ECD3 Tablets

Calcium:

• Indications and usage
• Dosage and administration
• Dosage forms and strengths
• Contraindications
• Warnings and precautions
• Adverse reactions
• Drug interactions
• Use in specific populations
• Overdosage
• Description
• Clinical pharmacology
• Nonclinical toxicology
• Clinical studies
• How supplied/storage and handling
• Patient counseling information
• ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) reviews

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate is a phosphate binder indicated to reduce serum phosphorus in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD).

- Calcium acetate is a phosphate binder indicated for the reduction of serum phosphorus in patients with end stage renal disease. (1)

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

The recommended initial dose of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate for the adult dialysis patient is 2 capsules with each meal. Increase the dose gradually to lower serum phosphorus levels to the target range, as long as hypercalcemia does not develop. Most patients require 3 to 4 capsules with each meal.

- Starting dose is 2 capsules with each meal. (2)

- Titrate the dose every 2 to 3 weeks until acceptable serum phosphorus level is reached. Most patients require 3 to 4 capsules with each meal. (2)

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Capsule: 667 mg ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate capsule.

- Capsule: 667 mg ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate capsule. (3)

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

Patients with hypercalcemia.

- Hypercalcemia. (4)

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

- Treat mild hypercalcemia by reducing or interrupting ECD3 Tablets acetate and Vitamin D. Severe hypercalcemia may require hemodialysis and discontinuation of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate. (5.1)

- Hypercalcemia may aggravate digitalis toxicity. (5.2)

5.1 Hypercalcemia

Patients with end stage renal disease may develop hypercalcemia when treated with ECD3 Tablets (Calcium), including ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate. Avoid the use of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) supplements, including ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) based nonprescription antacids, concurrently with ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate.

An overdose of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate may lead to progressive hypercalcemia, which may require emergency measures. Therefore, early in the treatment phase during the dosage adjustment period, monitor serum ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) levels twice weekly. Should hypercalcemia develop, reduce the ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate dosage, or discontinue the treatment, depending on the severity of hypercalcemia

More severe hypercalcemia (Ca >12 mg/dL) is associated with confusion, delirium, stupor and coma. Severe hypercalcemia can be treated by acute hemodialysis and discontinuing ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate therapy.

Mild hypercalcemia (10.5 to 11.9 mg/dL) may be asymptomatic or manifest as constipation, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. Mild hypercalcemia is usually controlled by reducing the ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate dose or temporarily discontinuing therapy. Decreasing or discontinuing Vitamin D therapy is recommended as well.

Chronic hypercalcemia may lead to vascular calcification and other soft-tissue calcification. Radiographic evaluation of suspected anatomical regions may be helpful in early detection of soft tissue calcification. The long term effect of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate on the progression of vascular or soft tissue calcification has not been determined.

Hypercalcemia (>11 mg/dL) was reported in 16% of patients in a 3 month study of solid dose formulation of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate; all cases resolved upon lowering the dose or discontinuing treatment.

Maintain the serum calcium-phosphorus (Ca x P) product below 55 mg²/dL².

5.2 Concomitant Use with Medications

Hypercalcemia may aggravate digitalis toxicity.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

Hypercalcemia is discussed elsewhere [see Warnings and Precautions ].

- The most common (>10%) adverse reactions are hypercalcemia, nausea and vomiting. (6.1)

- In clinical studies, patients have occasionally experienced nausea during ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate therapy. (6)

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp. at 1-800-962-8364 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch

6.1 Clinical Trial 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 practice.

In clinical studies, ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate has been generally well tolerated.

ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate was studied in a 3 month, open-label, non-randomized study of 98 enrolled ESRD hemodialysis patients and an alternate liquid formulation of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate was studied in a two week double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study with 69 enrolled ESRD hemodialysis patients. Adverse reactions (>2% on treatment) from these trials are presented in Table 1.

Mild hypercalcemia may be asymptomatic or manifest itself as constipation, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. More severe hypercalcemia is associated with confusion, delirium, stupor, and coma. Decreasing dialysate ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) concentration could reduce the incidence and severity of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate-induced hypercalcemia. Isolated cases pruritus have been reported, which may represent allergic reactions.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate: dizziness, edema, and weakness.

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

The drug interaction of ECD3 Tablets acetate is characterized by the potential of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) to bind to drugs with anionic functions (e.g., carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups). ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate may decrease the bioavailability of tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones via this mechanism.

There are no empirical data on avoiding drug interactions between ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate and most concomitant drugs. When administering an oral medication with ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate where a reduction in the bioavailability of that medication would have a clinically significant effect on its safety or efficacy, administer the drug one hour before or three hours after ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate. Monitor blood levels of the concomitant drugs that have a narrow therapeutic range. Patients taking anti-arrhythmic medications for the control of arrhythmias and anti-seizure medications for the control of seizure disorders were excluded from the clinical trials with all forms of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate.

