FORTAMET (metformin hydrochloride) tablet, film coated, extended release

• Swallow FORTAMET whole and never crush, cut or chew.
• The recommended starting dose of FORTAMET is 500 mg orally once daily with the evening meal.
• Increase the dose in increments of 500 mg weekly on the basis of glycemic control and tolerability, up to a maximum of 2,000 mg once daily with the evening meal.
• If glycemic control is not achieved with FORTAMET 2,000 mg once daily, consider a trial of FORTAMET 1,000 mg twice daily.
• Patients receiving metformin hydrochloride (HCl) may be switched to FORTAMET once daily at the same total daily dose, up to 2,000 mg once daily.

• Assess renal function prior to initiation of FORTAMET and periodically thereafter.
• FORTAMET is contraindicated in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m².
• Initiation of FORTAMET in patients with an eGFR between 30 to 45 mL/minute/1.73 m² is not recommended.
• In patients taking FORTAMET whose eGFR later falls below 45 mL/min/1.73 m², assess the benefit risk of continuing therapy.
• Discontinue FORTAMET if the patient’s eGFR later falls below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m² [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1) ] .

Discontinue FORTAMET at the time of, or prior to, an iodinated contrast imaging procedure in patients with an eGFR between 30 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m²; in patients with a history of liver disease, alcoholism, or heart failure; or in patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast. Re-evaluate eGFR 48 hours after the imaging procedure; restart FORTAMET if renal function is stable.

 

There have been postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis, including fatal cases. These cases had a subtle onset and were accompanied by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, abdominal pain, respiratory distress, or increased somnolence; however, hypotension and resistant bradyarrhythmias have occurred with severe acidosis. Metformin­ associated lactic acidosis was characterized by elevated blood lactate concentrations (>5 mmol/L), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), and an increased lactate: pyruvate ratio; metformin plasma levels were generally >5 mcg/mL. Metformin decreases liver uptake of lactate increasing lactate blood levels which may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, especially in patients at risk.

If metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected, general supportive measures should be instituted promptly in a hospital setting, along with immediate discontinuation of FORTAMET. In FORTAMET treated patients with a diagnosis or strong suspicion of lactic acidosis, prompt hemodialysis is recommended to correct the acidosis and remove accumulated metformin (metformin HCl is dialyzable with a clearance of up to 170 mL/min under good hemodynamic conditions). Hemodialysis has often resulted in reversal of symptoms and recovery.

Educate patients and their families about the symptoms of lactic acidosis and, if these symptoms occur, instruct them to discontinue FORTAMET and report these symptoms to their healthcare provider.

For each of the known and possible risk factors for metformin-associated lactic acidosis, recommendations to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis are provided below:

• Renal impairment — The postmarketing metformin-associated lactic acidosis cases primarily occurred in patients with significant renal impairment.

The risk of metformin accumulation and metformin-associated lactic acidosis increases with the severity of renal impairment because metformin is substantially excreted by the kidney. Clinical recommendations based upon the patient’s renal function include [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]:

• Before initiating FORTAMET, obtain an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
• FORTAMET is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m² [see Contraindications (4)].
• Initiation of FORTAMET is not recommended in patients with eGFR between 30 to 45 mL/min/1.73 m².
• Obtain an eGFR at least annually in all patients taking FORTAMET. In patients at risk for the development of renal impairment (e.g., the elderly), renal function should be assessed more frequently.
• In patients taking FORTAMET whose eGFR falls below 45 mL/min/1.73 m², assess the benefit and risk of continuing therapy.

• Drug interactions — The concomitant use of FORTAMET with specific drugs may increase the risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis: those that impair renal function, result in significant hemodynamic change, interfere with acid-base balance, or increase metformin accumulation [see Drug Interactions (7)]. Consider more frequent monitoring of patients.

