatitis

Immune System Disorders: anaphylactic shock (requiring emergency intervention), exfoliative dermatitis, SJS/TEN (some fatal), DRESS, AGEP, erythema multiforme

Infections and Infestations: Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hyponatremia

Musculoskeletal System Disorders: bone fracture

Nervous System Disorders: cerebrovascular accident, transient ischemic attack

Renal and Genitourinary Disorders: acute renal failure, erectile dysfunction

Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: pharyngeal edema, throat tightness

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: generalized rash, leukocytoclastic vasculitis

The safety and effectiveness of dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules have been established in pediatric patients 12 years to 17 years of age for the healing of all grades of EE, the maintenance of healed EE and relief of heartburn, and treatment of heartburn associated with symptomatic non-erosive GERD. Use of dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules in this age group is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules in adults with additional safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetic data in pediatric patients 12 to 17 years of age. The adverse reaction profile in patients 12 to 17 years of age was similar to adults [see Dosage and Administration (2.1), Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14)].

The safety and effectiveness of dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules has not been established in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age.

Dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules are not recommended in pediatric patients less than two years of age [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]. Nonclinical studies in juvenile rats treated with lansoprazole (the racemic mixture) have demonstrated adverse effects of heart valve thickening and bone changes at dexlansoprazole exposures which are expected to be similar to or higher than the dexlansoprazole exposure in pediatric patients one year to two years of age, as described below in Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data.

The use of dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules is not recommended for the treatment of symptomatic GERD in pediatric patients one month to less than one year of age because lansoprazole was not shown to be effective in a multicenter, double-blind controlled trial.

Of the total number of patients (n=4548) in clinical studies of dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules, 11% of patients were aged 65 years and over, while 2% were 75 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients and other reported clinical experience has not identified significant differences in responses between geriatric and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

No dosage adjustment for dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules is necessary for patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A).

In a study of adult patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B) who received a single dose of 60 mg dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules, there was a significant increase in systemic exposure of dexlansoprazole compared to healthy subjects with normal hepatic function [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Therefore, for patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B), dosage reduction is recommended for the healing of EE [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

No studies have been conducted in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C); the use of dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules is not recommended for these patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Dexlansoprazole belongs to a class of antisecretory compounds, the substituted benzimidazoles, that suppress gastric acid secretion by specific inhibition of the (H⁺, K⁺)-ATPase at the secretory surface of the gastric parietal cell. Because this enzyme is regarded as the acid (proton) pump within the parietal cell, dexlansoprazole has been characterized as a gastric proton-pump inhibitor, in that it blocks the final step of acid production.

The dual delayed-release formulation of dexlansoprazole capsules results in a dexlansoprazole plasma concentration-time profile with two distinct peaks; the first peak occurs one to two hours after administration, followed by a second peak within four to five hours (see Figure 1). Dexlansoprazole is eliminated with a half-life of approximately one to two hours in healthy subjects and in patients with symptomatic GERD. No accumulation of dexlansoprazole occurs after multiple, once daily doses of dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules 30 or 60 mg although mean AUC_t and C_max values of dexlansoprazole were slightly higher (less than 10%) on Day 5 than on Day 1.

	Figure 1: Mean Plasma Dexlansoprazole Concentration – Time Profile Following Oral Administration of 30 or 60 mg Dexlansoprazole Delayed-Release Capsules Once Daily for 5 Days in Healthy Adult Subjects
	Figure 1

The pharmacokinetics of dexlansoprazole are highly variable, with percent coefficient of variation (%CV) values for C_max, AUC, and CL/F of greater than 30% (see Table 6).

The carcinogenic potential of dexlansoprazole was assessed using lansoprazole studies. In two, 24 month carcinogenicity studies, Sprague-Dawley rats were treated orally with lansoprazole at doses of 5 to 150 mg/kg/day, about one to 40 times the exposure on a body surface (mg/m²) basis of a 50 kg person of average height [1.46 m² body surface area (BSA)] given the recommended human dose of lansoprazole 30 mg/day.

Lansoprazole produced dose-related gastric ECL cell hyperplasia and ECL cell carcinoids in both male and female rats [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

In rats, lansoprazole also increased the incidence of intestinal metaplasia of the gastric epithelium in both sexes. In male rats, lansoprazole produced a dose-related increase of testicular interstitial cell adenomas. The incidence of these adenomas in rats receiving doses of 15 to 150 mg/kg/day (four to 40 times the recommended human lansoprazole dose based on BSA) exceeded the low background incidence (range = 1.4 to 10%) for this strain of rat.

In a 24 month carcinogenicity study, CD-1 mice were treated orally with lansoprazole doses of 15 to 600 mg/kg/day, two to 80 times the recommended human lansoprazole dose based on BSA. Lansoprazole produced a dose-related increased incidence of gastric ECL cell hyperplasia. It also produced an increased incidence of liver tumors (hepatocellular adenoma plus carcinoma). The tumor incidences in male mice treated with 300 and 600 mg lansoprazole/kg/day (40 to 80 times the recommended human lansoprazole dose based on BSA) and female mice treated with 150 to 600 mg lansoprazole/kg/day (20 to 80 times the recommended human lansoprazole dose based on BSA) exceeded the ranges of background incidences in historical controls for this strain of mice. Lansoprazole treatment produced adenoma of rete testis in male mice receiving 75 to 600 mg/kg/day (10 to 80 times the recommended human lansoprazole dose based on BSA).

A 26 week p53 (+/-) transgenic mouse carcinogenicity study of lansoprazole was not positive.

Lansoprazole was positive in the Ames test and the in vitro human lymphocyte chromosomal aberration assay. Lansoprazole was not genotoxic in the ex vivo rat hepatocyte unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) test, the in vivo mouse micronucleus test or the rat bone marrow cell chromosomal aberration test.

