^ Pharmacodynamics
Budesonide has a high glucocorticoid effect and a weak mineralocorticoid effect, and the affinity of budesonide to GCS receptors, which reflects the intrinsic potency of the drug, is about 200-fold that of cortisol and 15-fold that of prednisolone.
Treatment with systemically active GCS, including UCERIS, is associated with a suppression of endogenous cortisol concentrations and an impairment of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function. Markers, indirect and direct, of this are cortisol levels in plasma or urine and response to ACTH stimulation.
In a study assessing the response to ACTH stimulation test in patients treated with UCERIS 9 mg once daily, the proportion of patients with abnormal response was 47% at 4 weeks and 79% at 8 weeks.
^ Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information).
Patients treated with UCERIS extended-release tablets should receive the following information and instructions. This information is intended to aid the patient in the safe and effective use of UCERIS.
Hypercorticism and Adrenal Suppression
Advise patients that UCERIS extended-release tablets may cause systemic glucocorticosteroid effects of hypercorticism and adrenal suppression. Taper slowly from systemic corticosteroids if transferring to UCERIS extended-release tablets [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1) and ( 5.2)] .
Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection
Advise patients to avoid exposure to people with varicella (chicken pox) or measles. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider if they are exposed to varicella or measles or develop a new or worsening infection [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3)].
Kaposi’s Sarcoma
Advise patients that Kaposi’s sarcoma has been reported in patients receiving corticosteroids for chronic conditions and to inform their healthcare provider if they experience signs or symptoms of Kaposi’s sarcoma [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4)].
How to Take UCERIS Extended-Release Tablets
Advise patients to swallow UCERIS extended-release tablets whole with water. Do not chew or crush. Avoid the consumption of grapefruit juice for the duration of UCERIS therapy [see Dosage and Administration (2)].
Pregnancy
Advise female patients that UCERIS may cause fetal harm and to inform their healthcare provider with a known or
suspected pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1)] .
Distributed by:
Salix Pharmaceuticals, a division of
Bausch Health US, LLC
Bridgewater, NJ 08807 USA
Manufactured by:
Cosmo S.p.A.
Milan, 20045 Italy
By license of Cosmo Technologies Ltd., Dublin, Ireland
Patented. See https://patents.salix.com for US patent information.
UCERIS is a trademark of Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. or its affiliates.
© 2024 Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. or its affiliates
^ Description
UCERIS ®(budesonide) extended-release tablets, for oral administration, contain budesonide, a synthetic corticosteroid, as the active ingredient. Budesonide is designated chemically as (RS)-11β, 16α, 17,21 tetrahydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione cyclic 16,17-acetal with butyraldehyde.
Budesonide is provided as a mixture of two epimers (22R and 22S). The empirical formula of budesonide is C 25H 34O 6 and its molecular weight is 430.5. Its structural formula is:
Budesonide is a white to off-white, odorless, crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol, and freely soluble in chloroform.
UCERIS, a delayed and extended-release tablet, is coated with a polymer film, which breaks down at or above pH 7. The tablet core contains budesonide with polymers that provide for extended release of budesonide.
Each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: stearic acid, lecithin, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymer types A and B, talc, triethyl citrate, and titanium dioxide.
^ Transferring Patients From Systemic Glucocorticosteroid Therapy
Care is needed in patients who are transferred from glucocorticosteroid treatment with higher systemic effects to glucocorticosteroids with lower systemic effects, such as UCERIS, since symptoms attributed to withdrawal of steroid therapy, including those of acute adrenal suppression or benign intracranial hypertension, may develop. Adrenocortical function monitoring may be required in these patients, and the dose of glucocorticosteroid treatment with high systemic effects should be reduced cautiously.
Replacement of systemic glucocorticosteroids with UCERIS tablets may unmask allergies (e.g., rhinitis and eczema), which were previously controlled by the systemic drug.
^ Mild To Moderate Ulcerative Colitis
The recommended dosage for the induction of remission in adult patients with active, mild to moderate ulcerative colitis is 9 mg taken orally once daily in the morning with or without food for up to 8 weeks. UCERIS should be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed.
^ Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The safety of UCERIS has been evaluated in controlled and open-label clinical trials which enrolled a combined total of 1,105 patients with ulcerative colitis.
