2.1 Dosage in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Narcolepsy

The recommended dosage of armodafinil tablets for patients with OSA or narcolepsy is 150 mg to 250 mg taken orally once a day as a single dose in the morning.

In patients with OSA, doses up to 250 mg/day, given as a single dose, have been well tolerated, but there is no consistent evidence that these doses confer additional benefit beyond that of the 150 mg/day dose [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14.1, 14.2)].

2.2 Dosage in Shift Work Disorder (SWD)

The recommended dosage of armodafinil tablets for patients with SWD is 150 mg taken orally once a day as a single dose approximately 1 hour prior to the start of their work shift.

2.3 Dosage Modification in Patients with Severe Hepatic Impairment

In patients with severe hepatic impairment, the dosage of armodafinil tablets should be reduced [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

2.4 Use in Geriatric Patients

Consideration should be given to the use of lower doses and close monitoring in geriatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].

5.1 Serious Dermatologic Reactions, Including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrosis

Serious rash requiring hospitalization and discontinuation of treatment has been reported in association with the use of armodafinil tablets or modafinil (the racemic mixture of S- and R-enantiomers).

Armodafinil tablets have not been studied in pediatric patients in any setting and are not approved for use in pediatric patients for any indication.

In clinical trials of modafinil, the incidence of rash resulting in discontinuation was approximately 0.8% (13 per 1,585) in pediatric patients (age < 17 years); these rashes included 1 case of possible Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and 1 case of apparent multi-organ hypersensitivity reaction/Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Several of the cases were associated with fever and other abnormalities (e.g., vomiting, leukopenia). The median time to rash that resulted in discontinuation was 13 days. No such cases were observed among 380 pediatric patients who received placebo.

Skin and mouth sores, blistering, and ulceration have been reported with modafinil and armodafinil tablets in the postmarketing setting. Recurrence of signs and symptoms of serious dermatologic reactions following rechallenge has been reported in some cases.

Rare cases of serious or life-threatening rash, including SJS and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), have been reported in adults and children in worldwide postmarketing experience with modafinil and armodafinil tablets.

There are no factors, including duration of therapy, that are known to predict the risk of occurrence or the severity of rash associated with modafinil or armodafinil tablets. In cases where the time to onset was reported, serious rash occurred 1 day to 2 months after initiation of treatment, but isolated cases of serious dermatologic reactions have been reported with symptoms beginning after prolonged treatment (e.g., 3 months).

Although benign rashes also occur with armodafinil tablets, it is not possible to reliably predict which rashes will prove to be serious. Accordingly, armodafinil tablets should be discontinued at the first sign of rash, skin or mouth sores, or blistering or ulceration, unless the rash is clearly not drug-related. Discontinuation of treatment may not prevent a rash from becoming life-threatening or permanently disabling or disfiguring.

5.2 Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and System Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity

DRESS, also known as multi-organ hypersensitivity, has been reported with armodafinil tablets. DRESS typically, although not exclusively, presents with fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, and/or facial swelling, in association with other organ system involvement, such as hepatitis, nephritis, hematologic abnormalities, myocarditis, or myositis, sometimes resembling an acute viral infection. Eosinophilia is often present. This disorder is variable in its expression, and other organ systems not noted here may be involved. It is important to note that early manifestations of hypersensitivity (e.g., fever, lymphadenopathy) may be present even though rash is not evident.

One fatal case of DRESS that occurred in close temporal association (3 weeks) with the initiation of armodafinil tablet treatment has been reported in the postmarketing setting. In addition, multi-organ hypersensitivity reactions, including at least one fatality in postmarketing experience, have occurred in close temporal association (median time to detection 13 days; range 4-33) to the initiation of modafinil. Although there have been a limited number of reports, multi-organ hypersensitivity reactions may result in hospitalization or be life-threatening.

If a multi-organ hypersensitivity reaction is suspected, armodafinil tablets should be discontinued. Although there are no case reports to indicate cross-sensitivity with other drugs that produce this syndrome, the experience with drugs associated with multi-organ hypersensitivity would indicate this to be a possibility.

