PIOGLITAZONE AND METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE

Pioglitazone and metformin HCl tablets USP are a thiazolidinediones and biguanide combination product that contains two oral antidiabetic medications: pioglitazone hydrochloride USP and metformin hydrochloride USP. Pioglitazone [(±)-5-[[4-[2-(5-ethyl-2-pyridinyl) ethoxy]phenyl]methyl]-2,4-] thiazolidinedione monohydrochloride contains one asymmetric carbon, and the compound is synthesized and used as the racemic mixture. The two enantiomers of pioglitazone interconvert in vivo. No differences were found in the pharmacologic activity between the two enantiomers. The structural formula is as shown: Pioglitazone HCl USP is an odorless white crystalline powder that has a molecular formula of C 19 H 20 N 2 O 3 S•HCl and a molecular weight of 392.90 daltons. It is soluble in N,N-dimethylformamide, slightly soluble in anhydrous ethanol, very slightly soluble in acetone and acetonitrile, practically insoluble in water, and insoluble in ether. Metformin HCl USP (N,N-dimethylimidodicarbonimidic diamide hydrochloride) is a white crystalline powder with a molecular formula of C 4 H 11 N 5 •HCl and a molecular weight of 165.62. Metformin hydrochloride USP is freely soluble in water and is practically insoluble in acetone, ether, and chloroform. The pKa of metformin is 12.4. The pH of a 1% aqueous solution of metformin hydrochloride USP is 6.68. The structural formula is as shown: Pioglitazone and metformin HCl tablets USP are available as a tablet for oral administration containing 15 mg pioglitazone (as the base) with 500 mg metformin HCl USP (15 mg/500 mg) or 15 mg pioglitazone (as the base) with 850 mg metformin HCl USP (15 mg/850 mg) formulated with the following excipients: Croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, talc and titanium dioxide. USP dissolution test 1. metpio metpio

INDICATIONS & USAGE Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus Limitations of Use Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets is not recommended to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis. Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets are a thiazolidinedione and biguanide combination product indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus when treatment with both pioglitazone and metformin is appropriate. ( 1 , 14 ) Limitations of Use : • Not for treatment of type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. ( 1 )

• Obtain liver tests before initiation. If abnormal, use caution when treating with pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride, investigate the probable cause, treat (if possible), and follow appropriately. ( 2.1 ) • Take orally with meals to reduce gastrointestinal adverse reactions with metformin ( 2.1 ) • Individualize the starting dose based on the patient’s current regimen and titrate the dosage gradually, as needed after assessing therapeutic response and tolerability. The maximum recommended total daily dosage is pioglitazone 45 mg and metformin 2,550 mg. ( 2.2 ) • Recommended starting dosage in patients with NYHA Class I or Class II congestive heart failure is 15 mg of pioglitazone and 850 mg of metformin HCl orally once daily. ( 2.4 ) • Prior to initiation, assess renal function with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). ( 2.2 ) o Contraindicated in patients with eGFR below 30 mL/min o Initiation is not recommended in patients with eGFR between 30 to 45 mL/min o Assess risk/benefit of continuing pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride if eGFR falls below 45 mL/min o Discontinue if eGFR falls below 30 mL/min • Monitor patients for adverse events related to fluid retention after initiation and dose increases. ( 2.4 ) • Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride may need to be discontinued at time of, or prior to, iodinated contrast imaging procedures. (2.6) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Information • Obtain liver tests (serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin) prior to initiating pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )]. • Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets contain 15 mg of pioglitazone and 850 mg of metformin hydrochloride (HCl) in each tablet. • Take pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets with meals to reduce gastrointestinal adverse reactions with metformin [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. • If a dose is missed, do not double the next dose 2.2 Recommended Dosage and Administration Recommended Starting Dosage Based on Current Regimen Individualize the starting dosage of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets based on the patient's current regimen and the available strength of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets (see Table 1). Table 1: Recommended Starting Dosage Based on the Patient’s Current Regimen Current Regimen Starting Dosage of pioglitazone and metformin Hydrochloride tablets (15 mg of pioglitazone and 850 mg of metformin HCl per tablet)* Not treated with