Consumer medicine information

Desvenlafaxine GH XR

Desvenlafaxine

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Desvenlafaxine GH XR

Active ingredient

Desvenlafaxine

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Desvenlafaxine GH XR.

SUMMARY CMI

DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR®

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I using DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR?

DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR contains the active ingredient desvenlafaxine succinate. DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR is used in the treatment and prevention of relapse of depression. For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to desvenlafaxine, venlafaxine or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI. Do not take DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR if you are taking other medications for depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, even if you have stopped taking them, but have taken them within the last 14 days.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR and affect how it works. These include medications for depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, any other medications for bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder or pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder, ADHD, drugs that affect serotonin levels, medicines for weight loss, triptans, aspirin or NSAIDs and warfarin. A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I take DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR?

  • Usual dose is 50 mg taken once daily with or without food.
  • Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water or other non-alcoholic liquid. Do not divide, crush, chew or place the tablets in water.

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I take DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR?

Things you should do
  • Remind any doctor or dentist you visit that you are using DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR.
  • Watch carefully for signs that your depression is getting worse, especially in the first few weeks of treatment or if your dose has changed.
Things you should not do
  • Do not stop using this medicine or change the dose without the advice of your doctor.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR
Driving or using machines
  • Be careful driving or operating dangerous machinery until you know how DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR affects you.
  • DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR tablets may make you feel drowsy.
Looking after your medicine
  • Keep your DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR tablets in their blister pack until it is time to take them.
  • Keep DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Common side effects of DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR include stomach, bowel or urinary tract problems (e.g. nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, difficulty passing urine), change in behaviour (e.g. difficulty/abnormal sleeping, anxiety, irritable), difficulty in thinking or working (due to yawning, disturbed concentration, fainting/dizziness, fatigue), excessive sweating, hot flushes, rash, weight gain/loss or changes to sensory (vision, hearing, taste). Seek emergency treatment if you experience symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome or serotonin syndrome.
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience negative changes to mood or behaviour, worsening depression including thoughts of suicide
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.



FULL CMI

DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR®

Active ingredient(s): Desvenlafaxine Succinate

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR?
2. What should I know before I use DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I take DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR?
5. What should I know while using DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR?

DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR contains the active ingredient desvenlafaxine succinate. It belongs to a class of medications called Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs).

Serotonin and noradrenaline are chemical messengers that allow certain nerves in the brain to work. DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR tablets increase the level of these two messengers. Experts think this is how it helps to restore your feeling of wellness.

DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR is used in the treatment and prevention of relapse of depression.

Depression can affect your whole body and may cause emotional and physical symptoms such as feeling low in spirit, being unable to enjoy life, poor appetite or overeating, disturbed sleep, loss of sex drive, lack of energy and feeling guilty over nothing.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR has been prescribed for you.

Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.

2. What should I know before I use DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR?

Warnings

Do not use DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR if:

  1. You are allergic to desvenlafaxine, venlafaxine, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
  2. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
  3. You are taking other medications for depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, even if you have stopped taking them, but have taken them within the last 14 days.

Check with your doctor if you have:

  • Other medications that you are taking
  • A history of fits (seizures or convulsions)
  • A personal history or family history of bipolar disorder
  • Blood pressure problems
  • Glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
  • A tendency to bleed more than normal or you are taking a blood thinning medication
  • Raised cholesterol or lipid levels
  • Problems with your kidneys or liver
  • Problems with your heart
  • Low sodium levels in your blood
  • Any other medical conditions.

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR if you are pregnant. One of these risks is that newborn babies whose mothers have been taking DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR may have several problems including breathing difficulties, rapid breathing, seizures, lack of oxygen in their blood, physical and / or behavioural problems, vomiting and diarrhoea.

If you take DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR or similar anti-depressants mid to late in your pregnancy, you may develop a condition known as "pre-eclampsia", which is characterised by persistent high-blood pressure during or after pregnancy. Symptoms of pre-eclampsia can include headaches, abdominal pain, shortness of breath or burning behind the sternum, nausea and vomiting, confusion, heightened state of anxiety, and/or visual disturbances such as oversensitivity to light, blurred vision, or seeing flashing spots or auras.

If you take DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR or similar antidepressants in the last month of your pregnancy, you may experience heavy bleeding during and/or after delivery.

Continuing treatment with DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR or similar antidepressants during pregnancy should be strictly as directed by your doctor. Symptoms of a relapse may occur if treatment is discontinued, even if major depression was previously under control.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.

DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR passes into breast milk and there is a possibility that the breast-fed baby may be affected. For this reason, the use of DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR is not recommended in breast-feeding women.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop such as St John's wort or tryptophan supplements.

Do not start to take any other medicine while you are taking DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR, unless it is prescribed or approved by your doctor.

Some medicines may interfere with DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR and affect how it works. These include:

  • Medications for depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (such as moclobemide, phenelzine and tranylcypromine). Tell your doctor if you are taking or have stopped taking them within the last 14 days. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure if you are taking any of these medicines. It is important that you do not take DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR or medicines similar to DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or within 14 days of taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor as this may result in a serious life-threatening condition. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you what to do if you are taking any of these medicines.
  • Any other medications for bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder or pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder, including St John's wort
  • Drugs that affect serotonin levels e.g. tramadol, dextromethorphan, fentanyl, methadone and pentazocine
  • Medicines used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) such as dexamphetamine and lisdexamphetamine
  • Medicines for weight loss, including sibutramine
  • Triptans (used to treat migraine)
  • Linezolid (used to treat infections)
  • Drugs that affect your tendency to bleed (e.g. Aspirin, NSAIDS, Warfarin)
  • Opioids (used to manage pain)

You may need to take different amounts of your medicine, or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor will advise you.

Your doctor or pharmacist has more information on medicines to be careful with or to avoid while taking DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR.

4. How do I take DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR?

How much to take

The usual dose is 50 mg taken once daily with or without food.

Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water or other non-alcoholic liquid.

Do not divide, crush, chew or place the tablets in water.

Do not change your dose unless your doctor tells you to.

Your doctor will gradually increase your dose if needed.

If you have kidney problems, you may need a lower dose of DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR.

Follow the instructions provided and use DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR until your doctor tells you to stop.

Do not be concerned if you see a tablet 'shell' in your faeces after taking DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR.

As the tablet travels the length of your gastrointestinal tract, the active ingredient desvenlafaxine is slowly released.

The tablet 'shell' remains undissolved and is eliminated in your faeces. Therefore, even though, you may see a tablet 'shell' in your faeces, your dose of desvenlafaxine has been absorbed.

