How Much Does Glycerol Phenylbutyrate Cost in Mexico vs the USA?

Glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid is indicated for use as a nitrogen-binding agent for chronic management of patients with urea cycle disorders (UCDs) who cannot be managed by dietary protein restriction and/or amino acid supplementation alone. Glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid must be used with dietary protein restriction and, in some cases, dietary supplements (e.g., essential amino acids, arginine, citrulline, protein-free calorie supplements). Limitations of Use: Glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid is not indicated for the treatment of acute hyperammonemia in patients with UCDs because more rapidly acting interventions are essential to reduce plasma ammonia levels. The safety and efficacy of glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid for the treatment of N -acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS) deficiency has not been established. Glycerol phenylbutyrate is a nitrogen-binding agent indicated for chronic management of patients with urea cycle disorders (UCDs) who cannot be managed by dietary protein restriction and/or amino acid supplementation alone. Glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid must be used with dietary protein restriction and, in some cases, dietary supplements. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use: Glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid is not indicated for treatment of acute hyperammonemia in patients with UCDs. ( 1 ) Safety and efficacy for treatment of N-acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS) deficiency has not been established. ( 1 )

Glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid should be prescribed by a physician experienced in management of UCDs. For administration and preparation, see full prescribing information. ( 2.1 , 2.6 ) Switching From Sodium Phenylbutyrate Tablets or Powder to Glycerol Phenylbutyrate Oral Liquid : Patients should receive the dosage of glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid that contains the same amount of phenylbutyric acid, see full prescribing information for conversion. ( 2.2 ) Initial Dosage in Phenylbutyrate-Naïve Patients ( 2.3 ): Recommended dosage range is 4.5 to 11.2 mL/m 2 /day (5 to 12.4 g/m 2 /day). For patients with some residual enzyme activity not adequately controlled with dietary restriction, the recommended starting dose is 4.5 mL/m 2 /day. Take into account patient's estimated urea synthetic capacity, dietary protein intake, and diet adherence. Dosage Adjustment and Monitoring : Follow plasma ammonia levels to determine the need for dosage titration. ( 2.4 ) Dosage Modifications in Patients with Hepatic Impairment : Start dosage at lower end of range. ( 2.5 , 8.7 ) 2.1 Important Administration Instructions Glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid should be prescribed by a physician experienced in the management of UCDs. Instruct patients to take glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid with food or formula and to administer directly into the mouth via oral syringe. Instruct patients to use the glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid bottle and oral syringe as follows: Use a new reclosable bottle cap adapter with each new bottle that is opened. Open the glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid bottle and twist on the new reclosable bottle cap adapter. Use a new and dry oral syringe to withdraw each prescribed dose of glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid. Discard the oral syringe after each dose. Tightly close the tethered tab on the reclosable bottle cap adapter after each use. Do not rinse the reclosable bottle cap adapter. Discard bottle and any remaining contents 28 days after opening. If water or moisture enters the glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid bottle, the contents will become cloudy in appearance. If the contents of the bottle appear cloudy at any time, do not use the remaining glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid in the bottle and return it to the pharmacy to be discarded. Instruct that glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid should be administered just prior to breastfeeding in infants who are breastfeeding. For patients who cannot swallow, see the instructions on administration of glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid by nasogastric tube or gastrostomy tube [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) ] . For patients who require a volume of less than 1 mL per dose via nasogastric or gastrostomy tube, the delivered dose may be less than anticipated. Closely monitor these patients using ammonia levels [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) ] . The recommended dosages for patients switching from sodium phenylbutyrate to glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid and patients naïve to phenylbutyric acid are different [see Dosage and Administration (2.2 , 2.3 )]. For both subpopulations: Patients 2 years of age and older: Give glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid in 3 equally divided dosages, each rounded up to the nearest 0.5 mL Patients less than 2 years: Give glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid in 3 or more equally divided dosages, each rounded up to the nearest 0.1 mL. The maximum total daily dosage is 17.5 mL (19 g). Glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid must be used with dietary protein restriction and, in some cases, dietary supplements (e.g., essential amino acids, arginine, citrulline, protein-free calorie supplements). 