either pioglitazone or metformin HCl One tablet orally once daily Metformin HCl One tablet orally once or twice daily. Select a dosage that is as close as possible to the current dosage of metformin HCl Pioglitazone One tablet orally once daily Pioglitazone and metformin HCl Select a dosage that is as close as possible to the current dosage of pioglitazone and metformin HCl while not exceeding three tablets orally per day. *For dosage recommendations for patients with renal impairment and/or congestive heart failure, see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 , 2.4 ) Dosage Titration for Additional Glycemic Control Titrate the pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets dosage gradually, as needed, after assessing therapeutic response and tolerability. Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets may be increased to a maximum recommended total daily dosage of three tablets per day (45 mg of pioglitazone and 2,550 mg of metformin HCl). Total daily dosages of 2,550 mg of metformin HCl may be taken in divided doses three times a day to reduce gastrointestinal adverse reactions [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. 2.3 Recommendations for Use in Patients with Renal Impairment • Assess renal function prior to initiation of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets and periodically thereafter [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )]. • Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 30 mL/min. • Initiation of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets in patients with an eGFR between 30 to 45 mL/min is not recommended. • In patients taking pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets whose eGFR later falls below 45 mL/min, assess the benefit and risk of continuing therapy. • Discontinue pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets if the patient’s eGFR later falls below 30 mL/min [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. 2.4 Recommendations for Congestive Heart Failure Starting Dosage in Patients with NYHA Class I or II Congestive Heart Failure For patients with preexisting NYHA Class I or II congestive heart failure, the recommended starting dosage of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets are 15 mg of pioglitazone and 850 mg of metformin [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Monitoring for Fluid Retention and Dosage Modifications for Congestive Heart Failure After initiation of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets or with dosage increase, monitor patients carefully for adverse reactions related to fluid retention as has been seen with pioglitazone (e.g., weight gain, edema and signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure). If congestive heart failure develops while taking pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets, consider discontinuation of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets or dosage reduction of pioglitazone in pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. 2.5 Coadministration with Strong CYP2C8 Inhibitors The maximum recommended dosage of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets are one tablet (15 mg of pioglitazone and 850 mg of metformin HCl) once daily when used in combination with gemfibrozil or other strong CYP2C8 inhibitors [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 2.6 Discontinuation for Iodinated Contrast Imaging Procedures Discontinue pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets at the time of, or prior to, an iodinated contrast imaging procedure in patients with an eGFR between 30 and 60 mL/min; in patients with a history of liver disease, alcoholism, or heart failure; or in patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast. Re-evaluate eGFR 48 hours after the imaging procedure; restart pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets if renal function is stable [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )].

Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in patients with: • Established NYHA Class III or IV heart failure at the time of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets initiation [see Boxed Warning]. • Severe renal impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/min) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. • A history of serious hypersensitivity to pioglitazone, metformin HCl, or any of the excipients in pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets. • Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets is contraindicated in patients with: • Established NYHA Class III or IV heart failure at the time of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets initiation [see Boxed Warning]. • Severe renal impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/min) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. • A history of serious hypersensitivity to pioglitazone, metformin HCl, or any of the excipients in pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets. • Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )].

