Bydureon

Overdose

Effects of overdoses with exenatide (based on immediate-release exenatide clinical studies) included severe nausea, severe vomiting and rapidly declining blood glucose concentrations. In the event of overdose, appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated according to the patient's clinical signs and symptoms.

Shelf life

3 years

After suspension

The suspension must be injected immediately after mixing the powder and the solvent.

Incompatibilities

In the absence of compatibility studies this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products.

List of excipients

Powder

poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)

sucrose

Solvent

carmellose sodium

sodium chloride

polysorbate 20

sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate

disodium phosphate heptahydrate

water for injections

sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment)

Pharmaceutical form

Powder and solvent for prolonged-release suspension for injection.

Powder: white to off-white powder.

Solvent: clear, colourless to pale yellow to pale brown solution.

Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

The most frequent adverse reactions were mainly gastrointestinal related (nausea which was the most frequent reaction and associated with the initiation of treatment and decreased over time, and diarrhoea). In addition, injection site reactions (pruritus, nodules, erythema), hypoglycaemia (with a sulphonylurea), and headache occurred. Most adverse reactions associated with prolonged-release exenatide were mild to moderate in intensity.

Since immediate-release exenatide has been marketed, acute pancreatitis has been reported with a frequency not known and acute renal failure has been reported uncommonly.

Tabulated summary of adverse reactions

The frequency of adverse reactions of prolonged-release exenatide identified from clinical trials and spontaneous reports (not observed in clinical trials, frequency not known) are summarised in Table 1 below.

In the prolonged-release exenatide clinical trials, background therapies included diet and exercise, metformin, a sulphonylurea, a thiazolidinedione or a combination of oral glucose-lowering agents or a basal insulin.

The reactions are listed below as MedDRA preferred term by system organ class and absolute frequency. Frequencies are defined as: very common (> 1/10), common (> 1/100 to < 1/10), uncommon (> 1/1000 to < 1/100), rare (> 1/10000 to < 1/1000), very rare (< 1/10000) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Table 1: Adverse reactions of prolonged-release exenatide identified from clinical trials and spontaneous reports

1 Rate based on twelve prolonged-release exenatide completed long-term efficacy and safety studies n= 2868 total, (patients on sulphonylurea n= 1002).

2 Based on hypoglycaemic events that 1. Result in loss of consciousness, seizure, or coma which resolves after administration of glucagon or glucose OR 2. Require third-party assistance to resolve because of impairment in consciousness or behaviour and has glucose value of <54 mg/dL (3 mmol/L) OR 3. Result in symptoms consistent with hypoglycaemia with a concomitant glucose <54 mg/dL (3 mmol/L) prior to treatment.

3 Frequency reported from the 28-week controlled treatment period of the prolonged-release exenatide as add-on to insulin glargine study (N=232).

4 Rate based on prolonged-release exenatide spontaneous reports data (unknown denominator).

Description of selected adverse reactions

Hypoglycaemia

The incidence of hypoglycaemia was increased when prolonged-release exenatide was used in combination with a sulphonylurea (24.0 % versus 5.4 %). To reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia associated with the use of a sulphonylurea, reduction in the dose of sulphonylurea may be considered.

Prolonged-release exenatide was associated with a significantly lower incidence of episodes of hypoglycaemia than basal insulin in patients also receiving metformin therapy (3 % versus 19 %) and in patients also receiving metformin plus sulphonylurea therapy (20 % versus 42 %).

Across 12 studies of prolonged-release exenatide most episodes (99.9 % n=649) of hypoglycaemia were minor, and resolved with oral administration of carbohydrate. One patient was reported with major hypoglycaemia since he had a low blood glucose value (2.2 mmol/l) and requested assistance with oral carbohydrate treatment which resolved the event.

When prolonged-release exenatide was added to basal insulin, no initial dose adjustment of insulin was required. Prolonged-release exenatide in combination with basal insulin showed no clinically significant differences in the incidence of hypoglycaemic episodes compared to insulin. There were no episodes of major hypoglycaemia in the prolonged-release exenatide with insulin group.

Nausea

The most frequently reported adverse reaction was nausea. In patients treated with prolonged-release exenatide, generally 20 % reported at least one episode of nausea compared to 34 % of immediate-release exenatide patients. Most episodes of nausea were mild to moderate. With continued therapy, the frequency decreased in most patients who initially experienced nausea.

