Summary of product characteristics
Adverse Reactions
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reaction is discussed in greater detail elsewhere in the label: Hypomagnesemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 2%) are constipation, hypomagnesemia, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort and flatulence. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Vifor Pharma, Inc. at 1-844-VELTASSA (1-844-835-8277) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of Veltassa cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of other drugs and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In the safety and efficacy clinical trials, 666 adult patients received at least one dose of Veltassa, including 219 exposed for at least 6 months and 149 exposed for at least one year. Table 1 provides a summary of the most common adverse reactions (occurring in ≥ 2% of patients) in patients treated with Veltassa in these clinical trials. Most adverse reactions were mild to moderate. Constipation generally resolved during the course of treatment. Table 1: Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 2% of Patients Adverse Reactions Patients treated with Veltassa (N=666) Constipation 7.2% Hypomagnesemia 5.3% Diarrhea 4.8% Nausea 2.3% Abdominal discomfort 2.0% Flatulence 2.0% During the clinical studies, the most commonly reported adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of Veltassa were gastrointestinal adverse reactions (2.7%), including vomiting (0.8%), diarrhea (0.6%), constipation (0.5%) and flatulence (0.5%). Mild to moderate hypersensitivity reactions were reported in 0.3% of patients treated with Veltassa in clinical trials. Reactions have included edema of the lips. Laboratory Abnormalities Approximately 4.7% of patients in clinical trials developed hypokalemia with a serum potassium value < 3.5 mEq/L. Approximately 9% of patients in clinical trials developed hypomagnesemia with a serum magnesium value < 1.4 mg/dL.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Veltassa is contraindicated in patients with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to Veltassa or any of its components [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Known hypersensitivity to Veltassa or any of its components. ( 4 )
Description
11 DESCRIPTION Veltassa is a powder for suspension in water for oral administration. The active ingredient is patiromer sorbitex calcium which consists of the active moiety, patiromer, a non-absorbed potassium-binding polymer, and a calcium-sorbitol counterion. Each gram of patiromer is equivalent to a nominal amount of 2 grams of patiromer sorbitex calcium. The chemical name for patiromer sorbitex calcium is cross-linked polymer of calcium 2-fluoroprop-2-enoate with diethenylbenzene and octa-1,7-diene, combination with D-glucitol. Patiromer sorbitex calcium is an amorphous, free-flowing powder that is composed of individual spherical beads. Patiromer sorbitex calcium is insoluble in solvents such as water, 0.1 M HCl, n-heptane and methanol. The chemical structure of patiromer sorbitex calcium is presented in Figure 1. Figure 1: Chemical Structure of Patiromer Sorbitex Calcium Each packet of Veltassa contains 8.4 grams, 16.8 grams or 25.2 grams of patiromer, the active moiety. The inactive ingredient is xanthan gum. Figure 1
Dosage And Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended starting dose of Veltassa is 8.4 grams administered orally once daily. ( 2.2 ) Adjust dose by 8.4 grams daily as needed at one-week intervals to obtain desired serum potassium target range. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 General Information Administer Veltassa at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after other oral medications except those shown to not have a clinically important interaction [see Drug Interactions (7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Do not heat Veltassa (e.g., microwave) or add to heated foods or liquids. Do not take Veltassa in its dry form. 2.2 Recommended Dosing and Titration The recommended starting dose of Veltassa is 8.4 grams patiromer once daily. Monitor serum potassium and adjust the dose of Veltassa based on the serum potassium level and the desired target range. The dose may be increased or decreased, as necessary, to reach the desired serum potassium concentration, up to a maximum dose of 25.2 grams once daily. The dose can be up-titrated based on serum potassium level at 1-week or longer intervals, in increments of 8.4 grams. 2.3 Preparation of Veltassa Prepare each dose immediately prior to administration. Measure 1/3 cup of water. Pour half of the water into a glass, then add Veltassa and stir. Add the remaining half of the water and stir thoroughly. The powder will not dissolve and the mixture will look cloudy. Add more water to the mixture as needed for desired consistency. Drink the mixture immediately. If powder remains in the glass after drinking, add more water, stir and drink immediately. Repeat as needed to ensure the entire dose is administered. Other beverages, or soft foods (e.g., apple sauce, yogurt, pudding) can be used instead of water to prepare the mixture by following the same steps as described above. The potassium content of liquids or soft foods used to prepare the mixture should be considered as part of the dietary recommendations on potassium intake for each individual patient.
