Consumer medicine information

Rubifen LA

Methylphenidate hydrochloride

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Rubifen LA

Active ingredient

Methylphenidate hydrochloride

Schedule

S8

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Rubifen LA.

SUMMARY CMI

Rubifen LA

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.

WARNING: Important safety information is provided in a boxed warning in the full CMI. Read before using this medicine.

1. Why am I using Rubifen LA?

Rubifen LA contains the active ingredient methylphenidate hydrochloride. Rubifen LA is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using Rubifen LA? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use Rubifen LA?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Rubifen LA or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

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.

For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use Rubifen LA? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with Rubifen LA and affect how it works.

A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I use Rubifen LA?

  • Your doctor will decide on the most suitable dosage according to the individual patient's medical need and response.
  • Rubifen LA should be taken orally once daily in the morning with a full glass of water.

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use Rubifen LA? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using Rubifen LA?

Things you should do
  • Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Rubifen LA.
  • Be sure to keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your or your child's progress can be checked.
Things you should not do
  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. You will need medical supervision after having interrupted the treatment.
  • Do not change the dose without talking to the doctor.
Driving or using machines
  • Rubifen LA may cause hallucinations, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision or other central nervous system side effects which can affect concentration in some.
  • If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive, use machines or do anything else that needs quick reactions or could be dangerous.
Drinking alcohol
  • Do not drink alcohol whilst you are taking Rubifen LA.
  • Remember that some foods and medicines contain alcohol.
Looking after your medicine
  • Store below 25°C.
  • Keep your medicine in the original container until it is time to take a dose.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using Rubifen LA? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Serious side effects: sore throat, fever, chills, severe allergic reaction, bruising, suicidal thoughts/attempts, hallucinations, convulsions, twitching, fits, migraine, chest pain, fast heartbeat, skin blisters/itching, red blotches on skin, cold hands/fingers and feet/toes. 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.

Common side effects: runny nose, feeling nervous/anxious/depressed/aggressive/restless, excessive emotional distress/excitement, teeth grinding, jittery, headache, sleepiness, dizziness, blurry vision, abnormal heartbeat, cough, stomach complaints, appetite and/or weight decrease, hair loss, skin rash, muscle/joint pains, bedwetting (children). Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.

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.

WARNING: DRUG DEPENDENCE – Rubifen LA should be used cautiously by patients with a history of drug dependence or alcoholism. Ongoing overuse of Rubifen LA can lead to a tolerance. Your mental wellbeing might also be affected, varying in severity. Withdrawal from Rubifen LA overuse should only take place under careful supervision. If Rubifen LA is withdrawn after being used for its intended purposes, underlying symptoms of the disorder might be noticed and may require follow up by your doctor.



FULL CMI

Rubifen LA

Active ingredient(s): methylphenidate hydrochloride

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using Rubifen LA. 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 Rubifen LA.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

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

1. Why am I using Rubifen LA?

Rubifen LA contains the active ingredient methylphenidate hydrochloride. Methylphenidate hydrochloride is a central nervous system stimulant.

Rubifen LA modified release capsules are used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Rubifen LA is a stimulant, that increases attention and decreases impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD. Rubifen LA is thought to work by regulating specific chemicals in the brain that affect behaviour. It helps to focus attention, shut out distraction and allows impulsive people to think before they act. If successful, it will enhance an inattentive person's natural ability.

Rubifen LA should be given as part of a total treatment program for ADHD that may include other measures (psychological, educational and social). It is not intended for use in patients who have symptoms due to environmental factors and/or other primary psychiatric disorders, including psychosis.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you or your child.

Your doctor may have prescribed Rubifen LA for you or your child for another purpose. Like all medicines containing central nervous system stimulants, Rubifen LA will be given to you only under close supervision and after diagnosis.

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

2. What should I know before I use Rubifen LA?

Warnings

Do not use Rubifen LA if:

  • you are allergic to methylphenidate hydrochloride, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet. Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, rash, itching or hives on the skin
  • Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
  • Do not take Rubifen LA if you have any of the following medical conditions:
    - periods of severe anxiety, tension or agitation
    - Tourette's syndrome (a condition with uncontrolled speech and body movements or tics) or you have a family history of this disorder
    - tics (muscle twitching which is usually in the face or shoulders) or if your brothers or sisters have tics
    - increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma)
    - an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or other thyroid problems
    - heart problems such as heart attack, irregular heartbeat, chest pain (angina), heart failure, heart disease or if you were born with a heart problem
    - very high blood pressure (hypertension) or narrowing of the blood vessels (arterial occlusive disease, which can cause pain in the arms and legs)
    - severe depression or other mental illness
    - a tumour of the adrenal gland, which sits near the kidney (pheochromocytoma).

Use Rubifen LA with caution if you have a known dependence or alcoholism.

Check with your doctor if you:

  • have any other medical conditions
  • take any medicines for any other condition, especially if you are taking a medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have been taking it within the past 14 days; taking Rubifen LA together with MAOI medicines may case a serious reaction with a sudden increase in body temperature, extremely high blood pressure and severe convulsions

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?

Special precautions

Tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions or behaviours:

  • any heart defects (e.g. structural cardiac abnormality)
  • a family history of sudden death and/or irregular heartbeat
  • hardening of the arteries
  • any other current or previous heart problems
  • any disorders of the blood vessels in the brain, e.g. weakening of the blood vessel (aneurysm), stroke, or inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis)
  • severe depression, bipolar disorder or other mental illness
  • epilepsy (seizures, convulsions, or fits)
  • high blood pressure
  • history of alcohol or drug abuse or dependence
  • acute mental disorders that cause abnormal thinking and perceptions (psychosis) or feeling unusually excited, over-active and uninhibited (acute mania) – your doctor will have told you if you have this
  • psychotic symptoms such as seeing or feeling things that are not really there (hallucinations)
  • aggressive behaviour
  • suicidal thoughts or behaviour
  • fingers and toes feeling numb, tingling and changing colour (from white to blue, then red) when cold (Raynaud's phenomenon).

Your doctor may want to take special precautions if you have any of the above conditions.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Rubifen LA is not to be used during pregnancy unless specifically prescribed by your doctor. This medicine may affect your developing baby if you take it while you are pregnant.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Rubifen LA is not to be used during breastfeeding. The active ingredient in Rubifen LA can pass into the breast milk.

Paediatric use

  • Do not use Rubifen LA in children under 6 years of age.

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.

Some medicines may interfere with Rubifen LA and affect how it works, and include:

  • medicines that increase blood pressure
  • alpha-2 agonists like clonidine (used to treat high blood pressure)
  • medicines used to treat depression, such as tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors)
  • some anticonvulsants (medicines used to treat epilepsy or fits)
  • oral anticoagulants or warfarin (medicines used to prevent blood clots)
  • phenylbutazone (used to treat pain or fever)
  • guanethidine
  • anaesthetics
  • medicines that influence the level of dopamine in the body (dopaminergic medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease or psychosis)
  • medicines that raise the level of serotonin in the body (serotonergic medicines, for example those used to treat depression like sertraline and venlafaxine).

You or your child may need to take different amounts of your medicines or you or your child may need to take different medicines. Your doctor and pharmacist have more information.

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

4. How do I use Rubifen LA?

How much to take

  • Rubifen LA is available in modified release capsules containing 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg or 60 mg of methylphenidate hydrochloride as the active ingredient
  • Your doctor will decide on the most suitable dosage according to the individual patient's medical need and response. Treatment will usually start with a low dose and, if necessary, increase it gradually at weekly intervals up to 20 mg to 40 mg each day.
  • Do not exceed the maximum recommended dose.
  • In children, the maximum recommended daily dose is 60 mg
  • In adults, the maximum recommended daily dose is 80 mg
  • In some patients Rubifen LA may cause stomach upset, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping, especially at the start of treatment. Your doctor can usually help to reduce these symptoms by lowering the dose of Rubifen LA or changing the times when the capsules are taken.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully.

They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

If you do not understand the instructions on the label, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

When to take Rubifen LA

  • Rubifen LA should be taken orally once daily in the morning with a full glass of water.