The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: • Congestive heart failure [see Boxed Warning, and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Lactic acidosis [see Boxed Warning and Warnings, and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Edema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Fractures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] • Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use with Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Hepatic Effects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] • Urinary Bladder Tumors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] • Fractures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] • Macular Edema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 ] • Vitamin B 12 Levels [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ] Most common adverse reactions (>5%) are upper respiratory tract infection, edema, diarrhea, headache and weight gain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Macleods Pharma USA, Inc. at 1-888-943-3210 or 1-855-926-3384 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Pioglitazone Over 8500 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have been treated with pioglitazone in randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials, including 2605 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and macrovascular disease treated with pioglitazone from the PROactive clinical trial. In these trials, over 6000 patients have been treated with pioglitazone for six months or longer, over 4500 patients have been treated with pioglitazone for one year or longer, and over 3000 patients have been treated with pioglitazone for at least two years. In six pooled 16- to 26-week placebo-controlled monotherapy and 16- to 24-week add-on combination therapy trials, the incidence of withdrawals due to adverse events was 4.5% for patients treated with pioglitazone and 5.8% for comparator-treated patients. The most common adverse events leading to withdrawal were related to inadequate glycemic control, although the incidence of these events was lower (1.5%) with pioglitazone than with placebo (3.0%). In the PROactive trial, the incidence of withdrawals due to adverse events was 9.0% for patients treated with pioglitazone and 7.7% for placebo-treated patients. Congestive heart failure was the most common serious adverse event leading to withdrawal occurring in 1.3% of patients treated with pioglitazone and 0.6% of patients treated with placebo. Common Adverse Events: 16- to 26-Week Monotherapy Trials A summary of the incidence and type of common adverse events reported in three pooled 16- to 26-week placebo-controlled monotherapy trials of pioglitazone is provided in Table 1. Terms that are reported represent those that occurred at an incidence of >5% and more commonly in patients treated with pioglitazone than in patients who received placebo. None of these adverse events were related to the pioglitazone dose. Table 2. Three Pooled 16- to 26-Week Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials of Pioglitazone Monotherapy: Adverse Events Reported at an Incidence > 5% and More Commonly in Patients Treated with Pioglitazone than in Patients Treated with Placebo % of Patients Placebo N=259 Pioglitazone N=606 Upper Respiratory Tract Infection 8.5 13.2 Headache 6.9 9.1 Sinusitis 4.6 6.3 Myalgia 2.7 5.4 Pharyngitis 0.8 5.1 Common Adverse Events: 16- to 24-Week Add-on Combination Therapy Trials A summary of the overall incidence and types of common adverse events reported in trials of pioglitazone add-on to metformin is provided in Table 3. Terms that are reported represent those that occurred at an incidence of >5% and more commonly with the highest tested dose of pioglitazone. Table 3. 16- to 24-Week Clinical Trials of Pioglitazone Add-on to Metformin 16-Week Placebo-Controlled Trial Adverse Events Reported in > 5% of Patients and More Commonly in Patients Treated with Pioglitazone + Metformin than in Patients Treated with Placebo + Metformin % of Patients Placebo + Metformin N=160 Pioglitazone 30 mg + Metformin N=168 Edema 2.5 6.0 Headache 1.9 6.0 24-Week Non-Controlled Double-Blind Trial Adverse Events Reported in > 5% of Patients and More Commonly in Patients Treated with Pioglitazone 45 mg + Metformin than in Patients Treated with Pioglitazone 30 mg + Metformin % of Patients Pioglitazone 30 mg + Metformin N=411 Pioglitazone 45 mg + Metformin N=416 Upper Respiratory Tract Infection 12.4 13.5 Edema 5.8 13.9 Headache 5.4 5.8 Weight Increased 2.9 6.7 Note: The