2.2 Switching From Sodium Phenylbutyrate to Glycerol Phenylbutyrate Oral Liquid Patients switching from sodium phenylbutyrate to glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid should receive the dosage of glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid that contains the same amount of phenylbutyric acid. The conversion is as follows: Total daily dosage of glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid (mL) = total daily dosage of sodium phenylbutyrate tablets (g) x 0.86 Total daily dosage of glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid (mL) = total daily dosage of sodium phenylbutyrate powder (g) x 0.81 2.3 Initial Dosage in Phenylbutyrate-Naïve Patients The recommended dosage range, based upon body surface area, in patients naïve to phenylbutyrate (PBA) is 4.5 to 11.2 mL/m 2 /day (5 to 12.4 g/m 2 /day). For patients with some residual enzyme activity who are not adequately controlled with protein restriction, the recommended starting dosage is 4.5 mL/m 2 /day. In determining the starting dosage of glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid in treatment-naïve patients, consider the patient’s residual urea synthetic capacity, dietary protein requirements, and diet adherence. Dietary protein is approximately 16% nitrogen by weight. Given that approximately 47% of dietary nitrogen is excreted as waste and approximately 70% of an administered PBA dose will be converted to urinary phenylacetylglutamine (U-PAGN), an initial estimated glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid dose for a 24-hour period is 0.6 mL glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid per gram of dietary protein ingested per 24-hour period. The total daily dosage should not exceed 17.5 mL. 2.4 Dosage Adjustment and Monitoring During treatment with glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid, patients should be followed clinically and with plasma ammonia levels to determine the need for dosage titration. Closely monitor plasma ammonia levels during treatment with glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid and when changing the dosage of glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid. The methods used for measuring plasma ammonia levels vary among individual laboratories and values obtained using different assay methods may not be interchangeable. Normal ranges and therapeutic target levels for plasma ammonia depend upon the assay method used by the individual laboratory. During treatment with glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid, refer to the assay-specific normal ranges and to the therapeutic target ranges for plasma ammonia. Normal Plasma Ammonia In patients treated with glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid who experience neurologic symptoms (e.g. nausea, vomiting, headache, somnolence or confusion) in the absence of high plasma ammonia or other intercurrent illness to explain these symptoms, consider reducing the glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid dosage and clinically monitor patients for potential neurotoxicity from high phenylacetate (PAA) concentrations. If available, obtain measurements of plasma PAA concentrations and plasma phenylacetylglutamine (PAGN) to calculate the ratio of plasma PAA to PAGN which may help to guide glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid dosing. The PAA to PAGN ratio has generally been less than 1 in patients with UCDs who did not have significant plasma PAA accumulation. In general, a high PAA to PAGN ratio may indicate a slower or less efficient conjugation reaction to form PAGN, which may lead to increases in PAA without further conversion to PAGN [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Elevated Plasma Ammonia In patients 6 years and older, when plasma ammonia is elevated, increase the glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid dosage to maintain fasting plasma ammonia to less than half the upper limit of normal (ULN). In infants and pediatric patients below 6 years of age, if obtaining fasting ammonia is problematic due to frequent feedings, adjust the glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid dosage to keep the first ammonia of the morning below the ULN for age. If available, the ratio of PAA to PAGN in the same plasma sample may provide additional information to assist in dosage adjustment decisions [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Dietary Protein Intake If available, urinary phenylacetylglutamine (U-PAGN) measurements may be used to help guide glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid dosage adjustment. Each gram of U-PAGN excreted over 24 hours covers waste nitrogen generated from 1.4 grams of dietary protein. If U-PAGN excretion is insufficient to cover daily dietary protein intake and the fasting ammonia is greater than half the ULN, the glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid dosage should be increased. The amount of dosage adjustment should factor in the amount of dietary protein that has not been covered, as indicated by the 24-hour U-PAGN output, and the estimated glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid dose needed per gram of dietary protein ingested and the maximum total daily dosage (i.e., 17.5 mL). Consider a patient’s use of concomitant medications, such as probenecid, when making dosage adjustment decisions based on U-PAGN. Probenecid may result in a decrease of the urinary excretion of PAGN [see Drug Interactions (7.2) ]. 