How long to take DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR

Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.

Although you may begin to feel better after two weeks, it may take several weeks before you feel much better. It is important to give DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR time to work.

This medicine helps to control your condition, so it is important to keep taking your medicine even if you feel well.

When to take DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR

Take DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR at approximately the same time each day.

This could be either in the morning or in the evening.

Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it.

If you forget to use DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR

DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR should be used regularly at the same time each day.

If you miss your dose and if it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking as you would normally.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.

If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

If you use too much DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR

If you think that you have used too much DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR, you must seek urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

  • Phone the Poisons Information Centre (by calling 13 11 26), or
  • Contact your doctor, or
  • Go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

5. What should I know while using DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR?

Things you should do

Visit your doctor regularly for a checkup so that your progress can be checked. Always discuss any questions you have about DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR with your doctor.

Take DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR tablets as your doctor has prescribed.

Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking this medicine.

Keep enough DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR tablets to last weekends and holidays.

This medicine helps to control your condition but does not cure it. It is important to keep taking your medicine even if you feel well.

Watch carefully for signs that your depression is getting worse, especially in the first few weeks of treatment or if your dose has changed.

Sometimes people with depression can experience a worsening of their depressive symptoms. This can happen even when taking an antidepressant.

Tell your doctor there is the potential for a false positive urinary drug screen while on DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms, especially if they are severe, you have not had these symptoms before or they happen very suddenly:

  • Anxiety or agitation
  • Panic attacks
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Irritability
  • Confusion
  • Hallucination (seeing or hearing things)
  • Aggressiveness
  • Hostility or impulsiveness
  • Restlessness
  • Unusual/involuntary muscle movements (e.g., hyper-reflex or blurred vision)
  • Irregular/high blood pressure, irregular/increased heart rate and/or fever
  • Overactivity or uninhibited behaviour
  • Other unusual changes in behaviour
  • Worsening depression
  • Thoughts of suicide.

High fever, stiffness of the muscles, altered mental status (paranoid behaviour) and autonomic dysfunction (wide swings of blood pressure, excessive sweating and excessive saliva) may be signs of something called neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Headache, shivering, diarrhoea, muscle stiffness, high fever and seizures may be signs of something called serotonin syndrome.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome and serotonin syndrome are serious and may be life-threatening. Symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome or serotonin syndrome can vary, if you think you might have either of these syndromes while taking

DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR, call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency department of nearest hospital. If you have severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Tell your doctor immediately if you have any thoughts about suicide or doing harm to yourself.

Warning signs of suicide:

If you, or someone you know who is taking DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR, shows the following warning signs, contact your doctor or a mental health advisor right away or go to the nearest hospital for treatment.

All thoughts or talk about suicide or violence are serious.

  • Thoughts or talk about death or suicide
  • Thoughts or talk about self-harm or doing harm to others
  • Any recent attempts of self-harm
  • An increase in aggressive behaviour, irritability or agitation.

Things you should not do

Do not stop using this medicine or change the dose without the advice of your doctor, even if you feel better.

Your doctor may want to slowly decrease your dose of DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR to help avoid side effects. Side effects are known to occur when people stop taking DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR, especially when they suddenly stop therapy.

Some of these side effects include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Abnormal dreams
  • Diarrhoea
  • Excessive sweating
  • Visual impairment
  • High blood pressure

Slowly reducing the amount of DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR being taken reduces the possibility of these effects occurring. In some people this may need to occur over periods of months or longer.

Some of these symptoms may impair driving, or the operation of dangerous machinery. Avoid these activities if you experience any of these symptoms.

Do not give this medicine to anyone else even if they have the same condition as you.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR affects you.

DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR may cause dizziness in some people.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR.

Looking after your medicine

Keep your DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR tablets in their blister pack until it is time to take them.

The tablets may not last as well if you take them out of the blister pack.

Store it in a cool (below 25°C) dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

  • in the bathroom or near a sink, or
  • in the car or on window sills.

Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

Keep DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR tablets and all medication where young children cannot reach it.

A locked cupboard, at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground, is a good place to store medicines.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If your doctor tells you to stop taking this medicine or the expiry date has passed, ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Side effects

Side effectsWhat to do
  • Stomach, bowel or urinary tract problems:
    - Nausea or vomiting
    - Loss of appetite
    - Diarrhoea
    - Constipation
    - Difficulty passing urine
  • Changes in your behaviour:
    - Difficulty sleeping, abnormal sleepiness or abnormal dreams
    - Sexual function problems such as decreased sex drive, delayed ejaculation, problems achieving erection or difficulties achieving orgasm
    - Nervousness or anxiety
    - Feeling jittery or irritable
  • Difficulty thinking or working because of:
    - Yawning
    - Disturbances in concentration
    - Fainting or dizziness after standing up
    - Fatigue
    - Rapid heartbeat
    - Chills
    - Headache
  • Excessive sweating
  • Hot flushes
  • Rash
  • Weight loss
  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Altered taste, dry mouth.
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.

Serious side effects

Serious side effectsWhat to do
  • Muscle spasms, stiffness, weakness or movement disorders
  • Abnormal facial movements such as tongue thrusting, repetitive chewing, jaw swinging, or grimacing
  • A feeling of apathy or not caring about things
  • Feeling detached from yourself
  • Hallucinations
  • Confusion
  • Agitation
  • Unusually overactive
  • Problems with breathing, shortness of breath
  • Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
  • Numbness or pins and needles
  • Sensitivity to sunlight.
Call your doctor as soon as possible.
  • Palpitations, shortness of breath, intense chest pain, or irregular heartbeats
  • Severe upper abdominal pain
  • Swollen and tender abdomen
  • Fever
  • Rise or decrease in blood pressure. You may experience headache, blurred vision, palpitations, confusion or loss of consciousness. Sometimes you may not experience any of these symptoms. It is important to keep your routine doctor's appointments so that your blood pressure can be checked
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or other parts of the body
  • Seizures or fits
  • Symptoms of sudden fever with sweating, rapid heartbeat and muscle stiffness, which may lead to loss of consciousness.
Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Some of these side effects (for example, increase in blood pressure, increase in blood cholesterol, changes to liver function, protein in the urine) can only be found when your doctor does tests from time to time to check your progress.

This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Others may occur in some people and there may be some side effects not yet known.

Tell your doctor if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the

Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.

What DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)		50 mg or 100 mg desvenlafaxine succinate
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)		Microcrystalline cellulose
Purified talc
Stearic acid
Colloidal anhydrous silica
Hypromellose
Opadry II complete film coating system 85F94487 Pink

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR does not contain gluten

What DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR looks like

There are two strengths of DESVENLAFAXINE GH XR tablets:

The 50 mg tablet is light pink, biconvex, round shaped film coated tablets debossed with ‘DV’ on one side and ‘50’ on the other side. (AUST R 227805)

The 100 mg tablet is a reddish-orange, biconvex, round shaped film coated tablet debossed with "DV" on one side and ‘100’ on the other side.(AUST R 227806)

Desvenlafaxine GH XR 50mg and 100mg tablets are packed in blister Using clear PVC/Aclar as forming (base)material and peel push through Aluminium foil as the lidding. Blister pack of 7,14 and 28 tablets. Not all Packs may be marketed.

Distributor

Generic Health Pty Ltd
Suite 2, Level 2
19-23 Prospect Street
Box Hill, VIC, 3128
Australia

ii1224101  [email protected]
ii1224102  +61 3 9809 7900
ii1224103  www.generichealth.com.au

This leaflet was prepared in April 2024

Published by MIMS May 2024

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Desvenlafaxine GH XR

Active ingredient

Desvenlafaxine

Schedule

S4

 

Notes

Distributed by Generic Health Pty Ltd

1 Name of Medicine

Desvenlafaxine (as benzoate).

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Desvenlafaxine GH XR tablets are for once-a-day oral administration. Two strengths are available, containing 50 mg or 100 mg of desvenlafaxine as the benzoate salt.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Desvenlafaxine (as benzoate) extended-release tablets are available as follows:
Desvenlafaxine GH XR 50 mg is a light pink, biconvex, round shaped film coated tablet debossed with "DV" on one side and "50" on the other side.
Desvenlafaxine GH XR 100 mg is a reddish-orange, biconvex, round shaped film coated tablet, debossed with "DV" on one side and "100" on the other side.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Desvenlafaxine GH XR tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder, including the prevention of relapse.
Desvenlafaxine GH XR tablets are not indicated for paediatric use.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Dosage.

Desvenlafaxine GH XR tablets should be taken at approximately the same time each day. Tablets must be swallowed whole with fluid and not divided, crushed, chewed, or dissolved.

Initial treatment.

The recommended dose for Desvenlafaxine GH XR is 50 mg once daily, with or without food. In clinical trials, no additional benefit was demonstrated at doses greater than 50 mg/day. Based on clinical judgment, if dose increases are indicated for individual patients, they should occur gradually and at intervals of not less than 7 days. The maximum dose should not exceed 200 mg/day.
When discontinuing therapy, gradual dose reduction is recommended to minimise discontinuation symptoms (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

Maintenance/continuation/extended treatment.

It is generally agreed that acute episodes of major depressive disorder require several months or longer of sustained pharmacological therapy. Patients should continue on the same dose at which they were stabilised. They should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for continued treatment.

Children and adolescents.

Safety and efficacy in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established.

Discontinuing desvenlafaxine.

When discontinuing therapy gradual dose reduction is recommended to minimise discontinuation symptoms (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).
Symptoms associated with discontinuation of desvenlafaxine, as well as other serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been reported (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Patients should be monitored for these symptoms when discontinuing treatment. A gradual reduction in the dose rather than abrupt cessation is recommended. If intolerable symptoms occur following a decrease in the dose or upon discontinuation of treatment, then resuming the previously prescribed dose may be considered.
Subsequently, the physician may continue decreasing the dose, but at a more gradual rate (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). In some patients, discontinuation may need to occur over periods of months or longer.

Switching patients from other antidepressants to desvenlafaxine.

Discontinuation symptoms have been reported when switching patients from other antidepressants, including venlafaxine to desvenlafaxine. Tapering of the initial antidepressant followed by a washout period may be necessary to minimise discontinuation symptoms and the possibility of drug-drug interactions from a pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic perspective.

Residual inert tablet matrix.

Patients receiving desvenlafaxine may notice an inert matrix tablet passing in the stool or via colostomy.
Patients should be informed that the active medication has already been absorbed by the time the patient sees the inert matrix tablet.

Dosage adjustment.

Use in renal impairment.

The recommended starting dose in patients with severe renal impairment (24-hr CrCl < 30 mL/min) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is 50 mg every other day. Because of individual variability in clearance in these patients, individualisation of dosage may be desirable. Supplemental doses should not be given to patients after dialysis (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties).

Use in hepatic impairment.

No adjustment of dose is necessary in patients with mild, moderate, and severe hepatic impairment (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties).

Use in the elderly.

No dosage adjustment is required solely on the basis of age; however, possible reduced renal clearance of desvenlafaxine should be considered when determining dose (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties).

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to desvenlafaxine benzoate, desvenlafaxine succinate, venlafaxine hydrochloride or to any excipients in the formulation.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Desvenlafaxine must not be used in combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or reversible MAOIs (RIMA) (e.g. moclobemide, linezolid and intravenous methylene blue), or within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with a MAOI. Similarly, desvenlafaxine must be discontinued for at least 7 days before starting treatment with a MAOI. Cases of serious reactions, such as potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome (characterised by neuromuscular excitation, altered mental status and autonomic dysfunction) have been reported in patients receiving an SNRI in combination with MAOIs and RIMA, and in patients who have recently discontinued an SNRI and have been started on a MAOI (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Clinical worsening and suicide risk.

