TELMISARTAN AND HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE

Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets, USP are a combination of telmisartan, an orally active angiotensin II antagonist acting on the AT 1 receptor subtype, and hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic. Telmisartan, a non-peptide molecule, is chemically described as 4’-[(1,4’-dimethyl-2’-propyl[2,6’-bi-1H-benzimidazol]-1’-yl)methyl]-[1,1’-biphenyl]-2-carboxylic acid. Its empirical formula is C 33 H 30 N 4 O 2 , its molecular weight is 514.63, and its structural formula is: Telmisartan is a white to slightly yellowish solid. It is practically insoluble in water and in the pH range of 3 to 9, sparingly soluble in strong acid (except insoluble in hydrochloric acid), and soluble in strong base. Hydrochlorothiazide is a white, or practically white, practically odorless, crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 297.74. It is slightly soluble in water, and freely soluble in sodium hydroxide solution. Hydrochlorothiazide is chemically described as 6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulfonamide 1,1-dioxide. Its empirical formula is C 7 H 8 ClN 3 O 4 S 2 , and its structural formula is: Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets, USP are formulated for oral administration in three combinations of 40 mg/12.5 mg, 80 mg/12.5 mg, and 80 mg/25 mg telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide, respectively. The tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: mannitol, sodium hydroxide, meglumine, povidone, sodium stearyl fumarate, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate. As coloring agents, the 40 mg/12.5 mg and 80 mg/12.5 mg tablets contain ferric oxide red, and the 80 mg/25 mg tablets contain ferric oxide yellow. Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets USP, 80 mg/25 mg are hygroscopic and require protection from moisture. Telmisartan hydrochlorothiazide

Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. These benefits have been seen in controlled trials of antihypertensive drugs from a wide variety of pharmacologic classes including the classes to which this drug principally belongs. There are no controlled trials demonstrating risk reduction with telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets. Control of high blood pressure should be part of comprehensive cardiovascular risk management, including, as appropriate, lipid control, diabetes management, antithrombotic therapy, smoking cessation, exercise, and limited sodium intake. Many patients will require more than one drug to achieve blood pressure goals. For specific advice on goals and management, see published guidelines, such as those of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program’s Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC). Numerous antihypertensive drugs, from a variety of pharmacologic classes and with different mechanisms of action, have been shown in randomized controlled trials to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and it can be concluded that it is blood pressure reduction, and not some other pharmacologic property of the drugs, that is largely responsible for those benefits. The largest and most consistent cardiovascular outcome benefit has been a reduction in the risk of stroke, but reductions in myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality also have been seen regularly. Elevated systolic or diastolic pressure causes increased cardiovascular risk, and the absolute risk increase per mmHg is greater at higher blood pressures, so that even modest reductions of severe hypertension can provide substantial benefit. Relative risk reduction from blood pressure reduction is similar across populations with varying absolute risk, so the absolute benefit is greater in patients who are at higher risk independent of their hypertension (for example, patients with diabetes or hyperlipidemia), and such patients would be expected to benefit from more aggressive treatment to a lower blood pressure goal. Some antihypertensive drugs have smaller blood pressure effects (as monotherapy) in black patients, and many antihypertensive drugs have additional approved indications and effects (e.g., on angina, heart failure, or diabetic kidney disease). These considerations may guide selection of therapy [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets are not indicated for initial therapy for the treatment of hypertension [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. • Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets are a combination of an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) and a thiazide diuretic indicated for the treatment of hypertension, alone or with other antihypertensive agents, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions (1) • Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets are not indicated for initial therapy (1).

• Usual starting dose is 80 mg/12.5 mg once daily (2.1) • Titrate up to 160 mg/25 mg as needed (2.1) • Initiate patients with biliary obstructive disorders or hepatic insufficiency at 40 mg/12.5 mg (2.2) 2.1 Dosing Information Initiate a patient whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled with telmisartan monotherapy 80 mg on telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablet 80 mg/12.5 mg orally once daily. Dose can be titrated up to 160 mg/25 mg after 2 to 4 weeks, if necessary. Initiate a patient whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by 25 mg once daily of hydrochlorothiazide, or is controlled but who experiences hypokalemia with this regimen on telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablet 80 mg/12.5 mg once daily. Dose can be titrated up to 160 mg/25 mg after 2 to 4 weeks, if necessary. Patients titrated to the individual components (telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide) may instead receive the corresponding dose of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets. Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets may be administered with other antihypertensive drugs. 2.2 Dose Adjustment for Hepatic Impairment Initiate patients with biliary obstructive disorders or hepatic insufficiency under close medical supervision using the 40 mg/12.5 mg combination. Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets are not recommended for patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. 2.3 Important Administration Instructions Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets should not be removed from blisters or bottles until immediately before administration.

Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets are contraindicated: · In patients who are hypersensitive to any component of this product [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]. · In patients with anuria. · For co-administration with aliskiren in patients with diabetes [see Drug Interactions (7.4)]. • Hypersensitivity to telmisartan or any component (4) • Anuria (4) • Co-Administration with aliskiren in patients with diabetes (4)

The following adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in labeling: · Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] · Renal Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] · Electrolytes and Metabolic Disorders [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] The most common adverse reactions (≥2% of patients) were upper respiratory tract infection, dizziness, sinusitis, diarrhea, fatigue, influenza-like symptoms, and nausea (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited at 1-866-210-9797 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablet has been evaluated for safety in more than 1700 patients, including 716 treated for hypertension for longer than 6 months and 420 for more than 1 year. Adverse reactions have been limited to those that have been previously reported with telmisartan and/or hydrochlorothiazide. Adverse reactions occurring at an incidence of ≥2% in patients treated with telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide and at a greater rate than in patients treated with placebo, are presented in Table 1 [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring at an Incidence of ≥2% in Patients Treated with Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide and at a Greater Rate Than in Patients Treated with Placebo* Telmisartan/ Hydrochlorothiazide (N=414) Placebo (N=74) Telmisartan (N=209) Hydrochlorothiazide (N=121) Body as a whole Fatigue 3% 1% 3% 3% Influenza-like symptoms 2% 1% 2% 3% Central/peripheral nervous system Dizziness 5% 1% 4% 6% Gastrointestinal system Diarrhea 3% 0% 5% 2% Nausea 2% 0% 1% 2% Respiratory system disorder Sinusitis 4% 3% 3% 6% Upper respiratory tract infection 8% 7% 7% 10% * includes all doses of telmisartan (20 to 160 mg), hydrochlorothiazide (6.25 to 25 mg), and combinations thereof Other adverse reactions observed for telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide were: pain (including back and abdominal), dyspepsia, erythema, vomiting, bronchitis, and pharyngitis. Adverse reactions occurred at approximately the same rates in men and women, older and younger patients, and black and non-black patients. Telmisartan Other adverse events that have been reported with telmisartan are listed below: Autonomic Nervous System: impotence, increased sweating, flushing Body as a Whole: allergy, fever, leg pain, chest pain Cardiovascular: palpitation, angina pectoris, abnormal ECG, hypertension, peripheral edema Central Nervous System: insomnia, somnolence, migraine, paresthesia, involuntary muscle contractions, hypoesthesia Gastrointestinal: flatulence, constipation, gastritis, dry mouth, hemorrhoids, gastroesophageal reflux, toothache Hepato-biliary: elevations of liver enzymes or serum bilirubin Metabolic: gout, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus Musculoskeletal: arthritis, arthralgia, leg cramps, myalgia Psychiatric: anxiety, depression, nervousness Resistance Mechanism: infection, abscess, otitis media Respiratory: asthma, rhinitis, dyspnea, epistaxis Skin: dermatitis, eczema, pruritus Urinary: micturition frequency, cystitis Vascular: cerebrovascular disorder Special Senses: abnormal vision, conjunctivitis, tinnitus, earache Hydrochlorothiazide Other adverse events that have been reported with hydrochlorothiazide are listed below: Body as a Whole: weakness Digestive: pancreatitis, jaundice (intrahepatic cholestatic jaundice), sialadenitis, cramping, gastric irritation Hematologic: aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia Hypersensitivity: purpura, photosensitivity, urticaria, necrotizing angiitis (vasculitis and cutaneous vasculitis), fever, respiratory distress including pneumonitis and pulmonary edema, anaphylactic reactions Metabolic: hyperglycemia, glycosuria Musculoskeletal: muscle spasm Nervous System/Psychiatric: restlessness Renal: interstitial nephritis Skin: erythema multiforme including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis including toxic epidermal necrolysis Special Senses: transient blurred vision, xanthopsia Clinical Laboratory Findings Creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) : Increases in BUN (≥11.2 mg/dL) and serum creatinine (≥0.5 mg/dL) were observed in 2.8% and 1.4%, respectively, of patients with essential hypertension treated with telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets in controlled trials. No patient discontinued treatment with telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets because of an increase in BUN or creatinine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] . 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate reliably their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Eosinophilia Cardiac Disorders: Tachycardia Ear and Labyrinth Disorders: Vertigo General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Asthenia, edema Hepato-biliary: Abnormal hepatic function /liver disorder Immune System Disorders: Anaphylactic reaction Investigations: Increased CPK Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: Hypoglycemia (in diabetic patients), hyponatremia Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Rhabdomyolysis Nervous System Disorders: Headache, syncope Renal and Urinary Disorders: Renal failure, renal impairment including acute renal failure Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: Erectile dysfunction Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: Coughing Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Angioedema (with fatal outcome), drug eruption (toxic skin eruption mostly reported as toxicoderma, rash, and urticaria) Vascular Disorder: Orthostatic hypotension Non-melanoma Skin Cancer Hydrochlorothiazide is associated with an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. In a study conducted in the Sentinel System, increased risk was predominantly for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and in white patients taking large cumulative doses. The increased risk for SCC in the overall population was approximately 1 additional case per 16,000 patients per year, and for white patients taking a cumulative dose of ≥50,000 mg the risk increase was approximately 1 additional SCC case for every 6,700 patients per year.