• Age 65 or greater — The risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis increases with the patient’s age because elderly patients have a greater likelihood of having hepatic, renal, or cardiac impairment than younger patients. Assess renal function more frequently in elderly patients.
• Radiologic studies with contrast — Administration of intravascular iodinated contrast agents in metformin-treated patients has led to an acute decrease in renal function and the occurrence of lactic acidosis. Stop FORTAMET at the time of, or prior to, an iodinated contrast imaging procedure in patients with an eGFR between 30 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m²; in patients with a history of hepatic impairment, alcoholism or heart failure; or in patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast. Re-evaluate eGFR 48 hours after the imaging procedure, and restart FORTAMET if renal function is stable.
• Surgery and other procedures — Withholding of food and fluids during surgical or other procedures may increase the risk for volume depletion, hypotension, and renal impairment.  FORTAMET should be temporarily discontinued while patients have restricted food and fluid intake.
• Hypoxic states — Several of the postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis occurred in the setting of acute congestive heart failure (particularly when accompanied by hypoperfusion and hypoxemia). Cardiovascular collapse (shock), acute myocardial infarction, sepsis, and other conditions associated with hypoxemia have been associated with lactic acidosis and may cause prerenal azotemia. When such an event occurs, discontinue FORTAMET.
• Excessive alcohol intake — Alcohol potentiates the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism. Patients should be warned against excessive alcohol intake while receiving FORTAMET.
• Hepatic impairment — Patients with hepatic impairment have developed cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis. This may be due to impaired lactate clearance resulting in higher lactate blood levels. Therefore, avoid use of FORTAMET in patients with clinical or laboratory evidence of hepatic disease.

In clinical trials of 29-week duration with metformin HCl tablets, a decrease to subnormal levels of previously normal serum vitamin B₁₂ levels was observed in approximately 7% of patients. Such decrease, possibly due to interference with B₁₂ absorption from the B₁₂-intrinsic factor complex, may be associated with anemia but appears to be rapidly reversible with discontinuation of metformin or vitamin B₁₂ supplementation. Certain individuals (those with inadequate vitamin B₁₂ or calcium intake or absorption) appear to be predisposed to developing subnormal vitamin B₁₂ levels. Measure hematologic parameters on an annual basis and vitamin B₁₂ at 2 to 3 year intervals in patients on FORTAMET and manage any abnormalities [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Insulin and insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylurea) are known to cause hypoglycemia. FORTAMET may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when combined with insulin and/or an insulin secretagogue. Therefore, a lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue may be required to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia when used in combination with FORTAMET [see Drug Interactions (7)].

There have been no clinical studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with FORTAMET.

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.

In placebo-controlled trials, 781 patients were administered metformin HCl extended-release tablets. Adverse reactions reported in greater than 5% of the patients treated with metformin HCl extended-release tablets and that were more common than in placebo-treated patients are listed in Table 1.

Table 1: Adverse Reactions from Clinical Trials of Metformin HCl Extended-Release Tablets Occurring >5% and More Common than Placebo in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Diarrhea led to the discontinuation of metformin HCl extended-release tablets in 0.6% of patients. Additionally, the following adverse reactions were reported in 1.0% to 5.0% of patients treated with metformin HCl extended-release tablets and were more commonly reported than in placebo-treated patients: abdominal pain, constipation, abdomen distention, dyspepsia/heartburn, flatulence, dizziness, headache, upper respiratory infection, taste disturbance.

Laboratory Tests

Vitamin B₁₂ Concentrations

In clinical trials of 29-week duration with metformin HCl tablets, a decrease to subnormal levels of previously normal serum vitamin B12 levels was observed in approximately 7% of patients.

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of metformin. 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.

Cholestatic, hepatocellular, and mixed hepatocellular liver injury have been reported with postmarketing use of metformin.

Risk Summary

Limited data with FORTAMET in pregnant women are not sufficient to determine a drug-associated risk for major birth defects or miscarriage. Published studies with metformin use during pregnancy have not reported a clear association with metformin and major birth defect or miscarriage risk [see Data]. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus in pregnancy [see Clinical Considerations].

No adverse developmental effects were observed when metformin was administered to pregnant Sprague Dawley rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 2- and 5­ times, respectively, a 2550 mg clinical dose, based on body surface area [see Data].

The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6 to 10% in women with pre-gestational diabetes mellitus with an HbA1C >7 and has been reported to be as high as 20 to 25% in women with a HbA1C >10. The estimated background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations

Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk

Poorly-controlled diabetes mellitus in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, stillbirth and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia related morbidity.