Patients with major depression, both adult and paediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behaviour (suicidality) or unusual changes in behaviour, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs. Suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide. Antidepressants may have a role in inducing worsening of depression and the emergence of suicidality in certain patients during the early phases of treatment. As improvement may not occur during the first few weeks or more of treatment, patients should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening and suicidality, especially at the beginning of a course of treatment or at the time of dose changes, either increases or decreases.
Pooled analyses of short-term placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant medicines (SSRIs and others) showed that these medicines increase the risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18-24 years) with major depression and other psychiatric disorders, generally during initial treatment (1-2 months). Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond the age of 24 years; there was a reduction in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults age 65 years and older.
The pooled analysis of placebo-controlled trials in children and adolescents with major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 24 short-term trials of nine antidepressant medicines in over 4400 patients. The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in adults with major depression or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 295 short-term trials (medium duration 2 months) of 11 antidepressant medicines in over 77,000 patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidality among medicines, but a tendency toward an increase in the younger patients for almost all medicines studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidality across the different indications, with the highest incidence with major depression.
No suicides occurred in any of the paediatric trials. There were suicides in the adult trials, but the number was not sufficient to reach any conclusion about the medicine effect on suicide.
It is unknown whether the suicidality risk extends to longer-term use, i.e. beyond several months. However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with depression that the use of antidepressants can delay the recurrence of depression.
Consideration should be given to changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing the medication, in patients whose depression is persistently worse or whose emergent suicidality is severe, abrupt in onset, or was not part of the patient's presenting symptoms (see Discontinuation effects below).
It is particularly important that monitoring be undertaken during the initial course of antidepressant treatment or at times of dose increase or decrease.
Patients with co-morbid depression associated with other psychiatric or non-psychiatric disorders being treated with antidepressants should be similarly observed for clinical worsening and suicidality.
Symptoms of anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility (aggressiveness), impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania and mania, have been reported in adults, adolescents and children being treated with antidepressants for major depression as well as for other indications, both psychiatric and non-psychiatric. Although a causal link between the emergence of such symptoms and either worsening of depression and/or emergence of suicidal impulses has not been established, there is concern that such symptoms may be precursors of emerging suicidality.
Prescriptions for Desvenlafaxine GH XR tablets should be written for the smallest quantity of tablets consistent with good patient management in order to reduce the possibility of overdosage. This is particularly so at the times of treatment initiation or dosage change.

Information for patients and caregivers.

Patients and their caregivers should be alerted about the need to monitor for the emergence of anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, hostility, impulsivity, akathisia, hypomania, mania, worsening of depression, and suicidal ideation, especially early during antidepressant treatment. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient's doctor, especially if they are severe, abrupt in onset, or were not part of the patient's presenting symptoms.

Discontinuation effects.

During marketing of SNRIs and SSRIs, there have been post-marketing reports of adverse events occurring upon discontinuation of these drugs, particularly when abrupt, including the following: dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances (e.g. paraesthesias, such as electric shock sensations), anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, hypomania, tinnitus, seizures, visual impairment, and hypertension. While these events are generally self-limiting, there have been reports of serious discontinuation symptoms, and sometimes these effects can be protracted and severe. In addition, suicide/suicidal thoughts and aggression have been observed in patients during changes in desvenlafaxine dosing regimen, including during discontinuation.
Patients should be monitored when discontinuing treatment with desvenlafaxine. A gradual reduction in the dose rather than abrupt cessation is recommended. If intolerable symptoms occur following a decrease in the dose or upon discontinuation of treatment, then resuming the previously prescribed dose may be considered (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects); Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration). In some patients, discontinuation may need to occur over periods of months or longer.

Sexual dysfunction.

SNRIs may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). There have been reports of long-lasting sexual dysfunction where the symptoms have continued despite discontinuation of SNRIs.

Mania/hypomania.

In clinical trials, mania was reported for approximately 0.1% of patients treated with desvenlafaxine. Activation of mania/hypomania has also been reported in a small proportion of patients with mood disorders who were treated with other marketed antidepressants. A major depressive episode may be the initial presentation of bipolar disorder. It is generally believed (though not established in controlled trials) that treating such an episode with an antidepressant alone may increase the likelihood of precipitation of a mixed/manic episode in patients at risk for bipolar disorder. Whether any of the symptoms represent such a conversion is unknown. However, prior to initiating treatment with an antidepressant, patients with depressive symptoms should be adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder; such screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression. It should be noted that desvenlafaxine is not approved for use in treating bipolar depression.
As with all antidepressants, desvenlafaxine should be used cautiously in patients with a history or family history of mania or hypomania.

Serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)-like reactions.

The development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)-like reactions syndrome may occur with desvenlafaxine treatment, particularly with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs including SSRIs, SNRIs and triptans, with opioids, with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin (e.g. MAOIs, including reversible MAOIs such as moclobemide, linezolid and intravenous methylene blue), or with antipsychotics or other dopamine antagonists (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).
Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g. agitation, confusion, hallucinations, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g. diaphoresis, tachycardia, labile blood pressure, and hyperthermia), neuromuscular aberrations (e.g. hyper-reflexia, incoordination, myoclonus, tremor) and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea).
Serotonin syndrome, in its most severe form can resemble NMS, which includes hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuation of vital signs and mental status changes (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
If concomitant treatment with desvenlafaxine and other agents that may affect the serotonergic and/or dopaminergic neurotransmitter system (such as an SSRI, another SNRI, amphetamines or a 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonist (triptan)) is clinically warranted, careful observation of the patient is advised, particularly during treatment initiation and dose increases.
The concomitant use of desvenlafaxine with serotonin precursors (such as tryptophan supplements) is not recommended.
Treatment with desvenlafaxine should be discontinued if serotonin syndrome or NMS-like reactions occur and supportive symptomatic treatment initiated.

Narrow-angle glaucoma.

Patients with raised intraocular pressure (IOP) or narrow angle glaucoma were excluded from all desvenlafaxine studies. Mydriasis has been reported in association with desvenlafaxine. It is recommended that patients with raised intra-ocular pressure or patients at risk for acute narrow-angle glaucoma (angle closure glaucoma) should be closely monitored.

Co-administration of drugs containing venlafaxine and/or desvenlafaxine.

Desvenlafaxine is the major active metabolite of venlafaxine, a medication used to treat major depressive, generalised anxiety, social anxiety and panic disorders. Products containing desvenlafaxine benzoate should not be used concomitantly with products containing venlafaxine hydrochloride or other products containing desvenlafaxine.

Effects on blood pressure.

Increases in blood pressure were observed in some patients in clinical trials, particularly with higher doses. Pre-existing hypertension should be controlled before treatment with desvenlafaxine. Patients receiving desvenlafaxine should have regular monitoring of blood pressure. Cases of elevated blood pressure requiring immediate treatment have been reported with desvenlafaxine. Sustained blood pressure increases could have adverse consequences. For patients who experience a sustained increase in blood pressure while receiving desvenlafaxine tablets, either dose reduction or discontinuation should be considered. Caution should be exercised in treating patients with underlying conditions that might be compromised by increases in blood pressure.

Cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease.

Caution is advised in administering desvenlafaxine to patients with cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or lipid metabolism disorders (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). Increases in blood pressure and heart rate were observed in clinical trials with desvenlafaxine. Desvenlafaxine has not been evaluated systematically in patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction, unstable heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or cerebrovascular disease. Patients with these diagnoses, except for cerebrovascular disease, were excluded from clinical trials.

Serum lipids.