In two 8-week, placebo-controlled studies in patients with active disease (Study 1 and Study 2), a total of 255 patients received UCERIS 9 mg, 254 patients received UCERIS 6 mg, and 258 patients received placebo. They ranged in age from 18-77 years (mean=43), 56% were male, and 75% were Caucasian. The most common adverse reactions were headache, nausea, decreased blood cortisol, upper abdominal pain, fatigue, flatulence, abdominal distension, acne, urinary tract infection, arthralgia, and constipation. The adverse reactions occurring in 2% or more of patients on therapy with UCERIS 9 mg are summarized in Table 1.
Of UCERIS 9 mg patients, a total of 15% discontinued treatment due to any adverse event (including adverse reactions) compared with 17% in the placebo group.
Table 2 summarizes the percentages of patients reporting glucocorticoid-related effects in the 2 placebo-controlled studies.
No clinically significant differences were observed with respect to the overall percentages of patients with any glucocorticoid-related effects between UCERIS and placebo after 8 weeks of induction therapy.
Study 3 was an open-label study evaluating UCERIS 9 mg once daily for 8 weeks in 60 patients who had previously completed an 8-week induction study (Study 1) but had not achieved remission. Among patients who took UCERIS 9 mg up to 16 weeks cumulatively across Study 1 and Study 3 combined, similar rates of adverse reactions and glucocorticoid-related effects were seen compared to those who took UCERIS 9 mg for 8 weeks in Study 1.
In Study 4, the safety of long-term treatment with UCERIS 6 mg was evaluated in a placebo-controlled 12-month maintenance study of 123 patients. Patients who had previously completed 8 weeks of therapy in any induction study (Study 1, 2, or 3) and were in remission were randomized to UCERIS 6 mg or placebo once daily for 12 months. In patients who took UCERIS 6 mg for up to 12 months, similar rates of adverse reactions were seen between placebo and UCERIS 6 mg. After up to 12 months of study treatment, 77% (27/35) of the patients in the UCERIS 6 mg and 74% (29/39) of the patients in the placebo treatment groups had normal bone density scans.
In Study 4, the glucocorticoid-related effects were similar in patients with up to 12 months of therapy with UCERIS 6 mg and placebo (Table 3).
^ Kaposi’s Sarcoma
Kaposi’s sarcoma has been reported to occur in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy, most often for chronic conditions. Discontinuation of corticosteroids may result in clinical improvement of Kaposi’s sarcoma.
^ Overdosage
Reports of acute toxicity and/or death following overdosage of glucocorticosteroids are rare. Treatment consists of immediate gastric lavage or emesis followed by supportive and symptomatic therapy.
If glucocorticosteroids are used at excessive doses for prolonged periods, systemic glucocorticosteroid effects, such as hypercorticism and adrenal suppression may occur. For chronic overdosage in the face of severe disease requiring continuous steroid therapy, the dosage may be reduced temporarily.
Single oral budesonide doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg were lethal in female and male mice, respectively. The signs of acute toxicity were decreased motor activity, piloerection and generalized edema.
^ Immunosuppression And Increased Risk Of Infection
Corticosteroids, including UCERIS, suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infection with any pathogen, including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, or helminthic pathogens. Corticosteroids can:
Corticosteroid-associated infections can be mild but can be severe and at times fatal. The rate of infectious complications increases with increasing corticosteroid dosages.
Monitor patients for the development of infection and consider discontinuation of UCERIS if the patient develops an infection while on treatment.
Tuberculosis
If UCERIS is used in patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity, reactivation of tuberculosis may occur. Closely monitor such patients for reactivation. During prolonged UCERIS therapy, patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity should receive chemoprophylaxis.
Varicella Zoster and Measles Viral Infections
Varicella and measles can have a serious or even fatal course in non-immune patients taking corticosteroids, including UCERIS. In corticosteroid-treated patients who have not had these diseases or are non-immune, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure to varicella and measles:
Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation
Hepatitis B virus reactivation can occur in patients who are hepatitis B carriers treated with immunosuppressive dosages of corticosteroids, including UCERIS. Reactivation can also occur infrequently in corticosteroid-treated patients who appear to have resolved hepatitis B infection.
Screen patients for hepatitis B infection before initiating immunosuppressive (e.g., prolonged) treatment with UCERIS. For patients who show evidence of hepatitis B infection, recommend consultation with physicians with expertise in managing hepatitis B regarding monitoring and consideration for hepatitis B antiviral therapy.
