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Tasimelteon
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tasimelteon | 20 mg/1 | 1490473 | — |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Melatonin Receptor Agonist [EPC] | EPC | 3 members — no class page |
| Melatonin Receptor Agonists [MoA] | MoA | 3 members — no class page |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 211654-001 | TASIMELTEON | CAPSULE | TASIMELTEON | Prescription | AB |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original application | 1 | Approved | January 12, 2023 | Standard |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20230124). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Tasimelteon capsule is a melatonin receptor agonist. Tasimelteon capsules are indicated for the treatment of Non 24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24) in adults ( 1 ) 1.1 Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24) Tasimelteon capsules are indicated for the treatment of Non-24-Hour in adults.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Indicated Population Dosage Form Body Weight Recommended Dosage Non-24 ( 2.2 ) Adults Capsules Not applicable 20 mg one hour prior to bedtime Tasimelteon capsules and tasimelteon oral suspension are not substitutable ( 2.1 ) Administer at the same time every night ( 2.2 ) Take without food ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Non-Interchangeability between Tasimelteon Capsules and Tasimelteon Oral Suspension Tasimelteon capsules and tasimelteon oral suspension are not substitutable [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Tasimelteon Capsules for Non-24 Adults The recommended dosage of tasimelteon capsules in adults is 20 mg one hour before bedtime, at the same time every night. Because of individual differences in circadian rhythms, drug effect may not occur for weeks or months. 2.4 Important Administration Information Administer tasimelteon capsules without food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. If a patient is unable to take tasimelteon approximately the same time on a given night, they should skip that dose and take the next dose as scheduled.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Capsules with Blue opaque body imprinted with “20 mg” and circular band in white ink, blue opaque cap imprinted with “MT1” in white ink filled with white to off white powder. Capsules: 20 mg ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS May cause somnolence: After taking tasimelteon, patients should limit their activity to preparing for going to bed, because tasimelteon can impair the performance of activities requiring complete mental alertness ( 5.1 ) 5.1 Somnolence After taking tasimelteon, patients should limit their activity to preparing for going to bed. tasimelteon can potentially impair the performance of activities requiring complete mental alertness.
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (incidence >5% and at least twice as high on tasimelteon than on placebo) were headache, increased alanine aminotransferase, nightmares or unusual dreams, and upper respiratory or urinary tract infection ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals at 1-877-835-5472 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 clinical practice. More than 2080 subjects have been treated with at least one dose of tasimelteon, of which more than 380 have been treated for > 26 weeks and more than 170 have been treated for > 1 year. Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24) A 26-week, parallel-arm placebo-controlled study (Study 1) evaluated tasimelteon (n=42) compared to placebo (n=42) in patients with Non-24. A randomized-withdrawal, placebo- controlled study of 8 weeks duration (Study 2) also evaluated tasimelteon (n=10), compared to placebo (n=10), in patients with Non-24. In placebo-controlled studies, 6% of patients exposed to tasimelteon discontinued treatment due to an adverse event, compared with 4% of patients who received placebo. Table 2 shows the incidence of adverse reactions from Study 1. Table 2: Adverse Reactions in Study 1 Tasimelteon N=42 Placebo N=42 Headache 17 % 7 % Alanine aminotransferase increased 10 % 5 % Nightmare/abnormal dreams 10 % 0 % Upper respiratory tract infection 7 % 0 % Urinary tract infection 7 % 2 % *Adverse reactions with an incidence > 5% and at least twice as high on Tasimelteon than on placebo are displayed.
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Strong CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., fluvoxamine): Avoid use of tasimelteon in combination with strong CYP1A2 inhibitors because of increased exposure ( 7.1 , 12.3 ) Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin): Avoid use of tasimelteon in combination with rifampin or other CYP3A4 inducers, because of decreased exposure ( 7.2 , 12.3 ) 7.1 Strong CYP1A2 Inhibitors (e.g., fluvoxamine) Avoid use of tasimelteon in combination with fluvoxamine or other strong CYP1A2 inhibitors because of a potentially large increase in tasimelteon exposure and greater risk of adverse reactions [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.2 Strong CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., rifampin) Avoid use of tasimelteon in combination with rifampin or other CYP3A4 inducers because of a potentially large decrease in tasimelteon exposure with reduced efficacy [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.3 Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Antagonists (e.g., acebutolol, metoprolol) Beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists have been shown to reduce the production of melatonin via specific inhibition of beta-1 adrenergic receptors. Nighttime administration of beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists may reduce the efficacy of tasimelteon.
