Valsartan

RECENT MAJOR CHANGES Indications and Usage ( 1.1 ) 4/2021 Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 , 2.3 ) 4/2021

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Valsartan tablets are an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) indicated for: • Hypertension, to lower blood pressure in adults and children 6 years and older. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions ( 1.1 ) • Heart failure (NYHA class II-IV), to reduce hospitalization for heart failure in adults ( 1.2 ) • Post-myocardial infarction , for the reduction of cardiovascular mortality in clinically stable patients with left ventricular failure or left ventricular dysfunction following myocardial infarction in adults ( 1.3 ) 1.1 Hypertension Valsartan tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure in adults and pediatric patients six years of age and older. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. These benefits have been seen in controlled trials of antihypertensive drugs from a wide variety of pharmacologic classes, including the class to which valsartan principally belongs. There are no controlled trials in hypertensive patients demonstrating risk reduction with valsartan tablets. Control of high blood pressure should be part of comprehensive cardiovascular risk management, including, as appropriate, lipid control, diabetes management, antithrombotic therapy, smoking cessation, exercise, and limited sodium intake. Many patients will require more than one drug to achieve blood pressure goals. For specific advice on goals and management, see published guidelines, such as those of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program’s Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC). Numerous antihypertensive drugs, from a variety of pharmacologic classes and with different mechanisms of action, have been shown in randomized controlled trials to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and it can be concluded that it is blood pressure reduction, and not some other pharmacologic property of the drugs, that is largely responsible for those benefits. The largest and most consistent cardiovascular outcome benefit has been a reduction in the risk of stroke, but reductions in myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality also have been seen regularly. Elevated systolic or diastolic pressure causes increased cardiovascular risk, and the absolute risk increase per mmHg is greater at higher blood pressures, so that even modest reductions of severe hypertension can provide substantial benefit. Relative risk reduction from blood pressure reduction is similar across populations with varying absolute risk, so the absolute benefit is greater in patients who are at higher risk independent of their hypertension (e.g., patients with diabetes or hyperlipidemia), and such patients would be expected to benefit from more aggressive treatment to a lower blood pressure goal. Some antihypertensive drugs have smaller blood pressure effects (as monotherapy) in black patients, and many antihypertensive drugs have additional approved indications and effects (e.g., on angina, heart failure, or diabetic kidney disease). These considerations may guide selection of therapy. Valsartan tablets may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Additional pediatric use information is approved for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation's Diovan (valsartan)tablets. However, due to Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation's marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information. 1.2 Heart Failure Valsartan tablets are indicated to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adult patients with heart failure (NYHA class II-IV). There is no evidence that valsartan tablets provide added benefits when it is used with an adequate dose of an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor [ see Clinical Studies (14.2) ]. …

