Rilpivirine-Tenofovir DF-Emtricitabine (Complera)

Limitations of Use:

• More rilpivirine-treated subjects with HIV-1 RNA greater than 100,000 copies/mL at the start of therapy experienced virologic failure (HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies/mL) compared to rilpivirine-treated subjects with HIV-1 RNA less than or equal to 100,000 copies/mL [see Clinical Studies (14)].

Prior to or when initiating COMPLERA, test patients for hepatitis B virus infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Prior to initiation of COMPLERA, and during treatment with COMPLERA, on a clinically appropriate schedule, assess serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, urine glucose and urine protein in all patients. In patients with chronic kidney disease, also assess serum phosphorus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

COMPLERA is a three-drug fixed dose combination product containing 200 mg of emtricitabine (FTC), 25 mg of rilpivirine (RPV), and 300 mg of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). The recommended dosage of COMPLERA in adult and pediatric patients weighing at least 35 kg is one tablet taken orally once daily with food [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

For pregnant patients who are already on COMPLERA prior to pregnancy and are virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL), one tablet of COMPLERA taken once daily may be continued. Lower exposures of rilpivirine, a component of COMPLERA, were observed during pregnancy, therefore viral load should be monitored closely [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

COMPLERA is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance below 50 mL per minute) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

If COMPLERA is coadministered with rifabutin, take an additional 25 mg tablet of rilpivirine (Edurant^®) with COMPLERA once daily with a meal for the duration of the rifabutin coadministration [see Drug Interactions (7.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Test all patients with HIV-1 for the presence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) before or when initiating antiretroviral therapy [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B (e.g., liver decompensation and liver failure) have been reported in patients who are coinfected with HBV and HIV-1 and have discontinued products containing FTC and/or TDF, two of the components of COMPLERA. Patients coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV who discontinue COMPLERA should be closely monitored with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months after stopping treatment with COMPLERA. If appropriate, initiation of anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted, especially in patients with advanced liver disease or cirrhosis, since posttreatment exacerbation of hepatitis may lead to hepatic decompensation and liver failure.

Severe skin and hypersensitivity reactions have been reported during the postmarketing experience, including cases of Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) with RPV-containing regimens. While some skin reactions were accompanied by constitutional symptoms such as fever, other skin reactions were associated with organ dysfunctions, including elevations in hepatic serum biochemistries. During the Phase 3 clinical trials, treatment-related rashes with at least Grade 2 severity were reported in 1% of subjects receiving RPV plus FTC/TDF. Overall, most rashes were Grade 1 or 2 and occurred in the first four to six weeks of therapy [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 and 6.2)].

Discontinue COMPLERA immediately if signs or symptoms of severe skin or hypersensitivity reactions develop, including but not limited to, severe rash or rash accompanied by fever, blisters, mucosal involvement, conjunctivitis, facial edema, angioedema, hepatitis, or eosinophilia. Clinical status including laboratory parameters should be monitored and appropriate therapy should be initiated.

Hepatic adverse events have been reported in patients receiving an RPV-containing regimen. Patients with underlying hepatitis B or C virus infection, or marked elevations in liver-associated tests prior to treatment, may be at increased risk for worsening or development of liver-associated test elevations with use of COMPLERA. A few cases of hepatic toxicity have been reported in adult patients receiving an RPV-containing regimen who had no pre-existing hepatic disease or other identifiable risk factors. Appropriate laboratory testing prior to initiating therapy and monitoring for hepatotoxicity during therapy with COMPLERA is recommended in patients with underlying hepatic disease such as hepatitis B or C, or in patients with marked elevations in liver-associated tests prior to treatment initiation. Liver-associated test monitoring should also be considered for patients without pre-existing hepatic dysfunction or other risk factors.

