Tolestan

Tolestan is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older.

Limitations Of Use

• Use only if a clear diagnosis of migraine headache has been established. If a patient has no response to the first migraine attack treated with Tolestan, reconsider the diagnosis of migraine before Tolestan is administered to treat any subsequent attacks.
• Tolestan is not indicated for the prevention of migraine attacks.
• Safety and effectiveness of Tolestan have not been established for cluster headache.

Dosage In Adults

The recommended dosage for adults is 1 tablet of Tolestan 85/500 mg. Tolestan 85/500 mg contains a dose of sumatriptan higher than the lowest effective dose. The choice of the dose of sumatriptan, and of the use of a fixed combination such as in Tolestan 85/500 mg should be made on an individual basis, weighing the possible benefit of a higher dose of sumatriptan with the potential for a greater risk of adverse reactions.

The maximum recommended dosage in a 24-hour period is 2 tablets, taken at least 2 hours apart.

The safety of treating an average of more than 5 migraine headaches in adults in a 30-day period has not been established.

Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals.

Dosage In Pediatric Patients 12 To 17 Years Of Age

The recommended dosage for pediatric patients 12 to 17 years of age is 1 tablet of Tolestan 10/60 mg.

The maximum recommended dosage in a 24-hour period is 1 tablet of Tolestan 85/500 mg.

The safety of treating an average of more than 2 migraine headaches in pediatric patients in a 30-day period has not been established.

Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals.

Dosing In Patients With Hepatic Impairment

Tolestan is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

In patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment, the recommended dosage in a 24-hour period is 1 tablet of Tolestan 10/60 mg.

Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals.

Administration Information

Tolestan may be administered with or without food. Tablets should not be split, crushed, or chewed.

Tolestan is contraindicated in the following patients:

• Ischemic coronary artery disease (CAD) (angina pectoris, history of myocardial infarction, or documented silent ischemia) or coronary artery vasospasm, including Prinzmetal's angina.
• In the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
• Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or arrhythmias associated with other cardiac accessory conduction pathway disorders.
• History of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) or history of hemiplegic or basilar migraine because these patients are at a higher risk of stroke.
• Peripheral vascular disease.
• Ischemic bowel disease.
• Uncontrolled hypertension.
• Recent use (i.e., within 24 hours) of ergotamine-containing medication, ergot-type medication (such as dihydroergotamine or methysergide), or another 5-hydroxytryptamine1 (5-HT1) agonist.
• Concurrent administration of a monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A inhibitor or recent (within 2 weeks) use of an MAO-A inhibitor.
• History of asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe, sometimes fatal, anaphylactic reactions to NSAIDs have been reported in such patients.
• Known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reactions, angioedema, and serious skin reactions) to sumatriptan, naproxen, or any components of Tolestan.
• Third trimester of pregnancy.
• Severe hepatic impairment.

WARNINGS

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

PRECAUTIONS

Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events

The use of Tolestan is contraindicated in patients with ischemic or vasospastic coronary artery disease (CAD) and in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery due to increased risk of serious cardiovascular events with sumatriptan and NSAIDS.

Cardiovascular Events With Sumatriptan

There have been rare reports of serious cardiac adverse reactions, including acute myocardial infarction, occurring within a few hours following administration of sumatriptan. Some of these reactions occurred in patients without known CAD. Tolestan may cause coronary artery vasospasm (Prinzmetal's angina), even in patients without a history of CAD.

Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events With Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Clinical trials of several COX-2 selective and nonselective NSAIDs of up to three years duration have shown an increased risk of serious cardiovascular (CV) thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke, which can be fatal. Based on available data, it is unclear that the risk for CV thrombotic events is similar for all NSAIDs. The relative increase in serious CV thrombotic events over baseline conferred by NSAID use appears to be similar in those with and without known CV disease or risk factors for CV disease. However, patients with known CV disease or risk factors had a higher absolute incidence of excess serious CV thrombotic events, due to their increased baseline rate. Some observational studies found that this increased risk of serious CV thrombotic events began as early as the first weeks of treatment. The increase in CV thrombotic risk has been observed most consistently at higher doses.

To minimize the potential risk for an adverse CV event in NSAID-treated patients, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Physicians and patients should remain alert for the development of such events, throughout the entire treatment course, even in the absence of previous CV symptoms. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of serious CV events and the steps to take if they occur.