2.5 Dosage Modifications in Patients with Hepatic Impairment For patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment, the recommended starting dosage is at the lower end of the recommended dosing range (4.5 mL/m 2 /day) and the dosage should be kept at the lowest necessary to control the patient’s plasma ammonia [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) ] . 2.6 Preparation for Nasogastric Tube or Gastrostomy Tube Administration It is recommended that all patients who can swallow take glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid orally, even those with nasogastric and/or gastrostomy tubes. For patients who cannot swallow, a nasogastric tube or gastrostomy tube may be used to administer glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid as follows: Utilize a new dry oral syringe to withdraw each prescribed dosage of glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid from the bottle. Place the tip of the syringe into the nasogastric/gastrostomy tube. Utilizing the plunger of the syringe, administer glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid into the tube. Use a separate syringe to flush the nasogastric/gastrostomy tube. Flush once with 10 mL of water or formula and allow the flush to drain. If needed, flush a second time with an additional 10 mL of water or formula to clear the tube. For patients who require a volume of less than 1 mL per dose via nasogastric or gastrostomy tube, the delivered dosage may be less than anticipated due to adherence of glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid to the plastic tubing. Therefore, these patients should be closely monitored using ammonia levels following initiation of glycerol phenylbutyrate oral liquid dosing or dosage adjustments.

Neurotoxicity : Phenylacetate (PAA), the active moiety of glycerol phenylbutyrate, may be toxic; reduce dosage for symptoms of neurotoxicity. ( 5.1 ) Pancreatic Insufficiency or Intestinal Malabsorption: Monitor ammonia levels closely. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Neurotoxicity Increased exposure to PAA, the major metabolite of glycerol phenylbutyrate, may be associated with neurotoxicity in patients with UCDs. In a study of adult cancer patients, subjects received sodium phenylacetate administered as a 1-hour infusion twice daily at two dose levels of 125 and 150 mg/kg for a 2-week period. Of 18 subjects enrolled, 7 had a history of primary central nervous system tumor. Signs and symptoms of potential PAA neurotoxicity, which were reversible, were reported at plasma PAA concentrations above 500 micrograms/mL and included somnolence, fatigue, lightheadedness, headache, dysgeusia, hypoacusis, disorientation, impaired memory, and exacerbation of preexisting neuropathy. PAA concentrations were not measured when symptoms resolved. In healthy subjects, after administration of 4 mL and 6 mL glycerol phenylbutyrate 3 times daily (13.2 g/day and 19.8 g/day, respectively) for 3 days, a dose-dependent increase in non-serious nervous system adverse reactions were observed. In subjects who had nervous system adverse reactions, plasma PAA concentrations, which were measured on Day 3 per protocol and not always at onset of symptoms, ranged from 8 to 56 micrograms/mL with 4 mL glycerol phenylbutyrate 3 times daily and from 31 to 242 micrograms/mL with 6 mL glycerol phenylbutyrate 3 times daily. In clinical trials in patients with UCDs who had been on sodium phenylbutyrate prior to administration of glycerol phenylbutyrate, adverse reactions of headache, fatigue, symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, seizures, tremor and/or dizziness were reported. No correlation between plasma PAA concentration and neurologic symptoms was identified but plasma PAA concentrations were generally not consistently measured at the time of neurologic symptom occurrence [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . If symptoms of vomiting, nausea, headache, somnolence or confusion are present in the absence of high ammonia or other intercurrent illness which explains these symptoms, consider the potential for PAA neurotoxicity which may need reduction in the glycerol phenylbutyrate dosage [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . 5.2 Pancreatic Insufficiency or Intestinal Malabsorption Exocrine pancreatic enzymes hydrolyze glycerol phenylbutyrate in the small intestine, separating the active moiety, phenylbutyrate, from glycerol. This process allows phenylbutyrate to be absorbed into the circulation. Low or absent pancreatic enzymes or intestinal disease resulting in fat malabsorption may result in reduced or absent digestion of glycerol phenylbutyrate and/or absorption of phenylbutyrate and reduced control of plasma ammonia. Monitor ammonia levels closely in patients with pancreatic insufficiency or intestinal malabsorption.