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Hepatic impairment: Tasimelteon has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment and is not recommended in these patients ( 8.6 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available postmarketing case reports with tasimelteon use in pregnant women are not sufficient to evaluate drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In pregnant rats, no embryofetal developmental toxicity was observed at exposures of 50 mg/kg/day, or up to 24 times higher than the human exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) (see Data). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations are 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. Data Animal Data In pregnant rats administered tasimelteon at oral doses of 5, 50, or 500 mg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis, there were no effects on embryofetal development. The highest dose tested is approximately 240 times the MRHD of 20 mg/day, based on mg/m 2 body surface area. In pregnant rabbits administered tasimelteon at oral doses of 5, 30, or 200 mg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis, embryolethality and embryofetal toxicity (reduced fetal body weight and delayed ossification) were observed at the highest dose tested. The highest dose is approximately 200 times the MRHD. Oral administration of tasimelteon at 50, 150, or 450 mg/kg/day to rats throughout organogenesis resulted in persistent reductions in body weight, delayed sexual maturation, and physical development, and neurobehavioral impairment in offspring at the highest dose tested which is approximately 220 times the MRHD based on mg/m 2 body surface area. Reduced body weight in offspring was also observed at the mid-dose. The no effect dose (NOEL), (50 mg/kg/day) is approximately 25 times the MRHD based on mg/m 2 body surface area. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of tasimelteon or its metabolites in human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for tasimelteon and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from tasimelteon or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of tasimelteon for the treatment of Non-24 in pediatric patients have not been established. Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data Juvenile rats received oral doses of tasimelteon at 50, 150, or 450 mg/kg from weaning (day 21) through adulthood (day 90). These doses are approximately 12 to 108 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 20 mg based on a mg/m2 body surface area. Toxicity was observed mainly at the highest dose and included mortality (females only), tremors, unsteady gait, decrease in growth and development compared to controls. The former reflected as decreases in bone growth, bone mineral content, bone ossification, and a delay in attainment of sexual maturation. Tasimelteon had no effect on fertility, reproduction, or learning and memory. The No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) is 150 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 178 times the MRHD based on AUC. 8.5 Geriatric Use The risk of adverse reactions may be greater in elderly (>65 years) patients than younger patients because exposure to tasimelteon is increased by approximately 2-fold compared with younger patients. 8.6 Hepatic Impairment Dose adjustment is not necessary in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment. Tasimelteon has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C). Therefore, tasimelteon is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 8.7 Smokers Smoking causes induction of …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism by which tasimelteon exerts its therapeutic effect in patients with Non-24 is unclear. However, tasimelteon is an agonist at melatonin MT 1 and MT 2 receptors which are thought to be involved in the control of circadian rhythms.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Tasimelteon capsules contains tasimelteon, a melatonin receptor agonist, chemically designated as (1R, 2R)-N-[2 (2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-4-yl) cyclopropylmethyl]propanamide, containing two chiral centers. The molecular formula is C 15 H 19 NO 2 , and the molecular weight is 245.32. The structural formula is: Tasimelteon is a white to off-white crystalline powder. freely soluble in methanol and in 95% ethanol. Tasimelteon capsules are intended for oral administration. Each capsule contains 20 mg of tasimelteon and the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate and magnesium stearate. Each hard gelatin capsule consists of gelatin, titanium dioxide, FD&C Blue #1 and FD&C Red #40. 1
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE There is limited premarketing clinical experience with the effects of an overdosage of tasimelteon. As with the management of any overdose, general symptomatic and supportive measures should be used, along with immediate gastric lavage where appropriate. Intravenous fluids should be administered as needed. Respiration, pulse, blood pressure, and other appropriate vital signs should be monitored, and general supportive measures employed. While hemodialysis was effective at clearing tasimelteon and the majority of its major metabolites in patients with renal impairment, it is not known if hemodialysis will effectively reduce exposure in the case of overdose. As with the management of any overdose, the possibility of multiple drug ingestion should be considered. Contact a poison control center for current information on the management of overdose.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Tasimelteon Capsules 20 mg capsules are available as size 1, blue opaque, hard gelatin capsules, body imprinted with “20 mg” and circular band in white and cap imprinted with “MT1” in white, containing 20 mg of tasimelteon per capsule. NDC 69238-2548-3 Bottles of 30 Storage and Handling Tasimelteon Capsules Store tasimelteon 20 mg capsules at controlled room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from exposure to light and moisture.
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: TASIMELTEON. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69238-2548-3 | 69238-2548 | Amneal Pharmaceuticals NY LLC | 30 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (69238-2548-3) | February 24, 2023 |
| 60505-4665-3 | 60505-4665 | Apotex Corp. | 30 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (60505-4665-3) | January 5, 2024 |
| 60505-4665-9 | 60505-4665 | Apotex Corp. | 90 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (60505-4665-9) | January 5, 2024 |
| 67651-0307-0 | 67651-0307 | Patheon Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 21300 CAPSULE in 1 DRUM (67651-0307-0) | April 4, 2014 |
| 69238-2548 | 69238-2548 | Amneal Pharmaceuticals NY LLC | — | February 24, 2023 |
| 60505-4665 | 60505-4665 | Apotex Corp. | — | January 5, 2024 |
| 67651-0307 | 67651-0307 | Patheon Pharmaceuticals Inc. | — | April 4, 2014 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.