There is no consistent evidence that concurrent use of aspirin mitigates the increased risk of serious CV thrombotic events associated with NSAID use. The concurrent use of aspirin and an NSAID, such as naproxen, increases the risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) events.

Status Post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery

Two large, controlled clinical trials of a COX-2 selective NSAID for the treatment of pain in the first 10–14 days following CABG surgery found an increased incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke. NSAIDs are contraindicated in the setting of CABG.

Post-MI Patients

Observational studies conducted in the Danish National Registry have demonstrated that patients treated with NSAIDs in the post-MI period were at increased risk of reinfarction, CV-related death, and all-cause mortality beginning in the first week of treatment. In this same cohort, the incidence of death in the first year post-MI was 20 per 100 person years in NSAID-treated patients compared to 12 per 100 person years in non-NSAID exposed patients. Although the absolute rate of death declined somewhat after the first year post-MI, the increased relative risk of death in NSAID users persisted over at least the next four years of follow-up.

Perform a cardiovascular evaluation in patients who have multiple cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., increased age, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, obesity, strong family history of CAD) prior to receiving Tolestan. If there is evidence of CAD or coronary artery vasospasm, Tolestan is contraindicated. For patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors who have a negative cardiovascular evaluation, consider administering the first dose of Tolestan in a medically supervised setting and performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) immediately following administration of Tolestan. For such patients, consider periodic cardiovascular evaluation in intermittent long-term users of Tolestan.

Physicians and patients should remain alert for the development of cardiovascular events, even in the absence of previous cardiovascular symptoms. Patients should be informed about the signs and/or symptoms of serious cardiovascular events and the steps to take if they occur.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Ulceration, And Perforation

NSAIDs, including naproxen, a component of Tolestan, cause serious gastrointestinal adverse events including inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine, which can be fatal. These serious adverse events can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms, in patients treated with NSAIDs. Only 1 in 5 patients who develop a serious upper gastrointestinal adverse event on NSAID therapy is symptomatic. Upper gastrointestinal ulcers, gross bleeding, or perforation caused by NSAIDs appear to occur in approximately 1% of patients treated daily for 3 to 6 months and in about 2% to 4% of patients treated for 1 year. However, even short-term therapy is not without risk.

Among 3,302 adult patients with migraine who received Tolestan in controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials, 1 patient experienced a recurrence of gastric ulcer after taking 8 doses over 3 weeks, and 1 patient developed a gastric ulcer after treating an average of 8 attacks per month over 7 months.

Risk Factors For GI Bleeding, Ulceration, And Perforation

Patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or gastrointestinal bleeding who use NSAIDs have a greater than 10-fold increased risk for developing gastrointestinal bleeding compared with patients with neither of these risk factors. Other factors that increase the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding in patients treated with NSAIDs include longer duration of NSAID therapy; concomitant use of oral corticosteroids, aspirin, anticoagulants, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); smoking; use of alcohol; older age; and poor general health status. Most postmarketing reports of fatal gastrointestinal events occurred in elderly or debilitated patients, and therefore special care should be taken in treating this population. Additionally, patients with advanced liver disease and/or coagulopathy are at increased risk for GI bleeding.

Strategies to Minimize the GI Risks in NSAID-treated patients:

• Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest possible duration.
• Avoid administration of more than one NSAID at a time.
• Avoid use in patients at higher risk unless benefits are expected to outweigh the increased risk of bleeding. For high risk patients, as well as those with active GI bleeding, consider alternate therapies other than NSAIDs.
• Remain alert for signs and symptoms of GI ulceration and bleeding during NSAID therapy.
• If a serious GI adverse event is suspected, promptly initiate evaluation and treatment, and discontinue Tolestan until a serious GI adverse event is ruled out.
• In the setting of concomitant use of low-dose aspirin for cardiac prophylaxis, monitor patients more closely for evidence of GI bleeding.

Arrhythmias

Life-threatening disturbances of cardiac rhythm, including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation leading to death, have been reported within a few hours following the administration of 5-HT1 agonists. Discontinue Tolestan if these disturbances occur.

Tolestan is contraindicated in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or arrhythmias associated with other cardiac accessory conduction pathway disorders.