5.3 Angioedema and Anaphylaxis Reactions

Angioedema and hypersensitivity (with rash, dysphagia, and bronchospasm), were observed with armodafinil tablets. Patients should be advised to discontinue therapy and immediately report to their physician any signs or symptoms suggesting angioedema or anaphylaxis (e.g., swelling of face, eyes, lips, tongue or larynx; difficulty in swallowing or breathing; hoarseness).

5.4 Persistent Sleepiness

Patients with abnormal levels of sleepiness who take armodafinil tablets should be advised that their level of wakefulness may not return to normal. Patients with excessive sleepiness, including those taking armodafinil tablets, should be frequently reassessed for their degree of sleepiness and, if appropriate, advised to avoid driving or any other potentially dangerous activity. Prescribers should also be aware that patients may not acknowledge sleepiness or drowsiness until directly questioned about drowsiness or sleepiness during specific activities.

5.5 Psychiatric Symptoms

In pre-approval narcolepsy, OSA and SWD controlled trials of armodafinil tablets, anxiety, agitation, nervousness, and irritability were reasons for treatment discontinuation more often in patients on armodafinil tablets compared to placebo (armodafinil tablets 1.2% and placebo 0.3%). Depression was also a reason for treatment discontinuation more often in patients on armodafinil tablets compared to placebo (armodafinil tablets 0.6% and placebo 0.2%). Cases of suicidal ideation were observed in clinical trials.

Caution should be exercised when armodafinil tablets are given to patients with a history of psychosis, depression, or mania. If psychiatric symptoms develop in association with armodafinil tablet administration, consider discontinuing armodafinil tablets.

Psychiatric adverse reactions have been reported in patients treated with modafinil. Modafinil and armodafinil are very closely related. Therefore, the incidence and type of psychiatric symptoms associated with armodafinil tablets are expected to be similar to the incidence and type of these events with modafinil.

Postmarketing adverse reactions associated with the use of armodafinil tablets, some of which have resulted in hospitalization, have included mania, delusions, hallucinations, suicidal ideation, and aggression. Many, but not all, patients who developed psychiatric adverse reactions had a prior psychiatric history. In these cases, reported armodafinil tablet total daily doses ranged from 50 mg to 450 mg, which includes doses below and above the recommended dosages.

5.6 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machinery

Although armodafinil tablets have not been shown to produce functional impairment, any drug affecting the central nervous system (CNS) may alter judgment, thinking or motor skills. Patients should be cautioned about operating an automobile or other hazardous machinery until it is reasonably certain that armodafinil tablet therapy will not adversely affect their ability to engage in such activities.

5.7 Cardiovascular Events

In clinical studies of modafinil, cardiovascular adverse reactions, including chest pain, palpitations, dyspnea and transient ischemic T-wave changes on ECG were observed in three subjects in association with mitral valve prolapse or left ventricular hypertrophy. It is recommended that armodafinil tablets not be used in patients with a history of left ventricular hypertrophy or in patients with mitral valve prolapse who have experienced the mitral valve prolapse syndrome when previously receiving CNS stimulants. Findings suggestive of mitral valve prolapse syndrome include but are not limited to ischemic ECG changes, chest pain, or arrhythmia. If new onset of any of these findings occurs, consider cardiac evaluation.

Blood pressure monitoring in short term (≤ 3 months) pre-approval controlled trials of OSA, SWD, and narcolepsy showed small average increases in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients receiving armodafinil tablets as compared to placebo (1.2 to 4.3 mmHg in the various experimental groups). There was also a slightly greater proportion of patients on armodafinil tablets requiring new or increased use of antihypertensive medications (2.9%) compared to patients on placebo (1.8%). There was a small, but consistent, average increase in pulse rate over placebo in pre-approval controlled trials. This increase varied from 0.9 to 3.5 BPM. Increased monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure may be appropriate in patients on armodafinil tablets. Caution should be exercised when prescribing armodafinil tablets to patients with known cardiovascular disease.

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.

Armodafinil tablets have been evaluated for safety in over 1,100 patients with excessive sleepiness associated with OSA, SWD, and narcolepsy.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of armodafinil tablets. 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.