How long to take Rubifen LA

  • Continue taking Rubifen LA until your doctor tells you to stop.
  • Rubifen LA helps to control your symptoms but does not cure your condition. Your doctor will check your progress to make sure the medicine is working and will discuss with you how long your treatment should continue
  • Treatment for ADHD varies in length from patient to patient. During treatment for ADHD, your doctor may stop Rubifen LA every so often (e.g. over weekends or school holidays) to see whether it is still needed. Breaks from treatment also help to prevent a slow-down in growth that sometimes happens when children take this medicine for a long time.

Administration

  • Rubifen LA capsules may be taken with or without food
  • Rubifen LA capsules and/or their contents should not be crushed, chewed or divided
  • If the capsules upset your stomach, you can take them with food, but always take them in the same way (e.g. always with food or always without food) to ensure the effect will always be the same
  • Rubifen LA may be swallowed as whole capsules or the capsule contents (beads) may be sprinkled on a small amount of soft food (e.g. applesauce) (see specific instructions below).

Opening instructions:

  • Do not push the capsule out of the blister cavity, as this will crush it
  • Pull off a single dose by tearing along the perforated line on the blister and peel back the foil on the blister to expose the capsule.

Sprinkling Rubifen LA capsule contents on food:

  • Carefully open the Rubifen LA capsule(s) and sprinkle the beads over a small amount of soft food (e.g. applesauce)
  • The soft food should not be warm, since it might affect the way Rubifen LA works
  • All of the mixture of Rubifen LA and soft food should be swallowed immediately and should not be chewed
  • Do not store the Rubifen LA and food mixture to be used later.

If you forget to take Rubifen LA

Rubifen LA should be used regularly at the same time each day.

If you forget to take a dose of Rubifen LA and you remember before midday, take the dose as soon as you remember. Then go back to your usual schedule on the following day.

If you do not remember before midday, miss your dose of Rubifen LA for that day and wait until the following morning to take your next dose.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

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

If you use too much Rubifen LA

If you think that you have used too much Rubifen LA, you may need 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.

Some of the symptoms of an overdose may include vomiting, agitation, headache, tremors, muscle twitching, irregular heartbeat, flushing, fever, sweating, dilated pupils, breathing problems, confusion, seizures and muscle spasms accompanied by fever and red-brown urine.

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

5. What should I know while using Rubifen LA?

Things you should do

Take Rubifen LA exactly as your doctor has prescribed it.

Like all stimulants, this medicine may become habit-forming and can be abused by some people. If you take it correctly as instructed by your doctor, abuse or dependence should not be a problem, either now or later in life.

Be sure to keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your or your child's progress can be checked.

Your doctor will want to check your or your child's blood pressure, height, weight and do blood tests from time to time to prevent unwanted side effects from happening.

If your child is not growing or gaining height or weight as expected, treatment with Rubifen LA may need to be interrupted.

Call your doctor straight away if you:

  • become pregnant while taking Rubifen LA; your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits of taking it while you are pregnant.

If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking Rubifen LA.

Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist who treats you that you are using Rubifen LA.

Things you should not do

  • Do not stop using Rubifen LA suddenly.
If you suddenly stop taking this medicine, your condition may reappear or you may get unwanted effects such as depression. To prevent this, your doctor may want to gradually reduce the amount of medicine you take each day before stopping it completely.
You will need medical supervision after having interrupted the treatment.
  • Do not change the dose without talking to the doctor.
If you have the impression that the effect of Rubifen LA is too strong or too weak, talk to you doctor.
  • Do not take this medicine to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Do not give Rubifen LA to anyone else, even if their condition seems similar to yours.

Drug testing in sports

Rubifen LA may give a false positive result when testing for drug use. This includes testing used in sport.

Undergoing an operation

Tell your doctor if you are going to have an operation. There is a chance of a sudden rise in blood pressure during the operation if an anaesthetic is used. Your doctor will advise if you/your child should take Rubifen LA on the day of the operation.

Painful erection

If you experience abnormally sustained or frequent and painful erections of the penis on Rubifen LA treatment or after treatment discontinuation, you may need urgent medical treatment. This can occur in any age group.

If this occurs, tell your doctor immediately.

Serotonin syndrome

  • If taking Rubifen LA with medicines that raise the level of serotonin in the body (serotonergic medicines, e.g. sertraline and venlafaxine used to treat depression) and you experience a combination of the following symptoms:
    - restlessness
    - tremor
    - sudden muscle contractions
    - abnormal high temperature
    - nausea and vomiting

stop treatment with Rubifen LA and these medicines and tell your doctor immediately.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Rubifen LA affects you.

Rubifen LA may cause hallucinations, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision or other central nervous system side effects which can affect concentration in some people.

If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive, use machines or do anything else that needs quick reactions or could be dangerous.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

Drinking alcohol is not recommended, because it can worsen some of the unwanted effects of this medicine, such as dizziness and drowsiness.

Do not drink alcohol whilst you are taking Rubifen LA. Remember that some foods and medicines contain alcohol.

Looking after your medicine

  • Store below 25°C.

Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.

Keep your medicine in the original container until it is time to take a dose.

Store it in a cool 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.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

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.

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effectsWhat to do
Infection-related:
  • sore throat and runny nose
Mental health-related:
  • nervousness
  • troubled sleep or restlessness, difficulty falling asleep, sleep disturbance, sleepiness
  • feeling anxious, agitated
  • excessive emotional distress or excitement
  • feeling depressed
  • feeling aggressive
  • excessive teeth grinding
  • unusually active mood
  • ongoing depressed mood
Nervous system-related:
  • feeling jittery
  • involuntary shaking of the body (sign of tremor)
  • uncontrolled speech and body movements (Tourette's syndrome)
  • headache
  • dizziness
Eye-related:
  • blurred vision or problems focusing your eyes
Heart-related:
  • abnormal heart rhythm
  • palpitations (racing/pounding heart)
  • chest pain
Respiratory-related:
  • cough
Gastrointestinal-related:
  • nausea (feeling sick)
  • dry mouth
  • vomiting, stomach pain, upset stomach, indigestion, toothache
  • loss of appetite, decreased weight
  • loss of weight and slower growth in children
Skin-related:
  • fever
  • scalp hair loss
  • skin rash, itchy rash and hives
  • excessive sweating
Muscle-related:
  • joint pain
  • spasm of jaw muscles that makes it difficult to open the mouth
  • muscle cramps
Urinary-related:
  • bedwetting in children during the night
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
Infection-related:
  • sore throat and fever or chills
Immune system-related:
  • severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips or tongue)
Blood-related:
  • bruising
Mental health-related:
  • thoughts or attempts of killing yourself (suicidal ideation or attempt [including completed suicide])
  • seeing or feeling things that are not really there (hallucinations)
Nervous system-related:
  • sudden high fever, severe convulsions
  • uncontrollable twitching, jerking
  • fits (seizures, convulsions, epilepsy)
  • severe headache or confusion, weakness or paralysis of limbs or face, difficulty in speaking
  • onset or increase in sudden twitches, movements or sound, stuttering
  • rapid or slow involuntary movements of the fingers or toes which are irregular, nonrhythmic and purposeless
Heart-related:
  • fast heartbeat, chest pain
Skin-related:
  • skin blisters or itching
  • red blotches on the skin
Blood vessel-related:
  • fingers and toes feeling numb, cold, tingling and changing colour (from white to blue, then red) when cold (Raynaud's phenomenon), cold hands and feet
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.

Other side effects from spontaneous reports and literature cases

Other side effectsWhat to do
Reproductive system-related:
  • prolonged erection of the penis (priapism)
Mental health-related:
  • stammering or stuttering when speaking
  • thinking about or attempting suicide (including completed suicide)
Urinary-related:
  • inability to control urinating
Speak to your doctor if any of these side effects occur or if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell.

The frequency of these side effects is not known.