• Lithium: Risk of lithium toxicity (7.2) • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Reduced diuretic, natriuretic, and antihypertensive effects; increased risk of renal impairment (7.3) • Dual blockade of renin-angiotensin system: Increased risk of renal impairment, hypotension, and hyperkalemia (7.4) • Antidiabetic drugs: Dosage adjustment may be required (7.6) • Cholestyramine and colestipol: Reduced absorption of thiazides (7.7) 7.1 Agents Increasing Serum Potassium Co-administration of telmisartan with other drugs that raise serum potassium levels may result in hyperkalemia. Monitor serum potassium in such patients. 7.2 Lithium Increases in serum lithium concentrations and lithium toxicity have been reported with concomitant use of thiazide diuretics or angiotensin II receptor antagonists, including telmisartan. Monitor lithium levels in patients receiving telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets and lithium. 7.3 Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents including Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors Telmisartan Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents including Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors (COX-2 Inhibitors): In patients who are elderly, volume-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or with compromised renal function, co-administration of NSAIDs, including selective COX-2 inhibitors, with ARBs, including telmisartan, may result in deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure. These effects are usually reversible. The antihypertensive effect of ARBs may be attenuated by NSAIDs. Therefore, monitor renal function and blood pressure periodically in patients receiving telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets and NSAIDs. Hydrochlorothiazide Administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, including a selective COX-2 inhibitor, can reduce the diuretic, natriuretic, and antihypertensive effects of diuretics. Therefore, when telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents including selective COX-2 inhibitors are used concomitantly, observe closely to determine if the desired effect of the diuretic is obtained. 7.4 Dual Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System and Changes in Renal Function Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS) with angiotensin blockers, ACE inhibitors, or aliskiren is associated with increased risks of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal impairment. The ONTARGET trial enrolled 25,620 patients ≥55 years old with atherosclerotic disease or diabetes with end-organ damage, randomizing them to telmisartan (ARB) only, ramipril (ACE inhibitor) only, or the combination, and followed them for a median of 56 months. Patients who received the combination of ARB and ACE inhibitor did not obtain any additional benefit (no additional reduction of risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or hospitalization from heart failure) compared to ARB monotherapy or ACE inhibitor monotherapy, but experienced an increased incidence of renal dysfunction (e.g., acute renal failure) compared with monotherapy groups. In general, avoid combined use of RAS inhibitors. Closely monitor blood pressure, renal function and electrolytes in patients on telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets and other agents that affect the RAS. Do not co-administer aliskiren with telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets in patients with diabetes. Avoid concomitant use of aliskiren with telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets in patients with renal impairment (GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ). 7.5 Digoxin When telmisartan was co-administered with digoxin, median increases in digoxin peak plasma concentration (49%) and in trough concentration (20%) were observed. Monitor digoxin levels in patients taking concomitant telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets and digoxin. 7.6 Antidiabetic Drugs (Oral Agents and Insulin) Dosage adjustment of antidiabetic drugs may be required when co-administered with hydrochlorothiazide. 7.7 Cholestyramine and Colestipol Resins Absorption of hydrochlorothiazide is impaired in the presence of anionic exchange resins. Stagger the dosage of hydrochlorothiazide and the resin such that hydrochlorothiazide is administered at least 4 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after the administration of the resin.