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Mouth Sores (including mouth blistering and ulceration)

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

The effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives may be reduced when used with armodafinil tablets and for one month after discontinuation of therapy. Advise women who are using a hormonal method of contraception to use an additional barrier method or an alternative non-hormonal method of contraception during treatment with armodafinil tablets and for one month after discontinuation of armodafinil tablet treatment [see Drug Interactions (7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Serious rash has been seen in pediatric patients receiving modafinil [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

8.5 Geriatric Use

In elderly patients, elimination of armodafinil and its metabolites may be reduced as a consequence of aging. Therefore, consideration should be given to the use of lower doses and close monitoring in this population [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.6 Hepatic Impairment

The dosage of armodafinil tablets should be reduced in patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

9.1 Controlled Substance

Armodafinil tablets contain armodafinil, a Schedule IV controlled substance.

9.2 Abuse

Abuse of armodafinil tablets has been reported in patients treated with armodafinil tablets. Patterns of abuse have included euphoric mood and use of increasingly large doses or recurrent use of armodafinil tablets for a desired effect. Drug diversion has also been noted. During the postmarketing period, misuse of armodafinil tablets has been observed (e.g., taking armodafinil tablets against a physician’s advice, and obtaining armodafinil tablets from multiple physicians).

Abuse of armodafinil, the active ingredient of armodafinil tablets, poses a risk of overdosage similar to that seen for modafinil, which may lead to tachycardia, insomnia, agitation, dizziness, anxiety, nausea, headache, dystonia, tremor, chest pain, hypertension, seizures, delirium, or hallucinations. Other signs and symptoms of CNS stimulant abuse include tachypnea, sweating, dilated pupils, hyperactivity, restlessness, decreased appetite, loss of coordination, flushed skin, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

In humans, modafinil produces psychoactive and euphoric effects, alterations in mood, perception, thinking and feelings, typical of other CNS stimulants. In in vitro binding studies, modafinil binds to the dopamine reuptake site and causes an increase in extracellular dopamine, but no increase in dopamine release. Modafinil is reinforcing, as evidenced by its self-administration in monkeys previously trained to self-administer cocaine. In some studies, modafinil was also partially discriminated as stimulant-like.

Physicians should follow patients closely, especially those with a history of drug and/or stimulant (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamine, or cocaine) abuse. Patients should be observed for signs of misuse or abuse (e.g., incrementation of doses or drug-seeking behavior).

The abuse potential of modafinil (200, 400, and 800 mg) was assessed relative to methylphenidate (45 and 90 mg) in an inpatient study in individuals experienced with drugs of abuse. Results from this clinical study demonstrated that modafinil produced psychoactive and euphoric effects and feelings consistent with other scheduled CNS stimulants (methylphenidate).

9.3 Dependence

Physical dependence is a state that develops as a result of physiological adaptation in response to repeated drug use, manifested by withdrawal signs and symptoms after abrupt discontinuation or a significant dose reduction of a drug.

Physical dependence can occur in patients treated with armodafinil tablets. Abrupt cessation or dose reduction following chronic use can result in withdrawal symptoms, including shaking, sweating, chills, nausea, vomiting, confusion, aggression, and atrial fibrillation.

Drug withdrawal convulsions, suicidality, fatigue, insomnia, aches, depression and headache have also been observed during the postmarketing period. Also, abrupt withdrawal has caused deterioration of psychiatric symptoms such as depression.

Tolerance is a physiological state characterized by a reduced response to a drug after repeated administration (i.e., a higher dose of a drug is required to produce the same effect that was once obtained at a lower dose).

Multiple cases of development of tolerance to armodafinil tablets have been reported during the postmarketing period.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

The mechanism(s) through which armodafinil promotes wakefulness is unknown. Armodafinil (R-modafinil) has pharmacological properties similar to those of modafinil (a mixture of R- and S-modafinil), to the extent tested in animal and in vitro studies. The R- and S-enantiomers have similar pharmacological actions in animals.

Armodafinil and modafinil have wake-promoting actions similar to sympathomimetic agents including amphetamine and methylphenidate, although their pharmacologic profile is not identical to that of the sympathomimetic amines.

Modafinil-induced wakefulness can be attenuated by the α1-adrenergic receptor antagonist, prazosin; however, modafinil is inactive in other in vitro assay systems known to be responsive to α-adrenergic agonists such as the rat vas deferens preparation.