preferred terms of edema peripheral, generalized edema, pitting edema and fluid retention were combined to form the aggregate term of “edema.” Common Adverse Events: 24-Week pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride Clinical Trial Table 4 summarizes the incidence and types of adverse reactions reported in a controlled, 24-week double-blind clinical trial of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride dosed twice daily in patients with inadequate glycemic control on diet and exercise (N=600). Table 4. Adverse Events (≥5% for pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride) Reported by Patients with Inadequate Glycemic Control on Diet and Exercisein a 24-Week Double-Blind Clinical Trial of Pioglitazone and Metformin Hydrochloride Administered Twice Daily % of Patients P ioglitazone and Metformin Hydrochloride 15/850 mg Twice Daily N=201 Pioglitazone 15 mg Twice Daily N=190 Metformin 850 mg Twice Daily N=209 Diarrhea 9.0 2.6 15.3 Headache 5.5 2.6 4.8 In this 24-week trial, abdominal pain was reported in 2.0% of patients in the pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride group, 1.6% in the pioglitazone monotherapy group and 3.3% in the metformin monotherapy group. Common Adverse Events: PROactive Trial A summary of the overall incidence and types of common adverse events reported in the PROactive trial is provided in Table 5. Terms that are reported represent those that occurred at an incidence of >5% and more commonly in patients treated with pioglitazone than in patients who received placebo. Table 5. PROactive Trial: Incidence and Types of Adverse Events Reported in >5% of Patients Treated with Pioglitazone and More Commonly than Placebo % of Patients Placebo N=2633 Pioglitazone N=2605 Hypoglycemia 18.8 27.3 Edema 15.3 26.7 Cardiac Failure 6.1 8.1 Pain in Extremity 5.7 6.4 Back Pain 5.1 5.5 Chest Pain 5.0 5.1 Mean duration of patient follow-up was 34.5 months. Congestive Heart Failure A summary of the incidence of adverse events related to congestive heart failure is provided in Table 6 for the 16- to 24-week add-on to metformin trials. None of the events were fatal. Table 6. Treatment –Emergent Adverse Events of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Patients Treated with Pioglitazone or Placebo Added on to Metformin Number (%) of Patients Placebo-Controlled Trial (16 weeks) Non-Controlled Double-Blind Trial (24 weeks) Placebo + Metformin N=160 Pioglitazone 30 mg + Metformin N=168 Pioglitazone 30 mg + Metformin N=411 Pioglitazone 45 mg + Metformin N=416 At least one congestive heart failure event 0 1 (0.6%) 0 1 (0.2%) Hospitalized 0 1 (0.6%) 0 1 (0.2%) Table 7. Treatment –Emergent Adverse Events of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Patients Treated with Pioglitazone or Placebo Added on to a Sulfonylurea Number (%) of Patients Placebo-Controlled Trial (16 weeks) Non-Controlled Double-Blind Trial (24 weeks) Placebo + Sulfonylurea N=187 Pioglitazone 15 mg + Sulfonylurea N=184 Pioglitazone 30 mg + Sulfonylurea N=189 Pioglitazone 30 mg + Sulfonylurea N=351 Pioglitazone 45 mg + Sulfonylurea N=351 At least one congestive heart failure event 2 (1.1%) 0 0 1 (0.3%) 6 (1.7%) Hospitalized 2 (1.1%) 0 0 0 2 (0.6%) Patients Treated with Pioglitazone or Placebo Added on to Insulin Number (%) of Patients Placebo-Controlled Trial (16 weeks) Non-Controlled Double-Blind Trial (24 weeks) Placebo + Insulin N=187 Pioglitazone 15 mg + Insulin N=191 Pioglitazone 30 mg + Insulin N=188 Pioglitazone 30 mg + Insulin N=345 Pioglitazone 45 mg + Insulin N=345 At least one congestive heart failure event 0 2 (1.0%) 2 (1.1%) 3 (0.9%) 5 (1.4%) Hospitalized 0 2 (1.0%) 1 (0.5%) 1 (0.3%) 3 (0.9%) Patients Treated with Pioglitazone or Placebo Added on to Metformin Number (%) of Patients Placebo-Controlled Trial (16 weeks) Non-Controlled Double-Blind Trial (24 weeks) Placebo + Metformin N=160 Pioglitazone 30 mg + Metformin N=168 Pioglitazone 30 mg + Metformin N=411 Pioglitazone 45 mg + Metformin N=416 At least one congestive heart failure event 0 1 (0.6%) 0 1 (0.2%) Hospitalized 0 1 (0.6%) 0 1 (0.2%) Table 8. Treatment –Emergent Adverse Events of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) in Patients with NYHA Class II or III Congestive Heart Failure Treated with Pioglitazone or Glyburide Number (%) of Subjects Pioglitazone N=262 Glyburide N=256 Death due to cardiovascular causes (adjudicated) 5 (1.9%) 6 (2.3%) Overnight hospitalization for worsening CHF (adjudicated) 26 (9.9%) 12 (4.7%) Emergency room visit for CHF (adjudicated) 4 (1.5%) 3 (1.2%) Patients experiencing