Fungal Infections
Corticosteroids, including UCERIS, may exacerbate systemic fungal infections; therefore, avoid UCERIS use in the presence of such infections. For patients on chronic UCERIS therapy who develop systemic fungal infections, UCERIS withdrawal or dosage reduction is recommended.
Amebiasis
Corticosteroids, including UCERIS, may activate latent amebiasis. Therefore, it is recommended that latent amebiasis or active amebiasis be ruled out before initiating UCERIS in patients who have spent time in the tropics or patients with unexplained diarrhea.
Strongyloides Infestation
Avoid UCERIS in patients with known or suspected Strongyloides (threadworm) infection. Corticosteroids-induced immunosuppression may lead to Strongyloides superinfection and dissemination with widespread larval migration, often accompanied by severe enterocolitis and potentially fatal gram-negative septicemia.
Cerebral Malaria
Avoid corticosteroids, including UCERIS, in patients with cerebral malaria.
^ Lactation
Risk Summary
Lactation studies have not been conducted with UCERIS or other oral budesonide products and no information is available on the effects of budesonide on the breastfed infant or the effects of the drug on milk production. One published study reports that budesonide is present in human milk following maternal inhalation of budesonide (see Data). The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for UCERIS and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from UCERIS, or from the underlying maternal condition.
Data
One published study reports that budesonide is present in human milk following maternal inhalation of budesonide which resulted in infant doses approximately 0.3% to 1% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage and a milk/plasma ratio ranging between 0.4 and 0.5. Budesonide plasma concentrations were not detected, and no adverse events were noted in the breastfed infants following maternal use of inhaled budesonide. The recommended daily dose of UCERIS is higher (9 mg daily) compared with inhaled budesonide (up to 800 mcg daily) given to mothers in the above described study. The maximum budesonide plasma concentration following a 9 mg daily dose (in both single- and repeated-dose pharmacokinetic studies) of oral budesonide is approximately 5 to 10 nmol/L which is up to 10 times higher than the 1 to 2 nmol/L for a 800 mcg daily dose of inhaled budesonide at steady state in the above inhalation study. Assuming the coefficient of extrapolation between the inhaled and oral doses is constant across all dose levels, at therapeutic doses of UCERIS, budesonide exposure to the nursing child may be up to 10 times higher than that by budesonide inhalation.
^ Hepatic Impairment
Patients with moderate to severe liver disease should be monitored for increased signs and/or symptoms of hypercorticism. Discontinuing the use of UCERIS tablets should be considered in these patients [see Warnings and Precautions( 5.5)].
^Patient Information
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Revised: 06/2024
^3 Dosage Forms And Strengths
White, round, biconvex extended-release tablets debossed with “MX9” .Each extended-release tablet contains 9 mg budesonide.
^ Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of UCERIS in pediatric patients have not been established. Glucocorticosteroids, such as UCERIS, may cause a reduction of growth velocity in pediatric patients.
^4 Contraindications
UCERIS is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to budesonide or any of the ingredients of UCERIS. Anaphylactic reactions have occurred with other budesonide formulations [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2)].
^ Postmarketing Experience
In addition to adverse events reported from clinical trials, the following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of oral budesonide. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. These events have been chosen for inclusion due to either their seriousness, frequency of reporting or causal connection to UCERIS, or a combination of these factors.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: diarrhea, rectal bleeding
General Disorders and Administrative Site Conditions:peripheral edema
Immune System Disorders:anaphylactic reactions
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders:muscle cramps/spasms
Nervous System Disorders:benign intracranial hypertension, dizziness
Psychiatric Disorders:mood swings
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders:rash
Vascular Disorders:increased blood pressure
^ How Supplied/storage And Handling
UCERIS ®(budesonide) extended-release tablets 9 mg are white, round, biconvex tablets and debossed with “MX9”. They
are supplied as follows:
NDC 68012-309-30 Bottles of 30 tablets
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light and moisture.
^ Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of UCERIS did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, UCERIS should be used cautiously in elderly patients due to the potential for decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
^ Other Glucocorticosteroid Effects
Caution should be taken in patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, glaucoma or cataracts, or with a family history of diabetes or glaucoma, or with any other condition where glucocorticosteroids may have unwanted effects.
