Contents of the package leaflet for the medicine PRAMIPEXOL TEVA 0.088mg tablets
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Pramipexole Teva 0.088 mg tablets
Pramipexole Teva 0.18 mg tablets
Pramipexole Teva 0.35 mg tablets
Pramipexole Teva 0.7 mg tablets
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Pramipexole Teva 0.088 mg tablets
Each tablet contains 0.125 mg pramipexole dihydrochloride monohydrate equivalent to 0.088 mgpramipexole.
Pramipexole Teva 0.18 mg tablets
Each tablet contains 0.25 mg pramipexole dihydrochloride monohydrate equivalent to 0.18 mgpramipexole.
Pramipexole Teva 0.35 mg tablets
Each tablet contains 0.5 mg pramipexole dihydrochloride monohydrate equivalent to 0.35 mgpramipexole.
Pramipexole Teva 0.7 mg tablets
Each tablet contains 1.0 mg pramipexole dihydrochloride monohydrate equivalent to 0.7 mgpramipexole.
Please note:
Pramipexole doses as published in the literature refer to the salt form.
Therefore, doses will be expressed in terms of both pramipexole base and pramipexole salt (inbrackets).
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Tablet
Pramipexole Teva 0.088 mg tablets
White, round, flat face bevel edge tablet, 5.55 mm diameter, embossed with “93” on one side and “P1”on the other side.
Pramipexole Teva 0.18 mg tablets
White, round, flat face bevel edge tablet, 7.00 mm diameter, embossed with 'P2' over 'P2' on thescored side and '93' on the other side. The tablet can be divided into equal halves.
Pramipexole Teva 0.35 mg tablets
White to off-white, oval, biconvex tablets, engraved with 9 vertical scoreline 3 on the scored side, and8023 on the other side. The tablet can be divided into equal halves.
Pramipexole Teva 0.7 mg tablets
White, round, flat face bevel edge tablet, 8.82 mm diameter, embossed with '8024' over '8024' on thescored side and '93' on the other side. The tablet can be divided into equal halves.
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Pramipexole Teva is indicated in adults for treatment of the signs and symptoms of idiopathic
Parkinson’s disease, alone (without levodopa) or in combination with levodopa, i.e. over the course ofthe disease, through to late stages when the effect of levodopa wears off or becomes inconsistent andfluctuations of the therapeutic effect occur (end of dose or “on off” fluctuations).
Pramipexole Teva is indicated in adults for symptomatic treatment of moderate to severe idiopathic
Restless Legs Syndrome in doses up to 0.54 mg of base (0.75 mg of salt) (see section 4.2).
4.2 Posology and method of administration
PosologyParkinson’s disease
The daily dose is administered in equally divided doses 3 times a day.
Initial treatment
Doses should be increased gradually from a starting dose of 0.264 mg of base (0.375 mg of salt) perday and then increased every 5-7 days. Providing patients do not experience intolerable undesirableeffects, the dose should be titrated to achieve a maximal therapeutic effect.
Ascending dose schedule of Pramipexole Teva
Week Dose Total Daily Dose Dose Total Daily Dose(mg of base) (mg of base) (mg of salt) (mg of salt)1 3 × 0.088 0.264 3 × 0.125 0.3752 3 × 0.18 0.54 3 × 0.25 0.753 3 × 0.35 1.1 3 × 0.5 1.50
If a further dose increase is necessary the daily dose should be increased by 0.54 mg of base (0.75 mgof salt) at weekly intervals up to a maximum dose of 3.3 mg of base (4.5 mg of salt) per day.
However, it should be noted that the incidence of somnolence is increased at doses higher than 1.1 mgof base (1.5 mg of salt) per day (see section 4.8).
Maintenance treatmentThe individual dose of pramipexole should be in the range of 0.264 mg of base (0.375 mg of salt) to amaximum of 3.3 mg of base (4.5 mg of salt) per day. During dose escalation in pivotal studies,efficacy was observed starting at a daily dose of 1.1 mg of base (1.5 mg of salt). Further doseadjustments should be done based on the clinical response and the occurrence of adverse reactions. Inclinical trials approximately 5 % of patients were treated at doses below 1.1 mg of base (1.5 mg ofsalt). In advanced Parkinson’s disease, pramipexole doses higher than 1.1 mg of base (1.5 mg of salt)per day can be useful in patients where a reduction of the levodopa therapy is intended. It isrecommended that the dose of levodopa is reduced during both the dose escalation and themaintenance treatment with Pramipexole Teva, depending on reactions in individual patients (seesection 4.5).