Dexlansoprazole was positive in the Ames test and in the in vitro chromosome aberration test using Chinese hamster lung cells. Dexlansoprazole was negative in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test.

The potential effects of dexlansoprazole on fertility and reproductive performance were assessed using lansoprazole studies. Lansoprazole at oral doses up to 150 mg/kg/day (40 times the recommended human lansoprazole dose based on BSA) was found to have no effect on fertility and reproductive performance of male and female rats.

Two multicenter, double-blind, active-controlled, randomized, eight week studies were conducted in patients with endoscopically confirmed EE. Severity of the disease was classified based on the Los Angeles Classification Grading System (Grades A-D). Patients were randomized to one of the following three treatment groups: dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules 60 mg once daily, dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules 90 mg once daily or lansoprazole 30 mg once daily. Patients who were H. pylori positive or who had Barrett's Esophagus and/or definite dysplastic changes at baseline were excluded from these studies. A total of 4092 patients were enrolled and ranged in age from 18 to 90 years (median age 48 years) with 54% male. Race was distributed as follows: 87% Caucasian, 5% Black and 8% Other. Based on the Los Angeles Classification, 71% of patients had mild EE (Grades A and B) and 29% of patients had moderate to severe EE (Grades C and D) before treatment.

The studies were designed to test noninferiority. If noninferiority was demonstrated then superiority would be tested. Although noninferiority was demonstrated in both studies, the finding of superiority in one study was not replicated in the other.

The proportion of patients with healed EE at Week 4 or 8 is presented below in Table 8.

*Based on crude rate estimates, patients who did not have endoscopically documented healed EE and prematurely discontinued were considered not healed.
† Patients with at least one postbaseline endoscopy.
‡ Primary efficacy endpoint.
§Demonstrated noninferiority to lansoprazole.

Dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules 90 mg once daily was studied and did not provide additional clinical benefit over dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules 60 mg once daily.

A multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study was conducted in patients who successfully completed an EE study and showed endoscopically confirmed healed EE. Maintenance of healing and symptom resolution over a six month period was evaluated with dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules 30 or 60 mg once daily compared to placebo. A total of 445 patients were enrolled and ranged in age from 18 to 85 years (median age 49 years), with 52% female. Race was distributed as follows: 90% Caucasian, 5% Black and 5% Other.

Sixty-six percent of patients treated with 30 mg of dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules remained healed over the six month time period as confirmed by endoscopy (see Table 9).

* Based on crude rate estimates, patients who did not have endoscopically documented relapse and prematurely
discontinued were considered to have relapsed.
† Patients with at least one postbaseline endoscopy
‡ Statistically significant vs placebo

Dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules 60 mg once daily was studied and did not provide additional clinical benefit over dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules 30 mg once daily.

The effect of dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules 30 mg on maintenance of relief of heartburn was also evaluated. Upon entry into the maintenance study, a majority of patients' baseline heartburn severity was rated as none. Dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules 30 mg demonstrated a statistically significantly higher percent of 24 hour heartburn-free periods compared to placebo over the six month treatment period (see Table 10). The majority of patients treated with placebo discontinued due to relapse of EE between Month 2 and Month 6.

* Secondary efficacy endpoint
† Statistically significant vs placebo

A multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, four week study was conducted in patients with a diagnosis of symptomatic non-erosive GERD made primarily by presentation of symptoms. These patients who identified heartburn as their primary symptom, had a history of heartburn for six months or longer, had heartburn on at least four of seven days immediately prior to randomization and had no esophageal erosions as confirmed by endoscopy. However, patients with symptoms which were not acid-related may not have been excluded using these inclusion criteria. Patients were randomized to one of the following treatment groups: dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules 30 mg daily, 60 mg daily, or placebo. A total of 947 patients were enrolled and ranged in age from 18 to 86 years (median age 48 years) with 71% female. Race was distributed as follows: 82% Caucasian, 14% Black and 4% Other.

Dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules 30 mg provided statistically significantly greater percent of days with heartburn-free 24 hour periods over placebo as assessed by daily diary over four weeks (see Table 11). Dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules 60 mg once daily was studied and provided no additional clinical benefit over dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules 30 mg once daily.

* Statistically significant vs placebo

A higher percentage of patients on dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules 30 mg had heartburn-free 24 hour periods compared to placebo as early as the first three days of treatment and this was sustained throughout the treatment period (percentage of patients on Day 3: dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules 38% vs placebo 15%; on Day 28: dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules 63% vs placebo 40%).

Use of dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules in patients 12 to 17 years of age is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsules in adults, with additional safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic data from studies performed in pediatric patients.

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].

Adverse Reactions

Advise patients to report to their healthcare provider if they experience any signs or symptoms consistent with:

• Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Contraindications (4)]
• Acute Tubulointerstitial Nephritis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• Bone Fracture [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
• Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
• Cutaneous and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
• Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) Deficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
• Hypomagnesemia and Mineral Metabolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]

Drug Interactions

Advise patients to report to their healthcare provider if they are taking rilpivirine-containing products [see Contraindications (4)] or high-dose methotrexate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].

Pregnancy

Advise a pregnant woman of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Administration

• Take without regard to food.
• Missed doses: If a dose is missed, administer as soon as possible. However, if the next scheduled dose is due, do not take the missed dose, and take the next dose on time. Do not take two doses at one time to make up for a missed dose.
• Swallow whole; do not chew.
• Can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce for patients who have trouble swallowing the capsule.
• Alternatively, the capsule can be administered with water via oral syringe or NG tube, as described in the Instructions for Use.

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UPSHER-SMITH LABORATORIES, LLC
Maple Grove, MN 55369

LA-3056-04               Revised: 12/2025