In the short-term, placebo-controlled, pre-marketing trials for MDD, desvenlafaxine treatment was associated with mean increases of 5.7, 1.4, 3.6 and 5.5 mg/dL in total cholesterol, HDL, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, respectively (0.11, 0.03, 0.07 and 0.04 mmol/L, respectively). The changes in fasting serum total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides were dose related. Measurement of serum lipids should be considered during treatment with desvenlafaxine.

Seizures.

Cases of seizures have been reported in clinical trials with desvenlafaxine. Desvenlafaxine has not been systematically evaluated in patients with a seizure disorder. Patients with a history of seizures were excluded from clinical trials. Desvenlafaxine should be prescribed with caution in patients with a seizure disorder.

Abnormal bleeding.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) including desvenlafaxine, may increase the risk of bleeding events. Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), warfarin, and other anticoagulants may add to this risk. Bleeding events related to SSRIs and SNRIs have ranged from ecchymosis, haematoma, epistaxis, and petechiae to life-threatening haemorrhages. Patients should be cautioned about the risk of bleeding associated with the concomitant use of desvenlafaxine and NSAIDs, aspirin, or other drugs that affect coagulation or bleeding.

Hyponatraemia.

Cases of hyponatraemia and/or the Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-Diuretic Hormone (SIADH) secretion have been described with SNRIs (including desvenlafaxine) and SSRIs, usually in volume-depleted or dehydrated patients, including elderly patients and patients taking diuretics (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

Physical and psychological dependence.

Although desvenlafaxine has not been systematically studied in preclinical or clinical trials for its potential for abuse, no indication of drug-seeking behaviour was seen in the clinical trials. However, it is not possible to predict on the basis of pre-marketing experience, the extent to which a CNS-active drug will be misused, diverted, and/or abused once marketed. Consequently, physicians should carefully evaluate patients for a history of drug abuse and follow such patients closely, observing them for signs of misuse or abuse of desvenlafaxine (e.g. development of tolerance, incrementation of dose, drug-seeking behaviour).

Electroconvulsive therapy.

There are no clinical data establishing the risks and/or benefits of electroconvulsive therapy combined with desvenlafaxine treatment for MDD.

Antidepressants and post-partum haemorrhage.

A retrospective cohort study of 332,224 pregnancies among 225,973 women demonstrated an increased risk of post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) in mothers exposed to SNRI therapy in the last month of pregnancy. The adjusted odd-ratio (OR) for an increased risk of PPH in mothers exposed to a SNRI in the final month of pregnancy was 1.76 (95% CI 1.47-2.11) compared to non-exposed mothers. A meta-analysis of 8 case control and cohort studies showed a 32% increase in the risk of PPH in patients exposed to antidepressants. The pooled sample size of the meta-analysis was 572,686 pregnancies, and there were 48,784 cases of PPH.
The risk of PPH was affected by type of antidepressant, mode of delivery and time of exposure. For type of antidepressant, the most pronounced risk was found among SNRI users (Relative Risk [RR]=1.62; 95% CI 1.41-1.85). A higher risk was found in exposed patients who underwent Caesarean sections (RR=2.02, 95% CI 1.61-2.54) compared to vaginal delivery (RR=1.43, 95% CI 1.15-1.78). There was no increase in risk of PPH associated with past use of antidepressants. However, there was a further increase in risk among recent SNRI users (RR=1.73, 95% CI 1.5-2.0) and current SNRI users (RR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.53-2.10).

Use in the elderly.

No dosage adjustment is required solely on the basis of age; however, possible reduced renal clearance of desvenlafaxine should be considered when determining dose (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration; Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties).
Greater sensitivity to desvenlafaxine in some older patients cannot be ruled out.
Of the 3,292 patients in pre-marketing clinical trials of desvenlafaxine for major depressive disorder, 5% were 65 years of age or older. No overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed between these subjects and younger subjects; however, in the short-term placebo-controlled trials, there was a higher incidence of systolic orthostatic hypotension in patients ≥ 65 years of age compared to patients < 65 years of age treated with desvenlafaxine.

Paediatric use.

Safety and effectiveness in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established.

Effects on laboratory tests.

False-positive urine immunoassay screening tests for phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamine have been reported in patients taking desvenlafaxine. This is due to lack of specificity of the screening tests. False positive test results may be expected for several days following discontinuation of desvenlafaxine therapy. Confirmatory tests, such as gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry, will distinguish desvenlafaxine from PCP and amphetamine.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Adverse reactions, some of which were serious, have been reported in patients who have recently been discontinued from a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (including reversible MAOIs such as moclobemide, linezolid and intravenous methylene blue) and started on antidepressants with pharmacological properties similar to desvenlafaxine (SNRIs or SSRIs), or who have recently had SNRI or SSRI therapy discontinued prior to initiation of an MAOI (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Concomitant use of desvenlafaxine in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors is contraindicated (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Central nervous system (CNS)-active agents.

The risk of using desvenlafaxine in combination with other CNS-active drugs has not been systematically evaluated. Consequently, caution is advised when desvenlafaxine is taken in combination with other CNS-active drugs.

Serotonin syndrome.

As with other serotonergic agents, serotonin syndrome, a potentially life threatening condition, may occur with desvenlafaxine treatment, particularly with concomitant use of other agents that may affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system (including triptans, SSRIs, other SNRIs, amphetamines, lithium, sibutramine, opioids (e.g. fentanyl and its analogues, tramadol, dextromethorphan, tapentadol, pethidine, methadone, pentazocine) or St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)), with drugs which impair metabolism of serotonin (such as MAOIs including moclobemide, linezolid [an antibiotic which is a reversible non-selective MAOI] and intravenous methylene blue), or with serotonin precursors (such as tryptophan supplements). Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes, autonomic instability, neuromuscular aberrations and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
If concomitant treatment with desvenlafaxine and other agents that may affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system (such as an SSRI, another SNRI or a 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonist (triptan)) is clinically warranted, careful observation of the patient is advised, particularly during treatment initiation and dose increases. The concomitant use of desvenlafaxine with serotonin precursors (such as tryptophan supplements) is not recommended (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Ethanol.

A clinical study has shown that desvenlafaxine does not increase the impairment of mental and motor skills caused by ethanol. However, as with all CNS-active drugs, patients should be advised to avoid alcohol consumption while taking desvenlafaxine.

Potential for other drugs to affect desvenlafaxine.

Inhibitors of CYP3A4.

CYP3A4 is minimally involved in desvenlafaxine elimination. In a clinical study, ketoconazole (200 mg BID) increased the AUC of desvenlafaxine (400 mg single dose) by approximately 43%, a weak interaction. Concomitant use of desvenlafaxine with potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 may result in higher exposure to desvenlafaxine.