Other side effects that occurred with medicines containing the same drug substance of Rubifen LA

Other side effectsWhat to do
Immune system-related:
  • swelling of the ears (a symptom of allergic reaction)
Mental health-related:
  • feeling irritated, mood changes, abnormal behaviour or thinking, anger, excessive awareness of surroundings, feeling over-active and uninhibited (mania), feeling disorientated, changes in sex drive, lack of feeling or emotion, doing things over and over again, being obsessed with one thing, confusion, addiction
Nervous system-related:
  • temporary muscle weakness, loss of skin sensation or other functions of the body due to a temporary lack of blood supply to the brain (reversible ischemic neurological deficit), migraine
Eye-related:
  • double vision, dilated pupils, trouble seeing
Heart-related:
  • stopped heartbeat, heart attack
Respiratory-related:
  • sore throat, shortness of breath
Gastrointestinal-related:
  • diarrhoea, constipation
Skin-related:
  • swelling of the face and throat, redness of the skin, large red blotches on the skin appearing within a few hours of taking the medicine
Muscle-related:
  • muscle pain, muscle twitching
Urinary-related:
  • blood in the urine, inability to control urinating
Breast-related:
  • swelling of breasts in men
General:
  • chest pain, tiredness, sudden death
Investigations:
  • abnormal sounds from the heart
Speak to your doctor if any of these side effects occur or if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell.

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.

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 and your doctor has special permission to prescribe it.

What Rubifen LA contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)		Methylphenidate hydrochloride
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)		Povidone
Surinerts sugar spheres (sucrose and maize starch)
Purified talc
Methacrylic acid copolymer
Ammonio methacrylate copolymer
Triethyl citrate
Gelatin (from bovine bones)
Titanium dioxide
Iron oxide yellow (10 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg and 60 mg capsules only)
Red ink, consisting of:
- shellac
- propylene glycol
- iron oxide red
- strong ammonia solution
- potassium hydroxide

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

What Rubifen LA looks like

Rubifen LA 10 mg:

Rubifen LA 10 mg modified release capsules are provided in hard gelatin capsules (size 2) with dark yellow opaque caps and white opaque bodies, imprinted with “RUB” in red ink on the caps and “M10” in red ink on the bodies.

Each capsule contains 10 mg white and whitish pellets. Capsules are packed in perforated opaque white PVC/Aclar-PET/Alu foil peelable child-resistant blister packs of 30; all blisters are packed into an outer carton.

Rubifen LA 20 mg:

Rubifen LA 20 mg modified release capsules are provided in hard gelatin capsules (size 2) with white opaque caps and bodies, imprinted with “RUB” in red ink on the caps and “M20” in red ink on the bodies.

Each capsule contains 20 mg white and whitish pellets. Capsules are packed in perforated opaque white PVC/Aclar-PET/Alu foil peelable child-resistant blister packs of 30; all blisters are packed into an outer carton.

Rubifen LA 30 mg:

Rubifen LA 30 mg modified release capsules are provided in hard gelatin capsules (size 2) with ivory opaque caps and bodies, imprinted with “RUB” in red ink on the caps and “M30” in red ink on the bodies.

Each capsule contains 30 mg white and whitish pellets. Capsules are packed in perforated opaque white PVC/Aclar-PET/Alu foil peelable child-resistant blister packs of 30; all blisters are packed into an outer carton.

Rubifen LA 40 mg:

Rubifen LA 40 mg modified release capsules are provided in hard gelatin capsules (size 1) with dark yellow opaque caps and bodies, imprinted with “RUB” in red ink on the caps and “M40” in red ink on the bodies.

Each capsule contains 40 mg white and whitish pellets. Capsules are packed in perforated opaque white PVC/Aclar-PET/Alu foil peelable child-resistant blister packs of 30; all blisters are packed into an outer carton.

Rubifen LA 60 mg:

Rubifen LA 60 mg modified release capsules are provided in hard gelatin capsules (size 0) with dark yellow opaque caps and ivory opaque bodies, imprinted with “RUB” in red ink on the caps and “M60” in red ink on the bodies.

Each capsule contains 60 mg white and whitish pellets. Capsules are packed in perforated opaque white PVC/Aclar-PET/Alu foil peelable child-resistant blister packs of 30; all blisters are packed into an outer carton.

Australian Registration Number:
Rubifen LA 10 mg: AUST R 362233
Rubifen LA 20 mg: AUST R 362231
Rubifen LA 30 mg: AUST R 362232
Rubifen LA 40 mg: AUST R 362230
Rubifen LA 60 mg: AUST R 362234

Who distributes Rubifen LA

AFT Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
113 Wicks Road
North Ryde
NSW 2113
AUSTRALIA

Email: [email protected]

Freephone (AU): 1800 AFTPHARM (1800 238 74276)

This leaflet was prepared in May 2022.

Published by MIMS May 2023

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Rubifen LA

Active ingredient

Methylphenidate hydrochloride

Schedule

S8

 

1 Name of Medicine

Methylphenidate hydrochloride.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Rubifen LA modified release capsules contain 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg or 60 mg methylphenidate hydrochloride.

Excipient(s) with known effect.

Sugar (sucrose).
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Rubifen modified release capsules are presented as follows:

Rubifen LA 10 mg modified release capsules.

Hard gelatin capsule size 2, with a dark yellow opaque cap and a white opaque body, imprinted with "RUB" in red ink on the cap and "M10" in red ink on the body, containing 10 mg white and whitish pellets.

Rubifen LA 20 mg modified release capsules.

Hard gelatin capsule size 2, white opaque capsule, imprinted with "RUB" in red ink on the cap and "M20" in red ink on the body, containing 20 mg white and whitish pellets.

Rubifen LA 30 mg modified release capsules.

Hard gelatin capsule size 2, ivory opaque capsule, imprinted with "RUB" in red ink on the cap and "M30" in red ink on the body, containing 30 mg white and whitish pellets.

Rubifen LA 40 mg modified release capsules.

Hard gelatin capsule size 1, dark yellow opaque, imprinted with "RUB" in red ink on the cap and "M40" in red ink on the body, containing 40 mg white and whitish pellets.

Rubifen LA 60 mg modified release capsules.

Hard gelatin capsule size 0, with a dark yellow opaque cap and an ivory opaque body, imprinted with "RUB" in red ink on the cap and "M60" in red ink on the body, containing 60 mg white and whitish pellets.
Not all presentations are available.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Rubifen LA modified release capsules are indicated for the treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

ADHD.

ADHD was previously known as attention-deficit disorder. Other terms used to describe this behavioural syndrome include: minimal brain dysfunction in children, hyperkinetic child syndrome, minimal brain damage, minimal cerebral dysfunction, minor cerebral dysfunction and psycho-organic syndrome of children.
Rubifen LA modified release capsules are indicated as an integral part of a total treatment program for ADHD that may include other measures (psychological, educational and social) for patients with this syndrome. Stimulants are not intended for use in the patient who exhibits symptoms secondary to environmental factors and/or other primary psychiatric disorders, including psychosis.

Special diagnostic considerations for ADHD in children.

The aetiology of this syndrome is unknown and there is no single diagnostic test. Adequate diagnosis requires the use, not only of medical, but also of psychological, educational and social resources. Characteristics commonly reported include: chronic history of short attention span, distractibility, emotional lability, impulsivity, moderate to severe hyperactivity, minor neurological signs and an abnormal EEG. Learning may or may not be impaired. The diagnosis must be based upon a complete history and evaluation of the child and not solely on the presence of one or more of these characteristics.
Drug treatment is not indicated for all children with this syndrome. Stimulants are not intended for use in children who exhibit symptoms secondary to environmental factors (e.g. child abuse in particular) or primary psychiatric disorders. Appropriate educational placement is essential and psychosocial intervention is generally necessary. When remedial measures alone are insufficient, the decision to prescribe stimulant medicine will depend upon the physician's assessment of the chronicity and severity of the child's symptoms.

Continuation of treatment in adolescent and special diagnostic considerations for ADHD in adults.

There is limited information to guide clinicians about how long older adolescents should continue to receive treatment with drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The decision should be based on the extent to which symptoms of ADHD and social functioning have improved to a point that medication is no longer needed. If older adolescents have been largely symptom-free for a year and are functioning well, a trial without medication is warranted. This should be undertaken at times of low stress such as during holidays or in a period when a school routine is well established.
ADHD needs to be considered in adults who present with longstanding symptoms suggestive of ADHD (inattention, impulsivity, disorganisation) that appear to have started in childhood and are persisting into adult life. Further, people with personality disorder and/or problems with drug use accompanied by a significant level of impulsivity and inattention should be referred for evaluation by a psychiatrist with the training and skills required to assess and treat ADHD. This expertise is necessary due to the overlap of ADHD symptoms with anxiety, mood and personality disorders.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Methylphenidate immediate release tablets are unavailable in this brand however are available in other brands. Where correct dosing requires methylphenidate immediate release tablets, please refer to the specific product information for this formulation for its complete dosage and administration instructions.