CHF progression during study 35 (13.4%) 21 (8.2%) Congestive heart failure events leading to hospitalization that occurred during the PROactive trial are summarized in Table 8. Table 9. Treatment –Emergent Adverse Events of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) in PROactive Trial Number (%) of Patients Placebo N=2633 Pioglitazone N=2605 At least one hospitalized congestive heart failure event 108 (4.1%) 149 (5.7%) Fatal 22 (0.8%) 25 (1.0%) Hospitalized, nonfatal 86 (3.3%) 124 (4.7%) Cardiovascular Safety In the PROactive trial, 5238 patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of macrovascular disease were randomized to pioglitazone (N=2605), force-titrated up to 45 mg daily or placebo (N=2633) in addition to standard of care. Almost all patients (95%) were receiving cardiovascular medications (beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, nitrates, diuretics, aspirin, statins, and fibrates). At baseline, patients had a mean age of 62 years, mean duration of diabetes of 9.5 years, and mean HbA1c of 8.1%. Mean duration of follow-up was 34.5 months. The primary objective of this trial was to examine the effect of pioglitazone on mortality and macrovascular morbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were at high risk for macrovascular events. The primary efficacy variable was the time to the first occurrence of any event in a cardiovascular composite endpoint that included all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) including silent MI, stroke, acute coronary syndrome, cardiac intervention including coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous intervention, major leg amputation above the ankle, and bypass surgery or revascularization in the leg. A total of 514 (19.7%) patients treated with pioglitazone and 572 (21.7%) placebo-treated patients experienced at least one event from the primary composite endpoint (HR 0.90; 95% CI: 0.80, 1.02; p=0.10). Although there was no statistically significant difference between pioglitazone and placebo for the three-year incidence of a first event within this composite, there was no increase in mortality or in total macrovascular events with pioglitazone. The number of first occurrences and total individual events contributing to the primary composite endpoint is shown in Table 10. Table 10. PROactive Trial: Number of First and Total Events for Each Component Within the Cardiovascular Composite Endpoint Cardiovascular Events Placebo N=2633 Pioglitazone N=2605 First Events n (%) Total events n First Events n (%) Total events n Any event 572 (21.7) 900 514 (19.7) 803 All-cause mortality 122 (4.6) 186 110 (4.2) 177 Nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) 118 (4.5) 157 105 (4.0) 131 Stroke 96 (3.6) 119 76 (2.9) 92 Acute coronary syndrome 63 (2.4) 78 42 (1.6) 65 Cardiac intervention (CABG/PCI) 101 (3.8) 240 101 (3.9) 195 Major leg amputation 15 (0.6) 28 9 (0.3) 28 Leg revascularization 57 (2.2) 92 71 (2.7) 115 CABG = coronary artery bypass grafting; PCI = percutaneous intervention Weight Gain Dose-related weight gain occurs when pioglitazone is used alone or in combination with other antidiabetic medications. The mechanism of weight gain is unclear but probably involves a combination of fluid retention and fat accumulation. Tables 10, 11, and 12 summarize the changes in body weight with pioglitazone and placebo in the 16- to 26-week randomized, double-blind monotherapy and 16- to 24-week combination add-on therapy trials, the PROactive trial, and the 24-week pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride trial. Table 11. Weight Changes (kg) from Baseline During Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trials Control Group (Placebo) Pioglitazone 15 mg Pioglitazone 30 mg Pioglitazone 45 mg Median (25 th , 75 th percentile) Median (25 th , 75 th percentile) Median (25 th , 75 th percentile) Median (25 th , 75 th percentile) Monotherapy (16 to 26 weeks) -1.4 (-2.7, 0.0) N=256 0.9 (-0.5, 3.4) N=79 1.0 (-0.9, 3.4) N=188 2.6 (0.2, 5.4) N=79 Combination Therapy (16 to 24 weeks) Sulfonylurea -0.5 (-1.8, 0.7) N=187 2.0 (0.2, 3.2) N=183 3.1 (1.1, 5.4) N=528 4.1 (1.8, 7.3) N=333 Metformin -1.4 (-3.2, 0.3) N=160 N/A 0.9 (-1.3, 3.2) N=567 1.8 (-0.9, 5.0) N=407 Insulin 0.2 (-1.4, 1.4) N=182 2.3 (0.5, 4.3) N=190 3.3 (0.9, 6.3) N=522 4.1 (1.4, 6.8) N=338 Table 12. Median Change in Body Weight in Patients Treated with Pioglitazone Versus Patients Treated with Placebo During the Double-Blind Treatment Period in the PROactive Trial Placebo Pioglitazone Median (25 th , 75 th percentile) Median (25 th , 75 th percentile) Change from baseline to final visit (kg) -0.5 (-3.3, 2.0) N=2581 +3.6 (0.0, 7.5) N=2560 Note: Median exposure for both pioglitazone and placebo was 2.7 years. Table 13. Weight Changes (kg) from Baseline During Double-Blind Clinical Trial with P ioglitazone and Metformin Hydrochloride in Patients with Inadequate Glycemic Control on Diet and Exercise P ioglitazone and Metformin Hydrochloride 15/850 mg Twice Daily Pioglitazone 15 mg Twice Daily Metformin 850 mg Twice Daily Median (25 th , 75 th percentile) Median (25 th , 75 th percentile) Median (25 th , 75 th percentile) Change from baseline to final visit (kg) 1.00 (-1.0, 3.0) N=198 1.35 (-0.7, 4.1) N=178 -1.00 (-2.6, 0.4) N=203 Note: Trial duration of 24 weeks. Edema Edema induced from taking pioglitazone is reversible when pioglitazone is discontinued. The edema usually does not require hospitalization unless there is coexisting congestive heart failure. In the 24-week pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride trial, edema was reported in 3.0% of patients in the pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride group, 4.2% in the pioglitazone monotherapy group, and 1.4% in the metformin monotherapy group. A summary of the frequency and types of edema adverse events occurring in clinical investigations of pioglitazone is provided in Table 14. Table 14. Adverse Events of Edema in Patients Treated with Pioglitazone Number (%) of Patients Placebo Pioglitazone 15 mg Pioglitazone 30 mg Pioglitazone 45 mg Monotherapy (16 to 26 weeks) 3 (1.2%) N=259 2 (2.5%) N= 81 13 (4.7%) N= 275 11 (6.5%) N=169 Combined Therapy (16 to 24 weeks) Sulfonylurea 4 (2.1%) N=187 3 (1.6%) N=184 61 (11.3%) N=540 81 (23.1%) N=351 Metformin 4 (2.5%) N=160 N/A 34 (5.9%) N=579 58 (13.9%) N=416 Insulin 13 (7.0%) N=187 24 (12.6%) N=191 109 (20.5%) N=533 90 (26.1%) N=345 Note: The preferred terms of edema peripheral, generalized edema, pitting edema and fluid retention were combined to form the aggregate term of “edema.” Table 15. Adverse Events of Edema in Patients in the PROactive Trial Number (%) of Patients Placebo N=2633 Pioglitazone N=2605 419 (15.9%) 712 (27.3%) Note: The preferred terms of edema peripheral, generalized edema, pitting edema, and fluid retention were combined to form the aggregate term of “edema.” Hepatic Effects There has been no evidence of pioglitazone-induced hepatotoxicity in the pioglitazone controlled clinical trial database to date. One randomized, double-blind, three-year trial comparing pioglitazone to glyburide as add-on to metformin and insulin therapy was specifically designed to evaluate the incidence of serum ALT elevation to greater than three times the upper limit of the reference range, measured every eight weeks for the first 48 weeks of the trial then every 12 weeks thereafter. A total of 3/1051 (0.3%) patients treated with pioglitazone and 9/1046 (0.9%) patients treated with glyburide developed ALT values greater than three times the upper limit of the reference range. None of the patients treated with pioglitazone in the pioglitazone controlled clinical trial database to date have had a serum ALT greater than three times the upper limit of the reference range and a corresponding total bilirubin greater than two times the upper limit of the reference range, a combination predictive of the potential for severe drug-induced liver injury. Hypoglycemia In the pioglitazone clinical trials, adverse events of hypoglycemia were reported based on clinical judgment of the investigators and did not require confirmation with fingerstick glucose testing. In the 16-week add-on to sulfonylurea trial, the incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 3.7% with pioglitazone 30 mg and 0.5% with placebo. In the 16-week add-on to insulin trial, the incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 7.9% with pioglitazone 15 mg, 15.4% with pioglitazone 30 mg, and 4.8% with placebo. The incidence of reported hypoglycemia was higher with pioglitazone 45 mg compared to pioglitazone 30 mg in both the 24-week add-on to sulfonylurea trial (15.7% versus 13.4%) and in the 24-week add-on to insulin trial (47.8% versus 43.5%). Three patients in these four trials were hospitalized due to hypoglycemia. All three patients were receiving pioglitazone 30 mg (0.9%) in the 24-week add-on to insulin trial. An additional 14 patients reported severe hypoglycemia (defined as causing considerable interference with patient's usual activities) that did not require hospitalization. These patients were receiving pioglitazone 45 mg in combination