Chest, Throat, Neck, And/Or Jaw Pain/Tightness/Pressure

Sensations of tightness, pain, pressure, and heaviness in the precordium, throat, neck, and jaw commonly occur after treatment with sumatriptan and are usually non-cardiac in origin. However, perform a cardiac evaluation if these patients are at high cardiac risk. The use of Tolestan is contraindicated in patients with CAD and those with Prinzmetal's variant angina.

Cerebrovascular Events

Cerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and stroke have occurred in patients treated with 5-HT1 agonists, and some have resulted in fatalities. In a number of cases, it appears possible that the cerebrovascular events were primary, the 5-HT1 agonist having been administered in the incorrect belief that the symptoms experienced were a consequence of migraine when they were not. Also, patients with migraine may be at increased risk of certain cerebrovascular events (e.g., stroke, hemorrhage, TIA). Discontinue Tolestan if a cerebrovascular event occurs.

Before treating headaches in patients not previously diagnosed as migraineurs, and in migraineurs who present with atypical symptoms, exclude other potentially serious neurological conditions. Tolestan is contraindicated in patients with a history of stroke or TIA.

Other Vasospasm Reactions

Sumatriptan may cause non-coronary vasospastic reactions, such as peripheral vascular ischemia, gastrointestinal vascular ischemia and infarction (presenting with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea), splenic infarction, and Raynaud's syndrome. In patients who experience symptoms or signs suggestive of non-coronary vasospasm reaction following the use of any 5-HT1 agonist, rule out a vasospastic reaction before receiving additional Tolestan.

Reports of transient and permanent blindness and significant partial vision loss have been reported with the use of 5-HT1 agonists. Since visual disorders may be part of a migraine attack, a causal relationship between these events and the use of 5-HT1 agonists have not been clearly established.

Hepatotoxicity

Borderline elevations of 1 or more liver tests may occur in up to 15% of patients who take NSAIDs including naproxen, a component of Tolestan. Hepatic abnormalities may be the result of hypersensitivity rather than direct toxicity. These abnormalities may progress, may remain essentially unchanged, or may be transient with continued therapy. Notable (3 times the upper limit of normal) elevations of SGPT (ALT) or SGOT (AST) have been reported in approximately 1% of patients in clinical trials with NSAIDs. In addition, rare, sometimes fatal cases of severe hepatic injury, including jaundice and fatal fulminant hepatitis, liver necrosis, and hepatic failure have been reported with NSAIDs.

Tolestan is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment. A patient with symptoms and/or signs suggesting liver dysfunction, or in whom an abnormal liver test has occurred, should be evaluated for evidence of the development of a more severe hepatic reaction while on therapy with Tolestan. Tolestan should be discontinued if clinical signs and symptoms consistent with liver disease develop, if systemic manifestations occur (e.g., eosinophilia, rash), or if abnormal liver tests persist or worsen.

Inform patients of the warning signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity (e.g., nausea, fatigue, lethargy, diarrhea, pruritus, jaundice, right upper quadrant tenderness, and “flulike” symptoms). If clinical signs and symptoms consistent with liver disease develop, or if systemic manifestations occur (e.g., eosinophilia, rash, etc.), discontinue Tolestan immediately, and perform a clinical evaluation of the patient.

Hypertension

Significant elevation in blood pressure, including hypertensive crisis with acute impairment of organ systems, has been reported on rare occasions in patients treated with 5-HT1 agonists, including sumatriptan, a component of Tolestan. This occurrence has included patients without a history of hypertension.

NSAIDs, including naproxen, a component of Tolestan, can also lead to onset of new hypertension or worsening of preexisting hypertension, either of which may contribute to the increased incidence of cardiovascular events. Patients taking angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, thiazide diuretics, or loop diuretics may have impaired response to these therapies when taking NSAIDs.

Monitor blood pressure in patients treated with Tolestan. Tolestan is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

Heart Failure And Edema

The Coxib and traditional NSAID Trialists' Collaboration meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials demonstrated an approximately two-fold increase in hospitalizations for heart failure in COX-2 selective-treated patients and nonselective NSAID-treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients. In a Danish National Registry study of patients with heart failure, NSAID use increased the risk of MI, hospitalization for heart failure, and death.

Additionally, fluid retention and edema have been observed in some patients treated with NSAIDs. Use of naproxen may blunt the CV effects of several therapeutic agents used to treat these medical conditions (e.g., diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs]).

