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| Product NDC Code | 0006-0335 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Name | Belsomra |
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| Type | Brand | ||||||
| Pharm Class | Cytochrome P450 3A Inhibitors [MoA], Orexin Receptor Antagonist [EPC], Orexin Receptor Antagonists [MoA], P-Glycoprotein Inhibitors [MoA] |
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| Route | ORAL | ||||||
| Dosage Form | TABLET, FILM COATED | ||||||
| RxCUI drug identifier | 1547104, 1547110, 1547112, 1547114, 1547116, 1547118, 1547573, 1547575 |
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| Application Number | NDA204569 | ||||||
| Labeler Name | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC | ||||||
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| Check if available Online | Get Medication Prices online with Discount |
Abuse
Information about the types of abuse that can occur with the drug and adverse reactions pertinent to those types of abuse, primarily based on human data. May include descriptions of particularly susceptible patient populations.9.2 Abuse Abuse of BELSOMRA poses an increased risk of somnolence, daytime sleepiness, impaired reaction time and impaired driving skills [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Patients at risk for abuse may include those with prolonged use of BELSOMRA, those with a history of drug abuse, and those who use BELSOMRA in combination with alcohol or other abused drugs. Drug abuse is the intentional non-therapeutic use of a drug, even once, for its desirable psychological or physiological effects. Drug addiction is a cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that may include a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties in controlling drug use (e.g., continuing drug use despite harmful consequences, giving a higher priority to drug use than to other activities and obligations), and possible tolerance or physical dependence. In an abuse liability study conducted in recreational polydrug users (n=36), suvorexant (40, 80 and 150 mg) produced similar effects as zolpidem (15, 30 mg) on subjective ratings of "drug liking" and other measures of subjective drug effects. Because individuals with a history of abuse or addiction to alcohol or other drugs may be at increased risk for abuse and addiction to BELSOMRA, follow such patients carefully.
Controlled substance
Information about the schedule in which the drug is controlled by the Drug Enforcement Administration, if applicable.9.1 Controlled Substance BELSOMRA contains suvorexant, a Schedule IV controlled substance.
Dependence
Information about characteristic effects resulting from both psychological and physical dependence that occur with the drug, the quantity of drug over a period of time that may lead to tolerance or dependence, details of adverse effects related to chronic abuse and the effects of abrupt withdrawl, procedures necessary to diagnose the dependent state, and principles of treating the effects of abrupt withdrawal.9.3 Dependence Physical dependence is a state that develops as a result of physiological adaptation in response to repeated drug use, manifested by withdrawal signs and symptoms after abrupt discontinuation or a significant dose reduction of a drug. In completed clinical trials with BELSOMRA, there was no evidence for physical dependence with the prolonged use of BELSOMRA. There were no reported withdrawal symptoms after discontinuation of BELSOMRA.
Drug abuse and dependence
Information about whether the drug is a controlled substance, the types of abuse that can occur with the drug, and adverse reactions pertinent to those types of abuse.9 DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE 9.1 Controlled Substance BELSOMRA contains suvorexant, a Schedule IV controlled substance. 9.2 Abuse Abuse of BELSOMRA poses an increased risk of somnolence, daytime sleepiness, impaired reaction time and impaired driving skills [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Patients at risk for abuse may include those with prolonged use of BELSOMRA, those with a history of drug abuse, and those who use BELSOMRA in combination with alcohol or other abused drugs. Drug abuse is the intentional non-therapeutic use of a drug, even once, for its desirable psychological or physiological effects. Drug addiction is a cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that may include a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties in controlling drug use (e.g., continuing drug use despite harmful consequences, giving a higher priority to drug use than to other activities and obligations), and possible tolerance or physical dependence. In an abuse liability study conducted in recreational polydrug users (n=36), suvorexant (40, 80 and 150 mg) produced similar effects as zolpidem (15, 30 mg) on subjective ratings of "drug liking" and other measures of subjective drug effects. Because individuals with a history of abuse or addiction to alcohol or other drugs may be at increased risk for abuse and addiction to BELSOMRA, follow such patients carefully. 9.3 Dependence Physical dependence is a state that develops as a result of physiological adaptation in response to repeated drug use, manifested by withdrawal signs and symptoms after abrupt discontinuation or a significant dose reduction of a drug. In completed clinical trials with BELSOMRA, there was no evidence for physical dependence with the prolonged use of BELSOMRA. There were no reported withdrawal symptoms after discontinuation of BELSOMRA.
Overdosage of BELSOMRA
Information about signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings of acute ovedosage and the general principles of overdose treatment.10 OVERDOSAGE There is limited premarketing clinical experience with an overdosage of BELSOMRA. In clinical pharmacology studies, healthy subjects who were administered morning doses of up to 240 mg of suvorexant showed dose-dependent increases in the frequency and duration of somnolence. General symptomatic and supportive measures should be used, along with immediate gastric lavage where appropriate. Intravenous fluids should be administered as needed. As in all cases of drug overdose, vital signs should be monitored and general supportive measures employed. The value of dialysis in the treatment of overdosage has not been determined. As suvorexant is highly protein-bound, hemodialysis is not expected to contribute to elimination of suvorexant. As with the management of all overdosage, the possibility of multiple drug ingestion should be considered. Consider contacting a poison control center for up-to-date information on the management of hypnotic drug product overdosage.
Adverse reactions
Information about undesirable effects, reasonably associated with use of the drug, that may occur as part of the pharmacological action of the drug or may be unpredictable in its occurrence. Adverse reactions include those that occur with the drug, and if applicable, with drugs in the same pharmacologically active and chemically related class. There is considerable variation in the listing of adverse reactions. They may be categorized by organ system, by severity of reaction, by frequency, by toxicological mechanism, or by a combination of these.6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections: CNS Depressant Effects and Daytime Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Worsening of Depression/Suicidal Ideation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Complex Sleep Behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Sleep Paralysis, Hypnagogic/Hypnopompic Hallucinations, Cataplexy-Like Symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Patients with Compromised Respiratory Function [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] The most common adverse reaction (reported in 5% or more of patients treated with BELSOMRA and at least twice the placebo rate) with BELSOMRA was somnolence ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC at 1-877-888-4231 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 a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. In 3-month controlled efficacy trials (Study 1 and Study 2), 1263 patients were exposed to BELSOMRA including 493 patients who received BELSOMRA 15 mg or 20 mg (see Table 1 ). In a long-term study, additional patients (n=521) were treated with BELSOMRA at higher than recommended doses, including a total of 160 patients who received BELSOMRA for at least one year. Table 1: Patient Exposure to BELSOMRA 15 mg or 20 mg in Study 1 and Study 2 Patients Treated BELSOMRA 15 mg BELSOMRA 20 mg For ≥ 1 Day (n) 202 291 Men (n) 69 105 Women (n) 133 186 Mean Age (years) 70 45 For ≥ 3 Months (n) 118 172 The pooled safety data described below (see Table 2 ) reflect the adverse reaction profile during the first 3 months of treatment. Adverse Reactions Resulting in Discontinuation of Treatment The incidence of discontinuation due to adverse reactions for patients treated with 15 mg or 20 mg of BELSOMRA was 3% compared to 5% for placebo. No individual adverse reaction led to discontinuation at an incidence ≥1%. Most Common Adverse Reactions In clinical trials of patients with insomnia treated with BELSOMRA 15 mg or 20 mg, the most common adverse reaction (reported in 5% or more of patients treated with BELSOMRA and at least twice the placebo rate) was somnolence (BELSOMRA 7%; placebo 3%). Table 2 shows the percentage of patients with adverse reactions during the first three months of treatment, based on the pooled data from 3-month controlled efficacy trials (Study 1 and Study 2). At doses of 15 or 20 mg, the incidence of somnolence was higher in females (8%) than in males (3%). Of the adverse reactions reported in Table 2, the following occurred in women at an incidence of at least twice that in men: headache, abnormal dreams, dry mouth, cough, and upper respiratory tract infection. The adverse reaction profile in elderly patients was generally consistent with non-elderly patients. The adverse reactions reported during long-term treatment up to 1 year were generally consistent with those observed during the first 3 months of treatment. Table 2: Percentage of Patients with Adverse Reactions Incidence ≥2% and Greater than Placebo in 3-Month Controlled Efficacy Trials (Study 1 and Study 2) Placebo BELSOMRA (20 mg in non-elderly or 15 mg in elderly patients) n=767 n=493 Gastrointestinal Disorders Diarrhea 1 2 Dry mouth 1 2 Infections and Infestations Upper respiratory tract infection 1 2 Nervous System Disorders Headache 6 7 Somnolence 3 7 Dizziness 2 3 Psychiatric Disorders Abnormal dreams 1 2 Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders Cough 1 2 Dose Relationship for Adverse Reactions There is evidence of a dose relationship for many of the adverse reactions associated with BELSOMRA use, particularly for certain CNS adverse reactions. In a placebo-controlled crossover study (Study 3), non-elderly adult patients were treated for up to one month with BELSOMRA at doses of 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg (2 times the maximum recommended dose) or 80 mg (4 times the maximum recommended dose). In patients treated with BELSOMRA 10 mg (n=62), the types of adverse reactions observed were similar to those observed in patients treated with BELSOMRA 20 mg. BELSOMRA was associated with a dose-related increase in somnolence: 2% at the 10 mg dose, 5% at the 20 mg dose, 12% at the 40 mg dose, and 11% at the 80 mg dose, compared to <1% for placebo. BELSOMRA was also associated with a dose-related increase in serum cholesterol: 1 mg/dL at the 10 mg dose, 2 mg/dL at the 20 mg dose, 3 mg/dL at the 40 mg dose, and 6 mg/dL at the 80 mg dose after 4 weeks of treatment, compared to a 4 mg/dL decrease for placebo. Insomnia Study in Patients with Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease In a 4-week insomnia study of BELSOMRA in 285 patients (BELSOMRA n=142; placebo n=143) with mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease, the adverse reactions occurring ≥2% and greater than placebo were somnolence (4% compared to 1% for placebo), dry mouth (2% compared to 1% for placebo), and falls (2% compared to 0% for placebo) [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . 6.2 Post-Marketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of BELSOMRA. 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. Cardiac disorders : palpitations, tachycardia Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting Nervous system disorders : psychomotor hyperactivity Psychiatric disorders : anxiety Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders : pruritus