Indications And Usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Veltassa is indicated for the treatment of hyperkalemia. Limitation of Use: Veltassa should not be used as an emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia because of its delayed onset of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Veltassa is a potassium binder indicated for the treatment of hyperkalemia. ( 1 ) Limitation of Use Veltassa should not be used as an emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia because of its delayed onset of action. ( 1 )
Overdosage
10 OVERDOSAGE Doses of Veltassa in excess of 50.4 grams per day have not been tested. Excessive doses of Veltassa may result in hypokalemia. Restore serum potassium if hypokalemia occurs.
Adverse Reactions Table
Adverse Reactions | Patients treated with Veltassa (N=666) |
---|---|
Constipation | 7.2% |
Hypomagnesemia | 5.3% |
Diarrhea | 4.8% |
Nausea | 2.3% |
Abdominal discomfort | 2.0% |
Flatulence | 2.0% |
Drug Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Veltassa has the potential to bind some oral co-administered medications, which could decrease their gastrointestinal absorption. Binding of Veltassa to other oral medications not listed in Table 3 below could cause decreased gastrointestinal absorption and loss of efficacy when taken close to the time Veltassa is administered. Administer other oral medications at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after Veltassa [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Take other orally administered drugs at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after Veltassa except those shown to not have a clinically important interaction. ( 2.1 , 7 ) 7.1 Clinically Important Interaction of Veltassa With Other Drugs The in-vitro binding of the following drugs to patiromer was evaluated and potentially clinically significant binding was observed. Some drugs were subsequently tested in-vivo and significant reduction in systemic exposure was observed [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Table 2. Clinically important drug interactions of Veltassa Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) Telmisartan Clinical Impact Binding by Veltassa may reduce the systemic exposure and decrease the clinical efficacy resulting in inadequate control of hypertension. Intervention Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa. β-adrenoceptor blockers (β-blocker) Bisoprolol, carvedilol, nebivolol Clinical Impact Binding by Veltassa may reduce the systemic exposure and decrease the clinical efficacy resulting in inadequate control of hypertension. Intervention Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa. Antibiotics Ciprofloxacin Clinical Impact When co-administered, binding by Veltassa reduced the systemic exposure which may result in reduction in antibiotic efficacy. Systemic exposure was not affected when separated by 3 hours. Intervention Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa. Anti-Parathyroid Agents and Thyroid Preparations Levothyroxine Clinical Impact When co-administered, binding by Veltassa reduced the systemic exposure which may result in reduction in efficacy. Systemic exposure was not affected when separated by 3 hours. Intervention Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa. Blood Glucose Lowering Drugs Metformin Clinical Impact When co-administered, binding by Veltassa reduced the systemic exposure which may result in reduction in glycemic control. Systemic exposure was not affected when separated by 3 hours. Intervention Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa. Immunosuppressants Mycophenolate mofetil Clinical Impact Binding by Veltassa may reduce the systemic exposure and decrease the clinical efficacy. Intervention Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa. Others Quinidine, thiamine Clinical Impact Binding by Veltassa may reduce the systemic exposure and decrease the clinical efficacy. Intervention Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa. 7.2 No Observed Clinically Important Interaction of Veltassa with Other Drugs The binding of the following drugs to patiromer was evaluated [see Section Pharmacokinetics (12.3) ] and no clinically significant binding was observed. No separation of dosing is required for these drugs. Table 3. No observed clinically important drug interactions of Veltassa Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors Benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, trandolapril Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) Azilsartan, candesartan, irbesartan, losartan, olmesartan, valsartan β-adrenoceptor blockers (β-blocker) Metoprolol Loop diuretics Furosemide, bumetanide, torasemide Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) Eplerenone, finerenone, spironolactone Neprilysin inhibitors Sacubitril Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors Canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin Antibiotics Trimethoprim, amoxicillin, cephalexin Anticoagulants Warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban Anti-parathyroid agents and Thyroid preparations Cinacalcet Antithrombotic agents Clopidogrel, acetylsalicylic acid Blood glucose lowering drugs Glipizide Calcium channel blockers Amlodipine, verapamil Immunosuppressants Tacrolimus Others Lithium, allopurinol, atorvastatin, digoxin, phenytoin, riboflavin, sevelamer
