THIOLA EC Delayed-release tablet Ref.[50386] Active ingredients: Tiopronin

5.1 Proteinuria

Proteinuria, including nephrotic syndrome, and membranous nephropathy, have been reported with tiopronin use. Pediatric patients receiving greater than 50 mg/kg of tiopronin per day may be at increased risk for proteinuria. [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2) Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]. Monitor patients for the development of proteinuria and discontinue therapy in patients who develop proteinuria [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

5.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions (drug fever, rash, fever, arthralgia and lymphadenopathy) have been reported [see Contraindications (4)].

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling:

• Proteinuria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
• Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, the adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of the drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Adverse reactions occurring at an incidence of ≥5% in an uncontrolled trial in 66 patients with cystinuria age 9 to 68 years are shown in the table below. Patients in group 1 had previously been treated with d-penicillamine; those in group 2 had not. Of those patients who had stopped taking d-penicillamine due to toxicity (34 out of 49 patients in group 1), 22 were able to continue treatment with THIOLA. In those without prior history of d-penicillamine treatment, 6% developed reactions of sufficient severity to require THIOLA withdrawal.

Table 1 presents adverse reactions ≥5% in either treatment group occurring in this trial.

Table 1. Adverse Reactions Occurring in One or More Patients:

Taste Disturbance

A reduction in taste perception may develop. It is believed to be the result of chelation of trace metals by tiopronin. Hypogeusia is often self-limited.

Adverse reactions have been reported from the literature, as well as during post-approval use of THIOLA. Because the post-approval reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to THIOLA exposure.

Adverse reactions reported during the postmarketing use of THIOLA are listed by body system in Table 2.

Table 2. Adverse Reactions Reported for THIOLA Pharmacovigilance by System Organ Class and Preferred Term:

7.1 Alcohol

Tiopronin is released faster from THIOLA EC in the presence of alcohol and the risk for adverse events associated with THIOLA EC when taken with alcohol is unknown. Avoid alcohol consumption 2 hours before and 3 hours after taking THIOLA EC [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Risk Summary

Available published case report data with tiopronin have not identified a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Renal stones in pregnancy may result in adverse pregnancy outcomes (see Clinical Considerations). In animal reproduction studies, there were no adverse developmental outcomes with oral administration of tiopronin to pregnant mice and rats during organogenesis at doses up to 2 times a 2 grams/day human dose (based on mg/m²). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies are 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations

Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk

Renal stones in pregnancy may increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight.

Data

Animal Data

No findings of fetal malformations could be attributed to the drug in reproduction studies in mice and rats at doses up to 2 times the highest recommended human dose of 2 grams/day (based on mg/m²).

Risk Summary

There are no data on the presence of tiopronin in either human or animal milk or on the effects of the breastfed child. A published study suggests that tiopronin may suppress milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including nephrotic syndrome, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with THIOLA EC.

THIOLA EC is indicated in pediatric patients weighing 20 kg or more with severe homozygous cystinuria, in combination with high fluid intake, alkali, and diet modification, for the prevention of cystine stone formation who are not responsive to these measures alone. This indication is based on safety and efficacy data from a trial in patients 9 years to 68 years of age and clinical experience. Proteinuria, including nephrotic syndrome, has been reported in pediatric patients. Pediatric patients receiving greater than 50 mg/kg tiopronin per day may be at greater risk [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.3), Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

THIOLA EC tablets are not approved for use in pediatric patients weighing less than 20 kg [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.