- Calcium acetate may decrease the bioavailability of tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones. (7)

- When clinically significant drug interactions are expected, administer the drug at least one hour before or at least three hours after ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate or consider monitoring blood levels of the drug. (7)

7.1 Ciprofloxacin

In a study of 15 healthy subjects, a co-administered single dose of 4 ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate tablets, approximately 2.7g, decreased the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin by approximately 50%.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1 Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C:

ECD3 Tablets acetate capsules contains ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate, and there are no adequate and well controlled studies of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate use in pregnant women. Patients with end stage renal disease may develop hypercalcemia with ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 ) ]. Maintenance of normal serum ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) levels is important for maternal and fetal well being. Hypercalcemia during pregnancy may increase the risk for maternal and neonatal complications such as stillbirth, preterm delivery, and neonatal hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism. ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate treatment, as recommended, is not expected to harm a fetus if maternal ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) levels are properly monitored during and following treatment.

8.2 Labor and Delivery

The effects of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate on labor and delivery are unknown.

8.3 Nursing Mothers

ECD3 Tablets Acetate Capsules contains ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate and is excreted in human milk. Human milk feeding by a mother receiving ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate is not expected to harm an infant, provided maternal serum ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) levels are appropriately monitored.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

10 OVERDOSAGE

Administration of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate in excess of the appropriate daily dosage may result in hypercalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

11 DESCRIPTION

ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate acts as a phosphate binder. Its chemical name is ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate. Its molecular formula is C₄H₆CaO₄, and its molecular weight is 158.17. Its structural formula is:

Each white opaque/blue opaque capsule contains 667 mg of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate USP (anhydrous; Ca(CH₃COO)₂; MW=158.17 grams) equal to 169 mg (8.45 mEq) ECD3 Tablets (Calcium), polyethylene glycol 8000 and magnesium stearate. Each capsule shell contains: black monogramming ink, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #3, gelatin and titanium dioxide. The black monogramming ink contains: ammonium hydroxide, iron oxide black, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol and shellac glaze.

ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) Acetate Capsules are administered orally for the control of hyperphosphatemia in end-stage renal failure.

Chemical Structure

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Patients with ESRD retain phosphorus and can develop hyperphosphatemia. High serum phosphorus can precipitate serum ECD3 Tablets resulting in ectopic calcification. Hyperphosphatemia also plays a role in the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with ESRD.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate, when taken with meals, combines with dietary phosphate to form an insoluble ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) phosphate complex, which is excreted in the feces, resulting in decreased serum phosphorus concentration.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Orally administered ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate from pharmaceutical dosage forms is systemically absorbed up to approximately 40% under fasting conditions and up to approximately 30% under nonfasting conditions. This range represents data from both healthy subjects and renal dialysis patients under various conditions.

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or fertility studies have been conducted with ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate.

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

Effectiveness of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate in decreasing serum phosphorus has been demonstrated in two studies of the ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate solid oral dosage form.

Ninety-one patients with end-stage renal disease who were undergoing hemodialysis and were hyperphosphatemic (serum phosphorus >5.5 mg/dL) following a 1 week phosphate binder washout period contributed efficacy data to an open-label, non-randomized study.

The patients received ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate 667 mg tablets at each meal for a period of 12 weeks. The initial starting dose was 2 tablets per meal for 3 meals a day, and the dose was adjusted as necessary to control serum phosphorus levels. The average final dose after 12 weeks of treatment was 3.4 tablets per meal. Although there was a decrease in serum phosphorus, in the absence of a control group the true magnitude of effect is uncertain.

The data presented in Table 2 demonstrate the efficacy of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in end-stage renal disease patients. The effects on serum ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) levels are also presented.

There was a 30% decrease in serum phosphorus levels during the 12 week study period (p<0.01). Two-thirds of the decline occurred in the first month of the study. Serum ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) increased 9% during the study mostly in the first month of the study.

Treatment with the phosphate binder was discontinued for patients from the open-label study, and those patients whose serum phosphorus exceeded 5.5 mg/dL were eligible for entry into a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Patients were randomized to receive ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate or placebo, and each continued to receive the same number of tablets as had been individually established during the previous study. Following 2 weeks of treatment, patients switched to the alternative therapy for an additional 2 weeks.

The phosphate binding effect of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate is shown in the Table 3.

Overall, 2 weeks of treatment with ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate statistically significantly (p<0.01) decreased serum phosphorus by a mean of 19% and increased serum ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) by a statistically significant (p<0.01) but clinically unimportant mean of 7%.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) Acetate Capsules

667 mg capsule is supplied as a white opaque/blue opaque capsule, imprinted with “54 215” on the cap and body.

NDC 0615-2303-39: Blistercards of 30 Capsules

NDC 0615-2303-30: Unit-dose Boxes of 30 Capsules

STORAGE

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Inform patients to take ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate capsules with meals, adhere to their prescribed diets, and avoid the use of ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) supplements including nonprescription antacids. Inform the patients about the symptoms of hypercalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ].

Advise patients who are taking an oral medication where reduction in the bioavailability of that medication would have clinically significant effect on its safety or efficacy to take the drug one hour before or three hours after ECD3 Tablets (Calcium) acetate capsules.

Distr. by: West-Ward

Pharmaceuticals Corp.

Eatontown, NJ 07724

10003705/05

Revised April 2016