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Indication Starting Dose Dose Range * Hypertension Adults ( 2.2 ) 80 mg to 160 mg once daily 80 mg to 320 mg once daily 6 to 16 years ( 2.3 ) 1 mg/kg once daily Up to 40 mg daily 1 to 4 mg/kg once daily Up to 160 mg daily Heart Failure ( 2.4 ) 40 mg twice daily 40 mg to 160 mg twice daily Post-Myocardial Infarction ( 2.5 ) 20 mg twice daily 20 mg to 160 mg twice daily * As tolerated by patient 2.1 Important Dosage and Preparation Information Valsartan tablets and oral suspension are not substitutable on a milligram-per-milligram basis. Do not combine two dosage forms to achieve the total dose. The systemic exposure to valsartan (AUC) is 60% higher with the suspension compared to tablets [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Use of the oral suspension is recommended: in patients ≥ 6 years of age who cannot swallow tablets and in pediatric patients for whom the calculated dose (mg/kg) does not correspond to the available tablet strengths of valsartan tablets. When switching between suspension and tablets, the dose of valsartan may need to be adjusted. Preparation of Suspension (for 160 mL of a 4 mg/mL suspension) Add 80 mL of Ora-Plus ® * oral suspending vehicle to an amber glass bottle containing 8 valsartan 80 mg tablets and shake for a minimum of 2 minutes. Allow the suspension to stand for a minimum of 1 hour. After the standing time, shake the suspension for a minimum of 1 additional minute. Add 80 mL of Ora-Sweet SF ® * oral sweetening vehicle to the bottle and shake the suspension for at least 10 seconds to disperse the ingredients. The suspension is homogenous and can be stored for either up to 30 days at room temperature (below 30°C/86°F) or up to 75 days at refrigerated conditions (2°C to 8°C/35°F to 46°F) in the glass bottle with a child-resistant screw-cap closure. Shake the bottle well (at least 10 seconds) prior to dispensing the suspension. *Ora-Sweet SF ® and Ora-Plus ® are registered trademarks of Paddock Laboratories, Inc. Additional pediatric use information is approved for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation's Diovan (valsartan) tablets. However, due to Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation's marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information. 2.2 Adult Hypertension The recommended starting dose of valsartan tablets are 80 mg or 160 mg once daily when used as monotherapy in patients who are not volume-depleted. Patients requiring greater reductions may be started at the higher dose. Valsartan tablets may be used over a dose range of 80 mg to 320 mg daily, administered once a day. The antihypertensive effect is substantially present within 2 weeks and maximal reduction is generally attained after 4 weeks. If additional antihypertensive effect is required over the starting dose range, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 320 mg or a diuretic may be added. Addition of a diuretic has a greater effect than dose increases beyond 80 mg. Valsartan tablets may be administered with other antihypertensive agents. 2.3 Pediatric Hypertension 6 to 16 Years of Age The usual recommended starting dose is 1 mg/kg once daily (up to 40 mg total). A higher starting dose of 2 mg/kg may be considered in selected cases when a greater reduction of blood pressure is needed. The dosage should be adjusted according to blood pressure response and tolerability, up to a maximum dose of 4 mg/kg once daily (maximum daily dose 160 mg). No data are available in pediatric patients either undergoing dialysis or with a glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ]. Use of valsartan tablets are not recommended in children less than 1 year of age [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) , Pediatric Use in Specific Populations (8.4) , Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2) ]. Additional pediatric use information is approved for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation's Diovan (valsartan) tablets. However, due to Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation's marketing excl …

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Valsartan tablets, USP are available as: 40 mg tablets are yellow colored, capsule shaped, biconvex, film coated tablets, with a scoreline on one side, debossed with 'C' on one side of scoreline and 'I' on the other side of scoreline and plain on the other side. 80 mg tablets are peach colored, round, biconvex, film coated tablets, debossed with 'C3' on one side and 'C' on other side. 160 mg tablets are yellow colored, oval shaped, biconvex, film coated tablets, debossed with 'C4' on one side and 'C' on other side. 320 mg tablets are yellow colored, oval shaped, biconvex, film coated tablets, debossed with 'I' on one side and 'C' on other side. Tablets (mg): 40 (scored), 80, 160, 320 ( 3 )

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Do not use in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component. Do not co-administer aliskiren with valsartan tablets in patients with diabetes [see Drug Interactions (7.3) ]. Known hypersensitivity to any component. Do not co-administer aliskiren with valsartan tablets in patients with diabetes. ( 4 )

