Tadalafil: uses, appearance and warnings

Tadalafil tablet is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of: erectile dysfunction (ED) ( 1.1 ) the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) ( 1.2 ) ED and the signs and symptoms of BPH (ED/BPH) ( 1.3 ) If tadalafil tablets are used with finasteride to initiate BPH treatment, such use is recommended for up to 26 weeks ( 1.4 ). 1.1 Erectile Dysfunction Tadalafil tablets are indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). 1.2 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Tadalafil tablets are indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 1.3 Erectile Dysfunction and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Tadalafil tablets are indicated for the treatment of ED and the signs and symptoms of BPH (ED/BPH). 1.4 Limitation of Use If tadalafil tablets are used with finasteride to initiate BPH treatment, such use is recommended for up to 26 weeks because the incremental benefit of tadalafil tablets decreases from 4 weeks until 26 weeks, and the incremental benefit of tadalafil tablets beyond 26 weeks is unknown [see Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )] .

Four strengths of almond-shaped tablets are available in different sizes and yellow color. 2.5 mg tablets debossed with "TAD" 5 mg tablets debossed with "T5" 10 mg tablets debossed with "T10" 20 mg tablets debossed with "T20" Tablets: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg ( 3 ).

16.1 How Supplied Tadalafil tablets USP are supplied as follows: Four strengths of almond-shaped tablets are available in yellow color and different sizes, and supplied in the following package sizes: 2.5 mg tablets debossed with “TAD” Bottle of 1000 NDC 72603-781-01 5 mg tablets debossed with “T5” Bottle of 1000 NDC72603-782-01 10 mg tablets debossed with “T10” Bottle of 1000 NDC 72603-783-01 20 mg tablets debossed with “T20” Bottle of 1000 NDC 72603-784-01 16.2 Storage Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep out of reach of children.

Administration of tadalafil tablets to patients using any form of organic nitrate is contraindicated. Tadalafil tablets were shown to potentiate the hypotensive effect of nitrates ( 4.1 ). History of known serious hypersensitivity reaction to tadalafil tablets or ADCIRCA ® ( 4.2 ). Administration with guanylate cyclase (GC) stimulators, such as, riociguat ( 4.3 ). 4.1 Nitrates Administration of tadalafil tablets to patients who are using any form of organic nitrate, either regularly and/or intermittently, is contraindicated. In clinical pharmacology studies, tadalafil tablets were shown to potentiate the hypotensive effect of nitrates [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )]. 4.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions Tadalafil tablets are contraindicated in patients with a known serious hypersensitivity to tadalafil (tadalafil tablets or ADCIRCA ® ). Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and exfoliative dermatitis [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )]. 4.3 Concomitant Guanylate Cyclase (GC) Stimulators Do not use tadalafil tablets in patients who are using a GC stimulator, such as riociguat. PDE5 inhibitors, including tadalafil tablets may potentiate the hypotensive effects of GC stimulators.

