Pioglitazone Hydrochloride and Metformin Hydrochloride

Dosage and Administration Important Dosage and Administration Information ( 2.1 ) 06/2024 Recommended Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ) 06/2024 Recommendations for Use in Patients with Renal Impairment ( 2.3 ) 06/2024 Recommendations for Congestive Heart Failure ( 2.4 ) 06/2024 Coadministration with Strong CYP2C8 Inhibitors ( 2.5 ) 06/2024

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Limitations of Use Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets are not recommended to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis. Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets are a combination of pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione agonist of peroxisome proliferator receptor gamma, and metformin hydrochloride, a biguanide, indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use: Not recommended for treatment of type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. ( 1 )

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Obtain liver tests before initiation. If abnormal, use caution when treating with pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride, investigate the probable cause, treat (if possible), and follow appropriately. ( 2.1 ) Take orally with meals to reduce gastrointestinal adverse reactions with metformin ( 2.1 ) Individualize the starting dose based on the patient’s current regimen and titrate the dosage gradually, as needed after assessing therapeutic response and tolerability. The maximum recommended total daily dosage is pioglitazone 45 mg and metformin 2,550 mg. ( 2.2 ) Recommended starting dosage in patients with NYHA Class I or Class II congestive heart failure is 15 mg of pioglitazone and 500 mg of metformin hydrochloride or 15 mg of pioglitazone and 850 mg of metformin hydrochloride orally once daily. ( 2.4 ) Prior to initiation, assess renal function with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). ( 2.2 ) Contraindicated in patients with eGFR below 30 mL/min Initiation is not recommended in patients with eGFR between 30 to 45 mL/min Assess risk/benefit of continuing pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride if eGFR falls below 45 mL/min Discontinue if eGFR falls below 30 mL/min Monitor patients for adverse events related to fluid retention after initiation and dose increases. ( 2.4 ) Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride may need to be discontinued at time of, or prior to, iodinated contrast imaging procedures. ( 2.6 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Information Obtain liver tests (serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin) prior to initiating pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablet contains 15 mg of pioglitazone and 500 mg of metformin hydrochloride or 15 mg of pioglitazone and 850 mg of metformin hydrochloride in each tablet. Take pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets with meals to reduce gastrointestinal adverse reactions with metformin [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. If a dose is missed, do not double the next dose. 2.2 Recommended Dosage and Administration Recommended Starting Dosage Based on Current Regimen Individualize the starting dosage of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets based on the patient's current regimen and the available strength of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets (see Table 1). Table 1: Recommended Starting Dosage Based on the Patient’s Current Regimen *For dosage recommendations for patients with renal impairment and/or congestive heart failure, see Dosage and Administration (2.3 , 2.4) Current Regimen Starting Dosage of Pioglitazone and Metformin Hydrochloride tablets (15 mg of pioglitazone and 850 mg of metformin hydrochloride per tablet)* Not treated with either pioglitazone or metformin hydrochloride One tablet orally once daily Metformin hydrochloride One tablet orally once or twice daily. Select a dosage that is as close as possible to the current dosage of metformin hydrochloride Pioglitazone One tablet orally once daily Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride Select a dosage that is as close as possible to the current dosage of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride while not exceeding three tablets orally per day. Dosage Titration for Additional Glycemic Control Titrate the pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets dosage gradually, as needed, after assessing therapeutic response and tolerability. Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets may be increased to a maximum recommended total daily dosage of three tablets per day (45 mg of pioglitazone and 2,550 mg of metformin hydrochloride). Total daily dosages of 2,550 mg of metformin hydrochloride may be taken in divided doses three times a day to reduce gastrointestinal adverse reactions [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. 2.3 Recommendations for Use in Patients with Renal Impairment Assess renal function prior to init …

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS 15 mg/500 mg tablets: White to off-white, oblong, biconvex film-coated tablets, debossed with ‘H’ on one side and ‘92’ on other side. 15 mg/850 mg tablets: White to off-white, oblong, biconvex film-coated tablets, debossed with ‘H’ on one side and ‘93’ on other side. Tablets: 15 mg pioglitazone hydrochloride and 500 mg metformin hydrochloride and 15 mg pioglitazone hydrochloride and 850 mg metformin hydrochloride. (3)