Inhibitors of other CYP enzymes.

Based on in vitro data, drugs that inhibit CYP isozymes 1A1, 1A2, 2A6, 2D6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, and 2E1 are not expected to have significant impact on the pharmacokinetic profile of desvenlafaxine.

Potential for desvenlafaxine to affect other drugs.

Drugs metabolised by CYP2D6.

When desvenlafaxine was administered at a dose of 400 mg daily in conjunction with a single 50 mg dose of desipramine, a CYP2D6 substrate, the AUC of desipramine increased approximately 90%. Concomitant use of desvenlafaxine with a drug metabolised by CYP2D6 may result in higher concentrations of that drug.

Drugs metabolised by CYP3A4.

In vitro, desvenlafaxine does not inhibit, or induce the CYP3A4 isozyme.
In a clinical study, desvenlafaxine (400 mg daily) decreased the AUC of midazolam (a single 4 mg dose), by approximately 31%. Concomitant use of desvenlafaxine with a drug metabolised by CYP3A4 may result in lower exposures to that drug.

Drugs metabolised by CYP1A2, 2A6, 2C8, 2C9 and 2C19.

In vitro, desvenlafaxine does not inhibit CYP1A2, 2A6, 2C8, 2C9, and 2C19 isozymes and would not be expected to affect the pharmacokinetics of drugs that are metabolised by these CYP isozymes.

P-glycoprotein transporter.

In vitro, desvenlafaxine is not a substrate or an inhibitor for the P-glycoprotein transporter.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

Fertility in male rats was unaffected by oral administration of desvenlafaxine resulting in exposure (plasma AUC) up to 4 times that in humans treated with 200 mg/day. When treated male rats were mated with treated females, female fertility was variably reduced with oral doses resulting in exposures (plasma AUC) 2 to 7 times that in humans treated with 200 mg/day; there was some evidence that this was associated with disruption of estrous cycles.
(Category B2)
The safety of desvenlafaxine in human pregnancy has not been established. Studies have demonstrated that desvenlafaxine crosses the human placenta. Only administer desvenlafaxine to pregnant women if the expected benefits outweigh any possible risk. If desvenlafaxine is used until, or shortly before birth, discontinuation effects in the newborn should be considered.
Neonates exposed to venlafaxine, other SNRIs or SSRIs, late in the third trimester have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalisation, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery. Reported clinical findings have included respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnoea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycaemia, hypotonia, hypertonia, hyper-reflexia, tremor, jitteriness, irritability and constant crying. These features are consistent with either a direct toxic effect of SSRIs and SNRIs or, possibly, a drug discontinuation syndrome.
Epidemiological data have suggested that the use of SSRIs in pregnancy, particularly in late pregnancy, may increase the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in the new born (PPHN). This potential risk cannot be ruled out with desvenlafaxine taking into account the related mechanism of action (inhibition of the re-uptake of serotonin).
A small prospective, observational study consisted of 56 mother-infant pairs: 18 controls and 38 SSRI/SNRI mother-infant pairs. Of these, 11 mother-infant pairs were exposed to venlafaxine. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) gestational age was higher in infants born to control mothers than those born to mothers treated with antidepressants (40 [39-40 weeks] versus 39 [38-40 weeks]; p < 0.05). Neonates born to control mothers also had a longer median (IQR) length at birth (51 [49-51.6] cm versus 49 [47-51] cm; p < 0.05) than infants born to mothers in the cases group. The infants also displayed mild behavioural anomalies, categorised as less optimal functioning for habituation and motor and autonomic clusters (using the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale [BNBAS]); however, these events were self-limiting and usually resolved in 1 to 2 weeks.
In another study, 6 of the 7 neonates with in utero exposure to venlafaxine at near term had acceptable Apgar scores at birth; however, an improvement in Apgar scores at 5 minutes was observed in all 7 neonates. No cases of intrauterine growth retardation were recorded. The adverse events observed in 5 neonates at birth, included respiratory distress, tachypnoea, irritability, tremors, excessive suckling, rigidity, increased tonus, vomiting, hyper-reflexia, disorganised movements of limbs, initial decreased reactivity, agitation, poor sleep and liquid/abundant stool. In 4 of the 5 neonates, the events resolved spontaneously without the need for any pharmacological treatment, while one neonate required resuscitation and continuous positive airway pressure (C-PAP) for 48 hours.
A prospective longitudinal study of 201 women with a history of major depression who were euthymic at the beginning of pregnancy showed that women who discontinued antidepressant medication during pregnancy were more likely to experience a relapse of major depression than women who continued antidepressant medication.
Exposure to SNRIs in mid to late pregnancy may increase the risk for preeclampsia, and exposure to SNRIs near delivery may increase the risk for postpartum haemorrhage.

Teratogenicity.

Desvenlafaxine was not teratogenic in rats at an oral dose resulting in a drug exposure (plasma AUC) that was 7 times that in humans treated with 200 mg/day. There were tendencies for reduced numbers and bodyweights of foetuses with this dose in some studies. No teratogenicity was observed in a rabbit embryo-foetal development study, but the oral doses resulted in drug exposures (AUC) that were below the value in humans treated with 200 mg/day. Potential effects on embryo-foetal development may therefore not have been fully defined due to excessive maternal toxicity at higher dosages in rabbits.
Oral administration of desvenlafaxine to pregnant rats from early gestation to weaning was associated with increased post-partum pup mortality and reduced birth weight persisting to maturity, but no effect on developmental indices, at maternal exposure (plasma AUC) 7 times that in humans treated with 200 mg/day. Maternal toxicity was observed at this dose; at the no-effect dose maternal exposure was 2 times that in humans treated with 200 mg/day.
 Desvenlafaxine (O-desmethylvenlafaxine) is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from desvenlafaxine, a decision should be made whether or not to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Desvenlafaxine GH XR should only be taken by breastfeeding women if the expected benefits outweigh any possible risk.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

The results of a clinical study that assessed the effects of desvenlafaxine on behavioural performance of healthy individuals revealed no clinically significant impairment of psychomotor, cognitive, or complex behaviour performance. However, since any CNS-active drug may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills, patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that desvenlafaxine therapy does not adversely affect their ability to engage in such activities.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

The safety of desvenlafaxine was established in a total of 4,724 patients, who were exposed to at least one dose of desvenlafaxine ranging from 50 to 400 mg/day in clinical trials. Long-term safety was evaluated in 1,576 patients, who were exposed to desvenlafaxine for at least 6 months and with 575 patients exposed for 1 year.
The following list of adverse reactions was reported by patients treated with desvenlafaxine throughout the dose range studied (50 to 400 mg) during both short- and long-term trials. In general, the adverse reactions were most frequent in the first week of treatment.
Adverse reactions are listed in Table 1 in CIOMS frequency categories: Very common: ≥ 10%; common: ≥ 1% and < 10%; uncommon: ≥ 0.1% and < 1%; rare: ≥ 0.01% and < 0.1%; very rare: < 0.01%.