Corticosteroids, valproic acid, or haloperidol : May increase plasma ammonia level; monitor ammonia levels closely. ( 7.1 ) Probenecid : May affect renal excretion of metabolites of glycerol phenylbutyrate, including phenylacetylglutamine (PAGN) and PAA. ( 7.2 ) CYP3A4 Substrates with narrow therapeutic index (e.g., alfentanil, quinidine, cyclosporine) : Glycerol phenylbutyrate may decrease exposure; monitor for decreased efficacy of the narrow therapeutic index drug. ( 7.3 ) Midazolam : Decreased exposure; monitor for suboptimal effect of midazolam. ( 7.3 ) 7.1 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect Ammonia Corticosteroids Use of corticosteroids may cause the breakdown of body protein and increase plasma ammonia levels. Monitor ammonia levels closely when corticosteroids and glycerol phenylbutyrate are used concomitantly. Valproic Acid and Haloperidol Hyperammonemia may be induced by haloperidol and by valproic acid. Monitor ammonia levels closely when use of valproic acid or haloperidol is necessary in patients with UCDs. 7.2 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect Glycerol Phenylbutyrate Probenecid Probenecid may inhibit the renal excretion of metabolites of glycerol phenylbutyrate including PAGN and PAA. 7.3 Potential for Glycerol Phenylbutyrate to Affect Other Drugs Drugs with narrow therapeutic index that are substrates of CYP3A4 Glycerol phenylbutyrate is a weak inducer of CYP3A4 in humans. Concomitant use of glycerol phenylbutyrate may decrease the systemic exposure to drugs that are substrates of CYP3A4. Monitor for decreased efficacy of drugs with narrow therapeutic index (e.g., alfentanil, quinidine, cyclosporine) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Midazolam Concomitant use of glycerol phenylbutyrate decreased the systemic exposure of midazolam. Monitor for suboptimal effect of midazolam in patients who are being treated with glycerol phenylbutyrate.

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Neurotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Pancreatic insufficiency or Intestinal Malabsorption [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥10%) in adults are: diarrhea, flatulence, and headache. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. at 1-866-850-2876 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. Assessment of adverse reactions was based on exposure of 45 adult patients (31 female and 14 male) with UCD subtype deficiencies of ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC, n=40), carbamoyl phosphate synthetase (CPS, n=2), and argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS, n=1) in a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled (glycerol phenylbutyrate vs sodium phenylbutyrate), crossover, 4-week study (Study 1) that enrolled patients 18 years of age and older [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ]. One of the 45 patients received only sodium phenylbutyrate prior to withdrawing on day 1 of the study due to an adverse reaction. The most common adverse reactions (occurring in at least 10% of patients) reported during short-term treatment with glycerol phenylbutyrate were diarrhea, flatulence, and headache. Table 1 summarizes adverse reactions occurring in 2 or more patients treated with glycerol phenylbutyrate or sodium phenylbutyrate (incidence of at least 4% in either treatment arm). Table 1: Adverse Reactions Reported in 2 or More Adult Patients with UCDs (at least 4% in Either Treatment Arm) in Study 1 Number (%) of Patients in Study 1 Sodium Phenylbutyrate (N = 45) Glycerol Phenylbutyrate (N = 44) Diarrhea 3 (7) 7 (16) Headache 4 (9) 6 (14) Flatulence 1 (2) 6 (14) Abdominal pain 2 (4) 3 (7) Vomiting 2 (4) 3 (7) Decreased appetite 2 (4) 3 (7) Fatigue 1 (2) 3 (7) Dyspepsia 3 (7) 2 (5) Nausea 3 (7) 1 (2) Dizziness 4 (9) 0 Abdominal discomfort 3 (7) 0 Other Adverse Reactions Glycerol phenylbutyrate has been evaluated in 77 patients with UCDs (51 adult and 26 pediatric patients ages 2 years to 17 years) in 2 open-label long-term studies, in which 69 patients completed 12 months of treatment with glycerol phenylbutyrate (median exposure = 51 weeks). During these studies there were no