Treatment discontinuationAbrupt discontinuation of dopaminergic therapy can lead to the development of a neurolepticmalignant syndrome or a dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome. Pramipexole should be tapered offat a rate of 0.54 mg of base (0.75 mg of salt) per day until the daily dose has been reduced to 0.54 mgof base (0.75 mg of salt). Thereafter the dose should be reduced by 0.264 mg of base (0.375 mg ofsalt) per day (see section 4.4). Dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome could still appear whiletapering and a temporary increase of the dose could be necessary before resuming tapering (seesection 4.4).
Renal impairmentThe elimination of pramipexole is dependent on renal function. The following dose schedule issuggested for initiation of therapy:
Patients with a creatinine clearance above 50 mL/min require no reduction in daily dose or dosingfrequency.
In patients with a creatinine clearance between 20 and 50 mL/min, the initial daily dose of
Pramipexole Teva should be administered in two divided doses, starting at 0.088 mg of base(0.125 mg of salt) twice a day (0.176 mg of base/0.25 mg of salt daily). A maximum daily dose of1.57 mg pramipexole base (2.25 mg of salt) should not be exceeded.
In patients with a creatinine clearance less than 20 mL/min, the daily dose of Pramipexole Teva shouldbe administered in a single dose, starting at 0.088 mg of base (0.125 mg of salt) daily. A maximumdaily dose of 1.1 mg pramipexole base (1.5 mg of salt) should not be exceeded.
If renal function declines during maintenance therapy, the Pramipexole Teva daily dose should bereduced by the same percentage as the decline in creatinine clearance, i.e. if creatinine clearancedeclines by 30 %, then the Pramipexole Teva daily dose should be reduced by 30 %. The daily dosecan be administered in two divided doses if creatinine clearance is between 20 and 50 mL/min, and asa single daily dose if creatinine clearance is less than 20 mL/min.
Hepatic impairmentDose adjustment in patients with hepatic failure is probably not necessary, as approx. 90 % ofabsorbed active substance is excreted through the kidneys. However, the potential influence of hepaticinsufficiency on Pramipexole Teva pharmacokinetics has not been investigated.
Paediatric populationThe safety and efficacy of Pramipexole Teva in children below 18 years has not been established.
There is no relevant use of Pramipexole Teva in the paediatric population for the indication of
Parkinson’s Disease.
Restless Legs Syndrome
The recommended starting dose of Pramipexole Teva is 0.088 mg of base (0.125 mg of salt) takenonce daily 2-3 hours before bedtime. For patients requiring additional symptomatic relief, the dosemay be increased every 4-7 days to a maximum of 0.54 mg of base (0.75 mg of salt) per day (asshown in the table below). The lowest effective dose should be used (see section 4.4 Restless legsaugmentation syndrome).
Dose Schedule of Pramipexole Teva
Titration Step Once Daily Evening Dose Once Daily Evening Dose(mg of base) (mg of salt)1 0.088 0.1252* 0.18 0.253* 0.35 0.504* 0.54 0.75
* if needed
Patient’s response should be evaluated after 3 months treatment and the need for treatmentcontinuation should be reconsidered. If treatment is interrupted for more than a few days it should bere-initiated by dose titration carried out as above.
Treatment discontinuationSince the daily dose for the treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome will not exceed 0.54 mg of base(0.75 mg of salt) Pramipexole Teva can be discontinued without tapering off. In a 26 week placebocontrolled trial, rebound of RLS symptoms (worsening of symptom severity as compared to baseline)was observed in 10% of patients (14 out of 135) after abrupt discontinuation of treatment. This effectwas found to be similar across all doses.
Renal impairmentThe elimination of pramipexole is dependent on renal function. Patients with a creatinine clearanceabove 20 mL/min require no reduction in daily dose.