The incidence of withdrawal due to adverse events during the 30-week controlled trial was 6% for prolonged-release exenatide treated patients, 5% for immediate-release exenatide treated patients. The most common adverse events leading to withdrawal in either treatment group were nausea and vomiting. Withdrawal due to nausea or vomiting each occurred in < 1% for prolonged-release exenatide treated patients and 1% for immediate-release exenatide treated patients.

Injection site reactions

Injection site reactions were observed more frequently in prolonged-release exenatide treated patients versus comparator-treated patients (16% versus range of 2-7%) during the 6-month controlled phase of studies. These injection site reactions were generally mild and usually did not lead to withdrawal from studies. Patients may be treated to relieve symptoms, while continuing treatment. Subsequent injections should use a different site of injection each week. In postmarketing experiences, cases with injection site abscesses and cellulitis have been reported.

Small subcutaneous injection site nodules were observed very frequently in clinical trials, consistent with the known properties of poly (D,L-lactide co-glycolide) polymer microsphere formulations. Most individual nodules were asymptomatic, did not interfere with study participation and resolved over 4 to 8 weeks.

Immunogenicity

Consistent with the potentially immunogenic properties of protein and peptide pharmaceuticals, patients may develop antibodies to exenatide following treatment with prolonged-release exenatide. In most patients who develop antibodies, antibody titres diminish over time.

The presence of antibodies (high or low titres) is not predictive of glycaemic control for an individual patient.

In clinical studies of prolonged-release exenatide, approximately 45% of patients had low titre antibodies to exenatide at study endpoint. Overall, the percentage of antibody positive patients was consistent across clinical trials. Overall, the level of glycaemic control (HbA1c) was comparable to that observed in those without antibody titres. On average in the phase 3 studies, 12% of the patients had higher titre antibodies. In a proportion of these the glycaemic response to prolonged-release exenatide was absent at the end of the controlled period of studies; 2.6% of patients showed no glucose improvement with higher titre antibodies whereas 1.6% showed no improvement while antibody negative.

Patients who developed antibodies to exenatide tend to have more injection site reactions (for example: redness of skin and itching), but otherwise similar rates and types of adverse events as those with no antibodies to exenatide.

For prolonged-release exenatide treated patients, the incidence of potentially immunogenic injection site reactions (most commonly pruritus with or without erythema) during the 30-week and the two 26-week studies, was 9%. These reactions were less commonly observed in antibody-negative patients (4%) compared with antibody-positive patients (13%), with a greater incidence in those with higher titre antibodies.

Examination of antibody-positive specimens revealed no significant cross-reactivity with similar endogenous peptides (glucagon or GLP-1).

Rapid weight loss

In a 30-week study, approximately 3% (n=4/148) of prolonged-release exenatide-treated patients experienced at least one time period of rapid weight loss (recorded body weight loss between two consecutive study visits of greater than 1.5 kg/week).

Increased heart rate

A mean increase in heart rate (HR) of 2.6 beats per minute (bpm) from baseline (74 bpm) was observed in pooled prolonged-release exenatide clinical studies. Fifteen percent of prolonged-release exenatide treated patients had mean increases in HR of > 10 bpm; approximately 5% to 10% of subjects within the other treatment groups had mean increases in HR of > 10 bpm.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via:

United Kingdom

Yellow Card Scheme

Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

Ireland

HPRA Pharmacovigilance

Earlsfort Terrace

IRL - Dublin 2

Tel: +353 1 6764971

Fax: +353 1 6762517

Website: www.hpra.ie

e-mail: [email protected]

Malta

ADR Reporting

Website: www.medicinesauthority.gov.mt/adrportal

Preclinical safety data

Non-clinical data reveal no special hazards for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeat-dose toxicity, or genotoxicity conducted with immediate-release exenatide or prolonged-release exenatide.

In a 104-week carcinogenicity study with prolonged-release exenatide a statistically significant increase in thyroid C-cell tumour incidence (adenomas and / or carcinomas) was observed in rats at all doses (1.4- to 26 - fold the human clinical exposure with prolonged-release exenatide). The human relevance of these findings is currently unknown.

Animal studies with exenatide did not indicate harmful effects with respect to fertility; high doses of exenatide caused skeletal effects and reduced foetal and neonatal growth.