Avoid the use of Tolestan in patients with severe heart failure unless the benefits are expected to outweigh the risk of worsening heart failure. If Tolestan is used in patients with severe heart failure, monitor patients for signs of worsening heart failure.

Since each Tolestan 85/500 mg tablet contains approximately 60 mg of sodium and each Tolestan 10/60 mg tablet contains approximately 20 mg of sodium, this should be considered in patients whose overall intake of sodium must be severely restricted.

Medication Overuse Headache

Overuse of acute migraine drugs (e.g., ergotamine, triptans, opioids, or a combination of these drugs for 10 or more days per month) may lead to exacerbation of headache (medication overuse headache). Medication overuse headache may present as migraine-like daily headaches, or as a marked increase in frequency of migraine attacks. Detoxification of patients, including withdrawal of the overused drugs, and treatment of withdrawal symptoms (which often includes a transient worsening of headache) may be necessary.

Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin syndrome may occur with Tolestan, particularly during coadministration with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and MAO inhibitors. Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, hyperthermia), neuromuscular aberrations (e.g., hyperreflexia, incoordination), and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). The onset of symptoms usually occurs within minutes to hours of receiving a new or a greater dose of a serotonergic medication. Discontinue Tolestan if serotonin syndrome is suspected.

Renal Toxicity And Hyperkalemia

Renal Toxicity Long-term administration of NSAIDs has resulted in renal papillary necrosis and other renal injury. Renal toxicity has also been seen in patients in whom renal prostaglandins have a compensatory role in the maintenance of renal perfusion. In these patients administration of an NSAID may cause a dose-dependent reduction in prostaglandin formation and, secondarily, in renal blood flow, which may precipitate overt renal decompensation. Patients at greatest risk of this reaction are those with impaired renal function, dehydration, hypovolemia, heart failure, liver dysfunction, salt depletion, those taking diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or ARBs, and the elderly. Discontinuation of NSAID therapy is usually followed by recovery to the pretreatment state.

Tolestan should be discontinued if clinical signs and symptoms consistent with renal disease develop or if systemic manifestations occur.

Tolestan is not recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance [CrCl] < 30 mL/min) unless the benefits are expected to outweigh the risk of worsening renal function. If Tolestan is used in patients with advanced renal disease, monitor patients for signs of worsening renal function. Monitor renal function in patients with mild (CrCl = 60 to 89 mL/min) or moderate (CrCl = 30 to 59 mL/min) renal impairment, preexisting kidney disease, or dehydration.

The renal effects of Tolestan may hasten the progression of renal dysfunction in patients with pre-existing renal disease.

Correct volume status in dehydrated or hypovolemic patients prior to initiating Tolestan. Monitor renal function in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, heart failure, dehydration, or hypovolemia during use of Tolestan. Avoid the use of Tolestan in patients with advanced renal disease unless the benefits are expected to outweigh the risk of worsening renal function. If Tolestan is used in patients with advanced renal disease, monitor patients for signs of worsening renal function.

Hyperkalemia

Increases in serum potassium concentration, including hyperkalemia, have been reported with the use of NSAIDs, even in some patients without renal impairment. In patients with normal renal function, these effects have been attributed to a hyporeninemichypoaldosteronism state.

Anaphylactic Reactions

Anaphylactic reactions may occur in patients without known prior exposure to either component of Tolestan. Such reactions can be life-threatening or fatal. In general, anaphylactic reactions to drugs are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens although anaphylactic reactions with naproxen have occurred in patient without known hypersensitivity to naproxen or to patients with aspirin sensitive asthma. Tolestan should not be given to patients with the aspirin triad. This symptom complex typically occurs in patients with asthma who experience rhinitis with or without nasal polyps, or who exhibit severe, potentially fatal bronchospasm after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Tolestan is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reaction to sumatriptan, naproxen, or any other component of Tolestan. Naproxen has been associated with anaphylactic reactions in patients without known hypersensitivity to naproxen and in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma. Seek emergency help if an anaphylactic reaction occurs.

Serious Skin Reactions

NSAID-containing products can cause serious skin adverse reactions such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can be fatal. These serious events may occur without warning. Inform patients about the signs and symptoms of serious skin reactions and to discontinue the use of Tolestan at the first appearance of skin rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity. Tolestan is contraindicated in patients with previous serious skin reactions to NSAIDs.

