prednisolone sodium phosphate ODT PREDNISOLONE SODIUM PHOSPHATE INGENUS PHARMACEUTICALS, LLC FDA Approved Prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets are a sodium salt of the phosphoester of the glucocorticoid prednisolone. Glucocorticoids are adrenocortical steroids, both naturally occurring and synthetic, which are readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Prednisolone sodium phosphate occurs as white or slightly yellow, friable granules or powder. It is freely soluble in water; soluble in methanol; slightly soluble in alcohol and in chloroform; and very slightly soluble in acetone and in dioxane. The chemical name of prednisolone sodium phosphate is pregna-1, 4-diene-3, 20-dione, 11, 17-dihydroxy-21-(phosphonooxy)-, disodium salt, (11ß)-. The empirical formula is C 21 H 27 Na 2 O 8 P; the molecular weight is 484.39. Its chemical structure is: Each orally disintegrating tablet also contains the following inactive ingredients: citric acid, colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, grape flavor, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, mannitol, methacrylate copolymer, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium bicarbonate, sucralose, and sucrose. 5

Drug Facts

Composition & Profile

Dosage Forms
Tablet
Strengths
10 mg 13.4 mg 15 mg 20.2 mg 30 mg 40.3 mg
Quantities
12 tablets 6 tablets
Treats Conditions
1 Indications Usage Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Orally Disintegrating Tablets Are Indicated In The Treatment Of The Following Diseases Or Conditions Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Orally Disintegrating Tablet Is A Corticosteroid Indicated As An Anti Inflammatory Or Immunosuppressive Agent For Certain Allergic Dermatologic Gastrointestinal Hematologic Ophthalmologic Nervous System Renal Respiratory Rheumatologic Specific Infectious Diseases Or Conditions And Organ Transplantation 1 For The Treatment Of Certain Endocrine Conditions 1 For Palliation Of Certain Neoplastic Conditions 1 1 1 Allergic Conditions Control Of Severe Or Incapacitating Allergic Conditions Intractable To Adequate Trials Of Conventional Treatment In Adult And Pediatric Populations With Atopic Dermatitis Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions Seasonal Or Perennial Allergic Rhinitis Serum Sickness 1 2 Dermatologic Diseases Bullous Dermatitis Herpetiformis Contact Dermatitis Exfoliative Erythroderma Mycosis Fungoides Pemphigus Severe Erythema Multiforme Stevens Johnson Syndrome 1 3 Endocrine Conditions Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Hypercalcemia Of Malignancy Nonsuppurative Thyroiditis Primary Or Secondary Adrenocortical Insufficiency Hydrocortisone Or Cortisone Is The First Choice Synthetic Analogs May Be Used In Conjunction With Mineralocorticoids Where Applicable 1 4 Gastrointestinal Diseases During Acute Episodes In Crohn S Disease Ulcerative Colitis 1 5 Hematologic Diseases Acquired Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Diamond Blackfan Anemia Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura In Adults Pure Red Cell Aplasia Secondary Thrombocytopenia In Adults 1 6 Neoplastic Conditions For The Treatment Of Acute Leukemia Aggressive Lymphomas 1 7 Nervous System Conditions Acute Exacerbations Of Multiple Sclerosis Cerebral Edema Associated With Primary Or Metastatic Brain Tumor Craniotomy Or Head Injury 1 8 Ophthalmic Conditions Sympathetic Ophthalmia Uveitis And Ocular Inflammatory Conditions Unresponsive To Topical Corticosteroids 1 9 Conditions Related To Organ Transplantation Acute Or Chronic Solid Organ Rejection 1 10 Pulmonary Diseases Acute Exacerbations Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Copd Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis Aspiration Pneumonitis Asthma Fulminating Or Disseminated Pulmonary Tuberculosis When Used Concurrently With Appropriate Chemotherapy Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Idiopathic Bronchiolitis Obliterans With Organizing Pneumonia Idiopathic Eosinophilic Pneumonias Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia Pcp Associated With Hypoxemia Occurring In An Hiv Individual Who Is Also Under Treatment With Appropriate Anti Pcp Antibiotics Symptomatic Sarcoidosis 1 11 Renal Conditions To Induce A Diuresis Or Remission Of Proteinuria In Nephrotic Syndrome Without Uremia Of The Idiopathic Type Or That Due To Lupus Erythematosus 1 12 Rheumatologic Conditions As Adjunctive Therapy For Short Term Administration To Tide The Patient Over An Acute Episode Or Exacerbation In Acute Gouty Arthritis During An Exacerbation Or As Maintenance Therapy In Selected Cases Of Ankylosing Spondylitis Dermatomyositis Polymyositis Polymyalgia Rheumatica Temporal Arteritis Psoriatic Arthritis Relapsing Polychondritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Including Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Selected Cases May Require Low Dose Maintenance Therapy Sjogren S Syndrome Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Vasculitis 1 13 Specific Infectious Diseases Trichinosis With Neurologic Or Myocardial Involvement Tuberculous Meningitis With Subarachnoid Block Or Impending Block Used Concurrently With Appropriate Antituberculous Chemotherapy
Pill Appearance
Shape: round Color: white Imprint: ORA;30