Drug Interactions Table
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) Telmisartan | |
Clinical Impact | Binding by Veltassa may reduce the systemic exposure and decrease the clinical efficacy resulting in inadequate control of hypertension. |
Intervention | Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa. |
β-adrenoceptor blockers (β-blocker) Bisoprolol, carvedilol, nebivolol | |
Clinical Impact | Binding by Veltassa may reduce the systemic exposure and decrease the clinical efficacy resulting in inadequate control of hypertension. |
Intervention | Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa. |
Antibiotics Ciprofloxacin | |
Clinical Impact | When co-administered, binding by Veltassa reduced the systemic exposure which may result in reduction in antibiotic efficacy. Systemic exposure was not affected when separated by 3 hours. |
Intervention | Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa. |
Anti-Parathyroid Agents and Thyroid Preparations Levothyroxine | |
Clinical Impact | When co-administered, binding by Veltassa reduced the systemic exposure which may result in reduction in efficacy. Systemic exposure was not affected when separated by 3 hours. |
Intervention | Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa. |
Blood Glucose Lowering Drugs Metformin | |
Clinical Impact | When co-administered, binding by Veltassa reduced the systemic exposure which may result in reduction in glycemic control. Systemic exposure was not affected when separated by 3 hours. |
Intervention | Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa. |
Immunosuppressants Mycophenolate mofetil | |
Clinical Impact | Binding by Veltassa may reduce the systemic exposure and decrease the clinical efficacy. |
Intervention | Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa. |
Others Quinidine, thiamine | |
Clinical Impact | Binding by Veltassa may reduce the systemic exposure and decrease the clinical efficacy. |
Intervention | Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa. |
Clinical Pharmacology
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Veltassa is a non-absorbed, cation exchange polymer that contains a calcium-sorbitol counterion. Veltassa increases fecal potassium excretion through binding of potassium in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. Binding of potassium reduces the concentration of free potassium in the gastrointestinal lumen, resulting in a reduction of serum potassium levels. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics In a Phase 1 study in healthy adult subjects (6 to 8 subjects per group), Veltassa (0 grams to 50.4 grams per day) administered three times a day for 8 days caused a dose-dependent increase in fecal potassium excretion. A corresponding dose-dependent decrease in urinary potassium excretion with no change in serum potassium were also observed. Compared to placebo, Veltassa doses of 25.2 and 50.4 grams per day significantly decreased mean daily urinary potassium excretion. In a Phase 1, open-label, multiple-dose crossover study in 12 healthy subjects, 25.2 grams of patiromer per day was administered orally as a once daily, twice daily or thrice daily regimen for 6 days in a randomly assigned order. A significant increase in mean daily fecal potassium excretion and concomitant decrease in mean daily urinary potassium excretion were observed during the treatment periods for all three dosing regimens. The mean increase in fecal potassium excretion ranged from 1283 to 1550 mg/day, and the mean decrease in urinary potassium excretion ranged from 1438 to 1534 mg/day across the three dosing regimens. No significant differences were observed among the dosing regimens with respect to mean daily fecal potassium and urinary potassium excretion. This was true for the overall comparison among the three dosing regimens, as well as for the pairwise comparisons. In an open-label, uncontrolled study, 25 patients with hyperkalemia (mean baseline serum potassium of 5.9 mEq/L) and chronic kidney disease were given a controlled potassium diet for 3 days, followed by 16.8 grams patiromer daily (as divided doses) for 2 days while the controlled diet was continued. A statistically significant reduction in serum potassium (-0.2 mEq/L) was observed at 7 hours after the first dose. Serum potassium levels continued to decline during the 48-hour treatment period (-0.8 mEq/L at 48 hours after the first dose). Potassium levels remained stable for 24 hours after the last dose, then rose during the 4-day observation period following discontinuation of Veltassa. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Absorption In radiolabeled ADME studies in rats and dogs, patiromer was not systemically absorbed and was excreted in the feces. Quantitative whole-body autoradiography analysis in rats demonstrated that radioactivity was limited to the gastrointestinal tract, with no detectable level of radioactivity in any other tissues or organs. Effect of Food Veltassa can be taken with or without food. In an open-label study, 114 patients with hyperkalemia were randomized to Veltassa once daily with food or without food. Serum potassium at the end of treatment, the change from baseline in serum potassium, and the mean dose of Veltassa were similar between groups. Drug Interactions Veltassa has the potential to bind some oral co-administered medications, which could decrease their gastrointestinal absorption. Fifty-six (56) drugs were tested in-vitro to determine the potential for interaction with Veltassa. [ see Drug Interactions (7) ]. For oral drug products not listed in Table 3, administration of patiromer should be separated by at least 3 hours as a precautionary measure. Twelve (12) drugs that showed an in-vitro interaction were subsequently tested in vivo . These studies in healthy volunteers showed that Veltassa did not alter the systemic exposure of amlodipine, cinacalcet, clopidogrel, furosemide, lithium, metoprolol, trimethoprim, verapamil or warfarin when coadministered with Veltassa. Veltassa decreased the systemic exposure of coadministered ciprofloxacin, levothyroxine and metformin. However, there was no interaction when Veltassa and these drugs were taken 3 hours apart (Figure 2) [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . Figure 2: Effects of Veltassa on the Pharmacokinetic Exposures of Other Orally Administered Medications with No Dosing Separation and with a 3-Hour Separation Figure 2
Mechanism Of Action
12.1 Mechanism of Action Veltassa is a non-absorbed, cation exchange polymer that contains a calcium-sorbitol counterion. Veltassa increases fecal potassium excretion through binding of potassium in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. Binding of potassium reduces the concentration of free potassium in the gastrointestinal lumen, resulting in a reduction of serum potassium levels.
Pharmacodynamics
12.2 Pharmacodynamics In a Phase 1 study in healthy adult subjects (6 to 8 subjects per group), Veltassa (0 grams to 50.4 grams per day) administered three times a day for 8 days caused a dose-dependent increase in fecal potassium excretion. A corresponding dose-dependent decrease in urinary potassium excretion with no change in serum potassium were also observed. Compared to placebo, Veltassa doses of 25.2 and 50.4 grams per day significantly decreased mean daily urinary potassium excretion. In a Phase 1, open-label, multiple-dose crossover study in 12 healthy subjects, 25.2 grams of patiromer per day was administered orally as a once daily, twice daily or thrice daily regimen for 6 days in a randomly assigned order. A significant increase in mean daily fecal potassium excretion and concomitant decrease in mean daily urinary potassium excretion were observed during the treatment periods for all three dosing regimens. The mean increase in fecal potassium excretion ranged from 1283 to 1550 mg/day, and the mean decrease in urinary potassium excretion ranged from 1438 to 1534 mg/day across the three dosing regimens. No significant differences were observed among the dosing regimens with respect to mean daily fecal potassium and urinary potassium excretion. This was true for the overall comparison among the three dosing regimens, as well as for the pairwise comparisons. In an open-label, uncontrolled study, 25 patients with hyperkalemia (mean baseline serum potassium of 5.9 mEq/L) and chronic kidney disease were given a controlled potassium diet for 3 days, followed by 16.8 grams patiromer daily (as divided doses) for 2 days while the controlled diet was continued. A statistically significant reduction in serum potassium (-0.2 mEq/L) was observed at 7 hours after the first dose. Serum potassium levels continued to decline during the 48-hour treatment period (-0.8 mEq/L at 48 hours after the first dose). Potassium levels remained stable for 24 hours after the last dose, then rose during the 4-day observation period following discontinuation of Veltassa.
