Bonjesta

Bonjesta is contraindicated in women with any of the following conditions:

• Known hypersensitivity to doxylamine succinate, other ethanolamine derivative antihistamines, pyridoxine hydrochloride or any inactive ingredient in the formulation
• Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors intensify and prolong the adverse central nervous system effects of Bonjesta [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Clinical Trial 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.

The safety and efficacy of combination 10 mg doxylamine succinate and 10 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride tablets compared to placebo was studied in a double-blind, randomized, multi-center trial in 261 women with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. The mean gestational age at enrollment was 9.3 weeks, range 7 to 14 weeks gestation [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Adverse reactions that occurred at an incidence ≥5 percent and exceeded the incidence for placebo are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1: Number (Percent) of Women with ≥ 5 Percent Adverse Reactions in a 15-Day Placebo-Controlled Trial of Combination 10 mg Doxylamine Succinate and 10 mg Pyridoxine Hydrochloride Tablets (Only Those Adverse Reactions Occurring at an Incidence ≥ 5 Percent and at a Higher Incidence than Placebo are Shown)

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse events, listed alphabetically, have been identified during post-approval use of the combination of 10 mg doxylamine succinate and 10 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride. 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.

Cardiac disorders: dyspnea, palpitation, tachycardia

Ear and labyrinth disorders: vertigo

Eye disorders: vision blurred, visual disturbances

Gastrointestinal disorders: abdominal distension, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea

General disorders and administration site conditions: chest discomfort, fatigue, irritability, malaise

Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity

Nervous system disorders: dizziness, headache, migraines, paresthesia, psychomotor hyperactivity

Psychiatric disorders: anxiety, disorientation, insomnia, nightmares

Renal and urinary disorders: dysuria, urinary retention

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: hyperhidrosis, pruritus, rash, rash maculopapular

Signs and Symptoms of Overdose

Bonjesta is an extended-release formulation, therefore, signs and symptoms of intoxication may not be apparent immediately.

Signs and symptoms of overdose may include restlessness, dryness of mouth, dilated pupils, sleepiness, vertigo, mental confusion and tachycardia.

At toxic doses, doxylamine exhibits anticholinergic effects, including seizures, rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure and death.

Management of Overdose

If treatment is needed, it consists of gastric lavage or activated charcoal, whole bowel irrigation and symptomatic treatment. For additional information about overdose treatment, call a poison control center (1-800-222-1222).

Bonjesta extended-release tablets consist of an enteric-coated core containing 10 mg doxylamine succinate and 10 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride, and an immediate release coating of 10 mg doxylamine succinate and 10 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride.

Bonjesta tablets are round, pink, film-coated, multilayer, extended-release tablets containing a total of 20 mg doxylamine succinate and 20 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride. Tablets are imprinted on one side with the pink image of a pregnant woman and a “D” on the other side.

Inactive ingredients are as follows: ammonium hydroxide, n-butanol, carnauba wax powder, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, D&C Red#27 aluminum lake, denatured alcohol, ferrosoferric oxide, FD&C Blue #2 aluminum lake, hypromellose, iron oxide red, isopropyl alcohol, magnesium stearate, magnesium trisilicate, methacrylic acid copolymer, microcrystalline cellulose 102, PEG 3350, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, simethicone, sodium bicarbonate, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, titanium dioxide, triethyl citrate.

Bonjesta is certified Kosher and Halal .

Doxylamine Succinate

Doxylamine succinate is classified as an antihistamine. The chemical name for doxylamine succinate is ethanamine, N,N-dimethyl-2-[1-phenyl-1-(2-pyridinyl)ethoxy]-, butanedioate (1:1). The empirical formula is C17H22N2O • C4H6O4 and the molecular mass is 388.46. The structural formula is:

Doxylamine succinate is a white to creamy white powder that is very soluble in water and alcohol, freely soluble in chloroform and very slightly soluble in ether and benzene.

Pyridoxine Hydrochloride

Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a vitamin B6 analog. The chemical name for pyridoxine hydrochloride is 3,4-pyridinedimethanol, 5-hydroxy-6-methyl-, hydrochloride. The empirical formula is C8H11NO3 • HCl and the molecular mass is 205.64. The structural formula is:

Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a white or practically white crystalline powder that is freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol and insoluble in ether.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action of Bonjesta is unknown.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of Bonjesta has been characterized in healthy non-pregnant adult women.

Absorption

In a single-dose, crossover clinical trial conducted in 48 healthy, premenopausal women under fasting conditions, one Bonjesta (20 mg doxylamine succinate and 20 mg pyridoxine) tablet was bioequivalent to two combination tablets of 10 mg doxylamine succinate and 10 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride based on the exposure (AUC) and peak concentration (Cmax) of doxylamine and baseline corrected pyridoxal 5′-phosphate. Mean ± SD plasma (whole blood for pyridoxal) pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters are summarized in Table 2.