Identifiers & Packaging

Container Type BOX
UNII
IV021NXA9J
Packaging

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets 13.4 mg prednisolone sodium phosphate (equivalent to 10 mg prednisolone base) is a white, flat faced, beveled tablet, debossed with ORA on one side and 10 on the other. Supplied as: • NDC 50742-383-12: 12 tablets per carton. Each carton has 2 cards containing 6 tablets. Prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets 20.2 mg prednisolone sodium phosphate (equivalent to 15 mg prednisolone base) is a white, flat faced, beveled tablet, debossed with ORA on one side and 15 on the other. Supplied as: • NDC 50742-384-12: 12 tablets per carton. Each carton has 2 cards containing 6 tablets. Prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets 40.3 mg prednisolone sodium phosphate (equivalent to 30 mg prednisolone base) is a white, flat faced, beveled tablet, debossed with ORA on one side and 30 on the other. Supplied as: • NDC 50742-385-12: 12 tablets per carton. Each carton has 2 cards containing 6 tablets. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture. Do not break or use partial prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets. Keep out of the reach of children.; 10 mg NDC 50742-383-12 Grape Flavor Contents: 2 cards containing 6 tablets Rx only Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Orally Disintegrating Tablets Equivalent to prednisolone 10 mg Usual Dosage: See package insert for full prescribing information Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F). Excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture. 15 mg NDC 50742-384-12 Grape Flavor Contents: 2 cards containing 6 tablets Rx only Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Orally Disintegrating Tablets Equivalent to prednisolone 15 mg Usual Dosage: See package insert for full prescribing information Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F). Excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture. 30 mg NDC 50742-385-12 Grape Flavor Contents: 2 cards containing 6 tablets Rx only Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Orally Disintegrating Tablets Equivalent to prednisolone 30 mg Usual Dosage: See package insert for full prescribing information Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F). Excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture. 1 1 1