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride are contraindicated in patients with: Established NYHA Class III or IV heart failure at the time of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride initiation [see Boxed Warning ] . Severe renal impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/min) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . A history of serious hypersensitivity to pioglitazone, metformin hydrochloride, or any of the excipients in pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets. Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. In patients with established New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV heart failure at the time of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride initiation [see Boxed Warning ]. ( 4 ) In patients with severe renal impairment: (eGFR below 30 mL/min). ( 4 ) In patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity to pioglitazone, metformin hydrochloride, or any of the excepients in pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets. ( 4 ) In patients with acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis. ( 4 )

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Congestive heart failure [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Lactic acidosis [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Edema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use with Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hepatic Effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Urinary Bladder Tumors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Fractures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Macular Edema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Vitamin B 12 Levels [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Most common adverse reactions (>5%) are upper respiratory tract infection, edema, diarrhea, headache and weight gain. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. at 1-844-874-7464 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Pioglitazone Over 8,500 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have been treated with pioglitazone in randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials, including 2,605 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and macrovascular disease treated with pioglitazone from the PROactive clinical trial. In these trials, over 6,000 patients have been treated with pioglitazone for six months or longer, over 4,500 patients have been treated with pioglitazone for one year or longer, and over 3,000 patients have been treated with pioglitazone for at least two years. In six pooled 16 to 26 week placebo-controlled monotherapy and 16 to 24 week add-on combination therapy trials, the incidence of withdrawals due to adverse events was 4.5% for patients treated with pioglitazone and 5.8% for comparator-treated patients. The most common adverse events leading to withdrawal were related to inadequate glycemic control, although the incidence of these events was lower (1.5%) with pioglitazone than with placebo (3%). In the PROactive trial, the incidence of withdrawals due to adverse events was 9% for patients treated with pioglitazone and 7.7% for placebo-treated patients. Congestive heart failure was the most common serious adverse event leading to withdrawal occurring in 1.3% of patients treated with pioglitazone and 0.6% of patients treated with placebo. Common Adverse Events: 16 to 26 Week Monotherapy Trials A summary of the incidence and type of common adverse events reported in three pooled 16 to 26 week placebo-controlled monotherapy trials of pioglitazone is provided in Table 2. Terms that are reported represent those that occurred at an incidence of >5% and more commonly in patients treated with pioglitazone than in patients who received placebo. None of these adverse events were related to the pioglitazone dose. Table 2: Three Pooled 16 to 26 Week Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials of Pioglitazone Monotherapy: Adverse Events Reported at an Incidence >5% and More Commonly in Patients Treated with Pioglitazone than in Patients Treated with Placebo % of Patients Placebo N=259 Pioglitazone N=606 Upper Respiratory Tract Infection 8.5 13.2 Headache 6.9 9.1 Sinusitis 4.6 6.3 Myalgia 2.7 5.4 Pharyngitis 0.8 5.1 Common Adverse Events: 16 to 24 Week Add-on Combination Therapy Trials A summary of the overall incidence and types of common adverse events reported in trials of pioglitazone add-on to metformin is provided in Table 3. Terms that are reported represent those that occurred at an incidence of >5% and more commonly with the highest tested dose of pioglitazone. Table 3: 16 to 24 Week Clinical Trials of Pioglitazone Add-on to Metformin Note: The preferred terms of edema peripheral, generalized edema, pitting edema, and fluid re …