The use of Pramipexole Teva has not been studied in haemodialysis patients, or in patients with severerenal impairment.
Hepatic impairmentDose adjustment in patients with hepatic failure is not required, as approx. 90% of absorbed activesubstance is excreted through the kidneys.
Paediatric populationPramipexole Teva is not recommended for use in children and adolescents below 18 years due to alack of data on safety and efficacy.
Tourette Disorder
Paediatric populationPramipexole Teva is not recommended for use in children and adolescents below 18 years since theefficacy and safety has not been established in this population. Pramipexole Teva should not be usedin children or adolescents with Tourette Disorder because of a negative benefit-risk balance for thisdisorder (see section 5.1).
Method of administrationThe tablets should be taken orally, swallowed with water, and can be taken either with or withoutfood.
4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
When prescribing Pramipexole Teva in a patient with Parkinson’s disease with renal impairment areduced dose is suggested in line with section 4.2.
Hallucinations
Hallucinations are known as a side effect of treatment with dopamine agonists and levodopa. Patientsshould be informed that (mostly visual) hallucinations can occur.
Dyskinesia
In advanced Parkinson’s disease, in combination treatment with levodopa, dyskinesia can occur duringthe initial titration of Pramipexole Teva. If they occur, the dose of levodopa should be decreased.
Dystonia
Axial dystonia including antecollis, camptocormia and pleurothotonus (Pisa Syndrome) hasoccasionally been reported in patients with Parkinson’s disease following initiation or incrementaldose increase of pramipexole. Although dystonia may be a symptom of Parkinson’s disease, thesymptoms in these patients have improved after reduction or withdrawal of pramipexole. If dystoniaoccurs, the dopaminergic medication regimen should be reviewed and an adjustment in the dose ofpramipexole considered.
Sudden onset of sleep and somnolence
Pramipexole has been associated with somnolence and episodes of sudden sleep onset, particularly inpatients with Parkinson’s disease. Sudden onset of sleep during daily activities, in some cases withoutawareness or warning signs, has been reported uncommonly. Patients must be informed of this andadvised to exercise caution while driving or operating machines during treatment with Pramipexole
Teva. Patients who have experienced somnolence and/or an episode of sudden sleep onset must refrainfrom driving or operating machines. Furthermore a reduction of the dose or termination of therapymay be considered. Because of possible additive effects, caution should be advised when patients aretaking other sedating medicinal products or alcohol in combination with pramipexole (see sections 4.5,4.7 and section 4.8).
Impulse control disorders
Patients should be regularly monitored for the development of impulse control disorders. Patients andcarers should be made aware that behavioural symptoms of impulse control disorders includingpathological gambling, increased libido, hypersexuality, compulsive spending or buying, binge eatingand compulsive eating can occur in patients treated with dopamine agonists including Pramipexole
Teva. Dose reduction/tapered discontinuation should be considered if such symptoms develop.
Mania and delirium
Patients should be regularly monitored for the development of mania and delirium. Patients and carersshould be made aware that mania and delirium can occur in patients treated with pramipexole. Dosereduction/tapered discontinuation should be considered if such symptoms develop.
Patients with psychotic disorders
Patients with psychotic disorders should only be treated with dopamine agonists if the potentialbenefits outweigh the risks. Co-administration of antipsychotic medicinal products with pramipexoleshould be avoided (see section 4.5).
Ophthalmologic monitoring
Ophthalmologic monitoring is recommended at regular intervals or if vision abnormalities occur.
Severe cardiovascular disease
In case of severe cardiovascular disease, care should be taken. It is recommended to monitor bloodpressure, especially at the beginning of treatment, due to the general risk of postural hypotensionassociated with dopaminergic therapy.
Neuroleptic malignant syndromeSymptoms suggestive of neuroleptic malignant syndrome have been reported with abrupt withdrawalof dopaminergic therapy (see section 4.2).
Dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome (DAWS)
DAWS has been reported with dopamine agonists, including pramipexole (see section 4.8). Todiscontinue treatment in patients with Parkinson’s disease, pramipexole should be tapered off (seesection 4.2). Limited data suggests that patients with impulse control disorders and those receivinghigh daily dose and/or high cumulative doses of dopamine agonists may be at higher risk fordeveloping DAWS. Withdrawal symptoms may include apathy, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sweatingand pain and do not respond to levodopa. Prior to tapering off and discontinuing pramipexole, patientsshould be informed about potential withdrawal symptoms. Patients should be closely monitored duringtapering and discontinuation. In case of severe and/or persistent withdrawal symptoms, temporaryre-administration of pramipexole at the lowest effective dose may be considered.
Restless legs augmentation syndrome
Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome with pramipexole can result in augmentation. Augmentationrefers to the earlier onset of symptoms in the evening (or even the afternoon), increase in symptoms,and spread of symptoms to involve other extremities.
The risk of augmentation may increase with higher dose. Prior to treatment, patients should beinformed that augmentation may occur and should be advised to contact their physician if theyexperience symptoms of augmentation. If augmentation is suspected, dose adjustment to the lowesteffective dose, or discontinuation of pramipexole should be considered (see section 4.2 and 4.8).
ExcipientsThis medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Plasma protein binding
Pramipexole is bound to plasma proteins to a very low (< 20 %) extent, and little biotransformation isseen in man. Therefore, interactions with other medicinal products affecting plasma protein binding orelimination by biotransformation are unlikely. As anticholinergics are mainly eliminated bybiotransformation, the potential for an interaction is limited, although an interaction withanticholinergics has not been investigated. There is no pharmacokinetic interaction with selegiline andlevodopa.
Inhibitors/competitors of active renal elimination pathway
Cimetidine reduced the renal clearance of pramipexole by approximately 34 %, presumably byinhibition of the cationic secretory transport system of the renal tubules. Therefore, medicinal productsthat are inhibitors of this active renal elimination pathway or are eliminated by this pathway, such ascimetidine, amantadine mexiletine, zidovudine, cisplatin, quinine, and procainamide, may interactwith pramipexole resulting in reduced clearance of pramipexole. Reduction of the pramipexole doseshould be considered when these medicinal products are administered concomitantly with
Pramipexole Teva.
Combination with levodopa
When Pramipexole Teva is given in combination with levodopa, it is recommended that the dose oflevodopa is reduced and the dose of other anti-parkinsonian medicinal products is kept constant whileincreasing the dose of Pramipexole Teva.
Because of possible additive effects, caution should be advised when patients are taking other sedatingmedicinal products or alcohol in combination with pramipexole (see sections 4.4, 4.7 and 4.8).
Antipsychotic medicinal products
Co-administration of antipsychotic medicinal products with pramipexole should be avoided (seesection 4.4), e.g. if antagonistic effects can be expected.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
PregnancyThe effect on pregnancy and lactation has not been investigated in humans. Pramipexole was notteratogenic in rats and rabbits, but was embryotoxic in the rat at maternotoxic doses (see section 5.3).
Pramipexole Teva should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary, i.e. if the potentialbenefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.
Breast-feedingAs pramipexole treatment inhibits secretion of prolactin in humans, inhibition of lactation is expected.
The excretion of pramipexole into breast milk has not been studied in women. In rats, theconcentration of active substance-related radioactivity was higher in breast milk than in plasma. In theabsence of human data, Pramipexole Teva should not be used during breast-feeding. However, if itsuse is unavoidable, breast-feeding should be discontinued.
FertilityNo studies on the effect on human fertility have been conducted. In animal studies, pramipexoleaffected oestrous cycles and reduced female fertility as expected for a dopamine agonist. However,these studies did not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to male fertility.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Pramipexole Teva can have a major influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Hallucinations or somnolence can occur.
Patients being treated with Pramipexole Teva and presenting with somnolence and/or sudden sleepepisodes must be informed to refrain from driving or engaging in activities where impaired alertnessmay put themselves or others at risk of serious injury or death (e.g. operating machines) until suchrecurrent episodes and somnolence have resolved (see also sections 4.4, 4.5, and 4.8).
4.8 Undesirable effects
Based on the analysis of pooled placebo-controlled trials, comprising a total of 1 923 patients onpramipexole and 1 354 patients on placebo, adverse drug reactions were frequently reported for bothgroups. 63 % of patients on pramipexole and 52 % of patients on placebo reported at least one adversedrug reaction.