Therapeutic indications

Bydureon is indicated in adults 18 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycaemic control in combination with other glucose-lowering medicinal products including basal insulin, when the therapy in use, together with diet and exercise, does not provide adequate glycaemic control (see section 4.4, 4.5 and 5.1 for available data on different combinations).

Pharmacotherapeutic group

Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues, ATC code: A10BJ01.

Mechanism of action

Exenatide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that exhibits several antihyperglycaemic actions of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). The amino acid sequence of exenatide partially overlaps that of human GLP-1. Exenatide has been shown to bind to and activate the known human GLP-1 receptor in vitro, its mechanism of action mediated by cyclic AMP and/or other intracellular signalling pathways.

Exenatide increases, on a glucose-dependent basis, the secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta cells. As blood glucose concentrations decrease, insulin secretion subsides. When exenatide was used in combination with metformin and/or a thiazolidinedione, no increase in the incidence of hypoglycaemia was observed over that of placebo in combination with metformin and/or a thiazolidinedione which may be due to this glucose-dependent insulinotropic mechanism.

Exenatide suppresses glucagon secretion which is known to be inappropriately elevated in patients with type 2 diabetes. Lower glucagon concentrations lead to decreased hepatic glucose output. However, exenatide does not impair the normal glucagon response and other hormone responses to hypoglycaemia.

Exenatide slows gastric emptying thereby reducing the rate at which meal-derived glucose appears in the circulation.

Administration of exenatide has been shown to reduce food intake, due to decreased appetite and increased satiety.

Pharmacodynamic effects

Exenatide improves glycaemic control through the sustained effects of lowering both postprandial and fasting glucose concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes. Unlike native GLP-1, prolonged-release exenatide has a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile in humans suitable for once weekly administration.

A pharmacodynamic study with exenatide demonstrated in patients with type 2 diabetes (n=13) a restoration of first phase insulin secretion and improved second phase insulin secretion in response to an intravenous bolus of glucose.

Clinical efficacy and safety

The results of long-term clinical studies of prolonged-release exenatide are presented below; these studies comprised 1356 subjects treated with prolonged-release exenatide, 52% men and 48% women, 230 subjects (17%) were > 65 years of age.

Glycaemic control

In two studies prolonged-release exenatide 2 mg once weekly has been compared to immediate-release exenatide 5 mcg given twice daily for 4 weeks followed by immediate-release exenatide 10 mcg given twice daily. One study was of 24 weeks in duration (n= 252) and the other of 30 weeks (n= 295) followed by an open labelled extension where all patients were treated with prolonged-release exenatide 2 mg once weekly for a further 7 years (n= 258). In both studies, decreases in HbA1c were evident in both treatment groups as early as the first post-treatment HbA1c measurement (weeks 4 or 6).

Prolonged-release exenatide resulted in a statistically significant reduction in HbA1c compared to patients receiving immediate-release exenatide (Table 2).

A clinically relevant effect of prolonged-release exenatide and immediate-release exenatide treated subjects was observed on HbA1c, regardless of the background anti-diabetic therapy in both studies.

Clinically and statistically significantly more subjects on prolonged-release compared to immediate-release exenatide patients achieved an HbA1c reduction of ≤ 7 % or < 7 % in the two studies (p < 0.05 and p ≤ 0.0001 respectively).

Both prolonged-release and immediate-release exenatide patients achieved a reduction in weight compared to baseline, although the difference between the two treatment arms was not significant.

In the uncontrolled study extension, evaluable patients who switched from immediate release to prolonged-release exenatide at week 30 (n=121), achieved the same improvement in HbA1c of -2.0% at week 52 compared to baseline as patients treated with prolonged-release exenatide.

For all patients completing the uncontrolled study extension of 7 years (n=122 of 258 patients included in the extension phase), HbA1c gradually increased over time from week 52 onwards, but was still reduced compared to baseline after 7 years (-1.1%). Weight loss was sustained over 7 years in these patients.