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Strong CYP2C8 inhibitors (e.g., gemfibrozil): Limit pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride dose to 15 mg/850 mg daily. ( 7.1 ) CYP2C8 inducers (e.g., rifampin) may decrease pioglitazone concentrations. ( 7.2 ) Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may increase risk of lactic acidosis. Consider more frequent monitoring. ( 7.3 ) Drugs that reduce metformin clearance (such as ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir, and cimetidine), may increase the accumulation of metformin. Consider the benefits and risks of concomitant use. ( 7.4 ) Alcohol: Warn patients against excessive alcohol intake. ( 7.5 ) Use of insulin secretagogues or insulin use may increase the risk for hypoglycemia and may require dose reduction. ( 7.6 ) Topiramate may decrease pioglitazone concentrations. ( 7.8 ) 7.1 Strong CYP2C8 Inhibitors An inhibitor of CYP2C8 (e.g., gemfibrozil) significantly increases the exposure (area under the serum concentration-time curve or AUC) and half-life (t 1/2 ) of pioglitazone. Therefore, the maximum recommended dosage of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride is 15 mg of pioglitazone and 850 mg of metformin hydrochloride once daily if used in combination with gemfibrozil or other strong CYP2C8 inhibitors [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.2 CYP2C8 Inducers An inducer of CYP2C8 (e.g., rifampin) may significantly decrease the exposure (AUC) of pioglitazone. Therefore, if an inducer of CYP2C8 is started or stopped during treatment with pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride, changes in diabetes treatment may be needed based on clinical response without exceeding the maximum recommended daily dosage of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride (45 mg of pioglitazone and 2,550 mg of metformin hydrochloride) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.3 Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors Topiramate or other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., zonisamide, acetazolamide or dichlorphenamide) frequently causes a decrease in serum bicarbonate and induce non-anion gap, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Concomitant use of these drugs with pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride may increase the risk for lactic acidosis. Consider more frequent monitoring of these patients. 7.4 Drugs That Reduce Metformin Clearance Concomitant use of drugs that interfere with common renal tubular transport systems involved in the renal elimination of metformin (e.g., organic cationic transporter-2 [OCT2]/multidrug and toxin extrusion [MATE] inhibitors such as ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir, and cimetidine) could increase systemic exposure to metformin and may increase the risk for lactic acidosis [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Consider the benefits and risks of concomitant use. 7.5 Alcohol Alcohol is known to potentiate the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism. Warn patients against excessive alcohol intake while receiving pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride. 7.6 Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin Coadministration of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. If hypoglycemia occurs in a patient coadministered pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride and an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea), the dose of the insulin secretagogue should be reduced. 7.7 Drugs Affecting Glycemic Control Certain drugs tend to produce hyperglycemia and may lead to loss of glycemic control. These drugs include the thiazides and other diuretics, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, thyroid products, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, sympathomimetics, calcium channel blockers, and isoniazid. When such drugs are administered to a patient receiving pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride, the patient should be closely observed for loss of blood glucose control. When such drugs are withdrawn from a patient receiving pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride, the patient should be observed closely …

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Advise premenopausal females of the potential for an unintended pregnancy. ( 8.3 ) Pediatrics: Safety and effectiveness have not been established. ( 8.4 ) Geriatric Use: Assess renal function more frequently. ( 8.5 ) Hepatic Impairment: Avoid use in patients with hepatic impairment. ( 8.7 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited data with pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride or pioglitazone in pregnant women are not sufficient to determine a drug-associated risk for major birth defects or miscarriage. Published studies with metformin use during pregnancy have not reported a clear association with metformin and major birth defect or miscarriage risk (see Data). There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy [see Clinical Considerations]. In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed when pioglitazone was administered to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at exposures up to 5 and 35 times the 45 mg clinical dose, respectively, based on body surface area. No adverse developmental effects were observed when metformin was administered to pregnant Sprague Dawley rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 2 to 6 times, respectively, a 2,000 mg clinical dose, based on body surface area (see Data). The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6 to 10% in women with pre-gestational diabetes with a HbA1c >7 and has been reported to be as high as 20 to 25% in women with a HbA1c >10. The estimated background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, still birth and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, still birth, and macrosomia related morbidity. Data Human Data Published data from postmarketing studies have not reported a clear association with metformin and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes when metformin was used during pregnancy. However, these studies cannot definitely establish the absence of any metformin-associated risk because of methodological limitations, including small sample size and inconsistent comparator groups. Animal Data Pioglitazone and Metformin hydrochloride Animal reproduction studies were not conducted with the combined products in pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride. The following data are based on studies conducted with the individual components of pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride. Pioglitazone Pioglitazone administered to pregnant rats during organogenesis did not cause adverse developmental effects at a dose of 20 mg/kg (~5 times the 45 mg clinical dose), but delayed parturition and reduced embryo-fetal viability at 40 and 80 mg/kg, or ≥9 times the 45 mg clinical dose, by body surface area. In pregnant rabbits administered pioglitazone during organogenesis, no adverse developmental effects were observed at 80 mg/kg (~35 times the 45 mg clinical dose), but reduced embryo-fetal viability at 160 mg/kg, or ~69 times the 45 mg clinical dose, by body surface area. When pregnant rats received pioglitazone during late gestation and lactation, delayed postnatal development, attributed to decreased body weight, occurred in offspring at maternal doses of 10 mg/kg and above or ≥2 times the 45 mg clinical dose, by body surface area. Metformin hydrochloride Metformin hydrochloride did not cause adverse developmental effects when administered to pregnant Sprague Dawley rats and rabbits up to 600 …