Pre-treatment screening.

Treatment should only be initiated by specialist physicians with experience in the use of the drug. Before initiating Rubifen LA treatment, patients should be assessed for pre-existing cardiovascular and psychiatric disorders and a family history of sudden death, ventricular arrhythmia and psychiatric disorders. Weight and height should also be measured before treatment and documented on a growth chart (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Dosage.

The dosage of Rubifen LA should be individualised according to the patient's clinical needs and responses.
Treatment with Rubifen LA should be initiated at a low dose, with increments at weekly intervals.

ADHD.

In the treatment of ADHD, an attempt should be made to time administration of the drug to coincide with periods of greatest academic, behavioural or social difficulties for the patient.
If symptoms do not improve after dose titration over a one-month period, the drug should be discontinued.
If symptoms worsen or other adverse effects occur, the dosage should be reduced or, if necessary, the drug discontinued.
If the effect of the drug wears off too early in the evening, disturbed behaviour and/or inability to go to sleep may recur. A small evening dose of methylphenidate immediate release tablet (available in other brands) may help solve this problem.
Periodic assessment of the treatment in ADHD. Drug treatment does not need to be indefinite. Physicians should periodically re-evaluate the treatment with trial periods off medication to assess the patient's functioning without pharmacotherapy. Improvement may be sustained when the drug is either temporarily or permanently discontinued. When used in children with ADHD, treatment can usually be discontinued during or after puberty.
If therapy is interrupted for reasons other than those stated above, it should not be restarted at the dose that had been reached prior to treatment interruption, but should be re-titrated.
Children and adolescents (6 years and over).

Maximum daily doses.

Daily doses above 60 mg are not recommended for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents.

Patients new to methylphenidate.

The recommended starting dose of Rubifen LA who are currently not taking methylphenidate is 20 mg once daily.
When in the judgement of the clinician a lower initial dose is appropriate treatment may begin with Rubifen LA 10 mg.

Patients currently using methylphenidate.

Treatment may be continued with the same daily dose. If the patient was previously treated with an immediate release formulation, a switch to an appropriate recommended dose of Rubifen LA should be made (see Switching patient's treatment from methylphenidate immediate release tablets to Rubifen LA modified release capsules).
Adults. Only the modified release formulation should be used for the treatment of ADHD in adults.

Maximum daily doses.

Daily doses above 80 mg are not recommended for the treatment of ADHD in adults.

Patients new to methylphenidate.

The recommended starting dose of Rubifen LA who are currently not taking methylphenidate is 20 mg once daily.

Patients currently using methylphenidate.

Treatment may be continued with the same daily dose. If the patient was previously treated with an immediate release formulation, a conversion to an appropriate recommended dose of Rubifen LA should be made (see Switching patient's treatment from methylphenidate immediate release tablets to Rubifen LA modified release capsules).
There are no differences recommended in dosing between male and female adult patients.

Use in elderly.

Use of methylphenidate modified release capsules in patients over 60 years of age has not been studied in controlled trials.

Switching patient's treatment from methylphenidate immediate release tablets to Rubifen LA modified release capsules.

The recommended dose of Rubifen LA should be equal to the total daily dose of the immediate release formulation not exceeding a total dose of 60 mg in children and 80 mg in adults. Examples involving switch from methylphenidate immediate release tablets are provided in Table 1.
For other methylphenidate regimens, clinical judgement should be used when selecting the starting dose.
Rubifen LA dosage may be adjusted at weekly intervals in 10 mg increments for children and in 20 mg increments for adults.

Administration.

Rubifen LA modified release capsules should be administered orally once daily in the morning.
Rubifen LA may be swallowed as whole modified release capsules or alternatively may be administered by sprinkling the capsule contents on a small amount of soft food (see specific instructions below). Rubifen LA capsules and/or their contents should not be crushed, chewed or divided.
The modified release capsules may be administered with or without food. A high fat breakfast may slow the rate of absorption and therefore onset of action. Dosage should, therefore, be standardised in relation to food to ensure consistency of effect.
Rubifen LA administered as a single daily dose provides comparable overall exposure (AUC) of methylphenidate compared to the same total dose of immediate release tablets administered twice daily.

Sprinkling Rubifen LA capsule contents on food.

Carefully open the Rubifen LA capsule(s) and sprinkle the beads over applesauce. The food should not be warm because it could affect the modified release properties of the formulation. All of the mixture of drug and food should be immediately swallowed, unchewed. The drug and food mixture should not be stored for future use.

4.3 Contraindications

Rubifen LA is contraindicated in patients with the following:
anxiety and tension states;
agitation;
a family history or diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome;
glaucoma;
hyperthyroidism;
pre-existing cardiovascular disorders including uncontrolled hypertension, angina pectoris, arterial occlusive disease especially coronary arteries; heart failure, haemodynamically significant congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathies, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmia and channelopathies (disorders caused by the dysfunction of ion channels);
treatment with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, and also within a minimum of 14 days following discontinuation of a MAO inhibitor (hypertensive crisis may result);
pheochromocytoma;
known drug dependence or alcohol abuse;
severe depression, anorexia nervosa, psychotic symptoms or suicidal tendency, since Rubifen might worsen these conditions;
known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or to any component of the formulation.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

General.

Treatment with methylphenidate is not indicated in all cases of ADHD and should be considered only after detailed history taking and evaluation of the patient. The decision to prescribe methylphenidate should depend on the physician's assessment of the chronicity and severity of the symptoms and in paediatric patients, the appropriateness to the child's age. Prescription should not depend solely on the presence of isolated behavioural characteristics. When the symptoms are associated with acute stress reactions, treatment with methylphenidate is usually not indicated.

Sudden death and pre-existing structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious heart problems.

It is essential that patients with pre-existing structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious heart problems being considered for treatment are assessed by a cardiologist before initiating treatment. On-going cardiological supervision should be maintained throughout treatment in these patients.

Children and adolescents.

Sudden death has been reported in association with CNS stimulant treatment at usual doses in children and adolescents with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious heart problems.
Stimulant products, including methylphenidate, generally should not be used in patients with known serious structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious heart rhythm abnormalities, or other serious cardiac problems that may increase the risk of sudden death due to the sympathomimetic effects of a stimulant drug. Before initiating methylphenidate treatment, patients should be assessed for pre-existing cardiovascular disorders and a family history of sudden death and ventricular arrhythmia (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Adults.

Sudden death, stroke, and myocardial infarction have been reported in adults taking stimulant drugs at usual doses for ADHD. Although the role of stimulants in these adult cases is also unknown, adults have a greater likelihood than children of having serious structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious heart rhythm abnormalities, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac problems. Adults with such abnormalities should also generally not be treated with stimulant drugs.

Cardiovascular conditions.

Rubifen LA is contraindicated in patients with severe hypertension. Rubifen LA increases heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Therefore, caution is indicated in treating patients whose underlying medical conditions might be compromised by increases in blood pressure or heart rate, e.g. those with pre-existing hypertension. Severe cardiovascular disorders are contraindicated (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).
Methylphenidate should be used cautiously in patients with hypertension. Blood pressure should be monitored at appropriate intervals in all patients taking methylphenidate, especially in those with hypertension. Patients who develop symptoms suggestive of cardiac disease during methylphenidate treatment should undergo a prompt cardiac evaluation.
Children, adolescents, or adults who are being considered for treatment with stimulant medicine should have a careful history (including assessment for a family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia) and physical exam to assess for the presence of cardiac disease, and should receive further cardiac evaluation if findings suggest such disease. Patients who develop symptoms such as exertional chest pain, unexplained syncope, or other symptoms suggestive of cardiac disease during stimulant treatment should undergo a prompt cardiac evaluation.

Misuse and cardiovascular events.

Misuse of stimulants of the central nervous system, including methylphenidate may be associated with sudden death and other serious cardiovascular adverse events.

Cerebrovascular.

Cerebrovascular conditions.