Adverse reactions reported with other SNRIs.

Although the following are not considered adverse reactions for desvenlafaxine they are adverse reactions for other SNRIs and may also occur with desvenlafaxine: gastrointestinal bleeding and severe cutaneous reactions (such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and/or erythema multiforme).

Ischaemic cardiac adverse events.

In clinical trials, there were uncommon reports of ischaemic cardiac adverse events including myocardial ischaemia, myocardial infarction, and coronary occlusion requiring revascularisation; these patients had multiple underlying cardiac risk factors. More patients experienced these events during desvenlafaxine treatment as compared to placebo (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease).

Discontinuation symptoms.

Adverse drug reactions reported in association with abrupt discontinuation, dose reduction or tapering of treatment in MDD clinical trials at a rate of > 5% include: dizziness, withdrawal syndrome, nausea, headache, irritability, diarrhoea, anxiety, abnormal dreams, fatigue, and hyperhidrosis. In general, discontinuation symptoms occurred more frequently with higher doses and longer duration of therapy (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Discontinuation effects).

Orthostatic hypotension.

Of the 3,292 patients in clinical trials with desvenlafaxine, 5% of patients were 65 years of age or older. No overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed between these patients and younger patients; however, in the short-term placebo-controlled trials, there was a higher incidence of systolic orthostatic hypotension in patients > 65 years of age compared to patients < 65 years of age treated with desvenlafaxine.

Adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of therapy.

The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in at least 2% of the desvenlafaxine-treated patients in the short-term trials, up to 8 weeks, were: nausea (4%); dizziness and vomiting (2% each); in the long-term trial, up to 9 months, the most common was vomiting (2%).

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

There is limited clinical experience with desvenlafaxine overdosage in humans. In clinical trials, no cases of fatal acute overdose of desvenlafaxine were reported.
Among the patients included in the major depressive disorder trials of desvenlafaxine, there were four adults who ingested doses greater than 800 mg of desvenlafaxine (4000 mg [desvenlafaxine alone], 900 mg, 1800 mg and 5200 mg [in combination with other drugs]); all patients recovered. In addition, a patient's 11-month-old child accidentally ingested 600 mg of desvenlafaxine, was treated, and recovered.
In post-marketing experience, overdose cases (including cases with fatal outcome) have been reported with desvenlafaxine in combination with alcohol and/or other medicinal products.

Management of overdose.

In managing an overdose, consider the possibility of multiple drug involvement. The physician should consider contacting a Poison Control Centre for additional information on the treatment of any overdose.
Treatment should consist of those general measures employed in the management of overdosage with any SSRI/SNRI.
General supportive and symptomatic measures are recommended. Ensure an adequate airway, oxygenation and ventilation. Cardiac rhythm and vital signs must be monitored. Administration of activated charcoal may also limit drug absorption. Where there is a risk of aspiration, induction of emesis is not recommended. No specific antidotes for desvenlafaxine are known. Forced diuresis, dialysis, haemoperfusion and exchange transfusion are unlikely to be of benefit.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Non-clinical studies have shown that desvenlafaxine is a selective serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
Desvenlafaxine lacked significant affinity for numerous receptors, including muscarinic-cholinergic, H1-histaminergic, or α1-adrenergic receptors in vitro. Pharmacological activity at these receptors has been hypothesised to be associated with the various anticholinergic, sedative, and cardiovascular effects seen with other psychotropic drugs. In the same comprehensive binding profile assay, desvenlafaxine also lacked significant affinity for various ion channels, including calcium, chloride, potassium and sodium ion channels and also lacked monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory activity. Desvenlafaxine lacked significant activity in the in vitro cardiac potassium channel (hERG) assay.
In preclinical rodent models, desvenlafaxine demonstrated activity predictive of antidepressant, anxiolytic and thermoregulatory actions, and pain inhibitory properties.

Clinical trials.

Major depressive disorder.

The efficacy of desvenlafaxine as a treatment for depression was established in four, 8-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose trials in adult outpatients who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD). In the first study, patients received 100 mg (n = 114), 200 mg (n = 116), or 400 mg (n = 113) of desvenlafaxine once daily, or placebo (n = 118). In a second study, patients received either 200 mg (n = 121) or 400 mg (n = 124) of desvenlafaxine daily, or placebo (n = 124). In two additional trials, patients received 50 mg (n = 150 and n = 164) or 100 mg (n = 147 and n = 158) of desvenlafaxine or placebo (n = 150 and n = 161).
Desvenlafaxine showed superiority over placebo as measured by improvement in the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D17) total score in four trials and, as measured by the Clinical Global Impressions Scale - Improvement (CGI-I), in three of the four trials. There was no clear evidence that doses greater than 50 mg/day conferred any additional benefit. Two other studies that treated patients with doses of 200 mg to 400 mg also showed superiority to placebo when appropriately analysed to take early drop-outs for adverse effects into account.
In a long-term study, adult outpatients meeting DSM-IV criteria for major depressive disorder and who responded to 12 weeks of acute treatment with desvenlafaxine were assigned randomly to the same dose (200 or 400 mg/day) they had received during acute treatment or to placebo for up to 26 weeks of observation for relapse. Response during the open-label phase was defined as a HAM-D17 total score of ≤ 11 at the day 84 evaluation. Relapse during the double-blind phase was defined as follows: (1) a HAM-D17 total score of ≥ 16 at any office visit, (2) a CGI-I score of ≥ 6 (versus day 84) at any office visit, or (3) discontinuation from the study due to unsatisfactory response. Patients receiving continued desvenlafaxine treatment experienced significantly lower relapse rates over the subsequent 26 weeks compared with those receiving placebo.
Analyses of the relationships between treatment outcome and age and treatment outcome and gender did not suggest any differential responsiveness on the basis of these patient characteristics.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

The single dose pharmacokinetics of desvenlafaxine are linear and dose-proportional in a dose range of 100 to 600 mg/day. The mean terminal half-life (t1/2) is approximately 11 hours. With once-daily dosing, steady-state plasma concentrations are achieved within approximately 4-5 days. At steady state, multiple-dose accumulation of desvenlafaxine is linear and predictable from the single-dose pharmacokinetic profile.
The pharmacokinetics of desvenlafaxine have been thoroughly evaluated in women and men. There are minimal differences based on gender; data from all subjects are presented below.