Premature Closure Of The Ductus Arteriosus

Tolestan may cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus. Avoid use of NSAIDs, including Tolestan, in pregnant women starting at 30 weeks of gestation (third trimester).

Hematologic Toxicity

Anemia has occurred in patients receiving NSAIDs. This may be due to fluid retention, occult or gross gastrointestinal blood loss, or an incompletely described effect upon erythropoiesis. If a patient treated with Tolestan has signs or symptoms of anemia, monitor hemoglobin or hematocrit.

NSAIDs, including Tolestan, may increase the risk of bleeding events. Co-morbid conditions such as coagulation disorders or concomitant use of warfarin, other anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin), serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) may increase this risk. Monitor these patients for signs of bleeding.

Exacerbation Of Asthma Related To Aspirin Sensitivity

A subpopulation of patients with asthma may have aspirin-sensitive asthma which may include chronic rhinosinusitis complicated by nasal polyps; severe, potentially fatal bronchospasm; and/or intolerance to aspirin and other NSAIDs. Because cross-reactivity between aspirin and other NSAIDs has been reported in such aspirin-sensitive patients, Tolestan is contraindicated in patients with this form of aspirin sensitivity and should be used with caution in patients with preexisting asthma.

When Tolestan is used in patients with preexisting asthma (without known aspirin sensitivity), monitor patients for changes in the signs and symptoms of asthma.

Seizures

Seizures have been reported following administration of sumatriptan. Some have occurred in patients with either a history of seizures or concurrent conditions predisposing to seizures. There are also reports in patients where no such predisposing factors are apparent. Tolestan should be used with caution in patients with a history of epilepsy or conditions associated with a lowered seizure threshold.

Masking Of Inflammation And Fever

The pharmacological activity of Tolestan in reducing inflammation, and possibly fever, may diminish the utility of diagnostic signs in detecting infections.

Laboratory Monitoring

Because serious GI bleeding, hepatotoxicity, and renal injury can occur without warning symptoms or signs, consider monitoring patients on long-term NSAID treatment with a CBC and a chemistry profile periodically.

Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide) that accompanies each prescription dispensed. Inform patients, families, or their caregivers of the following information before initiating therapy with Tolestan and periodically during the course of ongoing therapy.

Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events, Prinzmetal's Angina, Other Vasospasm-Related Events, Arrhythmias And Cerebrovascular Events

Advise patients to be alert for the symptoms of cardiovascular thrombotic effects such as myocardial infarction or stroke, which may result in hospitalization and even death. Although serious cardiovascular events can occur without warning symptoms, patients should be alert for signs and symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, irregular heartbeat, significant rise in blood pressure, weakness and slurring of speech, and should be advised to report any of these symptoms to their health care provider immediately. Apprise patients of the importance of this follow-up.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Ulceration, And Perforation

Advise patients to report symptoms of ulcerations and bleeding, including epigastric pain, dyspepsia, melena, and hematemesis to their health care provider. In the setting of concomitant use of low-dose aspirin for cardiac prophylaxis, inform patients of the increased risk for and the signs and symptoms of GI bleeding.

Hepatotoxicity

Inform patients of the warning signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity (e.g., nausea, fatigue, lethargy, pruritus, diarrhea, jaundice, right upper quadrant tenderness, and “flu-like” symptoms). If these occur, instruct patients to stop Tolestan and seek immediate medical therapy.

Anaphylactic Reactions

Inform patients that anaphylactic reactions have occurred in patients receiving the components of Tolestan. Such reactions can be life-threatening or fatal. In general, anaphylactic reactions to drugs are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens. Inform patients of the signs of an anaphylactic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat). If these occur, patients should be instructed to seek immediate emergency help.

Serious Skin Reactions

Inform patients that Tolestan, like other NSAID-containing products, may increase the risk of serious skin side effects such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis, which may result in hospitalizations and even death. Although serious skin reactions may occur without warning, patients should be alert for the signs and symptoms of skin rash and blisters, fever, or other signs of hypersensitivity such as itching and should ask for medical advice when observing any indicative signs or symptoms. Advise patients to stop the drug immediately if they develop any type of rash and contact their healthcare providers as soon as possible.