Patients with pre-existing central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities, e.g. cerebral aneurysm and/or other vascular abnormalities such as vasculitis or pre-existing stroke should not be treated with Rubifen LA. Patients with additional risk factors (history of cardiovascular disease, concomitant drug that elevates blood pressure) should be assessed regularly for neurological/psychiatric signs and symptoms after initiating treatment with Rubifen LA (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Cardiovascular conditions; Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

Psychiatric conditions.

Rubifen LA should not be used to treat severe depression or for the prevention or treatment of normal fatigue states. In psychotic patients, administration of methylphenidate may exacerbate symptoms of behaviour disturbance and thought disorder.
Co-morbidity of psychiatric disorders in ADHD is common and should be taken into account when prescribing stimulant products. Prior to initiating treatment with methylphenidate, patients should be assessed for pre-existing psychiatric disorders and a family history of psychiatric disorders (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).
Treatment of ADHD with stimulant products including methylphenidate should not be initiated in patients with acute psychosis, acute mania, or acute suicidality. These acute conditions should be treated and controlled before ADHD treatment is considered. Methylphenidate should not be used as treatment for severe depression of either exogenous or endogenous origin.
In the case of emergent psychiatric symptoms or exacerbation of pre-existing psychiatric symptoms, Rubifen LA should not be given to patients unless the benefit outweighs the potential risk.

Psychotic symptoms.

Psychotic symptoms, including visual and tactile hallucinations or mania have been reported in patients administered usual prescribed doses of stimulant products, including Rubifen LA (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).
Physicians should consider treatment discontinuation if psychotic symptoms occur.

Bipolar illness.

Particular care should be taken in using stimulants to treat ADHD in patients with comorbid bipolar disorder because of concern for possible induction of a mixed/ manic episode in such patients.

Aggressive behaviour.

Methylphenidate has been causally associated with aggression. Emergent aggressive behaviour or an exacerbation of baseline aggressive behaviour has been reported during stimulant therapy, including methylphenidate. Physicians should evaluate the need for adjustment of treatment regimen in patients experiencing these behavioural changes, bearing in mind that upwards or downwards titration may be appropriate. Treatment interruption can be considered.

Suicidal tendency.

Patients and caregivers of patients should be alerted about the need to monitor for clinical worsening, suicidal behaviour or thoughts or unusual changes in behaviour and to seek medical advice immediately if these symptoms appear. The physician should initiate appropriate treatment of the underlying psychiatric condition and consider a possible discontinuation or change in the ADHD treatment.

Motor and verbal tics.

CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate, have been associated with the onset or exacerbation of motor and verbal tics. Worsening of Tourette's syndrome has also been reported (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). Therefore, clinical evaluation for tics in patients should precede use of stimulant drug. Family history should be assessed and clinical evaluation for tics or Tourette's syndrome in patients should precede use of methylphenidate for ADHD treatment. Rubifen LA is contraindicated in case of diagnosis or family history of Tourette's syndrome (see Section 4.3 Contraindications). Patients should be regularly monitored for the emergence or worsening of tics during treatment with methylphenidate.

Serotonin syndrome.

Serotonin syndrome has been reported following co-administration of methylphenidate with serotonergic drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). The concomitant use of methylphenidate and serotonergic drugs is not recommended as this may lead to the development of serotonin syndrome. The symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include mental status changes (e.g. agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g. tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g. tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea). Prompt recognition of these symptoms is important so that treatment with methylphenidate and serotonergic drugs can be immediately discontinued and appropriate treatment instituted (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

Growth retardation.

Moderately reduced weight gain and slight growth retardation have been reported with the long-term use of stimulants, including methylphenidate, in children (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). Growth should be monitored as clinically necessary during treatment with methylphenidate, and patients who are not growing or gaining height or weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted.
Careful follow up of weight and height in children aged 7 - 10 years who were randomised to either methylphenidate or non-medicine treatment groups over 14 months, as well as in naturalistic subgroups of newly methylphenidate-treated and non-medicine treated children over 36 months (to the ages of 10 - 13 years), suggests that consistently medicated children (i.e. treatment for 7 days per week throughout the year) have a temporary slowing in growth rate (on average, a total of about 2 cm less growth in height and 2.7 kg less growth in weight over 3 years), without evidence of growth rebound during this period of development.
Published data are inadequate to determine whether chronic use of amphetamines may cause similar suppression of growth, however, it is anticipated that they likely have this effect as well. Therefore, growth should be monitored during treatment with stimulants, and patients who are not growing or gaining height or weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted.
The retardation of growth referred to under Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects) is usually followed by catch-up growth when the medicine is discontinued. In order to minimise such complications, drug-free periods over weekends, school holidays and long vacations are advocated by some specialists.

Fatigue.

Methylphenidate should not be employed for the prevention or treatment of normal fatigue states.

Seizures.

There is some clinical evidence that methylphenidate may lower the convulsion threshold in patients with a history of seizures, with prior EEG abnormalities in the absence of seizures and, rarely, in the absence of a history of seizures and no prior EEG evidence of seizures. Safe concomitant use of anticonvulsants and methylphenidate has not been established. In the presence of seizures, the drug should be discontinued.

Priapism.

Prolonged and painful erections, sometimes requiring surgical intervention, have been reported with methylphenidate products in both paediatric and adult patients. Priapism was not reported with drug initiation but developed after some time on the drug, often subsequent to an increase in dose. Priapism has also appeared during a period of drug withdrawal (drug holidays or discontinuation). Patients who develop abnormally sustained or frequent and painful erections should seek immediate medical attention.

Peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon.

Stimulants, including methylphenidate immediate release tablets and Rubifen LA, used to treat ADHD are associated with peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon. Signs and symptoms are usually intermittent and mild; however, very rare sequelae include digital ulceration and/or soft tissue breakdown. Effects of peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon, have been observed in post-marketing reports at different times and at therapeutic doses in all age groups throughout the course of treatment. Signs and symptoms generally improve after reduction in dose or discontinuation of drug. Careful observation for digital changes is necessary during treatment with ADHD stimulants. Further clinical evaluation (e.g. rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for certain patients.

Drug abuse and dependence.

Caution is called for in emotionally unstable patients, such as those with a history of drug or alcohol dependence, because they may increase the dosage on their own initiative. Chronic abuse can lead to marked tolerance and psychological dependence with varying degrees of abnormal behaviour. Frank psychotic episodes may occur, especially in response to parenteral abuse.
Clinical data indicate that children given methylphenidate are not more likely to abuse drugs as adolescents or adults. Methylphenidate abuse or dependence does not appear to be a problem in adolescents or adults who were treated with methylphenidate for ADHD as children.

Use with alcohol.

Alcohol may exacerbate the CNS adverse reactions of psychoactive drugs, including methylphenidate. Therefore, it is advisable for patients to abstain from alcohol during treatment.

Withdrawal.

Careful supervision is required during drug withdrawal, since this may unmask depression as well as the effects of chronic over-activity. Some patients may require long-term follow-up.

Haematological effects.

Data on safety and efficacy of long-term use of methylphenidate are not complete. Patients requiring long-term therapy should be carefully monitored and periodic complete blood counts, differential and platelet counts are advisable during prolonged therapy. In the event of haematological disorders appropriate medical intervention should be considered (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

Use in the elderly.

No data available.

Paediatric use.

Methylphenidate should not be used in children under 6 years of age, since safety and efficacy in this age group have not been established. Drugs should be kept out of the reach of children.

Effects on laboratory tests.

Methylphenidate may induce false positive laboratory tests for amphetamines, particularly with immunoassays screen test.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Anti-hypertensive drugs.

Rubifen LA may decrease the effectiveness of drugs used to treat hypertension.

Use with drugs that elevate blood pressure.

Methylphenidate should be used with caution in patients being treated with drugs that elevate blood pressure due to the risk of severe hypertension (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Cerebrovascular conditions).
Because of possible hypertensive crisis, Rubifen LA is contraindicated in patients being treated (currently or within the preceding 2 weeks) with non-selective, irreversible MAO inhibitors (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Use with anaesthetics.

There is a risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increase during surgery. If surgery is planned, Rubifen LA should not be taken on the day of surgery.

Use with centrally acting alpha-2 agonists (e.g. clonidine).

Serious adverse events including sudden death have been reported in concomitant use with clonidine, although no causality for the combination has been established.

Use with dopaminergic drugs.