with sulfonylurea (n=2) or pioglitazone 30 mg or 45 mg in combination with insulin (n=12). Urinary Bladder Tumors Tumors were observed in the urinary bladder of male rats in the two-year carcinogenicity study [ see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 ) ]. During the three year PROactive clinical trial, 14 patients out of 2605 (0.54%) randomized to pioglitazone and 5 out of 2633 (0.19%) randomized to placebo were diagnosed with bladder cancer. After excluding patients in whom exposure to study drug was less than one year at the time of diagnosis of bladder cancer, there were 6 (0.23%) cases on pioglitazone and two (0.08%) cases on placebo. After completion of the trial, a large subset of patients was observed for up to 10 additional years, with little additional exposure to pioglitazone. During the 13 years of both PROactive and observational follow-up, the occurrence of bladder cancer did not differ between patients randomized to pioglitazone or placebo (HR =1.00; 95% CI: 0.59-1.72) [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ]. Metformin hydrochloride In a double-blind clinical study of metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes, a total of 141 patients received metformin therapy (up to 2550 mg per day) and 145 patients received placebo. Adverse reactions reported in greater than 5% of the metformin patients, and that were more common in metformin than placebo-treated patients, are listed in Table 15. In this trial, diarrhea led to discontinuation of study medication in 6% of patients treated with metformin. Table 15. Most Common Adverse Reactions (>5.0%) in a Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study of Metformin Monotherapy* Adverse Reaction Metformin Monotherapy (n=141) Placebo (n=145) % of Patients Diarrhea 53.2 11.7 Nausea/Vomiting 25.5 8.3 Flatulence 12.1 5.5 Asthenia 9.2 5.5 Indigestion 7.1 4.1 Abdominal Discomfort 6.4 4.8 Headache 5.7 4.8 * Reactions that were more common in metformin than placebo-treated patients. Laboratory Abnormalities Hematologic Effects Pioglitazone may cause decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit. In placebo-controlled monotherapy trials, mean hemoglobin values declined by 2% to 4% in patients treated with pioglitazone compared with a mean change in hemoglobin of -1% to +1% in placebo-treated patients. These changes primarily occurred within the first four to 12 weeks of therapy and remained relatively constant thereafter. These changes may be related to increased plasma volume associated with pioglitazone therapy and are not likely to be associated with any clinically significant hematologic effects. Vitamin B 12 Concentrations Metformin may lower serum vitamin B 12 concentrations. Measurement of hematologic parameters on an annual basis is advised in patients on pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets and any apparent abnormalities should be appropriately investigated and managed [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) ]. Creatine Phosphokinase During protocol-specified measurement of serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) in pioglitazone clinical trials, an isolated elevation in CPK to greater than 10 times the upper limit of the reference range was noted in nine (0.2%) patients treated with pioglitazone (values of 2150 to 11400 IU/L) and in no comparator-treated patients. Six of these nine patients continued to receive pioglitazone, two patients were noted to have the CPK elevation on the last day of dosing, and one patient discontinued pioglitazone due to the elevation. These elevations resolved without any apparent clinical sequelae. The relationship of these events to pioglitazone therapy is unknown. Metformin Vitamin B 12 Concentrations In metformin clinical trials of 29-week duration, a decrease to subnormal levels of previously normal serum vitamin B12 levels was observed in approximately 7% of patients 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of pioglitazone and/or metformin. 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. Pioglitazone Cardiac Disorder s: Rapid increases in weight, edema, congestive heart failure with and without previously known heart disease or concomitant insulin administration Eye Disorders : New onset or worsening diabetic macular edema with decreased visual acuity Hepatobiliary Disorders : Fatal and nonfatal hepatic failure Metformin Hepatobiliary Disorder s: Cholestatic, hepatocellular, and mixed hepatocellular liver injury