Pharmacokinetics
12.3 Pharmacokinetics Absorption In radiolabeled ADME studies in rats and dogs, patiromer was not systemically absorbed and was excreted in the feces. Quantitative whole-body autoradiography analysis in rats demonstrated that radioactivity was limited to the gastrointestinal tract, with no detectable level of radioactivity in any other tissues or organs. Effect of Food Veltassa can be taken with or without food. In an open-label study, 114 patients with hyperkalemia were randomized to Veltassa once daily with food or without food. Serum potassium at the end of treatment, the change from baseline in serum potassium, and the mean dose of Veltassa were similar between groups. Drug Interactions Veltassa has the potential to bind some oral co-administered medications, which could decrease their gastrointestinal absorption. Fifty-six (56) drugs were tested in-vitro to determine the potential for interaction with Veltassa. [ see Drug Interactions (7) ]. For oral drug products not listed in Table 3, administration of patiromer should be separated by at least 3 hours as a precautionary measure. Twelve (12) drugs that showed an in-vitro interaction were subsequently tested in vivo . These studies in healthy volunteers showed that Veltassa did not alter the systemic exposure of amlodipine, cinacalcet, clopidogrel, furosemide, lithium, metoprolol, trimethoprim, verapamil or warfarin when coadministered with Veltassa. Veltassa decreased the systemic exposure of coadministered ciprofloxacin, levothyroxine and metformin. However, there was no interaction when Veltassa and these drugs were taken 3 hours apart (Figure 2) [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . Figure 2: Effects of Veltassa on the Pharmacokinetic Exposures of Other Orally Administered Medications with No Dosing Separation and with a 3-Hour Separation Figure 2
Effective Time
20230331
Version
17
Dosage Forms And Strengths
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Veltassa is an off-white to light-brown powder for oral suspension packaged in single-use packets containing 8.4 grams, 16.8 grams or 25.2 grams patiromer. Powder: 8.4 grams, 16.8 grams and 25.2 grams patiromer packets. ( 3 )
Spl Product Data Elements
VELTASSA patiromer patiromer patiromer xanthan gum off-white to light-brown VELTASSA patiromer patiromer patiromer xanthan gum off-white to light-brown VELTASSA patiromer patiromer patiromer xanthan gum off-white to light-brown
Carcinogenesis And Mutagenesis And Impairment Of Fertility
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Patiromer was not genotoxic in the reverse mutation test (Ames assay), chromosome aberration or rat micronucleus assays. Carcinogenicity studies have not been performed. Patiromer did not impair the fertility in male or female rats at doses up to 10-fold the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD).
Nonclinical Toxicology
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Patiromer was not genotoxic in the reverse mutation test (Ames assay), chromosome aberration or rat micronucleus assays. Carcinogenicity studies have not been performed. Patiromer did not impair the fertility in male or female rats at doses up to 10-fold the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD).
Application Number
NDA205739
Brand Name
VELTASSA
Generic Name
patiromer
Product Ndc
53436-252
Product Type
HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG
Route
ORAL
Package Label Principal Display Panel
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 8.4 g Packet Carton 30 packets NDC 53436-084-30 Veltassa ® (patiromer) For Oral Suspension www.veltassa.com Each packet contains 8.4 grams of patiromer. Dispense as 1 box; 30-day supply. Rx only 8.4 g PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 8.4 g Packet Carton
Spl Unclassified Section
Manufactured for: Vifor Pharma, Inc. Redwood City, CA 94063 Version 09; 23 March 2023
Information For Patients
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Drug Interactions Advise patients who are taking other oral medication that separation of dosing of Veltassa by at least 3 hours (before or after) may be needed except those shown to not have a clinically important interaction in table 3 above. [see Drug Interactions (7) ]. Dosing Recommendations Inform patients to take Veltassa as directed and adhere to their prescribed diets. Inform patients that Veltassa should not be heated (e.g., microwaved) or added to heated foods or liquids and should not be taken in its dry form.