The adverse reaction depressive disorders (depressed mood, depression, dysphoria, major depression, mood altered, negative thoughts, suicide attempt, suicidal ideation) has been reported with RPV. Patients with severe depressive symptoms should seek immediate medical evaluation to assess the possibility that the symptoms are related to COMPLERA, and if so, to determine whether the risks of continued therapy outweigh the benefits.

During the Phase 3 trials in adults (N=1368) through 96 weeks, the incidence of depressive disorders (regardless of causality, severity) reported among RPV (n=686) or efavirenz (EFV, n=682) was 9% and 8%, respectively. Most events were mild or moderate in severity. The incidence of Grades 3 and 4 depressive disorders (regardless of causality) was 1% for both RPV and EFV. The incidence of discontinuation due to depressive disorders among RPV or EFV was 1% in each arm. Suicidal ideation was reported in 4 subjects in each arm while suicide attempt was reported in 2 subjects in the RPV arm.

During the Phase 2 trial in pediatric subjects 12 to less than 18 years of age (N=36) receiving RPV through 48 weeks, the incidence of depressive disorders (regardless of causality, severity) was 19.4% (7/36). Most events were mild or moderate in severity. The incidence of Grade 3 and 4 depressive disorders (regardless of causality) was 5.6% (2/36). None of the subjects discontinued due to depressive disorders. Suicidal ideation and suicide attempt were reported in 1 subject.

Renal impairment, including cases of acute renal failure and Fanconi syndrome (renal tubular injury with severe hypophosphatemia), has been reported with the use of TDF [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Prior to initiation of COMPLERA, and during treatment with COMPLERA, on a clinically appropriate schedule, assess serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, urine glucose, and urine protein in all patients. In patients with chronic kidney disease, also assess serum phosphorus.

COMPLERA should be avoided with concurrent or recent use of a nephrotoxic agent (e.g., high-dose or multiple nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]) [see Drug Interactions (7.4)]. Cases of acute renal failure after initiation of high-dose or multiple NSAIDs have been reported in HIV-infected patients with risk factors for renal dysfunction who appeared stable on TDF. Some patients required hospitalization and renal replacement therapy. Alternatives to NSAIDs should be considered, if needed, in patients at risk for renal dysfunction.

Persistent or worsening bone pain, pain in extremities, fractures, and/or muscular pain or weakness may be manifestations of proximal renal tubulopathy and should prompt an evaluation of renal function in at-risk patients.

Emtricitabine and TDF are principally eliminated by the kidney; however, RPV is not. Since COMPLERA is a combination product and the dose of the individual components cannot be altered, COMPLERA is not recommended in patients with estimated creatinine clearance below 50 mL per minute [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

The concomitant use of COMPLERA and other drugs may result in potentially significant drug interactions, some of which may lead to [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Contraindications (4), and Drug Interactions (7)]:

• Loss of therapeutic effect of COMPLERA and possible development of resistance due to reduced exposure to RPV.
• Possible clinically significant adverse reaction from greater exposures of components of COMPLERA.

In healthy subjects, 75 mg once daily and 300 mg once daily doses of RPV (3 times and 12 times the dose in COMPLERA) have been shown to prolong the QTc interval of the electrocardiogram. Consider alternatives to COMPLERA when coadministered with a drug that is known to have a risk of Torsade de Pointes [see Drug Interactions (7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

See Table 4 for steps to prevent or manage these possible and known significant drug interactions, including dosing recommendations. Consider the potential for drug interactions prior to and during COMPLERA therapy and review concomitant medications during COMPLERA therapy.

Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogs, including TDF and FTC, components of COMPLERA, alone or in combination with other antiretrovirals. Treatment with COMPLERA should be suspended in any patient who develops clinical or laboratory findings suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity (which may include hepatomegaly and steatosis even in the absence of marked transaminase elevations).

Immune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy, including the components of COMPLERA. During the initial phase of combination antiretroviral treatment, patients whose immune system responds may develop an inflammatory response to indolent or residual opportunistic infections (such as Mycobacterium avium infection, cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia [PCP], or tuberculosis), which may necessitate further evaluation and treatment.