12.1 Mechanism of Action Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride combines two antihyperglycemic agents: pioglitazone and metformin. Pioglitazone Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione that depends on the presence of insulin for its mechanism of action. Pioglitazone decreases insulin resistance in the periphery and in the liver resulting in increased insulin-dependent glucose disposal and decreased hepatic glucose output. Pioglitazone is not an insulin secretagogue. Pioglitazone is an agonist for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ). PPAR receptors are found in tissues important for insulin action such as adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver. Activation of PPARγ nuclear receptors modulates the transcription of a number of insulin responsive genes involved in the control of glucose and lipid metabolism. In animal models of diabetes, pioglitazone reduces the hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertriglyceridemia characteristic of insulin-resistant states such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. The metabolic changes produced by pioglitazone result in increased responsiveness of insulin-dependent tissues and are observed in numerous animal models of insulin resistance. Because pioglitazone enhances the effects of circulating insulin (by decreasing insulin resistance), it does not lower blood glucose in animal models that lack endogenous insulin. Metformin hydrochloride Metformin hydrochloride improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. Metformin does not produce hypoglycemia in either patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus or healthy subjects [except in specific circumstances, see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] and does not cause hyperinsulinemia. With metformin therapy, insulin secretion remains unchanged while fasting insulin levels and day-long plasma insulin response may actually decrease.

11 DESCRIPTION Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride tablets, USP are a thiazolidinediones and biguanide combination product that contains two oral antidiabetic medications: pioglitazone hydrochloride and metformin hydrochloride. Pioglitazone [(±)-5-[[4-[2-(5-ethyl-2-pyridinyl) ethoxy]phenyl]methyl]-2,4-] thiazolidinedione monohydrochloride contains one asymmetric carbon, and the compound is synthesized and used as the racemic mixture. The two enantiomers of pioglitazone interconvert in vivo . No differences were found in the pharmacologic activity between the two enantiomers. The structural formula is as shown: Pioglitazone hydrochloride USP is an off-white to pale yellow color powder that has a molecular formula of C 19 H 20 N 2 O 3 S•HCl and a molecular weight of 392.90 daltons. It is soluble in N,N -dimethylformamide, slightly soluble in anhydrous ethanol, very slightly soluble in acetone and acetonitrile, practically insoluble in water, and insoluble in ether. Metformin hydrochloride USP ( N,N -dimethylimidodicarbonimidic diamide hydrochloride) is a white crystalline powder with a molecular formula of C 4 H 11 N 5 •HCl and a molecular weight of 165.62. Metformin hydrochloride is freely soluble in water and is practically insoluble in acetone, ether, and chloroform. The pKa of metformin is 12.4. The pH of a 1% aqueous solution of metformin hydrochloride is 6.68. The structural formula is as shown: Pioglitazone and metformin hydrochloride is available as a tablet for oral administration containing 15 mg pioglitazone (as the base) with 500 mg metformin hydrochloride USP (15 mg/500 mg) or 15 mg pioglitazone (as the base) with 850 mg metformin hydrochloride USP (15 mg/850 mg) formulated with the following excipients: carboxymethylcellulose calcium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol 6000, talc, and titanium dioxide. Piomet Structure1 Piomet Structure2

10 OVERDOSAGE Pioglitazone During controlled clinical trials, one case of overdose with pioglitazone was reported. A male patient took 120 mg per day for four days, then 180 mg per day for seven days. The patient denied any clinical symptoms during this period. Metformin hydrochloride Overdose of metformin hydrochloride has occurred, including ingestion of amounts greater than 50 grams. Hypoglycemia was reported in approximately 10% of cases, but no causal association with metformin hydrochloride has been established. Lactic acidosis has been reported in approximately 32% of metformin overdose cases [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Metformin is dialyzable with a clearance of up to 170 mL/min under good hemodynamic conditions. Therefore, hemodialysis may be useful for removal of accumulated metformin from patients in whom metformin overdosage is suspected. In the event of overdosage, contact the Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdosage management recommendations. Appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated according to the patient’s clinical signs and symptoms.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Pioglitazone and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets USP, 15 mg/500 mg are white to off-white, oblong, biconvex film-coated tablets, debossed with ‘H’ on one side and ‘92’ on other side. Bottles of 60 NDC 57237-217-60 Bottles of 180 NDC 57237-217-81 Pioglitazone and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets USP, 15 mg/850 mg are white to off-white, oblong, biconvex film-coated tablets, debossed with ‘H’ on one side and ‘93’ on other side. Bottles of 60 NDC 57237-218-60 Bottles of 180 NDC 57237-218-81 Storage: Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Keep container tightly closed, and protect from moisture and humidity.