Armodafinil is an indirect dopamine receptor agonist; both armodafinil and modafinil bind in vitro to the dopamine transporter and inhibit dopamine reuptake. For modafinil, this activity has been associated in vivo with increased extracellular dopamine levels in some brain regions of animals. In genetically engineered mice lacking the dopamine transporter (DAT), modafinil lacked wake-promoting activity, suggesting that this activity was DAT-dependent. However, the wake-promoting effects of modafinil, unlike those of amphetamine, were not antagonized by the dopamine receptor antagonist haloperidol in rats. In addition, alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, a dopamine synthesis inhibitor, blocks the action of amphetamine, but does not block locomotor activity induced by modafinil.

In addition to its wake-promoting effects and ability to increase locomotor activity in animals, modafinil produces psychoactive and euphoric effects, alterations in mood, perception, thinking, and feelings typical of other CNS stimulants in humans. Modafinil has reinforcing properties, as evidenced by its self-administration in monkeys previously trained to self-administer cocaine; modafinil was also partially discriminated as stimulant-like.

Based on nonclinical studies, two major metabolites, acid and sulfone, of modafinil or armodafinil, do not appear to contribute to the CNS-activating properties of the parent compounds.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Armodafinil exhibits linear time-independent kinetics following single and multiple oral dose administration. Increase in systemic exposure is proportional over the dose range of 50 to 400 mg. No time-dependent change in kinetics was observed through 12 weeks of dosing. Apparent steady state for armodafinil was reached within 7 days of dosing. At steady state, the systemic exposure for armodafinil is 1.8 times the exposure observed after a single dose. The concentration-time profiles of the R-enantiomer following administration of a single-dose of 50 mg armodafinil tablets or 100 mg PROVIGIL® (modafinil, a 1:1 mixture of R- and S-enantiomers) are nearly superimposable. However, the Cmax and AUC0-∞, of armodafinil at steady state were approximately 37% and 70% higher, respectively, following administration of 200 mg armodafinil tablets than the corresponding values of modafinil following administration of 200 mg PROVIGIL due to the more rapid clearance of the S-enantiomer (elimination half-life approximately 4 hours) as compared to the R-enantiomer.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

14.1 Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

The effectiveness of armodafinil tablets in improving wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with OSA was established in two 12-week, multi-center, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, double-blind clinical studies of outpatients who met the criteria for OSA. The criteria include either: 1) excessive sleepiness or insomnia, plus frequent episodes of impaired breathing during sleep, and associated features such as loud snoring, morning headaches or dry mouth upon awakening; or 2) excessive sleepiness or insomnia; and polysomnography demonstrating one of the following: more than five obstructive apneas, each greater than 10 seconds in duration, per hour of sleep; and one or more of the following: frequent arousals from sleep associated with the apneas, bradytachycardia, or arterial oxygen desaturation in association with the apneas. In addition, for entry into these studies, all patients were required to have excessive sleepiness as demonstrated by a score ≥ 10 on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), despite treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Evidence that CPAP was effective in reducing episodes of apnea/hypopnea was required along with documentation of CPAP use.

Patients were required to be compliant with CPAP, defined as CPAP use ≥ 4 hours/night on

≥ 70% of nights. CPAP use continued throughout the study. In both studies, the primary measures of effectiveness were 1) sleep latency, as assessed by the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) and 2) the change in the patient’s overall disease status, as measured by the Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI-C) at the final visit. For a successful trial both measures had to show statistically significant improvement.

The MWT measures latency (in minutes) to sleep onset. An extended MWT was performed with test sessions at 2 hour intervals between 9AM and 7PM. The primary analysis was the average of the sleep latencies from the first four test sessions (9AM to 3PM). For each test session, the subject was asked to attempt to remain awake without using extraordinary measures. Each test session was terminated after 30 minutes if no sleep occurred or immediately after sleep onset. The CGI-C is a 7-point scale, centered at No Change, and ranging from Very Much Worse to Very Much Improved. Evaluators were not given any specific guidance about the criteria they were to apply when rating patients.