^ Interaction With Cyp3a4 Inhibitors
Concomitant oral administration of ketoconazole (a known inhibitor of CYP3A4 activity in the liver and in the intestinal mucosa) caused an eight-fold increase of the systemic exposure to oral budesonide. If treatment with inhibitors of CYP3A4 activity (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, erythromycin) is indicated, discontinuation of UCERIS should be considered. After extensive intake of grapefruit juice (which inhibits CYP3A4 activity predominantly in the intestinal mucosa), the systemic exposure for oral budesonide increased about two times. Ingestion of grapefruit or grapefruit juice should be avoided in connection with UCERIS administration [see Dosage and Administration ( 2) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3)].
^ Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Carcinogenicity
Carcinogenicity studies with budesonide were conducted in rats and mice. In a two-year study in Sprague-Dawley rats, budesonide caused a statistically significant increase in the incidence of gliomas in male rats at an oral dose of 50 mcg/kg (approximately 0.05 times the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area basis). In addition, there were increased incidences of primary hepatocellular tumors in male rats at 25 mcg/kg (approximately 0.023 times the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area basis) and above. No tumorigenicity was seen in female rats at oral doses up to 50 mcg/kg (approximately 0.05 times the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area basis). In an additional two-year study in male Sprague-Dawley rats, budesonide caused no gliomas at an oral dose of 50 mcg/kg (approximately 0.05 times the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area basis). However, it caused a statistically significant increase in the incidence of hepatocellular tumors at an oral dose of 50 mcg/kg (approximately 0.05 times the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area basis). The concurrent reference glucocorticosteroids (prednisolone and triamcinolone acetonide) showed similar findings. In a 91-week study in mice, budesonide caused no treatment-related carcinogenicity at oral doses up to 200 mcg/kg (approximately 0.1 times the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area basis).
Mutagenesis
Budesonide was not genotoxic in the Ames test, the mouse lymphoma cell forward gene mutation (TK +/-) test, the human lymphocyte chromosome aberration test, the Drosophila melanogastersex-linked recessive lethality test, the rat hepatocycte unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) test and the mouse micronucleus test.
Impairment of Fertility
In rats, budesonide had no effect on fertility at subcutaneous doses up to 80 mcg/kg (approximately 0.07 times the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area basis). However, it caused a decrease in prenatal viability and viability in pups at birth and during lactation, along with a decrease in maternal body weight gain, at subcutaneous doses of 20 mcg/kg (approximately 0.02 times the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area basis) and above. No such effects were noted at 5 mcg/kg (approximately 0.005 times the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area basis).
^ Cyp3a4 Inhibitors
If concomitant administration with ketoconazole, or any other CYP3A4 inhibitor, is indicated, patients should be closely monitored for increased signs and/or symptoms of hypercorticism. Avoid grapefruit juice, which is known to inhibit CYP3A4, when taking UCERIS. In these cases, discontinuation of UCERIS or the CYP3A4 inhibitor should be considered [see Drug Interactions ( 7) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3)].
^ Clinical Studies
Induction of Remission in Active, Mild to Moderate Ulcerative Colitis
Two similarly designed, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were conducted in a total of 970 adult patients with active, mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) which was defined as an Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity Index (UCDAI of ≥4 and ≤10). Eight hundred ninety-nine of these patients had histology consistent with active UC; this was considered the primary analysis population. UCDAI is a four-component scale (total score of 0 to 12) that encompasses the clinical assessments of stool frequency, rectal bleeding, mucosal appearance and physician’s rating of disease activity (score of 0 to 3 for each of the components).
The baseline median UCDAI score in both studies was 7.
In Study 1, 56% of patients were male, and the median age was 42 years. In Study 2, 57% of patients were male, and the median age was 44 years. In Study 1, 50% of patients were Caucasian, 7% were African American, and 34% were Asian. In Study 2, more than 99% were Caucasian.
Both studies compared UCERIS 9 mg and 6 mg with placebo and included an active reference arm (a mesalamine 2.4 g in Study 1 and a budesonide* 9 mg not approved for the treatment of UC in Study 2). The primary endpoint was induction of remission after 8 weeks of treatment. Remission was defined as a UCDAI score of ≤1, with subscores of 0 for rectal bleeding, stool frequency, and mucosal appearance and with a ≥1 point reduction in an endoscopy-only score. In both studies, UCERIS 9 mg extended-release tablets demonstrated superiority to placebo in inducing remission (Table 4).