Package Descriptions
  • 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets 13.4 mg prednisolone sodium phosphate (equivalent to 10 mg prednisolone base) is a white, flat faced, beveled tablet, debossed with ORA on one side and 10 on the other. Supplied as: • NDC 50742-383-12: 12 tablets per carton. Each carton has 2 cards containing 6 tablets. Prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets 20.2 mg prednisolone sodium phosphate (equivalent to 15 mg prednisolone base) is a white, flat faced, beveled tablet, debossed with ORA on one side and 15 on the other. Supplied as: • NDC 50742-384-12: 12 tablets per carton. Each carton has 2 cards containing 6 tablets. Prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets 40.3 mg prednisolone sodium phosphate (equivalent to 30 mg prednisolone base) is a white, flat faced, beveled tablet, debossed with ORA on one side and 30 on the other. Supplied as: • NDC 50742-385-12: 12 tablets per carton. Each carton has 2 cards containing 6 tablets. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture. Do not break or use partial prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets. Keep out of the reach of children.
  • 10 mg NDC 50742-383-12 Grape Flavor Contents: 2 cards containing 6 tablets Rx only Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Orally Disintegrating Tablets Equivalent to prednisolone 10 mg Usual Dosage: See package insert for full prescribing information Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F). Excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture. 15 mg NDC 50742-384-12 Grape Flavor Contents: 2 cards containing 6 tablets Rx only Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Orally Disintegrating Tablets Equivalent to prednisolone 15 mg Usual Dosage: See package insert for full prescribing information Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F). Excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture. 30 mg NDC 50742-385-12 Grape Flavor Contents: 2 cards containing 6 tablets Rx only Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Orally Disintegrating Tablets Equivalent to prednisolone 30 mg Usual Dosage: See package insert for full prescribing information Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F). Excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture. 1 1 1

Overview

Prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets are a sodium salt of the phosphoester of the glucocorticoid prednisolone. Glucocorticoids are adrenocortical steroids, both naturally occurring and synthetic, which are readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Prednisolone sodium phosphate occurs as white or slightly yellow, friable granules or powder. It is freely soluble in water; soluble in methanol; slightly soluble in alcohol and in chloroform; and very slightly soluble in acetone and in dioxane. The chemical name of prednisolone sodium phosphate is pregna-1, 4-diene-3, 20-dione, 11, 17-dihydroxy-21-(phosphonooxy)-, disodium salt, (11ß)-. The empirical formula is C 21 H 27 Na 2 O 8 P; the molecular weight is 484.39. Its chemical structure is: Each orally disintegrating tablet also contains the following inactive ingredients: citric acid, colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, grape flavor, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, mannitol, methacrylate copolymer, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium bicarbonate, sucralose, and sucrose. 5

Indications & Usage

INDICATIONS & USAGE Prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets are indicated in the treatment of the following diseases or conditions: Prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablet is a corticosteroid indicated as an anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive agent for certain allergic, dermatologic, gastrointestinal, hematologic, ophthalmologic, nervous system, renal, respiratory, rheumatologic, specific infectious diseases or conditions and organ transplantation (1) for the treatment of certain endocrine conditions (1) for palliation of certain neoplastic conditions (1) 1.1 Allergic Conditions Control of severe or incapacitating allergic conditions intractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment in adult and pediatric populations with: Atopic dermatitis Drug hypersensitivity reactions Seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis Serum sickness 1.2 Dermatologic Diseases Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis Contact dermatitis Exfoliative erythroderma Mycosis fungoides Pemphigus Severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) 1.3 Endocrine Conditions Congenital adrenal hyperplasia Hypercalcemia of malignancy Nonsuppurative thyroiditis Primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency: hydrocortisone or cortisone is the first choice; synthetic analogs may be used in conjunction with mineralocorticoids where applicable. 1.4 Gastrointestinal Diseases During acute episodes in: Crohn's Disease Ulcerative colitis 1.5 Hematologic Diseases Acquired (autoimmune) hemolytic anemia Diamond-Blackfan anemia Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults Pure red cell aplasia Secondary thrombocytopenia in adults 1.6 Neoplastic Conditions For the treatment of: Acute leukemia Aggressive lymphomas 1.7 Nervous System Conditions Acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis Cerebral edema associated with primary or metastatic brain tumor, craniotomy or head injury 1.8 Ophthalmic Conditions Sympathetic ophthalmia Uveitis and ocular inflammatory conditions unresponsive to topical corticosteroids 1.9 Conditions Related to Organ Transplantation Acute or chronic solid organ rejection 1.10 Pulmonary Diseases Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis Aspiration pneumonitis Asthma Fulminating or disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis when used concurrently with appropriate chemotherapy Hypersensitivity pneumonitis Idiopathic bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia Idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonias Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) associated with hypoxemia occurring in an HIV (+) individual who is also under treatment with appropriate anti-PCP antibiotics Symptomatic sarcoidosis 1.11 Renal Conditions To induce a diuresis or remission of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome, without uremia, of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus 1.12 Rheumatologic Conditions As adjunctive therapy for short term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: Acute gouty arthritis During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of: Ankylosing spondylitis Dermatomyositis/polymyositis Polymyalgia rheumatica/temporal arteritis Psoriatic arthritis Relapsing polychondritis Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low dose maintenance therapy) Sjogren's syndrome Systemic lupus erythematosus Vasculitis 1.13 Specific Infectious Diseases Trichinosis with neurologic or myocardial involvement Tuberculous meningitis with subarachnoid block or impending block, used concurrently with appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy

Dosage & Administration

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION Individualize dosing based on disease severity and patient response: Initial Dose: 10 mg to 60 mg of prednisolone (as 13.4 mg to 80.6 mg of prednisolone sodium phosphate) (2) Maintenance Dose: Use lowest dosage that will maintain an adequate clinical response (2) Discontinuation: Withdraw gradually if discontinuing long-term or high-dose therapy (2) Take with food to avoid gastrointestinal (GI) irritation (2) DO NOT BREAK OR USE PARTIAL PREDNISOLONE SODIUM PHOSPHATE ORALLY DISINTEGRATING TABLETS. USE AN APPROPRIATE FORMULATION OF PREDNISOLONE IF INDICATED DOSE CANNOT BE OBTAINED USING PREDNISOLONE SODIUM PHOSPHATE ORALLY DISINTEGRATING TABLETS. 2.1 Recommended Dosing Dosage of Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Orally Disintegrating Tablets should be individualized according to the severity of the disease and the response of the patient. For pediatric patients, the recommended dosage should be governed by the same considerations rather than strict adherence to the ratio indicated by age or body weight. Do not break or use partial Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Orally Disintegrating Tablets. Use an appropriate formulation of prednisolone if indicated dose cannot be obtained using Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Orally Disintegrating Tablets. This may become important in the treatment of conditions that require tapering doses that cannot be adequately accommodated by Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Orally Disintegrating Tablets, e.g., tapering the dose below 10 mg. The initial dose of Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Orally Disintegrating Tablets may vary from 10 to 60 mg (prednisolone base) per day, depending on the specific disease entity being treated. In situations of less severity, lower doses will generally suffice while in selected patients higher initial doses may be required. The initial dosage should be maintained or adjusted until a satisfactory response is noted. If after a reasonable period of time, there is a lack of satisfactory clinical response, Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate should be discontinued and the patient placed on other appropriate therapy. IT SHOULD BE EMPHASIZED THAT DOSAGE REQUIREMENTS ARE VARIABLE AND MUST BE INDIVIDUALIZED ON THE BASIS OF THE DISEASE UNDER TREATMENT AND THE RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT. After a favorable response is noted, the proper maintenance dosage should be determined by decreasing the initial drug dosage in small decrements at appropriate time intervals until the lowest dosage that will maintain an adequate clinical response is reached. It should be kept in mind that constant monitoring is needed in regard to drug dosage. Included in the situations which may make dosage adjustments necessary are changes in clinical status secondary to remissions or exacerbations in the disease process, the patient's individual drug responsiveness, and the effect of patient exposure to stressful situations not directly related to the disease entity under treatment; in this latter situation it may be necessary to increase the dosage of Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Orally Disintegrating Tablets for a period of time consistent with the patient's condition. If after long term therapy the drug is to be stopped, it is recommended that it be withdrawn gradually rather than abruptly. Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Orally Disintegrating Tablets are packaged in a blister. Patients should be instructed not to remove the tablet from the blister until just prior to dosing. The blister pack should then be peeled open, and the orally disintegrating tablet placed on the tongue, where tablets may be swallowed whole as any conventional tablet, or allowed to dissolve in the mouth, with or without the assistance of water. Orally disintegrating tablet dosage forms are friable and are not intended to be cut, split, or broken. Multiple Sclerosis In the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, daily doses of 200 mg of prednisolone for a week followed by 80 mg every other day for one month have been shown to be effective. Pediatric In pediatric patients, the initial dose of Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate may vary depending on the specific disease entity being treated. The range of initial doses is 0.14 to 2 mg/kg/day in three or four divided doses (4 to 60 mg/m 2 bsa/day). Nephrotic Syndrome The standard regimen used to treat nephrotic syndrome in pediatric patients is 60 mg/m 2 /day given in three divided doses for 4 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of single dose alternate-day therapy at 40 mg/m 2 /day. Asthma The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommended dosing for systemic prednisone, prednisolone or methylprednisolone in children whose asthma is uncontrolled by inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators is 1-2 mg/kg/day in single or divided doses. It is further recommended that short course, or "burst" therapy, be continued until a child achieves a peak expiratory flow rate of 80% of his or her personal best or symptoms resolve. This usually requires 3 to 10 days of treatment, although it can take longer. There is no evidence that tapering the dose after improvement will prevent a relapse. 2.2 Recommended Monitoring Blood pressure, body weight, routine laboratory studies, including serum potassium and fasting blood glucose, should be obtained at regular intervals during prolonged therapy. Appropriate diagnostic studies should be performed in patients with known or suspected peptic ulcer disease and in patients at risk for reactivation of latent tuberculosis infections. 2.3 Corticosteroid Comparison Chart For the purpose of comparison, one 10 mg prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablet (13.4 mg prednisolone sodium phosphate) is equivalent to the following milligram dosage of the various glucocorticoids: Betamethasone 1.75 mg Paramethasone 4 mg Cortisone 50 mg Prednisolone 10 mg Dexamethasone 1.75 mg Prednisone 10 mg Hydrocortisone 40 mg Triamcinolone 8 mg Methylprednisolone 8 mg These dose relationships apply only to oral or intravenous administration of these compounds. When these substances or their derivatives are injected intramuscularly or into joint spaces, their relative properties may be greatly altered.