Autoimmune disorders (such as Graves' disease, polymyositis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and autoimmune hepatitis) have also been reported to occur in the setting of immune reconstitution; however, the time to onset is more variable and can occur many months after initiation of treatment.

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.

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postmarketing experience in patients receiving RPV- or TDF-containing regimens. Because postmarketing 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 drug exposure.

Because COMPLERA is a complete regimen, coadministration with other antiretroviral medications for the treatment of HIV-1 infection is not recommended. Comprehensive information regarding potential drug-drug interactions with other antiretroviral medications is not provided.

This section describes clinically relevant drug interactions with COMPLERA. Drug interaction studies were conducted with the components of COMPLERA (FTC, RPV, and TDF as single agents) or with COMPLERA as a combination product [see Dosage and Administration (2), Contraindications (4), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Rilpivirine is primarily metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A, and drugs that induce or inhibit CYP3A may thus affect the clearance of RPV [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.7), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Coadministration of RPV and drugs that induce CYP3A may result in decreased plasma concentrations of RPV and loss of virologic response and possible resistance to RPV or to the class of NNRTIs. Coadministration of RPV and drugs that inhibit CYP3A may result in increased plasma concentrations of RPV.

Coadministration of RPV with drugs that increase gastric pH may decrease plasma concentrations of RPV and loss of virologic response and possible resistance to RPV or to the class of NNRTIs. Use of RPV with proton pump inhibitors is contraindicated and use of RPV with H₂-receptor antagonists requires staggered administration [see Contraindications (4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Because FTC and tenofovir are primarily eliminated by the kidneys through a combination of glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion, coadministration of COMPLERA with drugs that reduce renal function or compete for active tubular secretion may increase serum concentrations of FTC, tenofovir, and/or other renally eliminated drugs. Some examples of drugs that are eliminated by active tubular secretion include, but are not limited to, acyclovir, adefovir dipivoxil, cidofovir, ganciclovir, valacyclovir, valganciclovir, aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin), and high-dose or multiple NSAIDs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

There is limited information available on the potential for a pharmacodynamic interaction between RPV and drugs that prolong the QTc interval of the electrocardiogram. In a study of healthy subjects, 75 mg once daily and 300 mg once daily doses of RPV (3 times and 12 times the dose in COMPLERA) have been shown to prolong the QTc interval of the electrocardiogram [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. Consider alternatives to COMPLERA when coadministered with a drug with a known risk of Torsade de Pointes.

Important drug interaction information for COMPLERA is summarized in Table 4. The drug interactions described are based on studies conducted with FTC, RPV, or TDF as individual medications or with COMPLERA as a combination product, or are potential drug interactions [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) , Tables 9–14]. For list of contraindicated drugs, [see Contraindications (4)].

No clinically significant drug interactions have been observed between FTC and the following medications: famciclovir, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir, or TDF.

No clinically significant drug interactions have been observed between TDF and the following medications: entecavir, methadone, oral contraceptives, ribavirin, sofosbuvir, or tacrolimus in studies conducted in healthy subjects.

No clinically significant drug interactions have been observed between RPV and the following medications: acetaminophen, atorvastatin, chlorzoxazone, ethinyl estradiol, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, norethindrone, sildenafil, simeprevir, sofosbuvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir, or TDF. RPV did not have a clinically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin or metformin.

The safety and effectiveness of COMPLERA as a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection was established in pediatric subjects 12 years of age and older with body weight greater than or equal to 35 kg [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. Use of COMPLERA in this age group weighing at least 35 kg is supported by adequate and well-controlled studies of RPV+FTC+TDF in adults with HIV-1 infection as well as data from pediatric studies of the individual components of COMPLERA (RPV, FTC, and TDF) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), and Clinical Studies (14.2)].