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Hypertension: Most common adverse reactions are headache, dizziness, viral infection, fatigue and abdominal pain ( 6.1 ) Heart Failure: Most common adverse reactions are dizziness, hypotension, diarrhea, arthralgia, back pain, fatigue and hyperkalemia ( 6.1 ) Post-Myocardial Infarction: Most common adverse reactions which caused patients to discontinue therapy are hypotension, cough and increased blood creatinine ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Solco Healthcare US, LLC at 1-866-257-2597 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adult Hypertension Valsartan has been evaluated for safety in more than 4,000 patients, including over 400 treated for over 6 months, and more than 160 for over 1 year. Adverse reactions have generally been mild and transient in nature and have only infrequently required discontinuation of therapy. The overall incidence of adverse reactions with valsartan was similar to placebo. The overall frequency of adverse reactions was neither dose-related nor related to gender, age, race, or regimen. Discontinuation of therapy due to side effects was required in 2.3% of valsartan patients and 2.0% of placebo patients. The most common reasons for discontinuation of therapy with valsartan were headache and dizziness. The adverse reactions that occurred in placebo-controlled clinical trials in at least 1% of patients treated with valsartan and at a higher incidence in valsartan (n=2,316) than placebo (n=888) patients included viral infection (3% vs. 2%), fatigue (2% vs. 1%), and abdominal pain (2% vs. 1%). Headache, dizziness, upper respiratory infection, cough, diarrhea, rhinitis, sinusitis, nausea, pharyngitis, edema, and arthralgia occurred at a more than 1% rate but at about the same incidence in placebo and valsartan patients. In trials in which valsartan was compared to an ACE inhibitor with or without placebo, the incidence of dry cough was significantly greater in the ACE-inhibitor group (7.9%) than in the groups who received valsartan (2.6%) or placebo (1.5%). In a 129-patient trial limited to patients who had had dry cough when they had previously received ACE inhibitors, the incidences of cough in patients who received valsartan, HCTZ, or lisinopril were 20%, 19%, and 69% respectively (p 0.2% of valsartan patients) are listed below. It cannot be determined whether these events were causally related to valsartan. Body as a Whole: Allergic reaction and asthenia Cardiovascular: Palpitations Dermatologic: Pruritus and rash Digestive: Constipation, dry mouth, dyspepsia, and flatulence Musculoskeletal: Back pain, muscle cramps, and myalgia Neurologic and Psychiatric: Anxiety, insomnia, paresthesia, and somnolence Respiratory: Dyspnea Special Senses: Vertigo Urogenital: Impotence Other reported events seen less frequently in clinical trials included chest pain, syncope, anorexia, vomiting, and angioedema. Pediatric Hypertension Valsartan has been evaluated for safety in over 400 pediatric patients aged 6 to 17 years and more than 160 pediatric patients aged 6 months to 5 years. No relevant differences were identified between the adverse experience profile for pediatric patients aged 6 to 16 years and that previously reported for adult patients. Headache and hyperkalemia were the most common adverse events suspected to be study drug-related in older children (6 to 17 years old) and younger children (6 months to 5 years old), respectively. Hyperkalemia was mainly observed in children with underlying renal disease. Neurocognitive and developmental assessment of pediatric patients aged 6 to 16 years revealed no overall clinically relevant adverse impact after treatment wit …

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS No clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions were observed when valsartan was coadministered with amlodipine, atenolol, cimetidine, digoxin, furosemide, glyburide, hydrochlorothiazide, or indomethacin. The valsartan-atenolol combination was more antihypertensive than either component, but it did not lower the heart rate more than atenolol alone. Coadministration of valsartan and warfarin did not change the pharmacokinetics of valsartan or the time-course of the anticoagulant properties of warfarin. CYP 450 Interactions: In vitro metabolism studies indicate that CYP 450 mediated drug interactions between valsartan and coadministered drugs are unlikely because of the low extent of metabolism [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Transporters: The results from an in vitro study with human liver tissue indicate that valsartan is a substrate of the hepatic uptake transporter OATP1B1 and the hepatic efflux transporter MRP2. Coadministration of inhibitors of the uptake transporter (rifampin, cyclosporine) or efflux transporter (ritonavir) may increase the systemic exposure to valsartan. Potassium: Concomitant use of valsartan with other agents that block the renin-angiotensin system, potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride), potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium or other drugs that may increase potassium levels (e.g., heparin) may lead to increases in serum potassium and in heart failure patients to increases in serum creatinine. If co-medication is considered necessary, monitoring of serum potassium is advisable. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents including Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors (COX-2 Inhibitors): In patients who are elderly, volume-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or with compromised renal function, coadministration of NSAIDs, including selective COX-2 inhibitors, with angiotensin II receptor antagonists, including valsartan, may result in deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure. These effects are usually reversible. Monitor renal function periodically in patients receiving valsartan and NSAID therapy. The antihypertensive effect of angiotensin II receptor antagonists, including valsartan may be attenuated by NSAIDs including selective COX-2 inhibitors. Dual Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS): Dual blockade of the RAS with angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, or aliskiren is associated with increased risks of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and changes in renal function (including acute renal failure) compared to monotherapy. Most patients receiving the combination of two RAS inhibitors do not obtain any additional benefit compared to monotherapy [ see Clinical Trials 14.3 ]. In general, avoid combined use of RAS inhibitors. Closely monitor blood pressure, renal function and electrolytes in patients on valsartan and other agents that affect the RAS. Do not coadminister aliskiren with valsartan in patients with diabetes. Avoid use of aliskiren with valsartan in patients with renal impairment (GFR <60 mL/min). Lithium: Increases in serum lithium concentrations and lithium toxicity have been reported during concomitant administration of lithium with angiotensin II receptor antagonists, including valsartan. Monitor serum lithium levels during concomitant use. • Potassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements or salt substitutes may lead to increases in serum potassium, and in heart failure patients, increases in serum creatinine ( 7 ) • NSAID use may lead to increased risk of renal impairment and loss of antihypertensive effect ( 7 ) • Dual inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system: Increased risk of renal impairment, hypotension, and hyperkalemia ( 7 ) • Lithium: Increases in serum lithium concentrations and lithium toxicity ( 7 ) 7.1 Clinical Laboratory Test Findings In controlled clinical trials, clinically important changes in standard laboratory parameters w …