Warnings & Precautions
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome and hyperglycemia: Monitor patients for these conditions with chronic use. Taper doses gradually for withdrawal after chronic use. (5.1) Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection: Increased susceptibility to new infection and increased risk of exacerbation, dissemination, or reactivation of latent infection. Signs and symptoms of infection may be masked. (5.2) Elevated blood pressure, salt and water retention and hypokalemia: Monitor blood pressure and sodium, potassium serum levels. (5.3) GI perforation: increased risk in patients with certain GI disorders. Signs and symptoms may be masked. (5.4) Behavioral and mood disturbances: May include euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, severe depression, and psychosis. Existing conditions may be aggravated. (5.5) Decrease in bone density: Monitor bone density in patients receiving long term corticosteroid therapy. (5.6) Ophthalmic effects: May include cataracts, infections and glaucoma. Monitor intraocular pressure if corticosteroid therapy is continued for more than 6 weeks. (5.7) Live or live attenuated vaccines: Do not administer to patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. (5.8) Negative effects on growth and development: Monitor pediatric patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy. (5.9) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm with first trimester use. Advise patients of potential harm to the fetus. (5.10) 5.1 Alterations in Endocrine Function Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and hyperglycemia. Monitor patients for these conditions with chronic use. Corticosteroids can produce reversible HPA axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency after withdrawal of treatment. Drug induced secondary adrenocortical insufficiency may be minimized by gradual reduction of dosage. This type of relative insufficiency may persist for months after discontinuation of therapy; therefore, in any situation of stress occurring during that period, hormone therapy should be reinstituted. Since mineralocorticoid secretion may be impaired, salt and/or a mineralocorticoid should be administered concurrently. Mineralocorticoid supplementation is of particular importance in infancy. Metabolic clearance of corticosteroids is decreased in hypothyroid patients and increased in hyperthyroid patients. Changes in thyroid status of the patient may necessitate adjustment in dosage. 5.2 Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection Corticosteroids, including prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets, suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infection with any pathogen, including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, or helminthic pathogens. Corticosteroids can: Reduce resistance to new infections Exacerbate existing infections Increase the risk of disseminated infections Increase the risk of reactivation or exacerbation of latent infections Mask some signs of infection 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 for the development of infection and consider prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets withdrawal or dosage reduction as needed. Tuberculosis If prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablet is used to treat a condition in patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity, reactivation of tuberculosis may occur. Closely monitor such patients for reactivation. During prolonged prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets 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 prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets. 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: If a prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablet-treated patient is exposed to varicella, prophylaxis with varicella zoster immune globulin may be indicated. If varicella develops, treatment with antiviral agents may be considered. If a prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablet-treated patient is exposed to measles, prophylaxis with immunoglobulin may be indicated. Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation Hepatitis B virus reactivation can occur in patients who are hepatitis B carriers treated with immunosuppressive dosages of corticosteroids, including prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets. 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 prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets. 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 prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets, may exacerbate systemic fungal infections; therefore, avoid prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets use in the presence of such infections unless prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablet is needed to control drug reactions. For patients on chronic prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets therapy who develop systemic fungal infections, prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets withdrawal or dosage reduction is recommended. Amebiasis Corticosteroids, including prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets, may activate latent amebiasis. Therefore, it is recommended that latent amebiasis or active amebiasis be ruled out before initiating prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets in patients who have spent time in the tropics or patients with unexplained diarrhea. Strongyloides Infestation Corticosteroids, including prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets, should be used with great care in patients with known or suspected Strongyloides (threadworm) infestation. In such patients, corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression may lead to Strongyloides hyperinfection and dissemination with widespread larval migration, often accompanied by severe enterocolitis and potentially fatal gram-negative septicemia. Cerebral Malaria Avoid corticosteroids, including prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets, in patients with cerebral malaria. 