| Patients Treated | BELSOMRA 15 mg | BELSOMRA 20 mg |
|---|---|---|
| For ≥ 1 Day (n) | 202 | 291 |
| Men (n) | 69 | 105 |
| Women (n) | 133 | 186 |
| Mean Age (years) | 70 | 45 |
| For ≥ 3 Months (n) | 118 | 172 |
| Placebo | BELSOMRA (20 mg in non-elderly or 15 mg in elderly patients) | |
|---|---|---|
| n=767 | n=493 | |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||
| Diarrhea | 1 | 2 |
| Dry mouth | 1 | 2 |
| Infections and Infestations | ||
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 1 | 2 |
| Nervous System Disorders | ||
| Headache | 6 | 7 |
| Somnolence | 3 | 7 |
| Dizziness | 2 | 3 |
| Psychiatric Disorders | ||
| Abnormal dreams | 1 | 2 |
| Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders | ||
| Cough | 1 | 2 |
BELSOMRA Drug Interactions
Information about and practical guidance on preventing clinically significant drug/drug and drug/food interactions that may occur in people taking the drug.7 DRUG INTERACTIONS CYP3A inhibitors: Recommended dose is 5 mg when used with moderate CYP3A inhibitors. Dose can be increased to 10 mg once per night if the 5 mg dose is not effective. Not recommended for use in patients taking strong CYP3A inhibitors ( 2.4 , 7.2 ). Strong CYP3A inducers: Efficacy may be reduced ( 7.2 ). Digoxin: Monitor digoxin concentrations ( 7.3 ). 7.1 CNS-Active Agents When BELSOMRA was co-administered with alcohol, additive psychomotor impairment was demonstrated. There was no alteration in the pharmacokinetics of BELSOMRA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.2 Effects of Other Drugs on BELSOMRA Metabolism by CYP3A is the major elimination pathway for suvorexant. CYP3A Inhibitors Concomitant use of BELSOMRA with strong inhibitors of CYP3A (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, clarithromycin, nefazodone, ritonavir, saquinavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, boceprevir, telaprevir, telithromycin and conivaptan) is not recommended [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. The recommended dose of BELSOMRA is 5 mg in subjects receiving moderate CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., amprenavir, aprepitant, atazanavir, ciprofloxacin, diltiazem, erythromycin, fluconazole, fosamprenavir, grapefruit juice, imatinib, verapamil). The dose generally should not exceed 10 mg in patients receiving moderate CYP3A inhibitors [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. CYP3A Inducers Suvorexant exposure can be substantially decreased when co-administered with strong CYP3A inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine and phenytoin). The efficacy of BELSOMRA may be reduced [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.3 Effects of BELSOMRA on Other Drugs Digoxin Concomitant administration of BELSOMRA with digoxin slightly increased digoxin levels due to inhibition of intestinal P-gp. Digoxin concentrations should be monitored when co-administering BELSOMRA with digoxin [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
Clinical pharmacology
Information about the clinical pharmacology and actions of the drug in humans.12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of suvorexant in the treatment of insomnia is presumed to be through antagonism of orexin receptors. The orexin neuropeptide signaling system plays a role in wakefulness. Blocking the binding of wake-promoting neuropeptides orexin A and orexin B to receptors OX1R and OX2R is thought to suppress wake drive. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Suvorexant binds to orexin receptors, OX1R and OX2R (Ki= 0.55 and 0.35 nM, respectively). Antagonism of orexin receptors may also underlie potential adverse effects such as signs of narcolepsy/cataplexy. Genetic mutations in the orexin system in animals result in hereditary narcolepsy; loss of orexin neurons has been reported in humans with narcolepsy. Evaluation of QTc Interval The effects of suvorexant on the QTc interval were evaluated in a randomized, placebo-, and active-controlled (moxifloxacin 400 mg) crossover study in healthy subjects (n=53). The upper bound of the one-sided 95% confidence interval for the largest placebo-adjusted, baseline-corrected QTc interval was below 10 ms based on analysis of suvorexant doses up to 240 mg, 12 times the maximum recommended dose. BELSOMRA thus does not prolong the QTc interval to any clinically relevant extent. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Suvorexant exposure increases in a less than strictly dose-proportional manner over the range of 10-80 mg because of decreased absorption at higher doses. Suvorexant pharmacokinetics are similar in healthy subjects and patients with insomnia. Absorption Suvorexant peak concentrations occur at a median T max of 2 hours (range 30 minutes to 6 hours) under fasted conditions. The mean absolute bioavailability of 10 mg is 82%. Effect of Food Ingestion of BELSOMRA with a high-fat meal resulted in no meaningful change in AUC or C max but a delay in T max of approximately 1.5 hours [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . Distribution The mean volume of distribution of suvorexant is approximately 49 liters. Suvorexant is extensively bound (>99%) to human plasma proteins and does not preferentially distribute into red blood cells. Suvorexant binds to both human serum albumin and α1-acid glycoprotein. Elimination Metabolism Suvorexant is mainly eliminated by metabolism, primarily by CYP3A with a minor contribution from CYP2C19. The major circulating entities are suvorexant and a hydroxy-suvorexant metabolite. This metabolite is not expected to be pharmacologically active. Excretion The primary route of elimination is through the feces, with approximately 66% of radiolabeled dose recovered in the feces compared to 23% in the urine. The systemic pharmacokinetics of suvorexant are linear with an accumulation of approximately 1- to 2-fold with once-daily dosing. Steady-state is achieved by 3 days. The mean t 1/2 is approximately 12 hours (95% CI: 12 to 13). Specific Populations Gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and race were included as factors assessed in the population pharmacokinetic model to evaluate suvorexant pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects and to predict exposures in the patient population. Age and race are not predicted to have any clinically meaningful changes on suvorexant pharmacokinetics; therefore, no dose adjustment is warranted based upon these factors. Suvorexant exposure is higher in females than in males. In females, the AUC and C max are increased by 17% and 9%, respectively, following administration of BELSOMRA 40 mg. The average concentration of suvorexant 9 hours after dosing is 5% higher for females across the dose range studied (10-40 mg). Dose adjustment of BELSOMRA is generally not needed based on gender only. Apparent oral clearance of suvorexant is inversely related to body mass index. In obese patients, the AUC and C max are increased by 31% and 17%, respectively. The average concentration of suvorexant approximately 9 hours after a 20 mg dose is 15% higher in obese patients (BMI > 30 kg/m 2 ) relative to those with a normal BMI (BMI ≤ 25 kg/m 2 ). In obese females, the AUC and C max are increased by 46% and 25%, respectively, compared to non-obese females. The higher exposure to suvorexant in obese females should be considered before increasing dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ]. The effects of renal and hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of suvorexant were evaluated in specific pharmacokinetic studies. Suvorexant exposure after a single dose was similar in patients with moderate hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh category 7 to 9) and healthy matched control subjects; however, the suvorexant apparent terminal half-life was increased from approximately 15 hours (range 10 - 22 hours) in healthy subjects to approximately 19 hours (range 11 - 49 hours) in patients with moderate hepatic insufficiency [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) ] . Suvorexant exposure (expressed as total and unbound concentrations) was similar between patients with severe renal impairment (urinary creatinine clearance ≤30 mL/min/1.73m 2 ) and healthy matched control subjects. No dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.8) ]. Drug Interaction Studies CNS-Active Drugs An additive effect on psychomotor performance was observed when a single dose of 40 mg of suvorexant was co-administered with a single dose of 0.7 g/kg alcohol. Suvorexant did not affect alcohol concentrations and alcohol did not affect suvorexant concentrations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.3) and Drug Interactions (7.1) ]. An interaction study with a single dose of 40 mg suvorexant and paroxetine 20 mg at steady-state levels in healthy subjects did not demonstrate a clinically significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction. Effects of Other Drugs on BELSOMRA The effects of other drugs on the pharmacokinetics of suvorexant are presented in Figure 1 as change relative to suvorexant administered alone (test/reference). Strong (e.g., ketoconazole or itraconazole) and moderate (e.g., diltiazem) CYP3A inhibitors significantly increased suvorexant exposure. Strong CYP3A inducers (e.g., rifampin) substantially decreased suvorexant exposure [see Drug Interactions (7.2) ]. Figure 1: Effects of Co-Administered Drugs on the Pharmacokinetics of Suvorexant Figure 1 Effects of BELSOMRA on Other Drugs In vitro metabolism studies demonstrate that suvorexant has the potential to inhibit CYP3A and intestinal P-gp; however, suvorexant is unlikely to cause clinically significant inhibition of human CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 or CYP2D6. In addition, no clinically meaningful inhibition of OATP1B1, BCRP and OCT2 transporters is anticipated. Chronic administration of suvorexant is unlikely to induce the metabolism of drugs metabolized by major CYP isoforms. Specific in vivo effects on the pharmacokinetics of midazolam, warfarin, digoxin and oral contraceptives are presented in Figure 2 as a change relative to the interacting drug administered alone (test/reference) [see Drug Interactions (7.3) ] . # Monitor digoxin concentrations as clinically indicated [see Drug Interactions (7.3) ] . Figure 2: Effects of Suvorexant Suvorexant 40 mg was evaluated in all studies, except midazolam where 80 mg suvorexant was administered. on the Pharmacokinetics of Co-Administered Drugs Figure 2
| # Monitor digoxin concentrations as clinically indicated |
Mechanism of action
Information about the established mechanism(s) of the drugÕs action in humans at various levels (for example receptor, membrane, tissue, organ, whole body). If the mechanism of action is not known, this field contains a statement about the lack of information.12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of suvorexant in the treatment of insomnia is presumed to be through antagonism of orexin receptors. The orexin neuropeptide signaling system plays a role in wakefulness. Blocking the binding of wake-promoting neuropeptides orexin A and orexin B to receptors OX1R and OX2R is thought to suppress wake drive.