Absorption and distribution.

Desvenlafaxine GH XR 50 mg and 100 mg extended release tablets containing desvenlafaxine (as benzoate), are bioequivalent to 50 mg and 100 mg extended release desvenlafaxine succinate tablets, respectively, with similar AUC and Cmax values.
Desvenlafaxine succinate is well absorbed, with an absolute oral bioavailability of 80%. Mean time to peak plasma concentrations (Tmax) is about 7.5 hours after oral administration. AUC and Cmax of 6,747 nanogram.hr/mL and 376 nanogram/mL, respectively, are predicted after a single dose of 100 mg.
Administration with food has minimal impact on drug absorption. Following administration of desvenlafaxine succinate with low, medium, and high-fat meals, increases in Cmax of approximately 16% (observed confidence interval: 107.8-125.1%; required confidence interval for bioequivalence 80-125%) were observed only following a high-fat meal. There was no statistically significant change in AUC values for any of the meals; therefore, desvenlafaxine can be taken without regard to meals.
The plasma protein binding of desvenlafaxine in vitro is low (approximately 30%) and is independent of drug concentration over the range 100-500 nanogram/mL. Desvenlafaxine's volume of distribution at steady-state following intravenous administration is 3.4 L/kg, indicating distribution into nonvascular compartments.

Metabolism and excretion.

Approximately 45% of desvenlafaxine is excreted unchanged in urine. Desvenlafaxine is primarily metabolised by conjugation (shown to be mediated by UGT isoforms UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT2B4, UGT2B15, and UGT2B17 in vitro) and to a minor extent through oxidative metabolism. Approximately 19% of the administered dose is excreted as the glucuronide metabolite and < 5% as the oxidative metabolite (N,O-didesmethylvenlafaxine) in urine. In vitro studies showed that CYP3A4 is the predominant cytochrome P450 isozyme mediating the oxidative metabolism (N-demethylation) of desvenlafaxine.

Special populations.

Elderly (> 65 years).

In a trial of healthy subjects administered doses up to 300 mg, there was an age-dependent decrease in desvenlafaxine clearance, resulting in a 32% increase in Cmax and a 55% increase in AUC values in subjects greater than 75 years of age as compared with subjects 18-45 years of age. No dosage adjustment is required solely on the basis of age; however, possible reduced renal clearance of desvenlafaxine should be considered when determining dose.

Paediatric.

Safety and effectiveness in the paediatric population have not been established.

Renal impairment.

The pharmacokinetics of desvenlafaxine 100 mg were studied in subjects with mild (n = 9), moderate (n = 8), severe (n = 7) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis (n = 9) and in healthy, age-matched control subjects (n = 8). Elimination was significantly correlated with creatinine clearance. Total body clearance was reduced by 29% in mild, 39% in moderate, 51% in severe renal impairment, and 58% in ESRD compared to healthy subjects. This reduced clearance resulted in increases in AUCs of 42% in mild (24-hr CrCl = 50-80 mL/min), 56% in moderate (24-hr CrCl = 30-50 mL/min), 108% in severe (24-hr < CrCl, 30 mL/min) renal impairment, and 116% in ESRD subjects.
The mean terminal half-life (t1/2) was prolonged from 11.1 hours in the control subjects to 13.5, 15.5, 17.6, and 22.8 hours in mild, moderate, severe renal impairment and ESRD subjects, respectively.
Less than 5% of the drug in the body was cleared during a standard 4-hour haemodialysis procedure. Therefore, supplemental doses should not be given to patients after dialysis. Dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with significant impairment of renal function (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Hepatic impairment.

The pharmacokinetics of desvenlafaxine 100 mg were studied in subjects with mild (Child-Pugh A, n = 8), moderate (Child-Pugh B, n = 8), and severe (Child-Pugh C, n = 8) hepatic impairment and in healthy subjects (n = 12).
Average AUC was increased by approximately 31% and 35% in patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment, respectively, as compared to healthy subjects. Average AUC values were comparable in subjects with mild hepatic impairment and healthy subjects (< 5% difference).
Systemic clearance (CL/F) was decreased by approximately 20% and 36% in patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment, respectively, as compared to healthy subjects. CL/F values were comparable in mild hepatic impairment and healthy subjects (< 5% difference).
The mean t1/2 changed from approximately 10 hours in healthy subjects and subjects with mild hepatic impairment to 13 and 14 hours in moderate and severe hepatic impairment, respectively.

Thorough QTc trial.

In a thorough QTc trial with prospectively determined criteria, in healthy women, desvenlafaxine did not cause QT prolongation. Additionally, no effect on QRS interval was observed.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

Desvenlafaxine was not genotoxic in in vitro assays for bacterial gene mutation, mammalian gene mutation, chromosomal aberrations and cell transformation, or in in vivo tests for clastogenic activity in mice and rats.

Carcinogenicity.

Desvenlafaxine did not increase the incidence of tumours in long-term mouse and rat carcinogenicity studies at oral doses up to 7 (mice), 14 (male rats) and 23 (female rats) times the maximal recommended human dose of 200 mg/day, on a mg/m2 basis.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Inactive ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose, purified talc, stearic acid, colloidal anhydrous silica and hypromellose. The 50 mg tablets are film coated with Opadry II complete film coating system 85F94487 Pink (PI 106952), the 100 mg tablets are coated with Opadry II complete film coating system 85F94527 Pink (PI 106953).

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C in a dry place.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Desvenlafaxine (as benzoate) extended release tablets 50 mg and 100 mg will be packed in blister using clear PVC/Aclar as forming (base) material and either peel push aluminium foil or aluminium foil as the lidding.
Desvenlafaxine (as benzoate) extended-release tablets is supplied in blister pack of 7, 14 and 28 tablets.

Note.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Desvenlafaxine benzoate is a white to pale yellow powder.
Sparingly soluble in N, N-Dimethylformamide, in methanol and in water.

Chemical structure.


Chemical name: 4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxy cyclohexyl) ethyl] phenol benzoate.
Molecular formula: C23H31NO4.
Molecular weight: 385.38.

CAS number.

93413-62-8 (free base).

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

Schedule 4 - Prescription Only Medicine.

Summary Table of Changes