Table 2: Results of two trials of prolonged-release versus immediate-release exenatide in combination with diet and exercise alone, metformin and/or sulphonylurea and metformin and/or thiazolidinedione (intent to treat patients)

SE = standard error, CI= confidence interval, * p < 0.05, **p < 0.0001

A study of 26-week duration has been conducted, in which prolonged-release exenatide 2 mg is compared to insulin glargine once daily. Prolonged-release exenatide demonstrated a superior change in HbA1c compared to insulin glargine. Compared with insulin glargine treatment, prolonged-release exenatide treatment significantly lowered mean body weight and was associated with fewer hypoglycaemic events (Table 3).

Table 3: Results of one 26-week trial of prolonged-release exenatide versus insulin glargine in combination with metformin alone or metformin and sulphonylurea (intent to treat patients)

SE = standard error, CI= confidence interval, * p < 0.05

1 Insulin glargine was dosed to a target glucose concentration of 4.0 to 5.5 mmol/l (72 to 100 mg/dl). The mean dose of insulin glargine at the beginning of treatment was 10.1 IU/day rising to 31.1 IU/day for insulin glargine-treated patients.

The 156-week results were consistent with those previously reported in the 26-week interim report. Treatment with prolonged-release exenatide persistently significantly improved glycaemic control and weight control, compared to the insulin glargine treatment. Safety findings at 156 weeks were consistent with those reported at 26 weeks.

In a 26-week double-blind study prolonged-release exenatide was compared to maximum daily doses of sitagliptin and pioglitazone in subjects also using metformin. All treatment groups had a significant reduction in HbA1c compared to baseline. Prolonged-release exenatide demonstrated superiority to both sitagliptin and pioglitazone with respect to change in HbA1c from baseline.

Prolonged-release exenatide demonstrated significantly greater weight reductions compared to sitagliptin. Patients on pioglitazone gained weight (Table 4).

Table 4: Results of one 26-week trial of prolonged-release exenatide versus sitagliptin and versus pioglitazone in combination with metformin (intent to treat patients)

SE = standard error, CI= confidence interval), * p < 0.05, **p< 0.0001

In a 28-week, double-blind study, the combination of prolonged-release exenatide and dapagliflozin was compared to prolonged-release exenatide alone and dapagliflozin alone in subjects also using metformin. All treatment groups had a reduction in HbA1c compared to baseline. The prolonged-release exenatide and dapagliflozin treatment group showed superior reductions in HbA1c from baseline compared to prolonged-release exenatide alone and dapagliflozin alone (Table 5).

The combination of prolonged-release exenatide and dapagliflozin demonstrated significantly greater weight reductions compared to either agent alone (Table 5).

Table 5: Results of one 28-week trial of prolonged-release exenatide and dapagliflozin versus prolonged-release exenatide alone and dapagliflozin alone, in combination with metformin (intent to treat patients)

QW=once weekly, QD=once daily, SE = standard error, CI= confidence interval, N=number of patients.

a Adjusted least squares means (LS Means) and treatment group difference(s) in the change from baseline values at Week 28 are modelled using a mixed model with repeated measures (MMRM) including treatment, region, baseline HbA1c stratum (< 9.0 % or > 9.0 %), week, and treatment by week interaction as fixed factors, and baseline value as a covariate.

*p < 0.01, **p < 0.001.

P-values are all adjusted p-values for multiplicity.

Analyses exclude measurements post rescue therapy and post premature discontinuation of study medicinal product.

In a 28-week double-blind study, prolonged-release exenatide added to insulin glargine alone or with metformin was compared to placebo added to insulin glargine alone or with metformin. Insulin glargine was dosed targeting a fasting plasma glucose of 4.0 to 5.5 mmol/l (72 to 99 mg/dl). Prolonged-release exenatide demonstrated superiority to placebo in reducing HbA1c from baseline to Week 28 (Table 6).

Prolonged-release exenatide was superior to placebo in reducing body weight at Week 28 (Table 6).

Table 6: Results of one 28-week trial of prolonged-release exenatide versus placebo in combination with insulin glargine alone or with metformin (intent to treat patients)

N=number of patients in each treatment group, SE = standard error, CI= confidence interval, *p-value <0.001 (adjusted for multiplicity).

a. The LS means change in mean daily insulin dose was 1.6 units for the prolonged-release exenatide group and 3.6 units for the placebo group.

b. Adjusted LS means and treatment group difference(s) in the change from baseline values at Week 28 are modeled using a mixed model with repeated measures (MMRM) including treatment, region, baseline HbA1c stratum (<9.0% or >9.0%), baseline SU-use stratum (yes vs. no), week, and treatment by week interaction as fixed factors, and baseline value as a covariate. The absolute change in 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose at Week 28 is modeled similarly using ANCOVA.

c. All patients with missing endpoint data are imputed as non-responders.

d. After a standard meal tolerance test.