The majority of adverse drug reactions usually start early in therapy and most tend to disappear evenas therapy is continued.
Within the system organ classes, adverse reactions are listed under headings of frequency (number ofpatients expected to experience the reaction), using the following categories: very common (≥ 1/10);common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1 000 to < 1/100); rare (≥ 1/10 000 to < 1/1 000); veryrare (< 1/10 000); not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Parkinson’s disease, most common adverse reactions
The most commonly (≥ 5 %) reported adverse drug reactions in patients with Parkinson’s diseasemore frequent with pramipexole treatment than with placebo were nausea, dyskinesia, hypotension,dizziness, somnolence, insomnia, constipation, hallucination, headache and fatigue. The incidence ofsomnolence is increased at doses higher than 1.5 mg pramipexole salt per day (see section 4.2). Amore frequent adverse drug reaction in combination with levodopa was dyskinesia. Hypotension mayoccur at the beginning of treatment, especially if pramipexole is titrated too fast.
Table 1: Parkinson’s disease
Body System Very Common Uncommon Rare Notcommon (≥ 1/100 to (≥ 1/1 000 to (≥ 1/10 000 known(≥ 1/10) < 1/10) < 1/100) to< 1/1 000)
Infections and pneumoniainfestations
Endocrine inappropriatedisorders antidiuretichormone secretion1
Psychiatric insomnia compulsive maniadisorders hallucinations shoppingabnormal pathologicaldreams gamblingconfusion restlessnessbehavioural hypersexualitysymptoms of delusionimpulse control libido disorderdisorders and paranoiacompulsions deliriumbinge eating1hyperphagia1
Nervous somnolence headache sudden onset ofsystem dizziness sleepdisorders dyskinesia amnesiahyperkinesiasyncope
Eye disorders visualimpairmentincludingdiplopiavision blurredvisual acuityreduced
Cardiac cardiac failure1disorders
Vascular hypotensiondisorders
Respiratory, dyspnoeathoracic, and hiccupsmediastinaldisorders
Gastrointestinal nausea constipationdisorders vomiting
Skin and hypersensitivitysubcutaneous pruritustissue disorders rash
Reproductive spontaneoussystem and penilebreast disorders erection
General fatigue dopaminedisorders and peripheral agonistadministration oedema withdrawalsite conditions syndromeincludingapathy,anxiety,depression,fatigue,sweatingand pain.
Investigations weight decrease weight increaseincludingdecreasedappetite1 This side effect has been observed in post-marketing experience. With 95 % certainty, thefrequency category is not greater than uncommon, but might be lower. A precise frequencyestimation is not possible as the side effect did not occur in a clinical trial database of2 762 patients with Parkinson’s Disease treated with pramipexole.
Restless Legs Syndrome, most common adverse reactions
The most commonly (≥ 5 %) reported adverse drug reactions in patients with Restless Legs Syndrometreated with pramipexole were nausea, headache, dizziness and fatigue. Nausea and fatigue were moreoften reported in female patients treated with pramipexole (20.8 % and 10.5 %, respectively)compared to males (6.7 % and 7.3 %, respectively).
Table 2: Restless Legs Syndrome
Body System Very Common Uncommon Rare Not knowncommon (≥ 1/100 to (≥ 1/1 000 to (≥ 1/10 000(≥ 1/10) < 1/10) < 1/100) to< 1/1 000)
Infections and pneumonia1infestations
Endocrine inappropriatedisorders antidiuretichormone secretion1
Psychiatric insomnia restlessnessdisorders abnormal confusiondreams hallucinationslibido disorderdelusion1hyperphagia1paranoia1mania1delirium1behaviouralsymptoms ofimpulse controldisorders andcompulsions1 (suchas: compulsiveshopping,pathologicalgambling,hypersexuality,binge eating)
Nervous Restless legs headache sudden onset ofsystem augmentation dizziness sleepdisorders syndrome somnolence syncopedyskinesiaamnesia1hyperkinesia1
Eye disorders visual impairmentincludingvisual acuityreduceddiplopiavision blurred
Cardiac cardiac failure1disorders
Vascular hypotensiondisorders
Respiratory, dyspnoeathoracic, and hiccupsmediastinaldisorders
Gastrointestinal nausea constipationdisorders vomiting
Skin and hypersensitivitysubcutaneous pruritustissue disorders rash
Reproductive spontaneoussystem and penilebreast disorders erection
General fatigue peripheral oedema dopaminedisorders and agonistadministration withdrawalsite conditions syndromeincludingapathy,anxiety,depression,fatigue,sweatingand pain
Investigations weight decreaseincluding decreasedappetiteweight increase1 This side effect has been observed in post-marketing experience. With 95 % certainty, thefrequency category is not greater than uncommon, but might be lower. A precise frequencyestimation is not possible as the side effect did not occur in a clinical trial database of1 395 patients with Restless Legs Syndrome treated with pramipexole.