Fetal Toxicity

Inform patients that Tolestan should not be used during the third trimester of pregnancy because NSAID-containing products have been shown to cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus. Inform patients that Tolestan should be used during the first and second trimester of pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nursing Mothers

Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Heart Failure And Edema

Advise patients to be alert for the symptoms of congestive heart failure including shortness of breath, unexplained weight gain, or edema and to contact their healthcare provider if such symptoms occur.Anaphylactic Reactions Inform patients of the signs of an anaphylactic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat). Instruct patients to seek immediate emergency help if these occur.

Concomitant Use With Other Triptans Or Ergot Medications

Inform patients that use of Tolestan within 24 hours of another triptan or an ergot-type medication (including dihydroergotamine or methysergide) is contraindicated.

Serotonin Syndrome

Caution patients about the risk of serotonin syndrome with the use of Tolestan or other triptans, particularly during concomitant use with SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and MAO inhibitors.

Medication Overuse Headache

Inform patients that use of acute migraine drugs for 10 or more days per month may lead to an exacerbation of headache and encourage patients to record headache frequency and drug use (e.g., by keeping a headache diary).

Ability To Perform Complex Tasks

Treatment with Tolestan may cause somnolence and dizziness; instruct patients to evaluate their ability to perform complex tasks after administration of Tolestan.

Asthma

Advise patients with preexisting asthma to seek immediate medical attention if their asthma worsens after taking Tolestan. Patients with a history of aspirin-sensitive asthma should not take Tolestan.

Avoid Concomitant Use Of NSAIDs

Inform patients that the concomitant use of Tolestan with other NSAIDs or salicylates (e.g., diflunisal, salsalate) is not recommended due to the increased risk of gastrointestinal toxicity, and little or no increase in efficacy. Alert patients that NSAIDs may be present in “over the counter” medications for treatment of colds, fever, or insomnia.

Use Of NSAIDS And Low-Dose Aspirin

Inform patients not to use low-dose aspirin concomitantly with Tolestan until they talk to their healthcare provider.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

The carcinogenic potential of Tolestan has not been studied.

In carcinogenicity studies in mouse and rat, sumatriptan was administered orally for 78 and 104 weeks, respectively, at doses up to 160 mg/kg/day. The highest doses tested are approximately 5 (mouse) and 9 (rat) times the maximum human daily dose (MHDD) of 170 mg sumatriptan on a mg/m² basis (two tablets of Tolestan 85/500 mg in a 24-hour period).

The carcinogenic potential of naproxen was evaluated in a 2-year oral carcinogenicity study in rats at doses of 8, 16, and 24 mg/kg/day and in another 2-year oral carcinogenicity study in rats at a dose of 8 mg/kg/day. No evidence of tumorigenicity was found in either study. The highest dose tested is less than the MHDD (1000 mg) of naproxen, on a mg/m² basis.

Mutagenesis

Sumatriptan and naproxen sodium tested alone and in combination were negative in an in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay, and in an in vivo micronucleus assay in mice.

The combination of sumatriptan and naproxen sodium was negative in an in vitro mouse lymphoma tk assay in the presence and absence of metabolic activation. However, in separate in vitro mouse lymphoma tk assays, naproxen sodium alone was reproducibly positive in the presence of metabolic activation.

Naproxen sodium alone and in combination with sumatriptan was positive in an in vitro clastogenicity assay in mammalian cells in the presence and absence of metabolic activation. The clastogenic effect for the combination was reproducible within this assay and was greater than observed with naproxen sodium alone. Sumatriptan alone was negative in these assays.

Chromosomal aberrations were not induced in peripheral blood lymphocytes following 7 days of twice-daily dosing with Tolestan in human volunteers.

In previous studies, sumatriptan alone was negative in in vitro (bacterial reverse mutation [Ames], gene cell mutation in Chinese hamster V79/HGPRT, chromosomal aberration in human lymphocytes) and in vivo (rat micronucleus) assays.

Impairment Of Fertility

The effect of Tolestan on fertility in animals has not been studied.