The primary analysis population included only patients that had histology consistent with active UC.
CI=Confidence Interval
*The reference arm in Study 1 is a delayed release mesalamine 2.4 g; the reference arm in Study 2 is a budesonide 9 mg not approved for the treatment of UC.
†p<0.025 for UCERIS 9 mg vs. placebo in both Studies 1 and 2 based on the Chi-square test (alpha=0.025)
^ Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Limited published studies report on the use of budesonide in pregnant women; however, the data are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. There are clinical considerations (see Clinical Considerations).In animal reproduction studies with pregnant rats and rabbits, subcutaneous administration of budesonide during organogenesis at doses 0.5 times and 0.05 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose, resulted in increased fetal loss, decreased pup weights, and skeletal abnormalities. Maternal toxicity was observed in both rats and rabbits at these dose levels ( see Data). Based on animal data, advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage of the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4%, and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryofetal Risk
Published data suggest that increased disease activity is associated with the risk of developing adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with ulcerative colitis. Adverse pregnancy outcomes include preterm delivery (before 37 weeks of gestation), low birth weight (less than 2500 g) infants, and small for gestational age at birth.
Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
Hypoadrenalism may occur in infants born of mothers receiving corticosteroids during pregnancy. Infants should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism, such as poor feeding, irritability, weakness, and vomiting, and managed accordingly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Data
Animal Data
Budesonide was teratogenic and embryolethal in rabbits and rats. In an embryofetal development study in pregnant rats dosed subcutaneously with budesonide during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 6-15 there were effects on fetal development and survival at subcutaneous doses up to approximately 500 mcg/kg in rats (approximately 0.5 times the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area basis). In an embryofetal development study in pregnant rabbits dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 6-18, there was an increase in maternal abortion, and effects on fetal development and reduction in litter weights at subcutaneous doses up to approximately 25 mcg/kg in rabbits (approximately 0.05 times the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area basis). Maternal toxicity, including reduction in body weight gain, was observed at subcutaneous doses of 5 mcg/kg in rabbits (approximately 0.01 times the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area basis) and 500 mcg/kg in rats
(approximately 0.5 times the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area basis). In a peri- and postnatal development study, rats dosed subcutaneously with budesonide during the period of Day 15 post coitum to Day 21 postpartum, budesonide had no effects on delivery but did have an effect on growth and development of offspring. In addition, offspring survival was reduced, and surviving offspring had decreased mean body weights at birth and during lactation at exposures 0.02 times the MRHD (on a mg/m 2basis at maternal subcutaneous doses of 20 mcg/kg/day and higher). These findings occurred in the presence of maternal toxicity.
^6 Adverse Reactions
Systemic glucocorticosteroid use may result in the following:
^ Hypercorticism And Adrenal Axis Suppression
Systemic effects such as hypercorticism and adrenal suppression may occur with use corticosteroids, including UCERIS. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypercorticism and adrenal axis suppression during treatment with UCERIS.
Patients with moderate to severe liver disease should be monitored for increased signs and/or symptoms of hypercorticism. Discontinuing the use of UCERIS tablets should be considered in these patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Glucocorticosteroids, including UCERIS, can reduce the response of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to stress. In situations where patients are subject to surgery or other stress situations, supplementation with a systemic glucocorticosteroid is recommended.
^ References
1. Rachmilewitz D. Coated mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid) versus sulphasalazine in the treatment of active ulcerative colitis: a randomised trial. BMJ. 1989;298:82-86.
^ Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Following single oral administration of UCERIS 9 mg in healthy subjects, peak plasma concentration (C max) was 1.35 ± 0.96 ng/mL, the time to peak concentration (T max) on average was 13.3 ± 5.9 hours, although it varied across different individual patients, and the area under the plasma concentration time curve (AUC) was approximately 16.43 ± 10.52 ng·hr/mL. The pharmacokinetic parameters of UCERIS 9 mg have a high degree of variability among subjects. There was no accumulation of budesonide with respect to both AUC and C maxfollowing 7 days of UCERIS 9 mg once daily dosing.
Food Effect
A food-effect study involving administration of UCERIS to healthy volunteers under fasting conditions and with a high-fat meal indicated that the C maxwas decreased by 27% while there was no significant decrease in AUC. Additionally, a mean delay in absorption lag time of 2.4 hours was observed under fed conditions.