Description of selected adverse reactionsSomnolence
Pramipexole is commonly associated with somnolence and has been associated uncommonly withexcessive daytime somnolence and sudden sleep onset episodes (see also section 4.4).
Libido disorders
Pramipexole may uncommonly be associated with libido disorders (increased or decreased).
Impulse control disorders
Pathological gambling, increased libido, hypersexuality, compulsive spending or buying, binge eatingand compulsive eating can occur in patients treated with dopamine agonists including Pramipexole
Teva (see section 4.4).
In a cross-sectional, retrospective screening and case-control study including 3 090 Parkinson’sdisease patients, 13.6% of all patients receiving dopaminergic or non-dopaminergic treatment hadsymptoms of an impulse control disorder during the past six months. Manifestations observed includepathological gambling, compulsive shopping, binge eating, and compulsive sexual behaviour(hypersexuality). Possible independent risk factors for impulse control disorders includeddopaminergic treatments and higher doses of dopaminergic treatment, younger age (≤ 65 years), notbeing married and self-reported family history of gambling behaviours.
Dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome
Non-motor adverse effects may occur when tapering or discontinuing dopamine agonists includingpramipexole. Symptoms include apathy, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sweating and pain (seesection 4.4).
Cardiac failure
In clinical studies and post-marketing experience cardiac failure has been reported in patients withpramipexole. In a pharmacoepidemiological study pramipexole use was associated with an increasedrisk of cardiac failure compared with non-use of pramipexole (observed risk ratio 1.86; 95% CI,1.21-2.85).
Reporting of suspected adverse reactionsReporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. Itallows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcareprofessionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting systemlisted in Appendix V.
4.9 Overdose
There is no clinical experience with massive overdose. The expected adverse reactions would be thoserelated to the pharmacodynamic profile of a dopamine agonist, including nausea, vomiting,hyperkinesia, hallucinations, agitation and hypotension. There is no established antidote for overdoseof a dopamine agonist. If signs of central nervous system stimulation are present, a neuroleptic agentmay be indicated. Management of the overdose may require general supportive measures, along withgastric lavage, intravenous fluids, administration of activated charcoal and electrocardiogrammonitoring.
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: anti-Parkinson drugs, dopamine agonists, ATC code: N04BC05
Mechanism of actionPramipexole is a dopamine agonist that binds with high selectivity and specificity to the D2 subfamilyof dopamine receptors of which it has a preferential affinity to D3 receptors, and has full intrinsicactivity.
Pramipexole alleviates parkinsonian motor deficits by stimulation of dopamine receptors in thestriatum. Animal studies have shown that pramipexole inhibits dopamine synthesis, release, andturnover.
The mechanism of action of pramipexole as treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome is unknown.
Neuropharmacological evidence suggests primary dopaminergic system involvement.
Pharmacodynamic effectsIn human volunteers, a dose-dependent decrease in prolactin was observed. In a clinical trial withhealthy volunteers, where pramipexole prolonged-release tablets were titrated faster (every 3 days)than recommended up to 3.15 mg pramipexole base (4.5 mg of salt) per day, an increase in bloodpressure and heart rate was observed. Such effect was not observed in patient studies.
Clinical efficacy and safety in Parkinson’s disease
In patients pramipexole alleviates signs and symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Placebo-controlled clinical trials included approximately 1 800 patients of Hoehn and Yahr stages I-V treatedwith pramipexole. Out of these, approximately 1 000 were in more advanced stages, receivedconcomitant levodopa therapy, and suffered from motor complications.