Analyses exclude measurements post rescue therapy and post premature discontinuation of study medication.

Body weight

A reduction in body weight compared to baseline has been observed in all prolonged-release exenatide studies. In the 4 comparator-controlled studies, this reduction in body weight was seen in patients treated with prolonged-release exenatide irrespective of the occurrence of nausea although the reduction was larger in the group with nausea (mean reduction of -2.9 kg to -5.2 kg with nausea versus -2.2 kg to -2.9 kg without nausea).

In the 4 comparator-controlled studies, the proportion of patients who had both a reduction in weight and HbA1c ranged from 70 to 79 % (the proportion of patients who had a reduction of HbA1c ranged from 88 to 96 %).

Plasma/serum glucose

Treatment with prolonged-release exenatide resulted in significant reductions in fasting plasma/serum glucose concentrations, these reductions were observed as early as 4 weeks. In the placebo-controlled study with insulin glargine, the change from baseline to Week 28 in fasting plasma glucose was -0.7 mmol/l for the prolonged-release exenatide group and -0.1 mmol/l for the placebo group.

Additional reductions in postprandial concentrations were also observed. The improvement in fasting plasma glucose concentrations was durable through 52 weeks.

Beta-cell function

Clinical studies with prolonged-release exenatide have indicated improved beta-cell function, using measures such as the homeostasis model assessments (HOMA-B). The durability of effect on beta-cell function was maintained through 52 weeks.

Blood pressure

A reduction in systolic blood pressure was observed in the 4 comparator-controlled prolonged-release exenatide studies (2.9 mmHg to 4.7 mmHg). In the 30 week immediate-release exenatide comparator study both prolonged-release and immediate-release exenatide significantly reduced systolic blood pressure from base line (4.7±1.1 mmHg and 3.4±1.1 mmHg respectively) the difference between the treatments was not significant. Improvements in blood pressure were maintained through 52 weeks.

In the placebo-controlled study with insulin glargine, the change from baseline to Week 28 in systolic blood pressure was -2.6 mmHg for the prolonged-release exenatide group and -0.7 mmHg for the placebo group.

Treatment with prolonged-release exenatide and dapagliflozin combination at Week 28 resulted in a significant mean change reduction of -4.3±0.8 mmHg in systolic blood pressure compared to prolonged-release exenatide alone of -1.2±0.8 mmHg (p<0.01) or to dapagliflozin alone of -1.8±0.8 mmHg (p<0.05).

Fasting lipids

Prolonged-release exenatide has shown no adverse effects on lipid parameters.

Paediatric population

The European Medicines Agency has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies with prolonged-release exenatide in one or more subsets of the paediatric population in type 2 diabetes mellitus (see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use).

Pharmacokinetic properties

The absorption properties of exenatide reflect the extended release properties of the prolonged-release exenatide formulation. Once absorbed into the circulation, exenatide is distributed and eliminated according to its known systemic pharmacokinetic properties (as described in this section).

Absorption

Following weekly administration of 2 mg prolonged-release exenatide, mean exenatide concentrations exceeded minimal efficacious concentrations (~ 50 pg/ml) in 2 weeks with gradual increase in the average plasma exenatide concentration over 6 to 7 weeks. Subsequently, exenatide concentrations of approximately 300 pg/ml were maintained indicating that steady-state was achieved. Steady-state exenatide concentrations are maintained during the one-week interval between doses with minimal peak to trough fluctuation from this average therapeutic concentration.

Distribution

The mean apparent volume of distribution of exenatide following subcutaneous administration of a single dose of exenatide is 28 l.

Biotransformation and elimination

Nonclinical studies have shown that exenatide is predominantly eliminated by glomerular filtration with subsequent proteolytic degradation. The mean apparent clearance of exenatide is 9 l/h. These pharmacokinetic characteristics of exenatide are independent of the dose. Approximately 10 weeks after discontinuation of prolonged-release exenatide therapy, mean plasma exenatide concentrations fell below minimal detectable concentrations.