COMPLERA should only be administered to pediatric patients with a body weight greater than or equal to 35 kg. Because COMPLERA is a fixed-dose combination tablet, the dose of COMPLERA cannot be adjusted for patients of lower weight. Safety and effectiveness for COMPLERA have not been established in pediatric patients weighing less than 35 kg [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Clinical studies of FTC, RPV, or TDF did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, dose selection for elderly patients should be cautious, keeping in mind the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Because COMPLERA is a fixed-dose combination, and cannot be dose adjusted, it is not recommended in patients with moderate, severe, or end-stage renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance below 50 mL per minute) or that require dialysis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

No dose adjustment of COMPLERA is required in patients with mild (Child-Pugh Class A) or moderate (Child-Pugh Class B) hepatic impairment. COMPLERA has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Emtricitabine: Hemodialysis treatment removes approximately 30% of the FTC dose over a 3-hour dialysis period starting within 1.5 hours of FTC dosing (blood flow rate of 400 mL per minute and a dialysate flow rate of 600 mL per minute). It is not known whether FTC can be removed by peritoneal dialysis.

Rilpivirine: There is no specific antidote for overdose with RPV. Human experience of overdose with RPV is limited. Since RPV is highly bound to plasma protein, dialysis is unlikely to result in significant removal of RPV.

Tenofovir DF: Tenofovir is efficiently removed by hemodialysis with an extraction coefficient of approximately 54%. Following a single 300 mg dose of TDF, a 4-hour hemodialysis session removed approximately 10% of the administered tenofovir dose.

Emtricitabine: The chemical name of FTC is 5-fluoro-1-[(2R,5S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl]cytosine. Emtricitabine is the (-) enantiomer of a thio analog of cytidine, which differs from other cytidine analogs in that it has a fluorine in the 5-position.

It has a molecular formula of C₈H₁₀FN₃O₃S and a molecular weight of 247.24. It has the following structural formula:

FTC is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a solubility of approximately 112 mg per mL in water at 25 °C.

Rilpivirine: RPV is available as the hydrochloride salt. The chemical name for rilpivirine hydrochloride is 4-[[4-[[4-[(E)-2-cyanoethenyl]-2,6-dimethylphenyl]amino]-2-pyrimidinyl]amino]benzonitrile monohydrochloride. Its molecular formula is C₂₂H₁₈N₆ ∙ HCl and its molecular weight is 402.88. Rilpivirine hydrochloride has the following structural formula:

Rilpivirine hydrochloride is a white to almost white powder. Rilpivirine hydrochloride is practically insoluble in water over a wide pH range.

Tenofovir DF: TDF is a fumaric acid salt of the bis-isopropoxycarbonyloxymethyl ester derivative of tenofovir. The chemical name of TDF is 9-[(R)-2 [[bis[[(isopropoxycarbonyl)oxy]- methoxy]phosphinyl]methoxy]propyl]adenine fumarate (1:1). It has a molecular formula of C₁₉H₃₀N₅O₁₀P ∙ C₄H₄O₄ and a molecular weight of 635.52. It has the following structural formula:

TDF is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a solubility of 13.4 mg per mL in water at 25 °C. All dosages are expressed in terms of TDF except where otherwise noted.

COMPLERA is a fixed-dose combination of the antiretroviral drugs FTC, RPV, and TDF [see Microbiology (12.4)].

The pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of RPV in combination with other antiretroviral agents was evaluated in a single-arm, open-label Phase 2 trial in antiretroviral treatment-naïve HIV-1-infected pediatric subjects 12 to less than 18 years of age and weighing at least 32 kg (TMC-C213). Thirty-six (36) subjects were enrolled with a median age of 14.5 years (range 12 to 17 years), and were 55.6% female, 88.9% Black, and 11.1% Asian. The majority of subjects (24/36) received RPV in combination with FTC and TDF. Of these 24 subjects, 20 had baseline HIV RNA ≤100,000 copies/mL. The baseline characteristics and efficacy outcomes at Week 48 are further described below for the 20 subjects.