In early and advanced Parkinson’s disease, efficacy of pramipexole in controlled clinical trials wasmaintained for approximately six months. In open continuation trials lasting for more than three yearsthere were no signs of decreasing efficacy.
In a controlled double blind clinical trial of 2 year duration, initial treatment with pramipexolesignificantly delayed the onset of motor complications, and reduced their occurrence compared toinitial treatment with levodopa. This delay in motor complications with pramipexole should bebalanced against a greater improvement in motor function with levodopa (as measured by the meanchange in UPDRS-score). The overall incidence of hallucinations and somnolence was generallyhigher in the escalation phase with the pramipexole group. However, there was no significantdifference during the maintenance phase. These points should be considered when initiatingpramipexole treatment in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Paediatric populationThe European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies withpramipexole in all subsets of the paediatric population in Parkinson’s Disease (see section 4.2 forinformation on paediatric use).
Clinical efficacy and safety in Restless Legs Syndrome
The efficacy of pramipexole was evaluated in four placebo-controlled clinical trials in approximately1 000 patients with moderate to very severe idiopathic Restless Legs Syndrome.
The mean change from baseline in the Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (IRLS) and the Clinical
Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) were the primary efficacy outcome measures. For bothprimary endpoints statistically significant differences have been observed for the pramipexole dosegroups 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 0.75 mg pramipexole salt in comparison to placebo. After 12 weeks oftreatment the baseline IRLS score improved from 23.5 to 14.1 points for placebo and from 23.4 to9.4 points for pramipexole (doses combined). The adjusted mean difference was -4.3 points (CI95% -6.4; -2.1 points, p-value < 0.0001). CGI-I responder rates (improved, very much improved) were51.2% and 72.0% for placebo and pramipexole, respectively (difference 20% CI 95%: 8.1%; 31.8%,p < 0.0005). Efficacy was observed with 0.088 mg of base (0.125 mg of salt) per day after the firstweek of treatment.
In a placebo-controlled polysomnography study over 3 weeks pramipexole significantly reduced thenumber of periodic limb movements during time in bed.
Longer term efficacy was evaluated in a placebo-controlled clinical trial. After 26 weeks of treatment,there was an adjusted mean reduction in IRLS total score of 13.7 and 11.1 points in the pramipexoleand placebo group, respectively, with a statistically significant (p = 0.008) mean treatment differenceof -2.6. CGI-I responder rates (much improved, very much improved) were 50.3% (80/159) and 68.5%(111/162) for placebo and pramipexole, respectively (p = 0.001), corresponding to a number needed totreat (NNT) of 6 patients (95%CI: 3.5, 13.4).
Paediatric populationThe European Medicines Agency has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies withpramipexole in one or more subsets of the paediatric population in Restless Legs Syndrome (seesection 4.2 for information on paediatric use).
Clinical efficacy and safety in Tourette Disorder
The efficacy of pramipexole (0.0625-0.5 mg/day) with paediatric patients aged 6-17 years with
Tourette Disorder was evaluated in a 6-week, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled flexibledose study. A total of 63 patients were randomised (43 on pramipexole, 20 on placebo). The primaryendpoint was change from baseline on the Total Tic Score (TTS) of the Yale Global Tic Severity
Scale (YGTSS). No difference was observed for pramipexole as compared to placebo for either theprimary endpoint or for any of the secondary efficacy endpoints including YGTSS total score, Patient
Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), Clinical Global Impression of Improvement (CGI-I), or
Clinical Global Impressions of Severity of Illness (CGI-S). Adverse events occurring in at least 5% ofpatients in the pramipexole group and more common in the pramipexole-treated patients than inpatients on placebo were: headache (27.9%, placebo 25.0%), somnolence (7.0%, placebo 5.0%),nausea (18.6%, placebo 10.0%), vomiting (11.6%, placebo 0.0%), upper abdominal pain (7.0%,placebo 5.0%), orthostatic hypotension (9.3%, placebo 5.0%), myalgia (9.3%, placebo 5.0%), sleepdisorder (7.0%, placebo 0.0%), dyspnoea (7.0%, placebo 0.0%) and upper respiratory tract infection(7.0%, placebo 5.0%). Other significant adverse events leading to discontinuation of study medicationfor patients receiving pramipexole were confusional state, speech disorder and aggravated condition(see section 4.2).