Pharmacodynamics
Information about any biochemical or physiologic pharmacologic effects of the drug or active metabolites related to the drugÕs clinical effect in preventing, diagnosing, mitigating, curing, or treating disease, or those related to adverse effects or toxicity.12.2 Pharmacodynamics Suvorexant binds to orexin receptors, OX1R and OX2R (Ki= 0.55 and 0.35 nM, respectively). Antagonism of orexin receptors may also underlie potential adverse effects such as signs of narcolepsy/cataplexy. Genetic mutations in the orexin system in animals result in hereditary narcolepsy; loss of orexin neurons has been reported in humans with narcolepsy. Evaluation of QTc Interval The effects of suvorexant on the QTc interval were evaluated in a randomized, placebo-, and active-controlled (moxifloxacin 400 mg) crossover study in healthy subjects (n=53). The upper bound of the one-sided 95% confidence interval for the largest placebo-adjusted, baseline-corrected QTc interval was below 10 ms based on analysis of suvorexant doses up to 240 mg, 12 times the maximum recommended dose. BELSOMRA thus does not prolong the QTc interval to any clinically relevant extent.
Pharmacokinetics
Information about the clinically significant pharmacokinetics of a drug or active metabolites, for instance pertinent absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion parameters.12.3 Pharmacokinetics Suvorexant exposure increases in a less than strictly dose-proportional manner over the range of 10-80 mg because of decreased absorption at higher doses. Suvorexant pharmacokinetics are similar in healthy subjects and patients with insomnia. Absorption Suvorexant peak concentrations occur at a median T max of 2 hours (range 30 minutes to 6 hours) under fasted conditions. The mean absolute bioavailability of 10 mg is 82%. Effect of Food Ingestion of BELSOMRA with a high-fat meal resulted in no meaningful change in AUC or C max but a delay in T max of approximately 1.5 hours [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . Distribution The mean volume of distribution of suvorexant is approximately 49 liters. Suvorexant is extensively bound (>99%) to human plasma proteins and does not preferentially distribute into red blood cells. Suvorexant binds to both human serum albumin and α1-acid glycoprotein. Elimination Metabolism Suvorexant is mainly eliminated by metabolism, primarily by CYP3A with a minor contribution from CYP2C19. The major circulating entities are suvorexant and a hydroxy-suvorexant metabolite. This metabolite is not expected to be pharmacologically active. Excretion The primary route of elimination is through the feces, with approximately 66% of radiolabeled dose recovered in the feces compared to 23% in the urine. The systemic pharmacokinetics of suvorexant are linear with an accumulation of approximately 1- to 2-fold with once-daily dosing. Steady-state is achieved by 3 days. The mean t 1/2 is approximately 12 hours (95% CI: 12 to 13). Specific Populations Gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and race were included as factors assessed in the population pharmacokinetic model to evaluate suvorexant pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects and to predict exposures in the patient population. Age and race are not predicted to have any clinically meaningful changes on suvorexant pharmacokinetics; therefore, no dose adjustment is warranted based upon these factors. Suvorexant exposure is higher in females than in males. In females, the AUC and C max are increased by 17% and 9%, respectively, following administration of BELSOMRA 40 mg. The average concentration of suvorexant 9 hours after dosing is 5% higher for females across the dose range studied (10-40 mg). Dose adjustment of BELSOMRA is generally not needed based on gender only. Apparent oral clearance of suvorexant is inversely related to body mass index. In obese patients, the AUC and C max are increased by 31% and 17%, respectively. The average concentration of suvorexant approximately 9 hours after a 20 mg dose is 15% higher in obese patients (BMI > 30 kg/m 2 ) relative to those with a normal BMI (BMI ≤ 25 kg/m 2 ). In obese females, the AUC and C max are increased by 46% and 25%, respectively, compared to non-obese females. The higher exposure to suvorexant in obese females should be considered before increasing dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ]. The effects of renal and hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of suvorexant were evaluated in specific pharmacokinetic studies. Suvorexant exposure after a single dose was similar in patients with moderate hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh category 7 to 9) and healthy matched control subjects; however, the suvorexant apparent terminal half-life was increased from approximately 15 hours (range 10 - 22 hours) in healthy subjects to approximately 19 hours (range 11 - 49 hours) in patients with moderate hepatic insufficiency [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) ] . Suvorexant exposure (expressed as total and unbound concentrations) was similar between patients with severe renal impairment (urinary creatinine clearance ≤30 mL/min/1.73m 2 ) and healthy matched control subjects. No dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.8) ]. Drug Interaction Studies CNS-Active Drugs An additive effect on psychomotor performance was observed when a single dose of 40 mg of suvorexant was co-administered with a single dose of 0.7 g/kg alcohol. Suvorexant did not affect alcohol concentrations and alcohol did not affect suvorexant concentrations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.3) and Drug Interactions (7.1) ]. An interaction study with a single dose of 40 mg suvorexant and paroxetine 20 mg at steady-state levels in healthy subjects did not demonstrate a clinically significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction. Effects of Other Drugs on BELSOMRA The effects of other drugs on the pharmacokinetics of suvorexant are presented in Figure 1 as change relative to suvorexant administered alone (test/reference). Strong (e.g., ketoconazole or itraconazole) and moderate (e.g., diltiazem) CYP3A inhibitors significantly increased suvorexant exposure. Strong CYP3A inducers (e.g., rifampin) substantially decreased suvorexant exposure [see Drug Interactions (7.2) ]. Figure 1: Effects of Co-Administered Drugs on the Pharmacokinetics of Suvorexant Figure 1 Effects of BELSOMRA on Other Drugs In vitro metabolism studies demonstrate that suvorexant has the potential to inhibit CYP3A and intestinal P-gp; however, suvorexant is unlikely to cause clinically significant inhibition of human CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 or CYP2D6. In addition, no clinically meaningful inhibition of OATP1B1, BCRP and OCT2 transporters is anticipated. Chronic administration of suvorexant is unlikely to induce the metabolism of drugs metabolized by major CYP isoforms. Specific in vivo effects on the pharmacokinetics of midazolam, warfarin, digoxin and oral contraceptives are presented in Figure 2 as a change relative to the interacting drug administered alone (test/reference) [see Drug Interactions (7.3) ] . # Monitor digoxin concentrations as clinically indicated [see Drug Interactions (7.3) ] . Figure 2: Effects of Suvorexant Suvorexant 40 mg was evaluated in all studies, except midazolam where 80 mg suvorexant was administered. on the Pharmacokinetics of Co-Administered Drugs Figure 2
| # Monitor digoxin concentrations as clinically indicated |
Contraindications
Information about situations in which the drug product is contraindicated or should not be used because the risk of use clearly outweighs any possible benefit, including the type and nature of reactions that have been reported.4 CONTRAINDICATIONS BELSOMRA is contraindicated in patients with narcolepsy. BELSOMRA is contraindicated in patients with narcolepsy ( 4 ).