Data

Human Data

Published data from post-marketing studies have not reported a clear association with metformin and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes when metformin was 

used during pregnancy. However, these studies cannot definitely establish the absence of any metformin-associated risk because of methodological limitations, including small sample size and inconsistent comparator groups.

Animal Data

Metformin HCl did not adversely affect development outcomes when administered to pregnant rats and rabbits at doses up to 600 mg/kg/day. This represents an exposure of about 2 and 5 times a 2550 mg clinical dose based on body surface area comparisons for rats and rabbits, respectively. Determination of fetal concentrations demonstrated a partial placental barrier to metformin.

Risk Summary

Limited published studies report that metformin is present in human milk [see Data]. However, there is insufficient information to determine the effects of metformin on the breastfed infant and no available information on the effects of metformin on milk production. Therefore, the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for FORTAMET and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from FORTAMET or from the underlying maternal condition.

Data

Published clinical lactation studies report that metformin is present in human milk which resulted in infant doses approximately 0.11% to 1% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage and a milk/plasma ratio ranging between 0.13 and 1. However, the studies were not designed to definitely establish the risk of use of metformin during lactation because of small sample size and limited adverse event data collected in infants.

Discuss the potential for unintended pregnancy with premenopausal women as therapy with FORTAMET may result in ovulation in some anovulatory women.

Safety and effectiveness of FORTAMET in pediatric patients have not been established.

Controlled clinical studies of FORTAMET did not include sufficient numbers of elderly patients to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy and the higher risk of lactic acidosis. Assess renal function more frequently in elderly patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Metformin is substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of metformin accumulation and lactic acidosis increases with the degree of renal impairment. FORTAMET is contraindicated in severe renal impairment, patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 30 mL/min/1.73 m² [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Use of metformin in patients with hepatic impairment has been associated with some cases of lactic acidosis. FORTAMET is not recommended in patients with hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Metformin is an antihyperglycemic agent which improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. With metformin therapy, insulin secretion remains unchanged while fasting insulin levels and day-long plasma insulin response may decrease.

Absorption

In a multiple-dose crossover study, 23 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were administered either FORTAMET 2,000 mg once a day (after dinner) or metformin HCl tablets 1,000 mg twice a day (after breakfast and after dinner). After 4 weeks of treatment, steady-state pharmacokinetic parameters, area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), time to peak plasma concentration (T_max), and maximum concentration (C_max) were evaluated. The appearance of metformin in plasma from FORTAMET is slower and more prolonged compared to metformin HCl tablets. Results are presented in Table 3.

*Immediate-release metformin HCl tablets

In four single-dose studies and one multiple-dose study, the bioavailability of FORTAMET 2,000 mg given once daily, in the evening, under fed conditions [as measured by AUC] was similar to the same total daily dose administered as metformin HCl tablets 1,000 mg given twice daily. The geometric mean ratios (FORTAMET/ metformin HCL tablets) of AUC_0-24hr, AUC_0-72hr, and AUC_0-inf for these five studies ranged from 0.96 to 1.08.

In a single-dose, four-period replicate crossover design study, comparing two 500 mg FORTAMET tablets to one 1,000 mg FORTAMET tablet administered in the evening with food to 29 healthy male subjects, two 500 mg FORTAMET tablets were found to be equivalent to one 1,000 mg FORTAMET tablet.

In a study carried out with FORTAMET, there was a dose-associated increase in metformin exposure over 24 hours following oral administration of 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, and 2,500 mg.

In three studies with FORTAMET using different treatment regimens (2,000 mg after dinner; 1,000 mg after breakfast and after dinner; and 2,500 mg after dinner), the pharmacokinetics of metformin as measured by AUC appeared linear following multiple-dose administration.

Effect of food: The extent of metformin absorption (as measured by AUC) from FORTAMET increased by approximately 60% when given with food. When FORTAMET was administered with food, C_max was increased by approximately 30% and T_max was more prolonged compared with the fasting state (6.1 versus 4.0 hours).