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Breastfeeding is not recommended ( 8.2 ) Pediatrics: Use of Valsartan tablet is not recommended in children less than 1 year of age ( 6.1 , 8.4 , 13.2 ) Additional pediatric use information is approved for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation's Diovan (valsartan) tablets. However, due to Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation's marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information. 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Valsartan tablets can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy reduces fetal renal function and increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and death. Most epidemiologic studies examining fetal abnormalities after exposure to antihypertensive use in the first trimester have not distinguished drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system from other antihypertensive agents. Published reports include cases of anhydramnios and oligohydramnios in pregnant women treated with valsartan (see Clinical Considerations) . When pregnancy is detected, consider alternative drug treatment and discontinue valsartan tablets as soon as possible. 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 is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk: Hypertension in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, premature delivery, and delivery complications (e.g., need for cesarean section, and post-partum hemorrhage). Hypertension increases the fetal risk for intrauterine growth restriction and intrauterine death. Pregnant women with hypertension should be carefully monitored and managed accordingly. Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Oligohydramnios in pregnant women who use drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can result in the following: reduced fetal renal function leading to anuria and renal failure, fetal lung hypoplasia, skeletal deformations, including skull hypoplasia, hypotension and death. In the unusual case that there is no appropriate alternative to therapy with drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system for a particular patient, apprise the mother of the potential risk to the fetus. In patients taking valsartan tablets during pregnancy, perform serial ultrasound examinations to assess the intra-amniotic environment. Fetal testing may be appropriate, based on the week of gestation. Patients and physicians should be aware, however, that oligohydramnios may not appear until after the fetus has sustained irreversible injury. If oligohydramnios is observed, consider alternative drug treatment. Closely observe neonates with histories of in utero exposure to valsartan tablets for hypotension, oliguria, and hyperkalemia. In neonates with a history of in utero exposure to valsartan tablets, if oliguria or hypotension occurs, support blood pressure and renal perfusion. Exchange transfusions or dialysis may be required as a means of reversing hypotension and replacing renal function. Data Animal Data: No teratogenic effects were observed when valsartan was administered to pregnant mice and rats at oral doses of up to 600 mg/kg/day (9 and 18 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) on a mg/m 2 basis) and to pregnant rabbits at oral doses of up to 10 mg/kg/day. In rats, oral valsartan administered at maternally toxic doses (600 mg/kg/day) during organogenesis or late gestation and lactation, resulted in decreased fetal and pup weight, pup survival and delayed developmental milestones. In rabbits administered maternally …

12.1 Mechanism of Action Angiotensin II is formed from angiotensin I in a reaction catalyzed by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE, kininase II). Angiotensin II is the principal pressor agent of the renin-angiotensin system, with effects that include vasoconstriction, stimulation of synthesis and release of aldosterone, cardiac stimulation, and renal reabsorption of sodium. Valsartan blocks the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II by selectively blocking the binding of angiotensin II to the AT 1 receptor in many tissues, such as vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. Its action is therefore independent of the pathways for angiotensin II synthesis. There is also an AT 2 receptor found in many tissues, but AT 2 is not known to be associated with cardiovascular homeostasis. Valsartan has much greater affinity (about 20,000-fold) for the AT 1 receptor than for the AT 2 receptor. The increased plasma levels of angiotensin II following AT 1 receptor blockade with valsartan may stimulate the unblocked AT 2 receptor. The primary metabolite of valsartan is essentially inactive with an affinity for the AT 1 receptor about one­-200 th (1/200 th ) that of valsartan itself. Blockade of the renin-angiotensin system with ACE inhibitors, which inhibit the biosynthesis of angiotensin II from angiotensin I, is widely used in the treatment of hypertension. ACE inhibitors also inhibit the degradation of bradykinin, a reaction also catalyzed by ACE. Because valsartan does not inhibit ACE (kininase II), it does not affect the response to bradykinin. Whether this difference has clinical relevance is not yet known. Valsartan does not bind to or block other hormone receptors or ion channels known to be important in cardiovascular regulation. Blockade of the angiotensin II receptor inhibits the negative regulatory feedback of angiotensin II on renin secretion, but the resulting increased plasma renin activity and angiotensin II circulating levels do not overcome the effect of valsartan on blood pressure.