The median baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA and CD4+ cell count were 49,550 (range 2060 to 92,600 copies/mL) and 437.5 cells/mm³ (range 123 to 983 cells/mm³), respectively. At Week 48, 80% (16/20) of the subjects had HIV RNA <50 copies/mL, 15% (3/20) had HIV RNA ≥50 copies/mL, and one subject discontinued therapy prior to Week 48 and before reaching virologic suppression (HIV RNA <50 copies/mL). At Week 48, the mean increase in CD4+ cell count from baseline was 225 cells/mm³.

Store at 25 °C (77 °F), excursions permitted to 15 °C–30 °C (59 °F–86 °F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Keep container tightly closed.

Dispense only in original container.

Posttreatment Acute Exacerbation of Hepatitis B in Patients Coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV

Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients who are coinfected with HBV and HIV-1 and who have discontinued products containing FTC or TDF [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Advise patients to not discontinue COMPLERA without first informing their healthcare provider.

Severe Skin Reactions and Hypersensitivity

Advise patients to immediately contact their healthcare provider if they develop a rash. Instruct patients to immediately stop taking COMPLERA and seek medical attention if they develop a rash associated with any of the following symptoms, as it may be a sign of a more serious reaction such as DRESS severe hypersensitivity: fever, blisters, mucosal involvement, eye inflammation (conjunctivitis), severe allergic reaction causing swelling of the face, eyes, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat which may lead to difficulty swallowing or breathing, and any signs and symptoms of liver problems, as they may be a sign of a more serious reaction. Patients should understand that if severe rash occurs, they will be closely monitored, laboratory tests will be performed and appropriate therapy will be initiated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Hepatotoxicity

Inform patients that hepatotoxicity has been reported with COMPLERA and that monitoring for hepatotoxicity is recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Depressive Disorders

Inform patients that depressive disorders (depressed mood, depression, dysphoria, major depression, mood altered, negative thoughts, suicide attempt, suicidal ideation) have been reported with COMPLERA. Advise patients to seek immediate medical evaluation if they experience depressive symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

New Onset or Worsening Renal Impairment

Inform patients that renal impairment, including cases of acute renal failure and Fanconi syndrome, has been reported in association with the use of TDF. COMPLERA should be avoided with concurrent or recent use of a nephrotoxic agent (e.g., high-dose or multiple NSAIDs) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Bone Loss and Mineralization Defects

Inform patients that decreases in bone mineral density have been observed with the use of TDF. Assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) should be considered in patients who have a history of pathologic bone fracture or other risk factors for osteoporosis or bone loss [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

Drug Interactions

COMPLERA may interact with many drugs and is not recommended to be coadministered with numerous drugs. Advise patients to report to their healthcare provider the use of any other prescription or nonprescription medication or herbal products, including St. John's wort [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.7), and Drug Interactions (7)].

For patients receiving rifabutin, an additional 25 mg tablet of RPV (Edurant) once per day is recommended to be taken concomitantly with COMPLERA and with a meal for the duration of rifabutin coadministration.

Lactic Acidosis and Severe Hepatomegaly

Inform patients that lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported. Treatment with COMPLERA should be suspended in any patient who develops clinical symptoms suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

Immune Reconstitution Syndrome

Inform patients to inform their healthcare provider immediately of any signs and symptoms of inflammation from previous infections, which may occur soon after anti-HIV treatment is started [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].

Dosing Instructions

Advise patients that it is important to take COMPLERA on a regular dosing schedule with food and to avoid missing doses. A protein drink is not a substitute for food. If the healthcare provider decides to stop COMPLERA and the patient is switched to new medicines to treat HIV that include RPV tablets, the RPV tablets should be taken only with a meal.

Pregnancy Registry

Inform patients that there is an antiretroviral pregnancy registry to monitor fetal outcomes in those exposed to COMPLERA during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Lactation

Instruct patients with HIV-1 infection not to breastfeed because HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].