Distribution
The mean volume of distribution (V SS) of budesonide varies between 2.2 and 3.9 L/kg in healthy subjects and in patients. Plasma protein binding is estimated to be 85 to 90% in the concentration range 1 to 230 nmol/L, independent of gender. The erythrocyte/plasma partition ratio at clinically relevant concentrations is about 0.8.
Elimination
Metabolism
Following absorption, budesonide is subject to high first-pass metabolism (80-90%). In vitroexperiments in human liver microsomes demonstrate that budesonide is rapidly and extensively biotransformed, mainly by CYP3A4, to its 2 major metabolites, 6β-hydroxy budesonide and 16α-hydroxy prednisolone. The glucocorticoid activity of these metabolites is negligible (<1/100) in relation to that of the parent compound. In vivoinvestigations with intravenous doses in healthy subjects are in agreement with the in vitrofindings and demonstrate that budesonide has a high plasma clearance, 0.9-1.8 L/min. These high plasma clearance values approach the estimated liver blood flow, and, accordingly, suggest that budesonide is a high hepatic clearance drug. The plasma elimination half-life, t 1/2, after administration of intravenous doses ranges between 2 and 3.6 hours.
Excretion
Budesonide is excreted in urine and feces in the form of metabolites. After oral as well as intravenous administration of micronized [ 3H]-budesonide, approximately 60% of the recovered radioactivity is found in urine. The major metabolites, including 6β-hydroxy budesonide and 16α-hydroxy prednisolone, are mainly renally excreted, intact or in conjugated forms. No unchanged budesonide is detected in urine.
Specific Populations
Patients with Renal Impairment
The pharmacokinetics of budesonide in patients with renal impairment have not been studied. Intact budesonide is not renally excreted, but metabolites are to a large extent, and might therefore reach higher levels in patients with impaired renal function. However, these metabolites have negligible corticosteroid activity as compared with budesonide (<1/100). Patients with Hepatic Impairment
In patients with liver cirrhosis, systemic availability of orally administered budesonide correlates with disease severity and is, on average, 2.5-fold higher compared with healthy controls. Patients with mild liver disease are minimally affected. Patients with severe liver dysfunction were not studied. Absorption parameters were not altered, and for the intravenous dose, no significant differences in CL or V SSwere observed.
Drug Interaction Studies
Budesonide is metabolized via CYP3A4. Potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 can increase the plasma levels of budesonide several-fold. Co-administration of ketoconazole results in an eight-fold increase in AUC of budesonide, compared to budesonide alone. Grapefruit juice, an inhibitor of gut mucosal CYP3A, approximately doubles the systemic exposure of oral budesonide. Conversely, induction of CYP3A4 can result in the lowering of budesonide plasma levels [see Dosage and Administration (2) and Drug Interactions (7)].Oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol, which are also metabolized by CYP3A4, do not affect the pharmacokinetics of budesonide. Budesonide does not affect the plasma levels of oral contraceptives (i.e., ethinyl estradiol).
^1 Indications And Usage
UCERIS ®extended-release tablets are indicated for the induction of remission in patients with active, mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.
^Principal Display Panel
PACKAGE LABEL – PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL 9 mg
NDC68012-309-30
Rx only
UCERIS®
(budesonide) extended-release tablets
9 mg
Swallow tablet whole, do not chew or break.
30 Tablets
Salix
^ Increased Systemic Glucocorticoid Susceptibility
Reduced liver function affects the elimination of glucocorticosteroids, and increased systemic availability of oral budesonide has been demonstrated in patients with liver cirrhosis [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6)] .
^ Mechanism Of Action
Budesonide has a high topical glucocorticosteroid (GCS) activity and substantial first-pass elimination. The formulation contains budesonide in an extended-release tablet core. The tablet core is enteric coated to protect dissolution in gastric juice which delays budesonide release until exposure to a pH ≥7 in the small intestine. Upon disintegration of the coating, the core matrix provides extended release of budesonide in a time dependent manner.
^ Inhibitors Of Gastric Acid Secretion
Since the dissolution of the coating of UCERIS is pH dependent, the release properties and uptake of the compound may be altered when UCERIS is used after treatment with gastric acid reducing agents (e.g., proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H 2blockers and antacids).