5.3 Alterations in Cardiovascular/Renal Function Corticosteroids can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium and calcium. These effects are less likely to occur with the synthetic derivatives except when used in large doses. Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary. These agents should be used with caution in patients with hypertension, congestive heart failure, or renal insufficiency. Literature reports suggest an association between use of corticosteroids and left ventricular free wall rupture after a recent myocardial infarction; therefore, therapy with corticosteroids should be used with caution in these patients. 5.4 Use in Patients with Gastrointestinal Disorders There is an increased risk of gastrointestinal (GI) perforation in patients with certain GI disorders. Signs of GI perforation, such as peritoneal irritation, may be masked in patients receiving corticosteroids. Corticosteroids should be used with caution if there is a probability of impending perforation, abscess or other pyogenic infections; diverticulitis; fresh intestinal anastomoses; and active or latent peptic ulcer. 5.5 Behavioral and Mood Disturbances Corticosteroid use may be associated with central nervous system effects ranging from euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and severe depression, to frank psychotic manifestations. Also, existing emotional instability or psychotic tendencies may be aggravated by corticosteroids. 5.6 Decrease in Bone Density Corticosteroids decrease bone formation and increase bone resorption both through their effect on calcium regulation (i.e., decreasing absorption and increasing excretion) and inhibition of osteoblast function. This, together with a decrease in the protein matrix of the bone secondary to an increase in protein catabolism, and reduced sex hormone production, may lead to inhibition of bone growth in children and adolescents and the development of osteoporosis at any age. Special consideration should be given to patients at increased risk of osteoporosis (e.g., postmenopausal women) before initiating corticosteroid therapy and bone density should be monitored in patients on long term corticosteroid therapy. 5.7 Ophthalmic Effects Prolonged use of corticosteroids may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves, and may enhance the establishment of secondary ocular infections due to fungi or viruses. The use of oral corticosteroids is not recommended in the treatment of optic neuritis and may lead to an increase in the risk of new episodes. Intraocular pressure may become elevated in some individuals. If steroid therapy is continued for more than 6 weeks, intraocular pressure should be monitored. Patients with Ocular Herpes Simplex Corticosteroids should be used cautiously in patients with ocular herpes simplex because of possible corneal perforation. Corticosteroids should not be used in active ocular herpes simplex. 5.8 Vaccination Administration of live or live attenuated vaccines is contraindicated in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. Killed or inactivated vaccines may be administered; however, the response to such vaccines cannot be predicted. Immunization procedures may be undertaken in patients who are receiving corticosteroids as replacement therapy, e.g., for Addison's disease. While on corticosteroid therapy, patients should not be vaccinated against smallpox. Other immunization procedures should not be undertaken in patients who are on corticosteroids, especially on high dose, because of possible hazards of neurological complications and a lack of antibody response. 5.9 Effect on Growth and Development Long-term use of corticosteroids can have negative effects on growth and development in children. Growth and development of pediatric patients on prolonged corticosteroid therapy should be carefully monitored. 5.10 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Prednisolone can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Human studies suggest a small but inconsistent increased risk of orofacial clefts with use of corticosteroids during the first trimester of pregnancy. Published animal studies show prednisolone to be teratogenic in rats, rabbits, hamsters, and mice with increased incidence of cleft palate in offspring. Intrauterine growth restriction and decreased birth weight have also been reported with corticosteroid use during pregnancy, however, the underlying maternal condition may also contribute to these risks. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while using this drug, advise the patient about the potential harm to the fetus. [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . 5.11 Neuromuscular Effects Although controlled clinical trials have shown corticosteroids to be effective in speeding the resolution of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, they do not show that they affect the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease. The studies do show that relatively high doses of corticosteroids are necessary to demonstrate a significant effect. [see Dosage and Administration (2) ] . An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of corticosteroids, most often occurring in patients with disorders of neuromuscular transmission (e.g., myasthenia gravis), or in patients receiving concomitant therapy with neuromuscular blocking drugs (e.g., pancuronium). This acute myopathy is generalized, may involve ocular and respiratory muscles, and may result in quadriparesis. Elevation of creatinine kinase may occur. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping corticosteroids may require weeks to years. 5.12 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.
Contraindications

Prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets are contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to corticosteroids such as prednisolone or any components of this product. Rare instances of anaphylactoid reactions have occurred in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy. Hypersensitivity to prednisolone or any components of this product.

Adverse Reactions

Common adverse reactions for corticosteroids include fluid retention, alteration in glucose tolerance, elevation in blood pressure, behavioral and mood changes, increased appetite and weight gain. Allergic Reactions : Anaphylactoid reaction, anaphylaxis, angioedema Cardiovascular : Bradycardia, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac enlargement, circulatory collapse, congestive heart failure, fat embolism, hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in premature infants, myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction, pulmonary edema, syncope, tachycardia, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, vasculitis Dermatologic : Acne, allergic dermatitis, cutaneous and subcutaneous atrophy, dry scalp, edema, facial erythema, hyper or hypo-pigmentation, impaired wound healing, increased sweating, petechiae and ecchymoses, rash, sterile abscess, striae, suppressed reactions to skin tests, thin fragile skin, thinning scalp hair, urticaria Endocrine : Abnormal fat deposits, decreased carbohydrate tolerance, development of Cushingoid state, hirsutism, manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus and increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetics, menstrual irregularities, moon facies, secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness (particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery or illness), suppression of growth in children Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances : Fluid retention, potassium loss, hypertension, hypokalemic alkalosis, sodium retention Gastrointestinal : Abdominal distention; elevation in serum liver enzyme levels (usually reversible upon discontinuation); hepatomegaly, hiccups, malaise, nausea, pancreatitis; peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage; ulcerative esophagitis General : Increased appetite and weight gain Metabolic : Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism Musculoskeletal : Aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads; charcot-like arthropathy, loss of muscle mass; muscle weakness; osteoporosis; pathologic fracture of long bones; steroid myopathy; tendon rupture; vertebral compression fractures Neurological : Arachnoiditis, convulsions; depression, emotional instability, euphoria, headache; increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudotumor cerebri) usually following discontinuation of treatment; insomnia, meningitis, mood swings, neuritis, neuropathy, paraparesis/paraplegia, paresthesia, personality changes, sensory disturbances, vertigo Ophthalmic : Exophthalmos; glaucoma; increased intraocular pressure; posterior subcapsular cataracts Reproductive : Alteration in motility and number of spermatozoa Postmarketing Experience Adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Orally Disintegrating Tablets. 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. The postmarketing experience has not raised new safety concerns beyond those already established for immediate-release prednisolone. Common adverse reactions for corticosteroids include fluid retention, alteration in glucose tolerance, elevation in blood pressure, behavioral and mood changes, increased appetite and weight gain. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ingenus Pharmaceuticals, LLC at 1-877-748-1970 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Drug Interactions