Special populations

Renal impairment

Population pharmacokinetic analysis of renal impaired patients receiving 2 mg prolonged-release exenatide indicate that there may be an increase in systemic exposure of approximately 74 % and 23 % (median prediction in each group) in moderate (N=10) and mild (N=56) renal impaired patients, respectively as compared to normal (N=84) renal function patients.

Hepatic insufficiency

No pharmacokinetic study has been performed in patients with hepatic insufficiency. Exenatide is cleared primarily by the kidney, therefore, hepatic dysfunction is not expected to affect blood concentrations of exenatide.

Gender, race and body weight

Gender, race and body weight have no clinically relevant influence on exenatide pharmacokinetics.

Elderly

Data in elderly are limited, but suggest no marked changes in exenatide exposure with increased age up to about 75 years old.

In a pharmacokinetic study of immediate-release exenatide in patients with type 2 diabetes, administration of exenatide (10 mcg) resulted in a mean increase of exenatide AUC by 36 % in 15 elderly subjects aged 75 to 85 years compared to 15 subjects aged 45 to 65 years likely related to reduced renal function in the older age group.

Paediatric population

In a single-dose pharmacokinetic study of immediate-release exenatide in 13 patients with type 2 diabetes and between the ages of 12 and 16 years, administration of exenatide (5 mcg) resulted in slightly lower mean AUC (16 % lower) and Cmax (25 % lower) compared to those observed in adults. No pharmacokinetics study of prolonged-release exenatide has been conducted in the paediatric population.

Date of revision of the text

10th November 2017

Name of the medicinal product

Bydureon 2 mg powder and solvent for prolonged-release suspension for injection in pre-filled pen

Marketing authorisation holder

AstraZeneca AB

SE-151 85 Södertälje

Sweden

Special precautions for storage

Store in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C).

Do not freeze.

The pens may be kept for up to 4 weeks below 30°C prior to use. At the end of this period the pens must be used or discarded.

Store in the original package in order to protect from light.

Nature and contents of container

Each dual-chamber pen contains exenatide powder and solvent in a Type 1 glass cartridge sealed at one end with a chlorobutyl rubber stopper and an aluminium seal, and at the other end with a chlorobutyl rubber piston. The two chambers are separated by a second chlorobutyl rubber piston. There is one needle supplied per pen. Each carton also contains one spare needle. Use only the supplied needles with the pen.

Pack size of 4 single-dose pre-filled pens and a multipack containing 12 (3 packs of 4) single-dose pre-filled pens.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing authorisation number(s)

EU/1/11/696/003 4 pre-filled pens

EU/1/11/696/004 3 x 4 pre-filled pens

Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Women of childbearing potential

Due to the long washout period of prolonged-release exenatide, women of childbearing potential should use contraception during treatment with prolonged-release exenatide. Prolonged-release exenatide should be discontinued at least 3 months before a planned pregnancy.

Pregnancy

There are no adequate data from the use of prolonged-release exenatide in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity. The potential risk for humans is unknown. Prolonged-release exenatide should not be used during pregnancy and the use of insulin is recommended.

Breast-feeding

It is unknown whether exenatide is excreted in human milk. Prolonged-release exenatide should not be used during breast-feeding.

Fertility

No fertility studies in humans have been conducted.

Qualitative and quantitative composition

Each pre-filled pen contains 2 mg of exenatide. After suspension, each pen delivers a dose of 2 mg in 0.65 ml.

Special warnings and precautions for use

Prolonged-release exenatide should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Prolonged-release exenatide must not be administered by intravenous or intramuscular injection.

Renal impairment

In patients with end-stage renal disease receiving dialysis, single doses of immediate-release exenatide increased frequency and severity of gastrointestinal adverse reactions; therefore, prolonged-release exenatide is not recommended for use in patients with end-stage renal disease or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min). The clinical experience in patients with moderate renal impairment is very limited and the use of prolonged-release exenatide is not recommended.

There have been uncommon events of altered renal function with exenatide, including increased serum creatinine, renal impairment, worsened chronic renal failure and acute renal failure, sometimes requiring haemodialysis. Some of these events occurred in patients experiencing events that may affect hydration, including nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhoea and/or receiving medicinal products known to affect renal function/hydration status. Concomitant medicinal products included angiotensin converting enzymes inhibitors, angiotensin-II antagonists, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicinal products and diuretics. Reversibility of altered renal function has been observed with supportive treatment and discontinuation of potentially causative agents, including exenatide.