deaths. Adverse reactions reported in at least 10% of adult patients were nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, dizziness, headache, and fatigue. Adverse reactions reported in at least 10% of pediatric patients ages 2 years to 17 years were upper abdominal pain, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and headache. Glycerol phenylbutyrate has been evaluated in 17 patients with UCDs ages 2 months to less than 2 years in 3 open-label studies. The median exposure was 6 months (range 0.2 to 20 months). Adverse reactions reported in at least 10% of pediatric patients aged 2 months to less than 2 years were neutropenia, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, pyrexia, hypophagia, cough, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, rash, and papule. Glycerol phenylbutyrate has been evaluated in 16 patients with UCDs less than 2 months of age (age range 0.1 to 2 months, median age 0.5 months) in a single, open-label study. The median exposure was 10 months (range 2 to 20 months). Adverse reactions reported in at least 10% of pediatric patients aged less than 2 months were vomiting, rash, gastroesophageal reflux, increased hepatic enzymes, feeding disorder (decreased appetite, hypophagia), anemia, cough, dehydration, metabolic acidosis, thrombocytosis, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, lymphocytosis, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation, pyrexia, lethargy, and irritability/agitation. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of glycerol phenylbutyrate. Because these 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: Abnormal body odor, including from skin, hair and urine Retching and gagging Dysgeusia or burning sensation in mouth

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited available data with glycerol phenylbutyrate use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. In an animal reproduction study, administration of oral glycerol phenylbutyrate to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis at doses up to 2.7–times the dose of 6.87 mL/m 2 /day in adult patients resulted in maternal toxicity, but had no effects on embryo-fetal development. In addition, there were no adverse developmental effects with administration of oral glycerol phenylbutyrate to pregnant rats during organogenesis at 1.9 times the dose of 6.87 mL/m 2 /day in adult patients; however, maternal toxicity, reduced fetal weights, and variations in skeletal development were observed in pregnant rats administered oral glycerol phenylbutyrate during organogenesis at doses greater than or equal to 5.7 times the dose of 6.87 mL/m 2 /day in adult patients [ see Data] . Report pregnancies to Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc.at 1-866-850-2876. 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. Data Animal Data Oral administration of glycerol phenylbutyrate during the period of organogenesis up to 350 mg/kg/day in rabbits produced maternal toxicity, but no effects on embryo-fetal development. The dose of 350 mg/kg/day in rabbits is approximately 2.7 times the dose of 6.87 mL/m 2 /day in adult patients, based on combined area under the plasma concentration-time curve [AUCs] for PBA and PAA. In rats, at an oral dose of 300 mg/kg/day of glycerol phenylbutyrate (1.9 times the dose of 6.87 mL/m 2 /day in adult patients, based on combined AUCs for PBA and PAA) during the period of organogenesis, no effects on embryo-fetal development were observed. Doses of 650 mg/kg/day or greater produced maternal toxicity and adverse effects on embryo-fetal development including reduced fetal weights and cervical ribs at the 7th cervical vertebra. The dose of 650 mg/kg/day in rats is approximately 5.7 times the dose of 6.87 mL/m 2 /day in adult patients, based on combined AUCs for PBA and PAA. No developmental abnormalities, effects on growth, or effects on learning and memory were observed through maturation of offspring following oral administration in pregnant rats with up to 900 mg/kg/day of glycerol phenylbutyrate (8.5 times the dose of 6.87 mL/m 2 /day in adult patients, based on combined AUCs for PBA and PAA) during organogenesis and lactation.