Aminoglutethimide : Aminoglutethimide may lead to loss of corticosteroid-induced adrenal suppression. Amphotericin B : There have been cases reported in which concomitant use of Amphotericin B and hydrocortisone was followed by cardiac enlargement and congestive heart failure (see also Potassium depleting agents). Anticholinesterase agents : Concomitant use of anticholinesterase agents and corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. If possible, anticholinesterase agents should be withdrawn at least 24 hours before initiating corticosteroid therapy. Anticoagulant agents : Co-administration of corticosteroids and warfarin usually results in inhibition of response to warfarin, although there have been some conflicting reports. Therefore, coagulation indices should be monitored frequently to maintain the desired anticoagulant effect. Antidiabetic Agents : Because corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations, dosage adjustments of antidiabetic agents may be required. Antitubercular drugs : Serum concentrations of isoniazid may be decreased. CYP 3A4 inducers (e.g. barbiturates, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and rifampin) : Drugs such as barbiturates, phenytoin, ephedrine, and rifampin, which induce hepatic microsomal drug metabolizing enzyme activity may enhance metabolism of prednisolone and require that the dosage of Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate be increased. CYP 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, macrolide antibiotics) : Ketoconazole has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60% leading to an increased risk of corticosteroid side effects. Cholestyramine : Cholestyramine may increase the clearance of corticosteroids. Cyclosporine : Increased activity of both cyclosporine and corticosteroids may occur when the two are used concurrently. Convulsions have been reported with this concurrent use. Digitalis : Patients on digitalis glycosides may be at increased risk of arrhythmias due to hypokalemia. Estrogens, including oral contraceptives : Estrogens may decrease the hepatic metabolism of certain corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect. NSAIDS, including aspirin and salicylates : Concomitant use of aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and corticosteroids increases the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Aspirin should be used cautiously in conjunction with corticosteroids in hypoprothrombinemia. The clearance of salicylates may be increased with concurrent use of corticosteroids. Potassium-depleting agents (e.g., diuretics, Amphotericin B) : When corticosteroids are administered concomitantly with potassium-depleting agents, patients should be observed closely for development of hypokalemia. Skin Tests : Corticosteroids may suppress reactions to skin tests. Toxoids and live or inactivated Vaccines : Due to inhibition of antibody response, patients on prolonged corticosteroid therapy may exhibit a diminished response to toxoids and live or inactivated vaccines. Corticosteroids may also potentiate the replication of some organisms contained in live attenuated vaccines. Anticoagulant Agents: May enhance or diminish anticoagulant effects. Monitor coagulation indices. (7) Antidiabetic Agents: May increase blood glucose concentrations. Dose adjustments of antidiabetic agents may be required. (7) CYP 3A4 inducers and inhibitors: May, respectively, increase or decrease clearance of corticosteroids, necessitating dose adjustment. (7) Cyclosporine: Increase in activity of both, cyclosporine and corticosteroid when administered concurrently. Convulsions have been reported with concurrent use. (7) NSAIDS including aspirin and salicylates: Increased risk of gastrointestinal side effects. (7)


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