Severe gastrointestinal disease

Prolonged-release exenatide has not been studied in patients with severe gastrointestinal disease, including gastroparesis. Its use is commonly associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Therefore, the use of prolonged-release exenatide is not recommended in patients with severe gastrointestinal disease.

Acute pancreatitis

Use of GLP-1 receptor agonists has been associated with a risk of developing acute pancreatitis. There have been spontaneously reported events of acute pancreatitis with prolonged-release exenatide. Resolution of pancreatitis has been observed with supportive treatment, but very rare cases of necrotising or haemorrhagic pancreatitis and/or death have been reported. Patients should be informed of the characteristic symptom of acute pancreatitis: persistent, severe abdominal pain. If pancreatitis is suspected, prolonged-release exenatide should be discontinued; if acute pancreatitis is confirmed, prolonged-release exenatide should not be restarted. Caution should be exercised in patients with a history of pancreatitis.

Concomitant medicinal products

The concurrent use of prolonged-release exenatide with D-phenylalanine derivatives (meglitinides), alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors or other GLP-1 receptor agonists has not been studied. The concurrent use of prolonged-release and immediate-release exenatide has not been studied and is not recommended.

Interaction with warfarin

There have been spontaneously reported cases of increased INR (International Normalized Ratio), sometimes associated with bleeding, with concomitant use of warfarin and exenatide.

Hypoglycaemia

The risk of hypoglycaemia was increased when prolonged-release exenatide was used in combination with a sulphonylurea in clinical trials. Furthermore, in the clinical studies, patients on a sulphonylurea combination, with mild renal impairment had an increased incidence of hypoglycaemia compared to patients with normal renal function. To reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia associated with the use of a sulphonylurea, reduction in the dose of sulphonylurea should be considered.

Rapid weight loss

Rapid weight loss at a rate of >1.5 kg per week has been reported in patients treated with exenatide. Weight loss of this rate may have harmful consequences. Patients with rapid weight loss should be monitored for signs and symptoms of cholelithiasis.

Discontinuation of treatment

After discontinuation, the effect of prolonged-release exenatide may continue as plasma levels of exenatide decline over 10 weeks. Choice of other medicinal products and dose selection should be considered accordingly, as adverse reactions may continue and efficacy may, at least partly, persist until exenatide levels decline.

Excipients

Sodium content: This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, i.e. essentially “sodium-free”.

Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Prolonged-release exenatide has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. When prolonged-release exenatide is used in combination with a sulphonylurea, patients should be advised to take precautions to avoid hypoglycaemia while driving and using machines.

Dosage (Posology) and method of administration

Posology

The recommended dose is 2 mg exenatide once weekly.

Patients switching from immediate-release (Byetta) to prolonged-release exenatide may experience transient elevations in blood glucose concentrations, which generally improve within the first two weeks after initiation of therapy.

When prolonged-release exenatide is added to existing metformin and/or thiazolidinedione therapy, the current dose of metformin and/or thiazolidinedione can be continued. When prolonged-release exenatide is added to sulphonylurea therapy, a reduction in the dose of sulphonylurea should be considered to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia.

Prolonged-release exenatide should be administered once a week on the same day each week. The day of weekly administration can be changed if necessary as long as the next dose is administered at least one day (24 hours) later. Prolonged-release exenatide can be administered at any time of day, with or without meals.

If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as practical. For the next injection patients can return to their chosen injection day. However, only one injection should be taken in a 24-hour period.

The use of prolonged-release exenatide does not require additional self-monitoring. Blood glucose self-monitoring may be necessary to adjust the dose of sulphonylurea.

If a different glucose-lowering treatment is started after the discontinuation of prolonged-release exenatide, consideration should be given to the prolonged release of the product.

Special populations

Elderly

No dose adjustment is required based on age. However, as renal function generally declines with age, consideration should be given to the patient's renal function (see patients with renal impairment). The clinical experience in patients > 75 years is very limited.

Renal impairment

No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance 50 to 80 ml/min). Clinical experience in patients with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30 to 50 ml/min) is very limited. Prolonged-release exenatide is not recommended in these patients.

Prolonged-release exenatide is not recommended for use in patients with end-stage renal disease or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min).