Evaluation of erectile dysfunction and BPH should include an appropriate medical assessment to identify potential underlying causes, as well as treatment options. Before prescribing tadalafil tablets, it is important to note the following: Patients should not use tadalafil tablets if sex is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status ( 5.1 ). Use of tadalafil tablets with alpha-blockers, antihypertensives or substantial amounts of alcohol (≥5 units) may lead to hypotension ( 5.6 , 5.9 ). Tadalafil tablets are not recommended in combination with alpha-blockers for the treatment of BPH because efficacy of the combination has not been adequately studied and because of the risk of blood pressure lowering. Caution is advised when tadalafil tablets are used as a treatment for ED in men taking alpha-blockers ( 2.7 , 5.6 , 7.1 , 12.2 ). Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours. Use tadalafil tablets with caution in patients predisposed to priapism ( 5.3 ). Patients should stop tadalafil tablets and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Tadalafil tablets should be used with caution, and only when the anticipated benefits outweigh the risks, in patients with a history of NAION. Patients with a “crowded” optic disc may also be at an increased risk of NAION ( 5.4 , 6.2 ). Patients should stop tadalafil tablets and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing ( 5.5 ). Prior to initiating treatment with tadalafil tablets for BPH, consideration should be given to other urological conditions that may cause similar symptoms ( 5.14 ). 5.1 Cardiovascular Physicians should consider the cardiovascular status of their patients, since there is a degree of cardiac risk associated with sexual activity. Therefore, treatments for erectile dysfunction, including tadalafil tablets, should not be used in men for whom sexual activity is inadvisable as a result of their underlying cardiovascular status. Patients who experience symptoms upon initiation of sexual activity should be advised to refrain from further sexual activity and seek immediate medical attention. Physicians should discuss with patients the appropriate action in the event that they experience anginal chest pain requiring nitroglycerin following intake of tadalafil tablets. In such a patient, who has taken tadalafil tablets, where nitrate administration is deemed medically necessary for a life-threatening situation, at least 48 hours should have elapsed after the last dose of tadalafil tablets before nitrate administration is considered. In such circumstances, nitrates should still only be administered under close medical supervision with appropriate hemodynamic monitoring. Therefore, patients who experience anginal chest pain after taking tadalafil tablets should seek immediate medical attention. [see Contraindications ( 4.1 ) and Patient Counseling Information ( 17.1 )]. Patients with left ventricular outflow obstruction, (e.g., aortic stenosis and idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis) can be sensitive to the action of vasodilators, including PDE5 inhibitors. The following groups of patients with cardiovascular disease were not included in clinical safety and efficacy trials for tadalafil tablets, and therefore until further information is available, tadalafil tablets are not recommended for the following groups of patients: myocardial infarction within the last 90 days unstable angina or angina occurring during sexual intercourse New York Heart Association Class 2 or greater heart failure in the last 6 months uncontrolled arrhythmias, hypotension (<90/50 mm Hg), or uncontrolled hypertension stroke within the last 6 months. As with other PDE5 inhibitors, tadalafil has mild systemic vasodilatory properties that may result in transient decreases in blood pressure. In a clinical pharmacology study, tadalafil 20 mg resulted in a mean maximal decrease in supine blood pressure, relative to placebo, of 1.6/0.8 mm Hg in healthy subjects [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )]. While this effect should not be of consequence in most patients, prior to prescribing tadalafil tablets, physicians should carefully consider whether their patients with underlying cardiovascular disease could be affected adversely by such vasodilatory effects. Patients with severely impaired autonomic control of blood pressure may be particularly sensitive to the actions of vasodilators, including PDE5 inhibitors. 5.2 Potential for Drug Interactions When Taking Tadalafil tablets for Once Daily Use Physicians should be aware that tadalafil tablets for once daily use provides continuous plasma tadalafil levels and should consider this when evaluating the potential for interactions with medications (e.g., nitrates, alpha-blockers, antihypertensives and potent inhibitors of CYP3A4) and with substantial consumption of alcohol [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 , 7.2 , 7.3 )]. 5.3 Prolonged Erection There have been rare reports of prolonged erections greater than 4 hours and priapism (painful erections greater than 6 hours in duration) for this class of compounds. Priapism, if not treated promptly, can result in irreversible damage to the erectile tissue. Patients who have an erection lasting greater than 4 hours, whether painful or not, should seek emergency medical attention. Tadalafil tablets should be used with caution in patients who have conditions that might predispose them to priapism (such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia), or in patients with anatomical deformation of the penis (such as angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, or Peyronie's disease). 5.4 Effects on the Eye Physicians should advise patients to stop use of all phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, including tadalafil tablets, and seek medical attention in the event of a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. …

Most common adverse reactions (≥2%) include headache, dyspepsia, back pain, myalgia, nasal congestion, flushing, and pain in limb. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Northstar Rx LLC at 1-800-206-7821 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. Tadalafil was administered to over 9000 men during clinical trials worldwide. In trials of tadalafil tablets for once daily use, a total of 1434, 905, and 115 were treated for at least 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively. …

Tadalafil tablets can potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates, alpha-blockers, antihypertensives or alcohol ( 7.1 ). CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole, ritonavir) increase tadalafil tablets exposure ( 2.7 , 5.10 , 7.2 ) requiring dose adjustment: Tadalafil tablets for use as needed: no more than 10 mg every 72 hours Tadalafil tablets for once daily use: dose not to exceed 2.5 mg CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. rifampin) decrease tadalafil tablets exposure ( 7.2 ). 7.1 Potential for Pharmacodynamic Interactions with Tadalafil Tablets Nitrates — Administration of tadalafil tablets to patients who are using any form of organic nitrate, is contraindicated. In clinical pharmacology studies, tadalafil tablets were shown to potentiate the hypotensive effect of nitrates. …