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
AbsorptionPramipexole is rapidly and completely absorbed following oral administration. The absolutebioavailability is greater than 90 % and the maximum plasma concentrations occur between 1 and3 hours. Concomitant administration with food did not reduce the extent of pramipexole absorption,but the rate of absorption was reduced. Pramipexole shows linear kinetics and a small inter-patientvariation of plasma levels.
DistributionIn humans, the protein binding of pramipexole is very low (< 20 %) and the volume of distribution islarge (400 L). High brain tissue concentrations were observed in the rat (approx. 8-fold compared toplasma).
BiotransformationPramipexole is metabolised in man only to a small extent.
EliminationRenal excretion of unchanged pramipexole is the major route of elimination. Approximately 90 % of14C-labelled dose is excreted through the kidneys while less than 2% is found in the faeces. The totalclearance of pramipexole is approximately 500 mL/min and the renal clearance is approximately400 mL/min. The elimination half-life (t½) varies from 8 hours in the young to 12 hours in the elderly.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
Repeated dose toxicity studies showed that pramipexole exerted functional effects, mainly involvingthe CNS and female reproductive system, and probably resulting from an exaggeratedpharmacodynamic effect of pramipexole.
Decreases in diastolic and systolic pressure and heart rate were noted in the minipig, and a tendency toa hypotensive effect was discerned in the monkey.
The potential effects of pramipexole on reproductive function have been investigated in rats andrabbits. Pramipexole was not teratogenic in rats and rabbits but was embryotoxic in the rat atmaternally toxic doses. Due to the selection of animal species and the limited parameters investigated,the adverse effects of pramipexole on pregnancy and male fertility have not been fully elucidated.
A delay in sexual development (i.e., preputial separation and vaginal opening) was observed in rats.
The relevance for humans is unknown.
Pramipexole was not genotoxic. In a carcinogenicity study, male rats developed Leydig cellhyperplasia and adenomas, explained by the prolactin-inhibiting effect of pramipexole. This finding isnot clinically relevant to man. The same study also showed that, at doses of 2 mg/kg (of salt) andhigher, pramipexole was associated with retinal degeneration in albino rats. The latter finding was notobserved in pigmented rats, nor in a 2-year albino mouse carcinogenicity study or in any other speciesinvestigated.
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Mannitol
Microcrystalline cellulose
Sodium starch glycolate
Povidone K25
Magnesium stearate
Sodium stearyl fumarate
Colloidal silicon dioxide.
6.2 Incompatibilities
6.3 Shelf life
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 25 °C.
Store in the original package in order to protect from light and moisture.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Aluminium/Aluminium Blister
Pack sizes: 30, 30 × 1, 50 × 1, 100 × 1 and 100 tablets
Polyethylene tablet container with CRC polypropylene cap. Pack sizes: 90 tablets.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Teva B.V.
Swensweg 5, 2031GA Haarlem
The Netherlands
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
Pramipexole Teva 0.088 mg tablets
EU/1/08/490/001
EU/1/08/490/002
EU/1/08/490/003
EU/1/08/490/004
EU/1/08/490/017
EU/1/08/490/018
Pramipexole Teva 0.18 mg tablets
EU/1/08/490/005
EU/1/08/490/006
EU/1/08/490/007
EU/1/08/490/008
EU/1/08/490/019
EU/1/08/490/020
Pramipexole Teva 0.35 mg tablets
EU/1/08/490/009
EU/1/08/490/010
EU/1/08/490/011
EU/1/08/490/012
EU/1/08/490/021
EU/1/08/490/022
Pramipexole Teva 0.7 mg tablets
EU/1/08/490/013
EU/1/08/490/014
EU/1/08/490/015
EU/1/08/490/016
EU/1/08/490/023
EU/1/08/490/024
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
Date of first authorisation: 18 December 2008
Date of latest renewal: 26 August 2013
10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines
Agency https://www.ema.europa.eu.