As an inhibitor of dopamine reuptake, methylphenidate may be associated with pharmacodynamic interactions when coadministered with direct and indirect dopamine agonists (including DOPA and tricyclic antidepressants) as well as dopamine antagonists (antipsychotics, e.g. haloperidol).
Concomitant use of methylphenidate with antipsychotics is not recommended due to its counteracting mechanism of action. If upon medical assessment the combination is deemed necessary, monitoring for extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) is recommended, as the concomitant use of methylphenidate with antipsychotics may increase the risk of EPS when there is a change (increase or decrease) in dosage of either or both medications.

Use with serotonergic drugs.

The concomitant use of methylphenidate and serotonergic drugs is not recommended as this may lead to the development of serotonin syndrome (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Methylphenidate has been shown to increase extracellular serotonin and noradrenaline and appears to have weak potency in binding serotonin transporter.

Pharmacokinetic interactions.

Rubifen LA is not metabolised by cytochrome P450 to a clinically relevant extent. Inducers or inhibitors of cytochrome P450 are not expected to have any relevant impact on Rubifen LA pharmacokinetics. Conversely, the d- and l-enantiomers of methylphenidate will not relevantly inhibit in vitro cytochrome P450 1A2, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1 and 3A.
Methylphenidate coadministration did not increase plasma concentrations of the CYP2D6 substrate desipramine.
Case reports have shown that methylphenidate may inhibit the metabolism of coumarin anticoagulants, anticonvulsants (phenobarbitone, primidone, phenytoin), phenylbutazone and tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine, desipramine), but pharmacokinetic interactions were not confirmed when explored at higher sample sizes. Reduction in the dosage of these drugs may be required when they are given concomitantly with methylphenidate.
Serious adverse events have been reported in concomitant use with clonidine, although no causality for the combination has been established. The safety of using methylphenidate in combination with clonidine or other centrally acting alpha-2 agonists has not been systematically evaluated.
Other specific drug-drug interaction studies with methylphenidate have not been performed in vivo.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

No human data on the effect of methylphenidate on fertility are available.

Women of child-bearing potential.

Methylphenidate should not be prescribed for women of childbearing age unless, in the opinion of the physician, the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks (see Section 4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation, Use in pregnancy).
(Category D)
The safety of methylphenidate for use during human pregnancy has not been established. Data from a cohort study of in total approximately 3,400 pregnancies exposed in the first trimester do not suggest an increased risk of overall birth defects. There was a small increased occurrence of cardiac malformations in women who receive methylphenidate during the first trimester of pregnancy, compared with non-exposed pregnancies. Methylphenidate should not be prescribed for pregnant women unless, in the opinion of the physician, the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks.
As a general rule no drugs should be taken during the first 3 months of pregnancy, and the benefits and risks of taking medicines should be carefully considered throughout the whole of the pregnancy.
 Case reports showed that methylphenidate was distributed into breast milk reaching a milk-to-plasma ratio of approximately 2.5. For safety reasons, mothers taking methylphenidate should refrain from breast-feeding their infants. A decision should be made by the prescriber whether the mother must abstain from breast-feeding or abstain from methylphenidate therapy, taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding to the child and the benefit of therapy to the mother.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

Rubifen LA may cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, hallucinations or other CNS side effects (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). Patients experiencing such side effects should refrain from driving, operating machinery, or engaging in other potentially hazardous activities.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Adverse effects reported during clinical trials.

Children.

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group clinical study (Protocol 07) was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of methylphenidate modified release capsules in children aged 6 - 12 years with ADHD. In the double-blind treatment phase of this study, methylphenidate modified release capsules were administered once daily for up to two weeks at individually titrated doses in the 10 - 40 mg range. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events reported during the double-blind treatment phase is summarised in Table 2. Adverse events reported with an incidence ≥ 2% in all treated subjects in Protocol 07 (including adverse events during the titration period and placebo-washout period) are included in Table 3.

Adults.

Methylphenidate modified release capsules were evaluated in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre core study (D2302) in the treatment of 725 adult patients (395 male and 330 female) diagnosed with ADHD. Maintenance of effect of methylphenidate modified release capsules were evaluated in a 6-month maintenance study (D2302E1) in 298 patients. The incidence of adverse events reported during the core study and extension studies are summarised in Table 4 and Table 5 respectively.
The adverse events profile seen in the maintenance period was similar to that observed in the core study. No unexpected serious adverse events or adverse events were observed in this extension study and the commonly observed adverse events were expected and driven by the pharmacologic activity.
The most frequently affected PSOCs (≥ 10% in all extension patients) starting in the extension study were infections and infestations, nervous system disorders, psychiatric disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders. There was no evidence of toxicity to any organ system. The most commonly reported individual adverse events (≥ 5.0% in any dose group) during the extension study were nasopharyngitis (19.1%), headache (14.1%), decreased appetite (7.7%), dry mouth (6.7%) and nausea (5.0%).

Tabulated summary of adverse drug reactions.

Adverse drug reactions listed in Table 6 are listed by MedDRA system organ class. Within each system organ class, the adverse drug reactions are ranked by frequency, with the most frequent reactions first. Within each frequency grouping, adverse drug reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. In addition, the corresponding frequency category for each adverse drug reaction is based on the following convention (CIOMS III): very common ≥ 10%; common ≥ 1% to < 10%; uncommon ≥ 0.1% to < 1%; rare ≥ 0.01% to < 0.1%; very rare < 0.01%.
Very rare reports of poorly documented neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) have been received. In most of these reports, patients were also receiving other medications. It is uncertain what role methylphenidate immediate release tablets played in these cases.
Adverse events reported since market introduction in patients taking methylphenidate include suicide, suicide attempt and suicidal ideation. No causal relationship between methylphenidate and these events has been established.
Adverse drug reactions from spontaneous reports and literature cases (frequency not known). The following adverse drug reactions have been derived from post-marketing experience with methylphenidate via spontaneous case reports and literature cases. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their frequency which is therefore categorized as not known. Adverse drug reactions are listed according to system organ classes in MedDRA. Within each system organ class, ADRs are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. (See Table 7.)
Additional adverse reactions reported with other methylphenidate-containing products. The list below shows adverse reactions not listed for methylphenidate immediate release tablets that have been reported with other methylphenidate containing products based on clinical trials data and post-market spontaneous reports.

Blood and lymphatic disorders.

Pancytopenia.

Immune system disorders.

Hypersensitivity reactions such as auricular swelling.

Psychiatric disorders.

Irritability, affect lability, abnormal thinking or behaviour, anger, mood altered, mood swings, hypervigilance, mania, disorientation, libido disorder, apathy, repetitive behaviours, over-focusing, confusional state, dependence. Cases of abuse and dependence have been described, more often with immediate-release formulations.

Nervous system disorders.

Reversible ischaemic neurological deficit, migraine.

Eye disorders.

Diplopia, mydriasis, visual disturbance.

Cardiac disorders.

Cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders.

Pharyngolaryngeal pain, dyspnoea.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Diarrhoea, constipation.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Angioneurotic oedema, erythema, fixed drug eruption.

Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders.

Myalgia, muscle twitching.

Renal and urinary disorders.

Haematuria, incontinence.

Reproductive system and breast disorders.

Gynaecomastia.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Chest pain, fatigue, sudden cardiac death.

Investigations.

Cardiac murmur.

Post-marketing experience.

Nervousness and insomnia are very common adverse reactions which occur at the beginning of methylphenidate modified release capsules treatment and are usually controlled by reducing the dosage and omitting the drug in the afternoon or evening.
Loss of appetite is very common but usually transient. Abdominal pain, insomnia and tachycardia are common, usually at the beginning of treatment and may be alleviated by concomitant food intake.

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

Symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of acute overdosage, mainly due to over-stimulation of the central nervous system and from excessive sympathomimetic effects, may include: vomiting, agitation, tremors, hyperreflexia, muscle twitching, convulsions (may be followed by coma), euphoria, confusion, hallucinations, delirium, sweating, flushing, headache, hyperpyrexia, tachycardia, palpitation, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, mydriasis, dryness of mucous membranes and rhabdomyolysis.

Treatment.