Description
General information about the drug product, including the proprietary and established name of the drug, the type of dosage form and route of administration to which the label applies, qualitative and quantitative ingredient information, the pharmacologic or therapeutic class of the drug, and the chemical name and structural formula of the drug.11 DESCRIPTION BELSOMRA tablets contain suvorexant, an orexin receptor antagonist. Suvorexant is described chemically as: [(7R)-4-(5-chloro-2-benzoxazolyl) hexahydro-7-methyl-1H-1,4-diazepin-1-yl][5-methyl-2-(2H-1,2,3-triazol-2-yl)phenyl]methanone Its empirical formula is C 23 H 23 ClN 6 O 2 and the molecular weight is 450.92. Its structural formula is: Suvorexant is a white to off-white powder that is insoluble in water. Each film coated tablet contains 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, or 20 mg of suvorexant and the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer (copovidone). In addition, the film coating contains the following inactive ingredients: hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, titanium dioxide, and triacetin. The film coating for the 5 mg tablets also contains iron oxide black and iron oxide yellow, and the film coating for the 10 mg tablets also contains FD&C Blue #1/Brilliant Blue FCF Aluminum Lake and iron oxide yellow. Chemical Structure
Dosage and administration
Information about the drug product’s dosage and administration recommendations, including starting dose, dose range, titration regimens, and any other clinically sigificant information that affects dosing recommendations.2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Use the lowest dose effective for the patient ( 2.1 ). Recommended dose is 10 mg, no more than once per night taken within 30 minutes of going to bed, with at least 7 hours remaining before the planned time of awakening. If the 10 mg dose is well-tolerated but not effective, the dose can be increased, not to exceed 20 mg once daily ( 2.1 , 2.2 ). Time to effect may be delayed if taken with or soon after a meal ( 2.1 ). 2.1 Dosing Information Use the lowest dose effective for the patient. For all BELSOMRA doses, take no more than once per night within 30 minutes of going to bed (with at least 7 hours remaining prior to planned awakening). Time to effect of BELSOMRA may be delayed if taken with or soon after a meal [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. The recommended dose for BELSOMRA is 10 mg, taken no more than once per night. If the 10 mg dose is well-tolerated but not effective, the dose can be increased. The maximum recommended dose of BELSOMRA is 20 mg taken no more than once per night. 2.2 Special Populations Exposure to BELSOMRA is increased in obese compared to non-obese patients, and in women compared to men. Particularly in obese women, the increased risk of exposure-related adverse effects should be considered before increasing the dose [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 2.3 Use with CNS Depressants When BELSOMRA is combined with other CNS depressant drugs, dosage reduction of BELSOMRA and/or the other drug(s) may be necessary because of potentially additive effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 2.4 Dosage Adjustments with CYP3A Inhibitors When used with moderate CYP3A inhibitors, the recommended dosage of BELSOMRA is 5 mg taken no more than once per night (the dose generally should not exceed 10 mg). BELSOMRA is not recommended for use with strong CYP3A inhibitors [see Drug Interactions (7.2) ] .
Dosage forms and strengths
Information about all available dosage forms and strengths for the drug product to which the labeling applies. This field may contain descriptions of product appearance.3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS 5 mg tablets are yellow, round, film-coated tablets with "5" on one side and plain on the other side. 10 mg tablets are green, round, film-coated tablets with "33" on one side and plain on the other side. 15 mg tablets are white, oval, film-coated tablets with the Merck logo on one side and "325" on the other side. 20 mg tablets are white, round, film-coated tablets with the Merck logo and "335" on one side and plain on the other side. Tablets, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg ( 3 ).
Indications and usage
A statement of each of the drug products indications for use, such as for the treatment, prevention, mitigation, cure, or diagnosis of a disease or condition, or of a manifestation of a recognized disease or condition, or for the relief of symptoms associated with a recognized disease or condition. This field may also describe any relevant limitations of use.1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE BELSOMRA ® (suvorexant) is indicated for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance. BELSOMRA is an orexin receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of insomnia, characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance ( 1 ).
Spl product data elements
Usually a list of ingredients in a drug product.BELSOMRA suvorexant suvorexant suvorexant COPOVIDONE K25-31 MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE lactose monohydrate croscarmellose sodium magnesium stearate titanium dioxide triacetin HYPROMELLOSE, UNSPECIFIED FERROSOFERRIC OXIDE FERRIC OXIDE YELLOW 5 BELSOMRA suvorexant suvorexant suvorexant COPOVIDONE K25-31 MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE lactose monohydrate croscarmellose sodium magnesium stearate titanium dioxide triacetin HYPROMELLOSE, UNSPECIFIED FD&C BLUE NO. 1 FERRIC OXIDE YELLOW 33 BELSOMRA suvorexant suvorexant suvorexant COPOVIDONE K25-31 MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE lactose monohydrate croscarmellose sodium magnesium stearate titanium dioxide triacetin HYPROMELLOSE, UNSPECIFIED 325 BELSOMRA suvorexant suvorexant suvorexant COPOVIDONE K25-31 MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE lactose monohydrate croscarmellose sodium magnesium stearate titanium dioxide triacetin HYPROMELLOSE, UNSPECIFIED 335
Animal pharmacology and or toxicology
Information from studies of the drug in animals, if the data were not relevant to nor included in other parts of the labeling. Most labels do not contain this field.13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology Suvorexant administered to dogs at oral doses of 5 and 30 mg/kg/day for 4 to 7 days resulted in behaviors characteristic of cataplexy (e.g., transient limb buckling, prone posture) when presented with food enrichment, a stimulus demonstrated to induce cataplexy in dogs with hereditary narcolepsy. In the 2-year carcinogenicity study in rats, an increased incidence of retinal atrophy was observed at all doses. Plasma AUCs at the lowest dose tested were approximately 7 times that in humans at the MRHD. In subsequent studies of suvorexant in albino and pigmented rats, retinal atrophy was delayed in onset and, after approximately one year of dosing, was of lower incidence and severity in pigmented rats.
Carcinogenesis and mutagenesis and impairment of fertility
Information about carcinogenic, mutagenic, or fertility impairment potential revealed by studies in animals. Information from human data about such potential is part of the warnings field.13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Carcinogenesis Rats were orally administered suvorexant at doses of 80, 160, and 325 mg/kg/day [males] or 40, 80, and 325 mg/kg/day [females] for 2 years. Suvorexant increased the incidences of thyroid follicular cell adenoma and combined adenoma/carcinoma in females at 325 mg/kg/day, thyroid follicular cell adenoma in males at ≥ 160 mg/kg/day, and hepatocellular adenoma in males at 325 mg/kg/day. These findings were consistent with increased TSH and hepatic enzyme induction, respectively, which are mechanisms believed to be rodent-specific. Suvorexant did not increase the incidence of tumors in rats at 80 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 7 times the MRHD based on AUC. Suvorexant did not increase the incidence of tumors in Tg.rasH2 mice treated for 26 weeks at oral doses of 25, 50, 200, and 650 mg/kg/day. Mutagenesis Suvorexant was not mutagenic in the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) assay or clastogenic in the in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration assay or in the in vivo mouse and rat bone marrow micronucleus assays. Impairment of Fertility In two separate studies, suvorexant was orally administered to male and female rats at doses of 80, 160, and 325 mg/kg/day or 100, 300, and 1200 mg/kg/day [males] and 30, 80, and 325 mg/kg/day or 25, 75, and 1200 mg/kg/day [females] prior to and throughout mating and continuing in females to gestation day 7. Increases in pre-implantation loss and resorption and decreases in live fetuses were observed at the highest doses of 325 or 1200 mg/kg/day, when treated males and females were mated with untreated animals. The NOAELs for fertility are 160 and 80 mg/kg/day in males and females, respectively, which are approximately 20 times the MRHD based on AUC.