When sumatriptan (5, 50, 500 mg/kg/day) was administered orally to male and female rats prior to and throughout the mating period, there was a drug-related decrease in fertility secondary to a decrease in mating in animals treated with doses greater than 5 mg/kg/day (less than the MHDD of 170 mg on a mg/m² basis). It is not clear whether this finding was due to an effect on males or females or both.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C during the first two trimesters of pregnancy; Category X during the third trimester of pregnancy. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Tolestan (sumatriptan and naproxen) should be used during the first and second trimester of pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Tolestan should not be used during the third trimester of pregnancy because inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis (including naproxen) are known to cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in humans. In animal studies, administration of sumatriptan and naproxen, alone or in combination, during pregnancy resulted in developmental toxicity (increased incidences of fetal malformations, embryofetal and pup mortality, decreased embryofetal growth) at clinically relevant doses.

Oral administration of sumatriptan combined with naproxen sodium (5/9, 25/45, or 50/90 mg/kg/day sumatriptan/naproxen sodium) or each drug alone (50/0 or 0/90 mg/kg/day sumatriptan/naproxen sodium) to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in increased total incidences of fetal abnormalities at all doses and increased incidences of specific malformations (cardiac interventricular septal defect in the 50/90 mg/kg/day group, fused caudal vertebrae in the 50/0 and 0/90 mg/kg/day groups) and variations (absent intermediate lobe of the lung, irregular ossification of the skull, incompletely ossified sternal centra) at the highest dose of sumatriptan and naproxen alone and in combination. A no-effect dose for developmental toxicity in rabbit

The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in labeling:

• Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events
• GI Bleeding, Ulceration and Perforation
• Arrhythmias
• Chest, Throat, Neck, and/or Jaw Pain/Tightness/Pressure
• Cerebrovascular Events
• Other Vasospasm Reactions
• Hepatotoxicity
• Hypertension
• Heart Failure and Edema
• Medication Overuse Headache
• Serotonin Syndrome
• Renal Toxicity and Hyperkalemia
• Anaphylactic Reactions
• Serious Skin Reactions
• Hematological Toxicity
• Exacerbation Asthma Related to Aspirin Sensitivity
• Seizures

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 with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Adults

The adverse reactions reported below are specific to the clinical trials with Tolestan 85/500 mg. See also the full prescribing information for naproxen and sumatriptan products.

Table 1 lists adverse reactions that occurred in 2 placebo-controlled clinical trials (Study 1 and 2) in adult patients who received 1 dose of study drug. Only adverse reactions that occurred at a frequency of 2% or more in any group treated with Tolestan 85/500 mg and that occurred at a frequency greater than the placebo group are included in Table 1.

Table 1: Adverse Reactions in Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials in Adult Patients with Migraine

The incidence of adverse reactions in controlled clinical trials was not affected by gender or age of the patients. There were insufficient data to assess the impact of race on the incidence of adverse reactions.

Pediatric Patients 12 To 17 Years Of Age

In a placebo-controlled clinical trial that evaluated pediatric patients 12 to 17 years of age who received 1 dose of Tolestan 10/60 mg, 30/180 mg, or 85/500 mg, adverse reactions occurred in 13% of patients who received 10/60 mg, 9% of patients who received 30/180 mg, 13% who received 85/500 mg, and 8% who received placebo. No patients who received Tolestan experienced adverse reactions leading to withdrawal from the trial. The incidence of adverse reactions in pediatric patients 12 to 17 years of age was comparable across all 3 doses compared with placebo. Table 2 lists adverse reactions that occurred in a placebo-controlled trial in pediatric patients 12 to 17 years of age at a frequency of 2% or more with Tolestan and were more frequent than the placebo group.

Table 2: Adverse Reactions in a Placebo-Controlled Trial in Pediatric Patients 12 to 17 Years of Age with Migraine

Patients (N = 670) have received single oral doses of 140 to 300 mg of sumatriptan without significant adverse effects. Volunteers (N = 174) have received single oral doses of 140 to 400 mg without serious adverse events.

Overdose of sumatriptan in animals has been fatal and has been heralded by convulsions, tremor, paralysis, inactivity, ptosis, erythema of the extremities, abnormal respiration, cyanosis, ataxia, mydriasis, salivation, and lacrimation.

Symptoms following acute NSAID overdosages have been typically limited to lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and epigastric pain. Gastrointestinal bleeding has occurred. Hypertension, acute renal failure, respiratory depression, and coma have occurred, but were rare.