When treating an overdose, practitioners should bear in mind that a second release of methylphenidate from Rubifen LA capsules occurs at approximately four hours after administration of the capsule.
Treatment consists of appropriate supportive measures and symptomatic treatment of life-threatening events, e.g. hypertensive crisis, cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions. For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).
The patient must be protected against self-injury and against external stimuli that would aggravate overstimulation already present. If the signs and symptoms are not too severe and the patient is conscious, further absorption may be limited by administration of activated charcoal. In cases of marked agitation, intravenous doses of diazepam or haloperidol should be given. Hypertension may be controlled by alpha-adrenergic blocking agents or intravenous sodium nitroprusside.
Intensive care must be provided to maintain adequate circulation and respiratory exchange; external cooling procedures may be required for hyperpyrexia.
The efficacy of peritoneal dialysis or extracorporeal haemodialysis for methylphenidate overdosage has not been established. Clinical experience with overdose is limited. Patients who have received doses higher than those recommended should be carefully monitored. In the event of overdose leading to clinically significant hypocalcaemia, reversal may be achieved with supplemental oral calcium and/or infusion of calcium gluconate.

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Psychostimulants. ATC classification: N06BA04.
Rubifen LA is a racemate consisting of a 1:1 mixture of d-threo methylphenidate (d-MPH) and l-threo methylphenidate (l-MPH).

Mechanism of action.

Methylphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. Its mode of action in humans is not completely understood but methylphenidate presumably exerts its stimulant effect by an inhibition of dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake into presynaptic neurons and thereby increasing these neurotransmitters in the extraneuronal space. There is neither specific evidence which clearly establishes the mechanism whereby methylphenidate produces its mental and behavioural effects in children, nor conclusive evidence as to how these effects relate to the condition of the central nervous system.
The l-enantiomer is thought to be pharmacologically inactive.
Repeated oral administration of methylphenidate to young rats was associated with decreased spontaneous locomotor activity at systemic exposures (plasma AUC) about 3-fold that at the maximum clinical dose, due to an exaggerated pharmacological activity of methylphenidate. A deficit in the acquisition of a specific learning task was also observed, only in females, at systemic exposures (plasma AUC) 8-fold that at the maximum clinical dose. The clinical relevance of these findings is unknown.
The effect of treatment with 40 mg dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride, the pharmacologically active d-enantiomer of methylphenidate, on QT/QTc interval was evaluated in a study in 75 healthy volunteers. The maximum mean prolongation of QTcF intervals was < 5 ms, and the upper limit of the 90% confidence interval was below 10 ms for all time matched comparisons versus placebo. This was below the threshold of clinical concern and no exposure response relationship was evident.

Clinical trials.

Studies in published literature have shown that methylphenidate hydrochloride significantly improves daytime sleepiness and cataplexy.

ADHD in children.

Methylphenidate modified release capsules were demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of ADHD in two placebo-controlled clinical studies in children aged 6 - 12 years with a DSM-IV diagnosis of ADHD (n = 195 exposed to study medicine).
The results of the first study (Protocol 02), a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover clinical study conducted in a laboratory classroom setting, demonstrated that a single dose of 20 mg methylphenidate modified release capsules had a rapid onset of effect and was statistically superior to placebo in improving classroom behaviour and cognitive responses. After administration of methylphenidate modified release capsules, the improvement relative to placebo was statistically significant during both the morning (0 - 4 hours) and the afternoon (4 - 9 hours).
The second study (Protocol 07) was a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel group clinical study conducted in normal school and home settings, in which methylphenidate modified release capsules were administered once daily at individually titrated doses in the range of 10 - 40 mg/day for up to two weeks. The primary efficacy variable was the change from baseline to final score in the Connors ADHD/DSM-IV Scale for Teachers (CADS-T). CADS-T assesses symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention. The results of the analysis demonstrate that methylphenidate modified release capsules were statistically superior to placebo (p < 0.0001). The efficacy of methylphenidate modified release capsules in controlling symptoms of ADHD was consistently reflected in the assessments of teachers, parents and investigators. The results of the primary efficacy analysis are summarised in Table 8.

ADHD in adults.

Methylphenidate modified release capsules were evaluated in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study in the treatment of 725 adult patients (395 male and 330 female) diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-IV ADHD criteria. The study was designed to:
1) Confirm the clinically effective and safe dose range of methylphenidate modified release capsules for adults (18 - 60 years old) in a 9-week, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel group period (Period 1) consisting of a 3-week titration stage followed by a 6-week fixed dose stage (40, 60, 80 mg/day or placebo). Subsequently patients were re-titrated to their optimal dose of methylphenidate modified release capsules (40, 60 or 80 mg/day) over a 5-week period (Period 2).
2) Evaluate the maintenance of effect of methylphenidate modified release capsules in adults with ADHD in a 6-month, double-blind, randomized, withdrawal study (Period 3).
Efficacy was assessed using the DSM-IV ADHD rating scale (DSM-IV ADHD RS) for symptomatic control and Sheehan Disability Score (SDS) for functional improvement as change in respective total scores from baseline to the end of the first period. All dose levels of methylphenidate modified release capsules showed significantly greater symptom control (p < 0.0001 for all dose levels) compared to placebo as measured by a reduction in DSM-IV ADHD RS total score. All doses of methylphenidate modified release capsules showed significantly greater functional improvement (p = 0.0003 at 40 mg, p = 0.0176 at 60 mg, p < 0.0001 at 80 mg) compared to placebo as measured by reduction in SDS total score (see Table 9).
Significant clinical efficacy was demonstrated in all three methylphenidate modified release capsule dose levels using physician rated scales [Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) and Clinical Global Improvement-Severity (CGI-S)], self-rated scales [Adult Self-Rating Scale (ASRS)] and observer-rated scales [Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale Observer Short Version (CAARS O:S)]. The results were consistently in favour of methylphenidate modified release capsules over placebo across all assessments in Period 1.
Maintenance of effect of methylphenidate modified release capsules were evaluated by measuring the percentage of treatment failure in methylphenidate modified release capsules compared to the placebo group at the end of a 6-month maintenance period (see Table 10). Completion rates varied across the treatment groups, with the lowest rate in the placebo group (34.1%) and rates between 47.7% and 58.3% across the methylphenidate modified release capsules dose group. Once the methylphenidate modified release capsules dose was optimised in Period 2, approximately 79% of patients continued to maintain disease control for a period of at least 6 months compared with approximately 50% given placebo (p < 0.0001 vs. placebo). An odds ratio of 0.3 suggested that patients treated with placebo had a 3 times higher chance of becoming a treatment failure compared to methylphenidate modified release capsules.
Patients who entered Period 3 had completed a total of between 5 - 14 weeks of methylphenidate modified release capsules treatment in Periods 1 and 2. Patients then assigned to placebo in Period 3 did not experience increased signs of withdrawal and rebound compared to patients who continued on methylphenidate modified release capsules treatment. The study performed in adults did not suggest any difference in efficacy or safety amongst gender subgroups (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).
Efficacy was maintained or improved in the majority of subjects who elected to continue open-label treatment with methylphenidate modified release capsules for up a further 26 weeks. Symptomatic improvement and a reduction in functional impairment was maintained or improved throughout the 26-week extension study period in the patients who elected to continue open label treatment with methylphenidate modified release capsules.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

Following oral administration of methylphenidate modified release capsules to children diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and adults, methylphenidate is rapidly absorbed and produces a bimodal plasma concentration-time profile (i.e. two distinct peaks approximately four hours apart). The relative bioavailability of methylphenidate modified release capsules administered once daily is comparable to the same total dose of immediate release methylphenidate HCl tablets administered twice daily in children and in adults.
The fluctuations between peak and trough plasma methylphenidate concentrations are smaller for methylphenidate modified release capsules administered once daily compared to methylphenidate HCl tablets administered twice daily.
The mean pharmacokinetic parameters for 40 mg methylphenidate modified release capsules administered as a single dose once daily compared to methylphenidate HCl 20 mg immediate-release tablets administered twice daily four hours apart are summarised in Table 11.

Food effects.

Methylphenidate modified release capsules may be administered with or without food. There were no significant differences in AUC when methylphenidate modified release capsules were administered with either a high fat breakfast or applesauce, compared to administration in the fasting condition, although a high fat meal and applesauce reduced Cmax2 by 25% and 13% respectively. There is no evidence of dose dumping in the presence or absence of food.
For patients unable to swallow the capsule, the contents may be sprinkled on applesauce and administered (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Distribution.