Nonclinical toxicology
Information about toxicology in non-human subjects.13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Carcinogenesis Rats were orally administered suvorexant at doses of 80, 160, and 325 mg/kg/day [males] or 40, 80, and 325 mg/kg/day [females] for 2 years. Suvorexant increased the incidences of thyroid follicular cell adenoma and combined adenoma/carcinoma in females at 325 mg/kg/day, thyroid follicular cell adenoma in males at ≥ 160 mg/kg/day, and hepatocellular adenoma in males at 325 mg/kg/day. These findings were consistent with increased TSH and hepatic enzyme induction, respectively, which are mechanisms believed to be rodent-specific. Suvorexant did not increase the incidence of tumors in rats at 80 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 7 times the MRHD based on AUC. Suvorexant did not increase the incidence of tumors in Tg.rasH2 mice treated for 26 weeks at oral doses of 25, 50, 200, and 650 mg/kg/day. Mutagenesis Suvorexant was not mutagenic in the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) assay or clastogenic in the in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration assay or in the in vivo mouse and rat bone marrow micronucleus assays. Impairment of Fertility In two separate studies, suvorexant was orally administered to male and female rats at doses of 80, 160, and 325 mg/kg/day or 100, 300, and 1200 mg/kg/day [males] and 30, 80, and 325 mg/kg/day or 25, 75, and 1200 mg/kg/day [females] prior to and throughout mating and continuing in females to gestation day 7. Increases in pre-implantation loss and resorption and decreases in live fetuses were observed at the highest doses of 325 or 1200 mg/kg/day, when treated males and females were mated with untreated animals. The NOAELs for fertility are 160 and 80 mg/kg/day in males and females, respectively, which are approximately 20 times the MRHD based on AUC. 13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology Suvorexant administered to dogs at oral doses of 5 and 30 mg/kg/day for 4 to 7 days resulted in behaviors characteristic of cataplexy (e.g., transient limb buckling, prone posture) when presented with food enrichment, a stimulus demonstrated to induce cataplexy in dogs with hereditary narcolepsy. In the 2-year carcinogenicity study in rats, an increased incidence of retinal atrophy was observed at all doses. Plasma AUCs at the lowest dose tested were approximately 7 times that in humans at the MRHD. In subsequent studies of suvorexant in albino and pigmented rats, retinal atrophy was delayed in onset and, after approximately one year of dosing, was of lower incidence and severity in pigmented rats.
Package label principal display panel
The content of the principal display panel of the product package, usually including the product’s name, dosage forms, and other key information about the drug product.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 5 mg Tablet Blister Card Case Carton NDC 0006-0005-30 This package contains 30 Tablets in 3 Blister Cards. Each Blister Card contains 10 Tablets. Belsomra ® (suvorexant) tablets CIV 5 mg Dispense the accompanying Medication Guide to each patient. Each tablet contains 5 mg suvorexant. USUAL DOSAGE: See Package Insert. Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store in the original package until use, to protect from light and moisture. Selling or giving away Belsomra ® may harm others and is against the law. Rx only PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 5 mg Tablet Blister Card Case Carton
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 mg Tablet Blister Card Case Carton NDC 0006-0033-30 This package contains 30 Tablets in 3 Blister Cards. Each Blister Card contains 10 Tablets. Belsomra ® (suvorexant) tablets CIV 10 mg Dispense the accompanying Medication Guide to each patient. Each tablet contains 10 mg suvorexant. USUAL DOSAGE: See Package Insert. Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store in the original package until use, to protect from light and moisture. Selling or giving away Belsomra ® may harm others and is against the law. Rx only PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 mg Tablet Blister Card Case Carton
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 15 mg Tablet Blister Card Case Carton NDC 0006-0325-30 This package contains 30 Tablets in 3 Blister Cards. Each Blister Card contains 10 Tablets. Belsomra ® (suvorexant) tablets CIV 15 mg Dispense the accompanying Medication Guide to each patient. Each tablet contains 15 mg suvorexant. USUAL DOSAGE: See Package Insert. Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store in the original package until use, to protect from light and moisture. Selling or giving away Belsomra ® may harm others and is against the law. Rx only PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 15 mg Tablet Blister Card Case Carton
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 20 mg Tablet Blister Card Case Carton NDC 0006-0335-30 This package contains 30 Tablets in 3 Blister Cards. Each Blister Card contains 10 Tablets. Belsomra ® (suvorexant) tablets CIV 20 mg Dispense the accompanying Medication Guide to each patient. Each tablet contains 20 mg suvorexant. USUAL DOSAGE: See Package Insert. Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store in the original package until use, to protect from light and moisture. Selling or giving away Belsomra ® may harm others and is against the law. Rx only PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 20 mg Tablet Blister Card Case Carton
Spl unclassified section
Information not classified as belonging to one of the other fields. Approximately 40% of labeling with effective_time between June 2009 and August 2014 have information in this field.Distributed By: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC Rahway, NJ 07065, USA For patent information: www.msd.com/research/patent Copyright © 2014-2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, and its affiliates . All rights reserved. uspi-mk4305-t-2302r010
BELSOMRA: Information for patients
Information necessary for patients to use the drug safely and effectively, such as precautions concerning driving or the concomitant use of other substances that may have harmful additive effects.17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide). CNS Depressant Effects and Next-Day Impairment Tell patients that BELSOMRA has the potential to cause next-day impairment, and that this risk is increased with higher doses or if dosing instructions are not carefully followed. Patients using the 20 mg dose should be cautioned against next-day driving and other activities requiring full mental alertness as this dose is associated with a higher risk of impaired driving. Patients taking lower doses should also be cautioned about the potential for driving impairment because there is individual variation in sensitivity to BELSOMRA. Patients should not drive or engage in other activities requiring full alertness within 8 hours of dosing of BELSOMRA. Advise patients that increased drowsiness may increase the risk of falls in some patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Sleep-Driving and Other Complex Behaviors Instruct patients to inform their families that BELSOMRA has been associated with getting out of bed while not being fully awake, and tell patients and their families to call their healthcare providers if this occurs. Hypnotics, like BELSOMRA, have been associated with "sleep-driving" and other complex behaviors while not being fully awake (preparing and eating food, making phone calls, or having sex). Tell patients and their families to call their healthcare providers if they develop any of these symptoms. Suicide Tell patients to report any worsening of depression or suicidal thoughts immediately. Alcohol and Other Drugs Ask patients about alcohol consumption, prescription medicines they are taking, and drugs they may be taking without a prescription. Advise patients not to use BELSOMRA if they drank alcohol that evening or before bed. Tolerance, Abuse, and Dependence Tell patients not to increase the dose of BELSOMRA on their own, and to inform you if they believe the drug "does not work." Administration Instructions Advise patients to take BELSOMRA only when preparing for or getting into bed and only if they can stay in bed for a full night before being active again. Advise patients to report all of their prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements to the prescriber.