Hepatic impairment

No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with hepatic impairment.

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of prolonged-release exenatide in children and adolescents aged under 18 years have not yet been established.

Method of administration

Prolonged-release exenatide is for self-administration by the patient. Each pen should be used by one person only and is for single use.

Prior to initiation of prolonged-release exenatide, it is strongly recommended that patients and caregivers be trained by their healthcare professional. The “Instructions for the User”, provided in the carton, must be followed carefully.

Each dose should be administered in the abdomen, thigh, or the back of the upper arm as a subcutaneous injection immediately after suspension of the powder in the solvent.

When used with insulin, prolonged-release exenatide and insulin must be administered as two separate injections.

“Instructions for the User”.

Special precautions for disposal and other handling

Pre-filled pen is for single-use only.

The powder in one chamber must be mixed with the solvent in the other chamber of the pre-filled pen. The solvent should be visually inspected prior to use. The solvent should only be used if it is clear and free of particulate matter. After suspension, the mixture should only be used if it is white to off white and cloudy. Please see the package leaflet and “Instructions for the User” for additional information on suspension and administration.

Use only the supplied custom needles with the pen.

Prolonged-release exenatide must be injected subcutaneously immediately after mixing of the powder and the solvent.

Prolonged-release exenatide that has been frozen must not be used.

The patient should be instructed to discard the pen safely, with the needle still attached, after each injection.

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

Date of first authorisation/renewal of the authorisation

Date of first authorisation: 17 June 2011

Date of latest renewal: 18th February 2016

Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Sulphonylureas

The dose of a sulphonylurea may require adjustment due to the increased risk of hypoglycaemia associated with sulphonylurea therapy.

Gastric emptying

The results of a study using paracetamol as a marker of gastric emptying suggest that the effect of prolonged-release exenatide to slow gastric emptying is minor and not expected to cause clinically significant reductions in the rate and extent of absorption of concomitantly administered oral medicinal products. Therefore, no dose adjustments for medicinal products sensitive to delayed gastric emptying are required.

When 1,000 mg paracetamol tablets were administered, either with or without a meal, following 14 weeks of prolonged-release exenatide therapy, no significant changes in paracetamol AUC were observed compared to the control period. Paracetamol Cmax decreased by 16 % (fasting) and 5 % (fed) and tmax was increased from approximately 1 hour in the control period to 1.4 hours (fasting) and 1.3 hours (fed).

The following interaction studies have been conducted using 10 mcg immediate-release exenatide but not prolonged-release exenatide:

Warfarin

A delay in tmax of about 2 h was observed when warfarin was administered 35 min after immediate-release exenatide. No clinically relevant effects on Cmax or AUC were observed. Increased INR has been spontaneously reported during concomitant use of warfarin and prolonged-release exenatide. INR should be monitored during initiation of prolonged-release exenatide therapy in patients on warfarin and/or cumarol derivatives.

Hydroxy methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors

Lovastatin AUC and Cmax were decreased approximately 40 % and 28 %, respectively, and tmax was delayed about 4 h when immediate-release exenatide was administered concomitantly with a single dose of lovastatin (40 mg) compared with lovastatin administered alone. In 30-week placebo-controlled clinical trials with immediate-release exenatide, concomitant use of exenatide and HMG CoA reductase inhibitors was not associated with consistent changes in lipid profiles. No predetermined dose adjustment is required; however lipid profiles should be monitored as appropriate.

Digoxin and lisinopril

In interaction studies of the effect of immediate-release exenatide on digoxin and lisinopril there were no clinical relevant effects on Cmax or AUC, however a delay in tmax of about 2 h was observed.

Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel

Administration of a combination oral contraceptive (30 mcg ethinyl estradiol plus 150 mcg levonorgestrel) one hour before immediate-release exenatide did not alter the AUC, Cmax or Cmin of either ethinyl estradiol or levonorgestrel. Administration of the oral contraceptive 35 minutes after exenatide did not affect AUC but resulted in a reduction of the Cmax of ethinyl estradiol by 45 %, and Cmax of levonorgestrel by 27-41 %, and a delay in tmax by 2-4 h due to delayed gastric emptying. The reduction in Cmax is of limited clinical relevance and no adjustment of dosing of oral contraceptives is required.

Paediatric population

Interaction studies with exenatide have only been performed in adults.