In a multiple-dose, crossover clinical trial conducted in 31 healthy, premenopausal women, one Bonjesta (20 mg doxylamine succinate and 20 mg pyridoxine) tablet given twice daily for 11 days was bioequivalent to one combination tablet of 10 mg doxylamine succinate and 10 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride given three times daily (1 tablet in the morning, 1 tablet in the afternoon and 2 tablets at bedtime), based on the exposure (AUC) and peak concentration (Cmax) of doxylamine and baseline corrected pyridoxal 5′-phosphate. Mean ± SD plasma (whole blood for pyridoxal) PK parameters are summarized in Table 3.

Food Effect

In a single-dose, crossover clinical trial conducted in 23 healthy, premenopausal women, the administration of a high fat, high calorie meal delayed the absorption of doxylamine, pyridoxine, and pyridoxine metabolites. This delay is associated with lower peak concentrations of doxylamine, pyridoxine, and pyridoxal. The extent of absorption for pyridoxine was decreased.

The effect of food on the peak concentration and the extent of absorption of the pyridoxine component is more complex because the pyridoxine metabolites such as pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, and pyridoxamine 5′-phosphate also contribute to the biological activity. Food significantly reduces the bioavailability of pyridoxine, lowering its Cmax and AUC by approximately 67% and 37%, respectively, compared to fasting conditions. Similarly, food significantly reduces pyridoxal Cmax by approximately 46% compared to fasting conditions. In contrast, food did not affect pyridoxal 5′-phosphate Cmax and AUC.

Distribution

Pyridoxine is highly protein bound, primarily to albumin. Its main active metabolite, pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) accounts for at least 60% of circulating vitamin B6 concentrations. 

Metabolism

Doxylamine is biotransformed in the liver by N-dealkylation to its principle metabolites N-desmethyl-doxylamine and N, N-didesmethyldoxylamine. 

Pyridoxine is a prodrug primarily metabolized in the liver. 

Excretion

The principle metabolites of doxylamine, N-desmethyl-doxylamine and N, N-didesmethyldoxylamine, are excreted by the kidney.

The terminal elimination half-life of doxylamine and pyridoxine are 11.9 hours and 0.4 hours, respectively (see Table 5).

Use in Specific Populations

Race: No pharmacokinetic studies have been conducted related to race.

Hepatic Impairment: No pharmacokinetic studies have been conducted in hepatic impaired patients.

Renal Impairment: No pharmacokinetic studies have been conducted in renal impaired patients.

There have been no efficacy and safety trials conducted with Bonjesta.

A double-blind, randomized, multi-center, placebo-controlled study was conducted to support the safety and efficacy of 10 mg doxylamine succinate and 10 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride tablets (a different formulation and dosage strength than Bonjesta) in the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Adult women 18 years of age or older and 7 to 14 weeks gestation (median 9 weeks of gestation) with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy were randomized to 14 days of 10 mg doxylamine succinate and 10 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride tablets or placebo. Two tablets of 10 mg doxylamine succinate and 10 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride were administered at bedtime on Day 1. If symptoms of nausea and vomiting persisted into the afternoon hours of Day 2, the woman was directed to take her usual dose of two tablets at bedtime that night and, beginning on Day 3, to take one tablet in the morning and two tablets at bedtime. Based upon assessment of remaining symptoms at her clinic visit on Day 4 (± 1 day), the woman may have been directed to take an additional tablet mid-afternoon. A maximum of four tablets (one in the morning, one in the mid-afternoon and two at bedtime) were taken daily.

Over the treatment period, 19% of 10 mg doxylamine succinate and 10 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride tablet-treated women remained on 2 tablets daily, 21% received 3 tablets daily, and 60% received 4 tablets daily.

The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline at Day 15 in the Pregnancy Unique-Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) score. The PUQE score incorporates the number of daily vomiting episodes, number of daily heaves, and length of daily nausea in hours, for an overall score of symptoms rated from 3 (no symptoms) to 15 (most severe).

At baseline, the mean PUQE score was 9.0 in the 10 mg doxylamine succinate and 10 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride tablets arm and 8.8 in the placebo arm. There was a 0.7 (95% confidence interval 0.2 to 1.2 with p-value 0.006) mean decrease (improvement in nausea and vomiting symptoms) from baseline in PUQE score at Day 15 with 10 mg doxylamine succinate and 10 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride tablets compared to placebo (see Table 6).