Spl medguide
Information about the patient medication guide that accompanies the drug product. Certain drugs must be dispensed with an accompanying medication guide. This field may contain information about when to consult the medication guide and the contents of the medication guide.This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Revised: 2/2023 MEDICATION GUIDE BELSOMRA ® (bell-SOM-rah) suvorexant Tablets C-IV What is the most important information I should know about BELSOMRA? BELSOMRA may cause serious side effects including: Decreased awareness and alertness. The morning after you take BELSOMRA, your ability to drive safely and think clearly may be decreased. You may also have sleepiness during the day. Do not take more BELSOMRA than prescribed. Do not take BELSOMRA unless you are able to stay in bed a full night (at least 7 hours) before you must be active again. Take BELSOMRA within 30 minutes of going to bed. See " What are the possible side effects of BELSOMRA? " for more information about side effects. What is BELSOMRA? BELSOMRA is a prescription medicine for adults who have trouble falling or staying asleep (insomnia). It is not known if BELSOMRA is safe and effective in children under the age of 18. BELSOMRA is a federally controlled substance (C-IV) because it can be abused or cause dependence. Keep BELSOMRA in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away BELSOMRA may harm others and is against the law. Tell your doctor if you have ever abused or have been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines or street drugs. Who should not take BELSOMRA? Do not take BELSOMRA if you fall asleep often at unexpected times (narcolepsy). What should I tell my doctor before taking BELSOMRA? Before taking BELSOMRA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts have a history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction have a history of a sudden onset of muscle weakness (cataplexy) have a history of falling asleep often at unexpected times (narcolepsy) or daytime sleepiness have lung problems or breathing problems have liver problems are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BELSOMRA can harm your unborn baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risk to your unborn baby if you take BELSOMRA during pregnancy. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if BELSOMRA passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with BELSOMRA. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. Medicines can interact with each other, sometimes causing serious side effects. Do not take BELSOMRA with other medicines that can make you sleepy unless your doctor tells you to. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor and pharmacist each time you get a new medicine. How should I take BELSOMRA? Take BELSOMRA exactly as your doctor tells you to take it. Only take BELSOMRA 1 time each night, if needed, within 30 minutes of going to bed. Only take BELSOMRA when you can get a full night's sleep (at least 7 hours). Do not take BELSOMRA if you drank alcohol that evening or before bed. BELSOMRA may be taken with or without a meal. However, BELSOMRA may take longer to work if you take it with or right after meals. Call your doctor if your insomnia (sleep problem) worsens or is not better within 7 to 10 days. This may mean that there is another condition causing your sleep problem. If you take too much BELSOMRA, call your doctor right away or get emergency treatment. What should I avoid while taking BELSOMRA? Do not drink alcohol while taking BELSOMRA. It can increase your chances of getting serious side effects. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, do anything dangerous or do other activities that require clear thinking after taking BELSOMRA. You may still feel drowsy the next day after taking BELSOMRA. Do not drive or do other dangerous activities until you feel fully awake. What are the possible side effects of BELSOMRA? See " What is the most important information I should know about BELSOMRA? " BELSOMRA may cause serious side effects including: worsening depression and suicidal thoughts have happened during treatment with BELSOMRA. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any worsening depression or thoughts of suicide or dying. complex sleep behaviors such as sleep-walking, sleep-driving, preparing and eating food, making phone calls, having sex or doing other activities while not fully awake that you may not remember the next morning. Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience a complex sleep behavior. temporary inability to move or talk (sleep paralysis) for up to several minutes while you are going to sleep or waking up. temporary weakness in your legs that can happen during the day or at night. The most common side effects of BELSOMRA include drowsiness the next day after you take BELSOMRA. The following additional side effects have been reported with BELSOMRA: abnormal dreams. These are not all the possible side effects of BELSOMRA. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. How should I store BELSOMRA? Store BELSOMRA at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Store in the original package until use, to protect from light and moisture. Keep BELSOMRA and all medicines out of reach of children. General information about the safe and effective use of BELSOMRA. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use BELSOMRA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give BELSOMRA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about BELSOMRA. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about BELSOMRA that is written for health professionals. For more information, go to www.BELSOMRA.com or call 1-800-622-4477. What are the ingredients in BELSOMRA? Active ingredient: Suvorexant Inactive ingredients: Croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer (copovidone). The film coating contains: hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, titanium dioxide, and triacetin. The film coating for the 5 mg tablets also contains iron oxide black and iron oxide yellow, and the film coating for the 10 mg tablets also contains FD&C Blue #1/Brilliant Blue FCF Aluminum Lake and iron oxide yellow. Distributed by: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC Rahway, NJ 07065, USA For patent information: www.msd.com/research/patent Copyright © 2014-2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, and its affiliates. All rights reserved. usmg-mk4305-t-2302r006
| This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. | Revised: 2/2023 |
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| Do not take BELSOMRA if you fall asleep often at unexpected times (narcolepsy). | |
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| Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. Medicines can interact with each other, sometimes causing serious side effects. Do not take BELSOMRA with other medicines that can make you sleepy unless your doctor tells you to. | |
| Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor and pharmacist each time you get a new medicine. | |
| |
| |
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| The most common side effects of BELSOMRA include drowsiness the next day after you take BELSOMRA. The following additional side effects have been reported with BELSOMRA: abnormal dreams. | |
| These are not all the possible side effects of BELSOMRA. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. | |
| Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. | |
| |
| Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use BELSOMRA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give BELSOMRA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. | |
| This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about BELSOMRA. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about BELSOMRA that is written for health professionals. | |
| For more information, go to www.BELSOMRA.com or call 1-800-622-4477. | |
| Distributed by: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC Rahway, NJ 07065, USA | |
| For patent information: | |
| Copyright © 2014-2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, and its affiliates. All rights reserved. | |
| usmg-mk4305-t-2302r006 | |
Clinical studies
This field may contain references to clinical studies in place of detailed discussion in other sections of the labeling.14 CLINICAL STUDIES 14.1 Controlled Clinical Studies BELSOMRA was evaluated in three clinical trials in patients with insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and sleep maintenance. Two similarly designed, 3-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group studies were conducted (Study 1 and Study 2). In both studies, non-elderly (age 18-64) and elderly (age ≥ 65) patients were randomized separately. For the studies together, non-elderly adults (mean age 46 years; 465 females, 275 males) were treated with BELSOMRA 20 mg (n=291) or placebo (n=449). Elderly patients (mean age 71 years, 346 females, 174 males) were treated with BELSOMRA 15 mg (n=202) or placebo (n=318). In Study 1 and Study 2, BELSOMRA 15 mg or 20 mg was superior to placebo for sleep latency as assessed both objectively by polysomnography (Table 3) and subjectively by patient-estimated sleep latency (Table 4). BELSOMRA 15 mg or 20 mg was also superior to placebo for sleep maintenance, as assessed both objectively by polysomnography (Table 5) and subjectively by patient-estimated total sleep time (Table 6). The effects of BELSOMRA at night 1 (objective) and week 1 (subjective) were generally consistent with later time points. The efficacy of BELSOMRA was similar between women and men and, based on limited data, between Caucasians and non-Caucasians. Twenty seven percent of patients treated with BELSOMRA 15 mg or 20 mg in Study 1 and Study 2 were non-Caucasians. The majority (69%) of the non-Caucasian patients was Asian. Table 3: Polysomnographic Assessment of Time to Sleep Onset in Studies 1 and 2 Mean Baseline and Change from Baseline † After 1 and 3 Months (minutes) Difference † Between BELSOMRA and Placebo (minutes) † Change from baseline and treatment differences based upon estimated means. ‡ 15 mg in elderly and 20 mg in non-elderly patients * p<0.05; **p<0.01; ***p<0.001 Study 1 Placebo (n=290) BELSOMRA 15-20 mg ‡ (n=193) Baseline 66 69 Change from Baseline Month 1 - 23 - 34 - 10*** Month 3 - 27 - 35 - 8** Study 2 Placebo (n=286) BELSOMRA 15-20 mg ‡ (n=145) Baseline 69 65 Change from Baseline Month 1 - 25 - 33 - 8* Month 3 - 29 - 29 0 Table 4: Patient-Estimated Time to Sleep Onset in Studies 1 and 2 Mean Baseline and Change from Baseline † After 1 and 3 Months (minutes) Difference † Between BELSOMRA and Placebo (minutes) † Change from baseline and treatment differences based upon estimated means. ‡ 15 mg in elderly and 20 mg in non-elderly patients * p<0.05; **p<0.01; ***p<0.001 Study 1 Placebo (n=382) BELSOMRA 15-20 mg ‡ (n=251) Baseline 67 64 Change from Baseline Month 1 - 12 - 17 - 5 Month 3 - 17 - 23 - 5* Study 2 Placebo (n=369) BELSOMRA 15-20 mg ‡ (n=231) Baseline 83 86 Change from Baseline Month 1 - 14 - 21 - 7* Month 3 - 21 - 28 - 8* Table 5: Polysomnographic Assessment of Sleep Maintenance (Wake After Sleep Onset) in Studies 1 and 2 Mean Baseline and Change from Baseline † After 1 and 3 Months (minutes) Difference † Between BELSOMRA and Placebo (minutes) † Change from baseline and treatment differences based upon estimated means. ‡ 15 mg in elderly and 20 mg in non-elderly patients * p<0.05; **p<0.01; ***p<0.001 Study 1 Placebo (n=290) BELSOMRA 15-20 mg ‡ (n=193) Baseline 115 120 Change from Baseline Month 1 - 19 - 45 - 26*** Month 3 - 25 - 42 - 17*** Study 2 Placebo (n=286) BELSOMRA 15-20 mg ‡ (n=145) Baseline 118 119 Change from Baseline Month 1 - 23 - 47 - 24*** Month 3 - 25 - 56 - 31*** Table 6: Patient-Estimated Total Sleep Time in Studies 1 and 2 Mean Baseline and Change from Baseline † After 1 and 3 Months (minutes) Difference † Between BELSOMRA and Placebo (minutes) † Change from baseline and treatment differences based upon estimated means. ‡ 15 mg in elderly and 20 mg in non-elderly patients * p<0.05; **p<0.01; ***p<0.001 Study 1 Placebo (n=382) BELSOMRA 15-20 mg ‡ (n=251) Baseline 315 322 Change from Baseline Month 1 23 39 16*** Month 3 41 51 11* Study 2 Placebo (n=369) BELSOMRA 15-20 mg ‡ (n=231) Baseline 307 299 Change from Baseline Month 1 22 43 21*** Month 3 38 60 22*** In the 1-month crossover study (Study 3), non-elderly adults (age 18-64 years, mean age 44 years) were treated with placebo (n=249) and BELSOMRA at a dose of 10 mg (n=62), 20 mg (n=61), or up to 80 mg. BELSOMRA 10 mg and 20 mg were superior to placebo for sleep latency and sleep maintenance, as assessed objectively by polysomnography. BELSOMRA was also evaluated at doses of 30 mg and 40 mg in the 3-month placebo-controlled trials (Study 1 and Study 2). The higher doses were found to have similar efficacy to lower doses, but significantly more adverse reactions were reported at the higher doses. Insomnia Study in Patients with Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multi-site 4-week trial of BELSOMRA was conducted in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (n=285) for the treatment of insomnia. Male and female subjects aged 50-90 years (inclusive) were treated with BELSOMRA (n=142) or placebo (n=143). Patients treated with BELSOMRA received 10 mg for approximately 14 days, of whom 77% were increased to 20 mg for approximately 14 additional days. In this study, patients treated with BELSOMRA exhibited a statistically significant improvement for both Total Sleep Time (TST) and Wake After Sleep Onset (WASO) measures, compared to those treated with placebo, as assessed by polysomnography at Week 4. 14.2 Special Safety Studies Effects on Driving Two randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled, four-period crossover studies evaluated the effects of nighttime administration of BELSOMRA on next-morning driving performance 9 hours after dosing in 24 healthy elderly subjects (≥65 years old, mean age 69 years; 14 men, 10 women) who received 15 mg and 30 mg BELSOMRA, and 28 non-elderly subjects (mean age 46 years; 13 men, 15 women) who received 20 mg and 40 mg BELSOMRA. Testing was conducted after one night and after 8 consecutive nights of treatment with BELSOMRA at these doses. The primary outcome measure was change in Standard Deviation of Lane Position (SDLP), a measure of driving performance, assessed using a symmetry analysis. The analysis showed clinically meaningful impaired driving performance in some subjects. After one night of dosing, this effect was observed in non-elderly subjects after either a 20 mg or 40 mg dose of BELSOMRA. A statistically significant effect was not observed in elderly subjects after a 15 mg or 30 mg dose of BELSOMRA. Across these two studies, five subjects (4 non-elderly women on BELSOMRA; 1 elderly woman on placebo) prematurely stopped their driving tests due to somnolence. Patients using the 20 mg dose of BELSOMRA should be cautioned against next-day driving and other activities requiring full mental alertness. Patients taking lower doses of BELSOMRA should also be cautioned about the potential for driving impairment because there is individual variation in sensitivity to BELSOMRA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Effects on Next-Day Memory and Balance in Elderly and Non-Elderly Four placebo-controlled trials evaluated the effects of nighttime administration of BELSOMRA on next-day memory and balance using word learning tests and body sway tests, respectively. Three trials showed no significant effects on memory or balance compared to placebo. In a fourth trial in healthy non-elderly subjects, there was a significant decrease in word recall after the words were presented to subjects in the morning following a single dose of 40 mg BELSOMRA, and there was a significant increase on body sway area in the morning following a single dose of 20 mg or 40 mg BELSOMRA. Middle of the Night Safety in Elderly Subjects A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effect of a single dose of BELSOMRA on balance, memory and psychomotor performance in healthy elderly subjects (n=12) after being awakened during the night. Nighttime dosing of BELSOMRA 30 mg resulted in impairment of balance (measured by body sway area) at 90 minutes as compared to placebo. Memory was not impaired, as assessed by an immediate and delayed word recall test at 4 hours post-dose. Rebound Effects In 3-month controlled safety and efficacy trials (Study 1, Study 2), rebound insomnia was assessed following discontinuation of BELSOMRA relative to placebo and baseline in non-elderly adult patients receiving BELSOMRA 40 mg or 20 mg and in elderly patients receiving BELSOMRA 30 mg or 15 mg. No clear effects were observed on measures of sleep onset or maintenance. Withdrawal Effects In 3-month controlled safety and efficacy trials (Study 1, Study 2), withdrawal effects were assessed following discontinuation in non-elderly adult patients who received BELSOMRA 40 mg or 20 mg and elderly patients who received BELSOMRA 30 mg or 15 mg. The analysis showed no clear evidence of withdrawal in the overall study population based on assessment of patient responses to the Tyrer Withdrawal Symptom Questionnaire or assessment of withdrawal-related adverse events following the discontinuation of BELSOMRA. Respiratory Safety Use in Healthy Subjects with Normal Respiratory Function A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial in healthy non-elderly subjects (n=12) evaluated the respiratory depressant effect of BELSOMRA (40 mg and 150 mg) after one night of treatment. At the doses studied, BELSOMRA had no respiratory depressant effect as measured by oxygen saturation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] .
| Mean Baseline and Change from Baseline† After 1 and 3 Months (minutes) | Difference† Between BELSOMRA and Placebo (minutes) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| † Change from baseline and treatment differences based upon estimated means. | |||
| ‡ 15 mg in elderly and 20 mg in non-elderly patients | |||
| * p<0.05; **p<0.01; ***p<0.001 | |||
| Placebo (n=290) | BELSOMRA 15-20 mg‡ (n=193) | ||
| Baseline | 66 | 69 | |
| Change from Baseline | |||
| Month 1 | - 23 | - 34 | - 10*** |
| Month 3 | - 27 | - 35 | - 8** |
| Placebo (n=286) | BELSOMRA 15-20 mg‡ (n=145) | ||
| Baseline | 69 | 65 | |
| Change from Baseline | |||
| Month 1 | - 25 | - 33 | - 8* |
| Month 3 | - 29 | - 29 | 0 |
| Mean Baseline and Change from Baseline† After 1 and 3 Months (minutes) | Difference† Between BELSOMRA and Placebo (minutes) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| † Change from baseline and treatment differences based upon estimated means. | |||
| ‡ 15 mg in elderly and 20 mg in non-elderly patients | |||
| * p<0.05; **p<0.01; ***p<0.001 | |||
| Placebo (n=382) | BELSOMRA 15-20 mg‡ (n=251) | ||
| Baseline | 67 | 64 | |
| Change from Baseline | |||
| Month 1 | - 12 | - 17 | - 5 |
| Month 3 | - 17 | - 23 | - 5* |
| Placebo (n=369) | BELSOMRA 15-20 mg‡ (n=231) | ||
| Baseline | 83 | 86 | |
| Change from Baseline | |||
| Month 1 | - 14 | - 21 | - 7* |
| Month 3 | - 21 | - 28 | - 8* |
| Mean Baseline and Change from Baseline† After 1 and 3 Months (minutes) | Difference† Between BELSOMRA and Placebo (minutes) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| † Change from baseline and treatment differences based upon estimated means. | |||
| ‡ 15 mg in elderly and 20 mg in non-elderly patients | |||
| * p<0.05; **p<0.01; ***p<0.001 | |||
| Placebo (n=290) | BELSOMRA 15-20 mg‡ (n=193) | ||
| Baseline | 115 | 120 | |
| Change from Baseline | |||
| Month 1 | - 19 | - 45 | - 26*** |
| Month 3 | - 25 | - 42 | - 17*** |
| Placebo (n=286) | BELSOMRA 15-20 mg‡ (n=145) | ||
| Baseline | 118 | 119 | |
| Change from Baseline | |||
| Month 1 | - 23 | - 47 | - 24*** |
| Month 3 | - 25 | - 56 | - 31*** |
| Mean Baseline and Change from Baseline† After 1 and 3 Months (minutes) | Difference† Between BELSOMRA and Placebo (minutes) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| † Change from baseline and treatment differences based upon estimated means. | |||
| ‡ 15 mg in elderly and 20 mg in non-elderly patients | |||
| * p<0.05; **p<0.01; ***p<0.001 | |||
| Placebo (n=382) | BELSOMRA 15-20 mg‡ (n=251) | ||
| Baseline | 315 | 322 | |
| Change from Baseline | |||
| Month 1 | 23 | 39 | 16*** |
| Month 3 | 41 | 51 | 11* |
| Placebo (n=369) | BELSOMRA 15-20 mg‡ (n=231) | ||
| Baseline | 307 | 299 | |
| Change from Baseline | |||
| Month 1 | 22 | 43 | 21*** |
| Month 3 | 38 | 60 | 22*** |
Geriatric use
Information about any limitations on any geriatric indications, needs for specific monitoring, hazards associated with use of the drug in the geriatric population.8.5 Geriatric Use Of the total number of patients treated with BELSOMRA (n=1784) in controlled clinical safety and efficacy studies, 829 patients were 65 years and over, and 159 patients were 75 years and over. No clinically meaningful differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients at the recommended doses [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14) ] . Because BELSOMRA can increase drowsiness, patients, particularly the elderly, are at a higher risk of falls [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .
Pediatric use
Information about any limitations on any pediatric indications, needs for specific monitoring, hazards associated with use of the drug in any subsets of the pediatric population (such as neonates, infants, children, or adolescents), differences between pediatric and adult responses to the drug, and other information related to the safe and effective pediatric use of the drug.8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Pregnancy
Information about effects the drug may have on pregnant women or on a fetus. This field may be ommitted if the drug is not absorbed systemically and the drug is not known to have a potential for indirect harm to the fetus. It may contain information about the established pregnancy category classification for the drug. (That information is nominally listed in the teratogenic_effects field, but may be listed here instead.)8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from postmarketing reports with BELSOMRA use in pregnant women are insufficient to establish a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of suvorexant to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis decreased maternal body weight and/or weight gain at doses ≥ 30 and 28 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 20 mg based on AUC in the rat and rabbit, respectively. Suvorexant caused decreased fetal weight at doses ≥ 86 times the MRHD based on AUC in the rat and did not cause significant fetal toxicity at doses up to 28 times the MRHD based on AUC in the rabbit. The no observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs) for fetal toxicity are 25 and 28 times the MRHD based on AUC in the rat and rabbit, respectively. Oral administration of suvorexant to pregnant rats during pregnancy and lactation caused decreased maternal and pup body weight or weight gain at approximately 48 times the MRHD based on AUC. The NOAEL for development toxicity in the rat is 25 times the MRHD based on AUC (see Data ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the US 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. Data Animal Data Suvorexant was administered orally to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis in two separate studies at doses of 30, 150, and 1000 mg/kg/day or 30, 80, and 325 mg/kg/day, which are approximately 3 to 93 times the MRHD based on AUC. Suvorexant decreased maternal weights at doses ≥ 150 mg/kg/day and fetal weights at doses ≥ 325 mg/kg/day. The NOAEL for both maternal and fetal toxicity is 80 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 25 times the MRHD based on AUC. Suvorexant was administered orally to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis in two separate studies at doses of 40, 100, and 300 mg/kg/day or 50, 150, and 325 mg/kg/day, which are approximately 3 to 70 times the MRHD based on AUC. Suvorexant decreased maternal body weight or weight gain at doses ≥ 150 mg/kg/day. Suvorexant caused excessive maternal toxicity that led to premature deaths at 325 mg/kg/day, which precluded fetal evaluation. Suvorexant did not cause significant fetal toxicity at doses up to 300 mg/kg/day. The NOAELs for maternal and fetal toxicities are 100 mg/kg/day and 300 mg/kg/day, respectively, which are approximately 10 and 28 times the MRHD based on AUC, respectively. Suvorexant was administered orally to pregnant rats during pregnancy and lactation at doses of 30, 80, and 200 mg/kg/day, which are approximately 8 to 48 times the MRHD based on AUC. Suvorexant caused maternal toxicity of decreased body weight and weight gain and food consumption at 200 mg/kg/day. At this maternally toxic dose, suvorexant caused decreased weight gain in offspring pups. The NOAEL for maternal and developmental toxicity is 80 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 25 times the MRHD based on AUC.
Use in specific populations
Information about use of the drug by patients in specific populations, including pregnant women and nursing mothers, pediatric patients, and geriatric patients.8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Patients with severe hepatic impairment: Not recommended ( 8.7 ). 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from postmarketing reports with BELSOMRA use in pregnant women are insufficient to establish a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of suvorexant to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis decreased maternal body weight and/or weight gain at doses ≥ 30 and 28 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 20 mg based on AUC in the rat and rabbit, respectively. Suvorexant caused decreased fetal weight at doses ≥ 86 times the MRHD based on AUC in the rat and did not cause significant fetal toxicity at doses up to 28 times the MRHD based on AUC in the rabbit. The no observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs) for fetal toxicity are 25 and 28 times the MRHD based on AUC in the rat and rabbit, respectively. Oral administration of suvorexant to pregnant rats during pregnancy and lactation caused decreased maternal and pup body weight or weight gain at approximately 48 times the MRHD based on AUC. The NOAEL for development toxicity in the rat is 25 times the MRHD based on AUC (see Data ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the US 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. Data Animal Data Suvorexant was administered orally to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis in two separate studies at doses of 30, 150, and 1000 mg/kg/day or 30, 80, and 325 mg/kg/day, which are approximately 3 to 93 times the MRHD based on AUC. Suvorexant decreased maternal weights at doses ≥ 150 mg/kg/day and fetal weights at doses ≥ 325 mg/kg/day. The NOAEL for both maternal and fetal toxicity is 80 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 25 times the MRHD based on AUC. Suvorexant was administered orally to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis in two separate studies at doses of 40, 100, and 300 mg/kg/day or 50, 150, and 325 mg/kg/day, which are approximately 3 to 70 times the MRHD based on AUC. Suvorexant decreased maternal body weight or weight gain at doses ≥ 150 mg/kg/day. Suvorexant caused excessive maternal toxicity that led to premature deaths at 325 mg/kg/day, which precluded fetal evaluation. Suvorexant did not cause significant fetal toxicity at doses up to 300 mg/kg/day. The NOAELs for maternal and fetal toxicities are 100 mg/kg/day and 300 mg/kg/day, respectively, which are approximately 10 and 28 times the MRHD based on AUC, respectively. Suvorexant was administered orally to pregnant rats during pregnancy and lactation at doses of 30, 80, and 200 mg/kg/day, which are approximately 8 to 48 times the MRHD based on AUC. Suvorexant caused maternal toxicity of decreased body weight and weight gain and food consumption at 200 mg/kg/day. At this maternally toxic dose, suvorexant caused decreased weight gain in offspring pups. The NOAEL for maternal and developmental toxicity is 80 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 25 times the MRHD based on AUC. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of suvorexant in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant or the effects on milk production. Suvorexant and hydroxyl-suvorexant are present in rat milk. When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk. Infants exposed to BELSOMRA through breastmilk should be monitored for excessive sedation. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for BELSOMRA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from BELSOMRA or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use Of the total number of patients treated with BELSOMRA (n=1784) in controlled clinical safety and efficacy studies, 829 patients were 65 years and over, and 159 patients were 75 years and over. No clinically meaningful differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients at the recommended doses [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14) ] . Because BELSOMRA can increase drowsiness, patients, particularly the elderly, are at a higher risk of falls [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 8.6 Patients with Compromised Respiratory Function Effects of BELSOMRA on respiratory function should be considered if prescribed to patients with compromised respiratory function. Obstructive Sleep Apnea The respiratory depressant effect of BELSOMRA was evaluated after one night and after four consecutive nights of treatment in a randomized, placebo-controlled, 2-period crossover study in patients (n=26) with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Following once-daily doses of 40 mg, the mean Apnea/Hypopnea Index treatment difference (suvorexant – placebo) on Day 4 was 2.7 (90% CI: 0.22 to 5.09), but there was wide inter- and intra-individual variability such that clinically meaningful respiratory effects of BELSOMRA in obstructive sleep apnea cannot be excluded. BELSOMRA has not been studied in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease The respiratory depressant effect of BELSOMRA was evaluated after one night and after four consecutive nights of treatment in a randomized, placebo-controlled, 2-period crossover study in patients (n=25) with mild to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). BELSOMRA (40 mg in non-elderly, 30 mg in elderly) had no respiratory depressant effects in patients with mild to moderate COPD, as measured by oxygen saturation. There was wide inter- and intra-individual variability such that clinically meaningful respiratory effects of BELSOMRA in COPD cannot be excluded. BELSOMRA has not been studied in patients with severe COPD [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. 8.7 Patients with Hepatic Impairment No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild and moderate hepatic impairment. BELSOMRA has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment and is not recommended for these patients [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 8.8 Patients with Renal Impairment No dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
How supplied
Information about the available dosage forms to which the labeling applies, and for which the manufacturer or distributor is responsible. This field ordinarily includes the strength of the dosage form (in metric units), the units in which the dosage form is available for prescribing, appropriate information to facilitate identification of the dosage forms (such as shape, color, coating, scoring, and National Drug Code), and special handling and storage condition information.16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied BELSOMRA tablets, 5 mg, are yellow, round, film-coated tablets, with "5" on one side and plain on the other side. They are supplied as follows: NDC 0006-0005-30 unit-of-use blisters of 30 BELSOMRA tablets, 10 mg, are green, round, film-coated tablets, with "33" on one side and plain on the other side. They are supplied as follows: NDC 0006-0033-30 unit-of-use blisters of 30 BELSOMRA tablets, 15 mg, are white, oval, film-coated tablets with the Merck logo on one side and "325" on the other side. They are supplied as follows: NDC 0006-0325-30 unit-of-use blisters of 30 BELSOMRA tablets, 20 mg, are white, round, film-coated tablets with the Merck logo and "335" on one side and plain on the other side. They are supplied as follows: NDC 0006-0335-30 unit-of-use blisters of 30 16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F), [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store in the original package until use to protect from light and moisture.
Storage and handling
Information about safe storage and handling of the drug product.16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F), [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store in the original package until use to protect from light and moisture.
Disclaimer: Do not rely on openFDA or Phanrmacy Near Me to make decisions regarding medical care. While we make every effort to ensure that data is accurate, you should assume all results are unvalidated. Source: OpenFDA, Healthporta Drugs API