In the blood, methylphenidate and its metabolites become distributed in the plasma (57%) and the erythrocytes (43%). Methylphenidate and its metabolites have low plasma protein-binding (approximately 15%). The apparent volume of distribution (Vd) has been calculated at 13.1 L/kg after an oral dose. The volume of distribution was 2.65 ± 1.11 L/kg for d-MPH and 1.80 ± 0.91 L/kg for l-MPH, following intravenous administration of 10 mg methylphenidate.
Methylphenidate excretion into breast milk has been noted in two case reports where the calculated relative infant dose was ≤ 0.2% of the weight adjusted maternal dose (see Section 4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation, Use in lactation). Adverse events were not noted in either infant (6 months and 11 months of age).

Metabolism.

Biotransformation of methylphenidate, primarily by the carboxyl esterase CES1A1, is rapid and extensive. Peak plasma concentrations of the main, de-esterified, metabolite, α-phenyl-2-piperidine acetic-acid (ritalinic acid), are attained about 2 hours after administration and are 30 to 50 times higher than those of the unchanged substance. The half-life of α-phenyl-2-piperidine acetic acid is about twice that of methylphenidate. Only small amounts of hydroxylated metabolites (e.g. hydroxymethylphenidate and hydroxyritalinic acid) are detectable. Therapeutic activity seems to be principally due to the parent compound.

Excretion.

Methylphenidate is eliminated from the plasma with a mean half-life of 2 to 3 hours, and the calculated mean systemic clearance is 4 to 10 L/h/kg after an oral dose. The systemic clearance is 0.40 ± 0.12 L/h/kg for d-MPH and 0.73 ± 0.28 L/h/kg for l-MPH. Within 48 to 96 hours, 78 to 97% of the dose administered is excreted in the urine and 1 to 3% in the faeces in the form of metabolites. Unchanged methylphenidate appears in the urine only in small quantities (< 1%). Most of the dose is excreted in the urine as α-phenyl-2-piperidine acetic acid (60 - 86%).

Special populations.

Effect of age.

There are no apparent differences in the pharmacokinetic behaviour of methylphenidate in hyperactive children and healthy adult volunteers.

Patients with renal impairment.

Elimination data from patients with normal renal function suggest that renal excretion of unchanged methylphenidate would hardly be diminished in the presence of impaired renal function. However, renal excretion of the metabolite α-phenyl-2-piperidine acetic acid may be reduced.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Fertility.

Methylphenidate did not impair fertility in male or female mice that were fed diets containing the drug in an 18-week Continuous Breeding study. The study was conducted at doses up to 160 mg/kg/day, approximately 11-fold the highest recommended human dose of methylphenidate on a mg/m2 basis.

Reproductive animal toxicity.

Adequate animal reproduction studies to establish safe use of methylphenidate during pregnancy have not been conducted. Oral administration of methylphenidate to rabbits during the period of organogenesis has produced teratogenic effects at systemic exposures (plasma AUC) approximately 3 times clinical exposure at the maximum recommended human dose. The exposure at the no-effect dose was less than human exposure. In rats, teratogenic effects were not seen at systemic exposures (plasma AUC) approximately 12 times clinical exposure at the maximum recommended human dose.

Genotoxicity.

Methylphenidate was not mutagenic in assays in vitro (Ames reverse mutation assay and the mouse lymphoma cell forward mutation assay). Methylphenidate showed evidence of a weak clastogenic response in vitro (Chinese Hamster Ovary cells) but was negative in vivo (mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay).

Carcinogenicity.

In a lifetime carcinogenicity study carried out in B6C3F1 mice, methylphenidate caused an increase in hepatocellular adenomas and, in males only, an increase in hepatoblastomas at a daily dose of approximately 60 mg/kg/day. This dose is approximately 4 times the maximum recommended human dose of methylphenidate on a mg/m2 basis. Hepatoblastoma is a relatively rare rodent malignant tumour type. The mouse strain used is sensitive to the development of hepatic tumours, and the significance of these results to humans is unknown.
Methylphenidate did not cause any increases in tumours in a lifetime 2-year carcinogenicity study carried out in F344 rats; the highest dose used was approximately 50 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 7 times the maximum recommended human dose of methylphenidate on a mg/m2 basis.
In a 24-week carcinogenicity study in the transgenic mouse strain p53+/-, there was no evidence of carcinogenicity. Male and female mice were fed diets containing the same concentration of methylphenidate as in the lifetime carcinogenicity study; approximately 60 and 74 mg/kg/day of methylphenidate, respectively, which is approximately 4 and 5 times the maximum recommended human dose of methylphenidate on a mg/m2 basis, respectively.

Comment.

The US Food and Drug Administration examined data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database for the years 1973 - 1991 and found that the estimated incidence of hepatoblastoma in the general population was not greater than 1 in 10 million person-years.
A total of 174 cases of hepatoblastoma were reported by the SEER for the period 1973 to 1995. The age-adjusted incidence rate is very low (IR = 0.0382 per 100,000 person-years). The majority of cases (149 out of 174) were diagnosed among the age group 0 to 4 years old, which is in accordance with the natural history of the disease. For the age group 5 to 24 years old the rates of hepatoblastoma are very low with 14 cases reported. For the 0 to 4 years old age group, incidence rates of hepatoblastoma have risen slowly, ranging from 0.3032 per 100,000 in 1973 to 0.4889 per 100,000 in 1995. On the basis of experience since marketing methylphenidate immediate release tablets, there is no evidence that the incidence is higher in patients receiving methylphenidate immediate release tablets.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Rubifen LA 10 mg modified release capsules.

Povidone, Surinerts sugar spheres (sucrose and maize starch), purified talc, methacrylic acid copolymer, ammonio methacrylate copolymer, triethyl citrate, gelatin (from bovine bones), titanium dioxide, iron oxide yellow, red ink (shellac, propylene glycol, iron oxide red, strong ammonia solution, potassium hydroxide).

Rubifen LA 20 mg modified release capsules.

Povidone, Surinerts sugar spheres (sucrose and maize starch), purified talc, methacrylic acid copolymer, ammonio methacrylate copolymer, triethyl citrate, gelatin (from bovine bones), titanium dioxide, red ink (shellac, propylene glycol, iron oxide red, strong ammonia solution, potassium hydroxide).

Rubifen LA 30 mg modified release capsules.

Povidone, Surinerts sugar spheres (sucrose and maize starch), purified talc, methacrylic acid copolymer, ammonio methacrylate copolymer, triethyl citrate, gelatin (from bovine bones), titanium dioxide, iron oxide yellow, red ink (shellac, propylene glycol, iron oxide red, strong ammonia solution, potassium hydroxide).

Rubifen LA 40 mg modified release capsules.

Povidone, Surinerts sugar spheres (sucrose and maize starch), purified talc, methacrylic acid copolymer, ammonio methacrylate copolymer, triethyl citrate, gelatin (from bovine bones), titanium dioxide, iron oxide yellow, red ink (shellac, propylene glycol, iron oxide red, strong ammonia solution, potassium hydroxide).

Rubifen LA 60 mg modified release capsules.

Povidone, Surinerts sugar spheres (sucrose and maize starch), purified talc, methacrylic acid copolymer, ammonio methacrylate copolymer, triethyl citrate, gelatin (from bovine bones), titanium dioxide, iron oxide yellow, red ink (shellac, propylene glycol, iron oxide red, strong ammonia solution, potassium hydroxide).

6.2 Incompatibilities

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

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.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Rubifen LA modified release capsules are supplied in perforated opaque white PVC/Aclar-PET/Alu foil peelable child-resistant blister packs of 30.

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

Chemical structure.

Methylphenidate hydrochloride is a white or almost white, fine crystalline powder. It is freely soluble in water, soluble in ethanol (96%), slightly soluble in methylene chloride.
Active ingredient: Methylphenidate hydrochloride.
Chemical name: Methyl (2RS)-phenyl[(2RS)-piperidin-2-yl]acetate hydrochloride.
Molecular formula: C14H20ClNO2.
Relative mass: Mr269.8.

CAS number.

298-59-9.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

Schedule 8 (Controlled Drug).