Clinical Studies
14 CLINICAL STUDIES 14.1 Two-Part, Randomized Withdrawal Study The efficacy of Veltassa was demonstrated in a two-part, single-blind randomized withdrawal study that evaluated Veltassa in hyperkalemic patients with CKD on stable doses of at least one renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor (i.e., angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, angiotensin II receptor blocker, or aldosterone antagonist). In Part A, 243 patients were treated with Veltassa for 4 weeks. Patients with a baseline serum potassium of 5.1 mEq/L to < 5.5 mEq/L received a starting Veltassa dose of 8.4 grams patiromer per day (as a divided dose) and patients with a baseline serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L to < 6.5 mEq/L received a starting Veltassa dose of 16.8 grams patiromer per day (as a divided dose). The dose of Veltassa was titrated, as needed, based on the serum potassium level, assessed starting on Day 3 and then at weekly visits (Weeks 1, 2 and 3) to the end of the 4-week treatment period, with the aim of maintaining serum potassium in the target range (3.8 mEq/L to < 5.1 mEq/L). The mean age of patients was 64 years, 58% of patients were men, and 98% were Caucasian. Approximately 97% of patients had hypertension, 57% had type 2 diabetes, and 42% had heart failure. Results for the Part A primary endpoint, the change in serum potassium from Baseline to Week 4, are summarized in Table 4. Mean serum potassium over time for the intent-to-treat population is displayed in Figure 3. For the Part A secondary endpoint, 76% (95% CI: 70%, 81%) of patients had a serum potassium in the target range of 3.8 mEq/L to < 5.1 mEq/L at Week 4. The mean daily doses of Veltassa were 13 grams and 21 grams in patients with serum potassium of 5.1 to < 5.5 mEq/L and 5.5 to < 6.5 mEq/L, respectively. Table 4: Veltassa Treatment Phase (Part A): Primary Endpoint Baseline Potassium Overall Population (n=237) 5.1 to < 5.5 mEq/L (n=90) 5.5 to < 6.5 mEq/L (n=147) Serum Potassium (mEq/L) Baseline, mean (SD) 5.31 (0.57) 5.74 (0.40) 5.58 (0.51) Week 4 Change from Baseline, Mean ± SE (95% CI) -0.65 ± 0.05 (-0.74, -0.55) -1.23 ± 0.04 (-1.31, -1.16) -1.01 ± 0.03 (-1.07, -0.95) p -value < 0.001 Figure 3: Estimated Mean (95% CI) of Central Serum Potassium (mEq/L) Over Time In Part B, 107 patients with a Part A baseline serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L to < 6.5 mEq/L and whose serum potassium was in the target range (3.8 mEq/L to < 5.1 mEq/L) at Part A Week 4 and still receiving RAAS inhibitor medication were randomized to continue Veltassa or to receive placebo to evaluate the effect of withdrawing Veltassa on serum potassium. In patients randomized to Veltassa, the mean daily dose was 21 grams at the start of Part B and during Part B. The Part B primary endpoint was the change in serum potassium from Part B baseline to the earliest visit at which the patient's serum potassium was first outside of the range of 3.8 to < 5.5 mEq/L, or to Part B Week 4 if the patient's serum potassium remained in the range. In Part B, serum potassium rose by 0.72 mEq/L in patients who were switched to placebo, versus no change in patients who remained on Veltassa. Results are summarized in Table 5. Table 5: Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Withdrawal Phase (Part B): Primary Endpoint Placebo (n=52) Veltassa (n=55) Difference Estimate (95% CI) p -value Estimated Median Change in Serum Potassium from Baseline (mEq/L) 0.72 0.00 0.72 (0.46, 0.99) < 0.001 More placebo patients (91%; 95% CI: 83%, 99%) developed a serum potassium ≥ 5.1 mEq/L at any time during Part B than Veltassa patients (43%; 95% CI: 30%, 56%), p < 0.001. More placebo patients (60%; 95% CI: 47%, 74%) developed a serum potassium ≥ 5.5 mEq/L at any time during Part B than Veltassa patients (15%; 95% CI: 6%, 24%), p < 0.001. Figure 3 14.2 One-Year Study The effect of treatment with Veltassa for up to 52 weeks was evaluated in an open-label study of 304 hyperkalemic patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes mellitus on RAAS inhibitor therapy. Figure 4 shows that the treatment effect on serum potassium was maintained during continued therapy. In patients with a baseline serum potassium of > 5.0 to 5.5 mEq/L who received an initial dose of 8.4 grams patiromer per day (as a divided dose), the mean daily dose was 14 grams; in those with a baseline serum potassium of > 5.5 to < 6.0 mEq/L who received an initial dose of 16.8 grams patiromer per day (as a divided dose), the mean daily dose was 20 grams during the entire study. Figure 4: Mean (95% CI) Serum Potassium over Time Figure 4
Clinical Studies Table
Baseline Potassium | Overall Population (n=237) | ||
---|---|---|---|
5.1 to < 5.5 mEq/L (n=90) | 5.5 to < 6.5 mEq/L (n=147) | ||
Serum Potassium (mEq/L) | |||
Baseline, mean (SD) | 5.31 (0.57) | 5.74 (0.40) | 5.58 (0.51) |
Week 4 Change from Baseline, Mean ± SE (95% CI) | -0.65 ± 0.05 (-0.74, -0.55) | -1.23 ± 0.04 (-1.31, -1.16) | -1.01 ± 0.03 (-1.07, -0.95) |
p-value | < 0.001 |
Geriatric Use
8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 666 patients treated with Veltassa in clinical studies, 59.8% were age 65 and over, and 19.8% were age 75 and over. No overall differences in effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients. Patients age 65 and older reported more gastrointestinal adverse reactions than younger patients.
Pediatric Use
8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established.
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Veltassa is not absorbed systemically following oral administration and maternal use is not expected to result in fetal risk.
Use In Specific Populations
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Veltassa is not absorbed systemically following oral administration and maternal use is not expected to result in fetal risk. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Veltassa is not absorbed systemically by the mother, so breastfeeding is not expected to result in risk to the infant. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 666 patients treated with Veltassa in clinical studies, 59.8% were age 65 and over, and 19.8% were age 75 and over. No overall differences in effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients. Patients age 65 and older reported more gastrointestinal adverse reactions than younger patients. 8.6 Renal Impairment Of the 666 patients treated with Veltassa in clinical studies, 93% had chronic kidney disease (CKD). No special dosing adjustments are needed for patients with renal impairment.
How Supplied
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Veltassa is supplied as a powder for oral suspension formulated with xanthan gum. Veltassa is packaged in single-use packets containing 8.4 grams, 16.8 grams or 25.2 grams patiromer as follows: Veltassa (grams) Carton of 4 Packets Carton of 30 Packets 8.4 NDC 53436-084-04 NDC 53436-084-30 16.8 - NDC 53436-168-30 25.2 - NDC 53436-252-30 16.2 Stability and Storage Veltassa should be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). If stored at room temperature (25°C ± 2°C [77°F ± 4°F]), Veltassa must be used within 3 months of being taken out of the refrigerator. For either storage condition, do not use Veltassa after the expiration date printed on the packet. Avoid exposure to excessive heat above 40°C (104°F).
How Supplied Table
Veltassa (grams) | Carton of 4 Packets | Carton of 30 Packets |
---|---|---|
8.4 | NDC 53436-084-04 | NDC 53436-084-30 |
16.8 | - | NDC 53436-168-30 |
25.2 | - | NDC 53436-252-30 |
Storage And Handling
16.2 Stability and Storage Veltassa should be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). If stored at room temperature (25°C ± 2°C [77°F ± 4°F]), Veltassa must be used within 3 months of being taken out of the refrigerator. For either storage condition, do not use Veltassa after the expiration date printed on the packet. Avoid exposure to excessive heat above 40°C (104°F).
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