Manage patients with symptomatic and supportive care following an NSAID overdosage. There are no specific antidotes. Consider emesis and/or activated charcoal (60 to 100 grams in adults, 1 to 2 grams per kg of body weight in pediatric patients) and/or osmotic cathartic in symptomatic patients seen within four hours of ingestion or in patients with a large overdosage (5 to 10 times the recommended dosage). Hemodialysis does not decrease the plasma concentration of naproxen because of the high degree of its protein binding. It is unknown what effect hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis has on the serum concentrations of sumatriptan. Forced diuresis, alkalinization of urine, hemodialysis, or hemoperfusion may not be useful due to high protein binding.

For additional information about overdosage treatment contact a poison control center (1-800-222-1222).

Blood Pressure

In a randomized, double-blind, parallel group, active control trial, Tolestan 85/500 mg administered intermittently over 6 months did not increase blood pressure in a normotensive adult population (n = 122). However, significant elevation in blood pressure has been reported with 5-HT1 agonists and NSAIDs in patients with and without a history of hypertension.

Absorption And Bioavailability

Sumatriptan, when given as Tolestan 85/500 mg, has a mean Cmax similar to that of sumatriptan succinate 100 mg tablets alone. The median Tmax of sumatriptan, when given as Tolestan 85/500 mg, was 1 hour (range: 0.3 to 4.0 hours), which is slightly different compared with sumatriptan succinate 100 mg tablets (median Tmax of 1.5 hours). Naproxen, when given as Tolestan 85/500 mg, has a Cmax which is approximately 36% lower than naproxen sodium 550 mg tablets and a median Tmax of 5 hours (range: 0.3 to 12 hours), which is approximately 4 hours later than from naproxen sodium tablets 550 mg. AUC values for sumatriptan and for naproxen are similar for Tolestan 85/500 mg compared with sumatriptan succinate 100 mg tablets or naproxen sodium 550 mg tablets, respectively. In a crossover trial in 16 subjects, the pharmacokinetics of both components administered as Tolestan 85/500 mg were similar during a migraine attack and during a migraine-free period.

Bioavailability of sumatriptan is approximately 15%, primarily due to presystemic (first-pass) metabolism and partly due to incomplete absorption.

Naproxen is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract with an in vivo bioavailability of 95%.

Food had no significant effect on the bioavailability of sumatriptan or naproxen administered as Tolestan, but slightly delayed the Tmax of sumatriptan by about 0.6 hour.

Distribution

Plasma protein binding is 14% to 21%. The effect of sumatriptan on the protein binding of other drugs has not been evaluated. The volume of distribution of sumatriptan is 2.7 L/kg.

The volume of distribution of naproxen is 0.16 L/kg. At therapeutic levels naproxen is greater than 99% albumin bound. At doses of naproxen greater than 500 mg/day, there is a less-than-proportional increase in plasma levels due to an increase in clearance caused by saturation of plasma protein binding at higher doses (average trough Css = 36.5, 49.2, and 56.4 mg/L with 500-; 1,000-; and 1,500-mg daily doses of naproxen, respectively). However, the concentration of unbound naproxen continues to increase proportionally to dose.

Metabolism

In vitro studies with human microsomes suggest that sumatriptan is metabolized by monoamine oxidase (MAO), predominantly the A isoenzyme. No significant effect was seen with an MAO-B inhibitor.

Naproxen is extensively metabolized to 6-0-desmethyl naproxen, and both parent and metabolites do not induce metabolizing enzymes.

Elimination

The elimination half-life of sumatriptan is approximately 2 hours. Radiolabeled 14C-sumatriptan administered orally is largely renally excreted (about 60%), with about 40% found in the feces. Most of a radiolabeled dose of sumatriptan excreted in the urine is the major metabolite indole acetic acid (IAA) or the IAA glucuronide, both of which are inactive. Three percent of the dose can be recovered as unchanged sumatriptan.

The clearance of naproxen is 0.13 mL/min/kg. Approximately 95% of the naproxen from any dose is excreted in the urine, primarily as naproxen (less than 1%), 6-0-desmethyl naproxen (less than 1%), or their conjugates (66% to 92%). The plasma half-life of the naproxen anion in humans is approximately 19 hours. The corresponding half-lives of both metabolites and conjugates of naproxen are shorter than 12 hours, and their rates of excretion have been found to coincide closely with the rate of naproxen disappearance from the plasma. In patients with renal failure, metabolites may accumulate.