Distribution

The apparent volume of distribution (V/F) of metformin following single oral doses of metformin HCl tablets 850 mg averaged 654 ± 358 L. Metformin is negligibly bound to plasma proteins. Metformin partitions into erythrocytes, most likely as a function of time.

Metabolism

Intravenous single-dose studies in normal subjects demonstrate that metformin is excreted unchanged in the urine and does not undergo hepatic metabolism (no metabolites have been identified in humans) nor biliary excretion.

Elimination

Renal clearance (see Table 4) is approximately 3.5 times greater than creatinine clearance, which indicates that tubular secretion is the major route of metformin elimination. Following oral administration, approximately 90% of the absorbed drug is eliminated via the renal route within the first 24 hours, with a plasma elimination half-life of approximately 6.2 hours. In blood, the elimination half-life is approximately 17.6 hours, suggesting that the erythrocyte mass may be a compartment of distribution.

Specific Populations

Renal Impairment

In patients with decreased renal function the plasma and blood half-life of metformin is prolonged and the renal clearance is decreased (see Table 4) [See Dosage and Administration (2.2), Contraindications (4), and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

Hepatic Impairment

No pharmacokinetic studies of metformin have been conducted in patients with hepatic impairment [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].

Geriatrics

Limited data from controlled pharmacokinetic studies of metformin HCl tablets in healthy elderly subjects suggest that total plasma clearance of metformin is decreased, the half-life is prolonged, and C_max is increased, compared to healthy young subjects. It appears that the change in metformin pharmacokinetics with aging is primarily accounted for by a change in renal function (see Table 4). [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].

Table 4:  Select Mean (±S.D.) Metformin Pharmacokinetic Parameters Following Single or Multiple Oral Doses of Metformin HCl Tablets

^a All doses given fasting except the first 18 doses of the multiple dose studies

^b Peak plasma concentration

^c Time to peak plasma concentration

^d Combined results (average means) of five studies: mean age 32 years (range 23 to 59 years)

^e Kinetic study done following dose 19, given fasting

^f Elderly subjects, mean age 71 years (range 65 to 81 years)

^g CLcr = creatinine clearance normalized to body surface area of 1.73 m²

Pediatrics

There are no available pharmacokinetic data with FORTAMET in pediatric patients.

Gender

Metformin pharmacokinetic parameters did not differ significantly between normal subjects and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus when analyzed according to gender (males=19, females=16).

Race

No studies of metformin pharmacokinetic parameters according to race have been performed.

Drug Interactions

In Vivo Assessment of Drug Interactions

Table 5:  Effect of Coadministered Drug on Plasma Metformin Systemic Exposure

^* All metformin HCl and coadministered drugs were given as single doses

^† AUC = AUC_inf

^‡ Ratio of arithmetic means

^§ At steady state with topiramate 100 mg every 12 hours and metformin 500 mg every 12 hours; AUC = AUC_0-12h

Table 6:  Effect of Metformin on Coadministered Drug Systemic Exposure

^* All metformin HCl and coadministered drugs were given as single doses

^† AUC = AUC_inf unless otherwise noted

^‡ Ratio of arithmetic means, p-value of difference <0.05

^§ AUC_{0-24 hr} reported

^¶ Ratio of arithmetic means

Long-term carcinogenicity studies have been performed in rats (dosing duration of 104 weeks) and mice (dosing duration of 91 weeks) at doses up to and including 900 mg/kg/day and 1,500 mg/kg/day, respectively. These doses are both approximately 3 times the maximum recommended human daily dose of 2550 mg based on body surface area comparisons. No evidence of carcinogenicity with metformin was found in either male or female mice. Similarly, there was no tumorigenic potential observed with metformin in male rats. There was, however, an increased incidence of benign stromal uterine polyps in female rats treated with 900 mg/kg/day.

There was no evidence of a mutagenic potential of metformin in the following in vitro tests: Ames test (S. typhimurium), gene mutation test (mouse lymphoma cells), or chromosomal aberrations test (human lymphocytes). Results in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test were also negative.

Fertility of male or female rats was unaffected by metformin when administered at doses as high as 600 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 2 times the maximum recommended human daily dose of 2550 mg based on body surface area comparisons.

FORTAMET is supplied as:

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

Keep tightly closed (protect from moisture). Protect from light.