• Strong CYP2C8 inhibitors (e.g., gemfibrozil): Limit pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride dose to 15 mg/850 mg daily. ( 7.1 ) • CYP2C8 inducers (e.g., rifampin) may decrease pioglitazone concentrations. ( 7.2 ) • Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may increase risk of lactic acidosis. Consider more frequent monitoring. ( 7.3 ) • Drugs that reduce metformin clearance (such as ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir, and cimetidine), may increase the accumulation of metformin. Consider the benefits and risks of concomitant use. ( 7.4 ) • Alcohol: Warn patients against excessive alcohol intake. ( 7.5 ) • Use of insulin secretagogues or insulin use may increase the risk for hypoglycemia and may require dose reduction. ( 7.6 ) • Topiramate may decrease pioglitazone concentrations. ( 7.8 ) 7.1 Strong CYP2C8 Inhibitors An inhibitor of CYP2C8 (e.g., gemfibrozil) significantly increases the exposure (area under the serum concentration-time curve or AUC) and half-life (t 1/2 ) of pioglitazone. Therefore, the maximum recommended dosage of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets is 15 mg of pioglitazone and 850 mg of metformin HCl once daily if used in combination with gemfibrozil or other strong CYP2C8 inhibitors [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 7.2 CYP2C8 Inducers An inducer of CYP2C8 (e.g., rifampin) may significantly decrease the exposure (AUC) of pioglitazone. Therefore, if an inducer of CYP2C8 is started or stopped during treatment with pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets, changes in diabetes treatment may be needed based on clinical response without exceeding the maximum recommended daily dosage of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets, (45 mg of pioglitazone and 2,550 mg of metformin HCl) [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 7.3 Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors Topiramate or other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., zonisamide, acetazolamide or dichlorphenamide) frequently causes a decrease in serum bicarbonate and induce non-anion gap, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Concomitant use of these drugs with pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets may increase the risk for lactic acidosis. Consider more frequent monitoring of these patients. 7.4 Drugs that Reduce Metformin Clearance Concomitant use of drugs that interfere with common renal tubular transport systems involved in the renal elimination of metformin (e.g., organic cationic transporter-2 [OCT2]/multidrug and toxin extrusion [MATE] inhibitors such as ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir, and cimetidine) could increase systemic exposure to metformin and may increase the risk for lactic acidosis [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Consider the benefits and risks of concomitant use. 7.5 Alcohol Alcohol is known to potentiate the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism. Warn patients against excessive alcohol intake while receiving pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets. 7.6 Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin Coadministration of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. If hypoglycemia occurs in a patient coadministered pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets and an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea), the dose of the insulin secretagogue should be reduced 7.7 Drugs Affecting Glycemic Control Certain drugs tend to produce hyperglycemia and may lead to loss of glycemic control. These drugs include the thiazides and other diuretics, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, thyroid products, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, sympathomimetics, calcium channel blockers, and isoniazid. When such drugs are administered to a patient receiving pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets, the patient should be closely observed for loss of blood glucose control. When such drugs are withdrawn from a patient receiving pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets, the patient should be observed closely for hypoglycemia 7.8 Topiramate A decrease in the exposure of pioglitazone and its active metabolites were noted with concomitant administration of pioglitazone and topiramate [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. The clinical relevance of this decrease is unknown; however, when pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride and topiramate are used concomitantly, monitor patients for adequate glycemic control.