How supplied

Bonjesta extended-release tablets are supplied in a high-density polyethylene bottle with a polypropylene child-resistant cap and a silica gel desiccant canister. Each pink, round, film-coated, extended-release tablet contains 20 mg doxylamine succinate and 20 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride, and is imprinted on one side with the pink image of a pregnant woman and a "D" on the other side. Bonjesta tablets are provided as follows:

NDC 55494-120-60 Bottles of 60
NDC 55494-120-10 Bottles of 100

Storage and Handling

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep bottle tightly closed and protect from moisture. Do not remove desiccant canister from bottle.

Patient Information

Bonjesta (bonn jest ah)

(doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride),

extended-release tablets, for oral use

What is Bonjesta?

• Bonjesta is a prescription medicine used to treat nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in women who have not improved with change in diet or other non-medicine treatments.

• It is not known if Bonjesta is safe and effective in women with severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. Women with this condition may need to be hospitalized.

• It is not known if Bonjesta is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.

Do not take Bonjesta if you:

• are allergic to doxylamine succinate, other ethanolamine derivative antihistamines, pyridoxine hydrochloride or any of the ingredients in Bonjesta. See the end of this Patient Information leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in Bonjesta.

• take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI, including Marplan, Nardil, Emsam, Eldepryl, Zelapar, and Parnate.

Before taking Bonjesta, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have asthma.

• have eye problems called increased intraocular pressure or narrow angle glaucoma.

• have a stomach problem called stenosing peptic ulcer or pyloroduodenal obstruction.

• have a bladder problem called urinary bladder-neck obstruction.

• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.  Bonjesta can pass into your breast milk and may harm your baby. You should not breastfeed while using Bonjesta.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

How should I take Bonjesta?

• Talk to your healthcare provider about how much Bonjesta to take and when to take it.

• Take Bonjesta everyday as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking Bonjesta without talking to your healthcare provider first.

• See the following schedule for the right way you should start taking Bonjesta:

o Start with 1 tablet by mouth at bedtime. If your nausea and vomiting is better or controlled on Day 2, continue to take 1 tablet each day at bedtime.

o If you still have nausea and vomiting on Day 2, start taking 1 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet at bedtime each day.

• Do not take more than 2 tablets (1 in the morning and 1 at bedtime) each day.

• Take Bonjesta on an empty stomach with a glass of water.

• Take Bonjesta tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or break Bonjesta tablets before swallowing. If you cannot swallow Bonjesta tablets whole, tell your healthcare provider.

• If you take too much Bonjesta (overdose), you may have the following symptoms: restlessness, dry mouth, the pupils of your eyes become larger (dilated), sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, fast heart rate, seizures, muscle pain or weakness, urination changes and build-up of fluid in the body. If you have these symptoms and they are severe, they may lead to death. If you take too much Bonjesta, call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

What are the possible side effects of Bonjesta?

Bonjesta may cause serious side effects, including drowsiness.

Drowsiness is a common side effect when taking Bonjesta, but can also be severe:

• Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other activities that need your full attention unless your healthcare provider says that you may do so.

• Do not drink alcohol, or take other central nervous system depressants such as cough and cold medicines, certain pain medicines, and medicines that help you sleep while you take Bonjesta. Severe drowsiness can happen or become worse causing falls or accidents.

These are not all the possible side effects of Bonjesta.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store Bonjesta?

• Store Bonjesta at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).

• Keep the bottle tightly closed to protect Bonjesta from moisture.

• The Bonjesta bottle contains a desiccant canister to help keep your medicine dry. Do not throw away the desiccant.

• Safely throw away medicine that is past the expiration date or no longer needed.

Keep Bonjesta and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of Bonjesta.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Bonjesta that is written for health professionals. Do not use Bonjesta for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Bonjesta to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.

What are the ingredients in Bonjesta?

Active ingredient: doxylamine succinate (an antihistamine) and pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6).

Inactive ingredients: ammonium hydroxide, n-butanol, carnauba wax powder, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, D&C Red#27 aluminum lake, denatured alcohol, ferrosoferric oxide, FD&C Blue #2 aluminum lake, hypromellose, iron oxide red, isopropyl alcohol, magnesium stearate, magnesium trisilicate, methacrylic acid copolymer, microcrystalline cellulose 102, PEG 3350, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, simethicone, sodium bicarbonate, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, titanium dioxide, triethyl citrate.

Distributed by: Duchesnay USA, Inc., Bryn Mawr, PA, 19010

For more information, go to www.duchesnayusa.com or call 1-855-722-7734.

This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Issued: 11/2016

Do not use Bonjesta if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to doxylamine or pyridoxine, or to other antihistamines such as Benadryl or Dramamine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• asthma or other breathing disorder;

• glaucoma, increased pressure inside your eye;

• blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);

• a stomach ulcer; or

• bladder obstruction or other urination problems.

You should not breast-feed while using Bonjesta.

Bonjesta is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects may include:

• drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Using Bonjesta with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other drugs may affect Bonjesta, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.