11 DESCRIPTION Valsartan is a nonpeptide, orally active, and specific angiotensin II receptor blocker acting on the AT 1 receptor subtype. Valsartan is chemically described as N -(1-oxopentyl)- N -[[2'-(1 H -tetrazol-5-yl) [1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl]methyl]-L-valine. Its empirical formula is C 24 H 29 N 5 O 3 , its molecular weight is 435.5, and its structural formula is Valsartan is a white to practically white fine powder. It is soluble in ethanol and methanol and slightly soluble in water. Valsartan is available as tablets for oral administration, containing 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg or 320 mg of valsartan. The inactive ingredients of the tablets are microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, pregelatinised starch, poloxamer 188, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol. Additionally Valsartan 40 mg contains Iron Oxide Yellow, Valsartan 80 mg contains Iron Oxide Red, Valsartan 160 mg contains Iron Oxide Yellow, Iron Oxide Red and Valsartan 320 mg contains Iron Oxide Yellow, Iron Oxide Black, Iron Oxide Red. Structure

10 OVERDOSAGE Limited data are available related to overdosage in humans. The most likely manifestations of overdosage would be hypotension and tachycardia; bradycardia could occur from parasympathetic (vagal) stimulation. Depressed level of consciousness, circulatory collapse and shock have been reported. If symptomatic hypotension should occur, supportive treatment should be instituted. Valsartan tablets is not removed from the plasma by hemodialysis. Valsartan was without grossly observable adverse effects at single oral doses up to 2000 mg/kg in rats and up to 1000 mg/kg in marmosets, except for salivation and diarrhea in the rat and vomiting in the marmoset at the highest dose (60 and 31 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m 2 basis). (Calculations assume an oral dose of 320 mg/day and a 60-kg patient.)

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Valsartan is available as tablets containing valsartan 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg, or 320 mg. All strengths are packaged in bottles and unit dose blister packages (10 strips of 10 tablets) as described below. Valsartan tablets USP, 40 mg: Yellow colored, oval shaped, biconvex, film coated tablets, debossed with L128 and breakline on one side and 40 on the other side. NDC46708-044-30 bottle of 30 tablets NDC 46708-044-90 bottle of 90 tablets NDC 46708-044-71 bottle of 500 tablets NDC 46708-044-91 bottle of 1000 tablets NDC 46708-044-10 cartons of 100 (10X10 unit-dose blisters) Valsartan tablets USP, 80 mg: Pink colored, oval shaped, biconvex, film coated tablets, debossed with L129 on one side and 80 on the other side. NDC 46708-045-30 bottle of 30 tablets NDC 46708-045-90 bottle of 90 tablets NDC 46708-045- 71 bottle of 500 tablets NDC 46708-045-91 bottle of 1000 tablets NDC 46708-045-10 cartons of 100 (10X10 unit-dose blisters) Valsartan tablets USP, 160 mg: Yellow colored, oval shaped, biconvex, film coated tablets, debossed with L130 on one side and 160 on the other side. NDC 46708-046-30 bottle of 30 tablets NDC 46708-046-90 bottle of 90 tablets NDC 46708-046- 71 bottle of 500 tablets NDC 46708-046-91 bottle of 1000 tablets NDC 46708-046-10 cartons of 100 (10X10 unit-dose blisters) Valsartan tablets USP, 320 mg: Purple colored, oval shaped, biconvex, film coated tablets, debossed with L127 on one side and 320 on the other side. NDC 46708-047-30 bottle of 30 tablets NDC 46708-047-90 bottle of 90 tablets NDC 46708-047- 71 bottle of 500 tablets NDC 46708-047- 91 bottle of 1000 tablets Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59 - 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture. Dispense in tight container (USP).