In the first study, a total of 395 patients with OSA were randomized to receive armodafinil tablets 150 mg/day, armodafinil tablets 250 mg/day or matching placebo. Patients treated with armodafinil tablets showed a statistically significant improvement in the ability to remain awake compared to placebo-treated patients as measured by the MWT at final visit. A statistically significant greater number of patients treated with armodafinil tablets showed improvement in overall clinical condition as rated by the CGI-C scale at final visit. The average sleep latencies (in minutes) in the MWT at baseline for the trials are shown in Table 3 below, along with the average change from baseline on the MWT at final visit. The percentages of patients who showed any degree of improvement on the CGI-C in the clinical trials are shown in Table 4 below. The two doses of armodafinil tablets produced statistically significant effects of similar magnitudes on the MWT, and also on the CGI-C.

In the second study, 263 patients with OSA were randomized to either armodafinil tablets 150 mg/day or placebo. Patients treated with armodafinil tablets showed a statistically significant improvement in the ability to remain awake compared to placebo-treated patients as measured by the MWT (Table 3). A statistically significant greater number of patients treated with armodafinil tablets showed improvement in overall clinical condition as rated by the CGI-C scale (Table 4).

Nighttime sleep measured with polysomnography was not affected by the use of armodafinil tablets in either study.

14.2 Narcolepsy

The effectiveness of armodafinil tablets in improving wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy was established in one 12-week, multi-center, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, double-blind study of outpatients who met the criteria for narcolepsy. A total of 196 patients were randomized to receive armodafinil tablets 150 or 250 mg/day, or matching placebo. The criteria for narcolepsy include either: 1) recurrent daytime naps or lapses into sleep that occur almost daily for at least three months, plus sudden bilateral loss of postural muscle tone in association with intense emotion (cataplexy); or 2) a complaint of excessive sleepiness or sudden muscle weakness with associated features: sleep paralysis, hypnagogic hallucinations, automatic behaviors, disrupted major sleep episode; and polysomnography demonstrating one of the following: sleep latency less than 10 minutes or rapid eye movement (REM) sleep latency less than 20 minutes and a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) that demonstrates a mean sleep latency of less than 5 minutes and two or more sleep onset REM periods and no medical or mental disorder accounts for the symptoms. For entry into these studies, all patients were required to have objectively documented excessive daytime sleepiness, via MSLT with a sleep latency of 6 minutes or less and the absence of any other clinically significant active medical or psychiatric disorder. The MSLT, an objective polysomnographic assessment of the patient’s ability to fall asleep in an unstimulating environment, measured latency (in minutes) to sleep onset averaged over 4 test sessions at 2-hour intervals. For each test session, the subject was told to lie quietly and attempt to sleep. Each test session was terminated after 20 minutes if no sleep occurred or immediately after sleep onset.

The primary measures of effectiveness were: 1) sleep latency as assessed by the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT); and 2) the change in the patient’s overall disease status, as measured by the CGI-C at the final visit [see Clinical Studies (14.1) for a description of these measures]. Each MWT test session was terminated after 20 minutes if no sleep occurred or immediately after sleep onset in this study.

Patients treated with armodafinil tablets showed a statistically significantly enhanced ability to remain awake on the MWT at each dose compared to placebo at final visit (Table 3). A statistically significant greater number of patients treated with armodafinil tablets at each dose showed improvement in overall clinical condition as rated by the CGI-C scale at final visit (Table 4).

The two doses of armodafinil tablets produced statistically significant effects of similar magnitudes on the CGI-C. Although a statistically significant effect on the MWT was observed for each dose, the magnitude of effect was observed to be greater for the higher dose.

Nighttime sleep measured with polysomnography was not affected by the use of armodafinil tablets.

14.3 Shift Work Disorder (SWD)

The effectiveness of armodafinil tablets in improving wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with SWD was demonstrated in a 12-week, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial. A total of 254 patients with chronic SWD were randomized to receive armodafinil tablets 150 mg/day or placebo. All patients met the criteria for chronic SWD. The criteria include: 1) either, a) a primary complaint of excessive sleepiness or insomnia which is temporally associated with a work period (usually night work) that occurs during the habitual sleep phase, or b) polysomnography and the MSLT demonstrate loss of a normal sleep-wake pattern (i.e., disturbed chronobiological rhythmicity); and 2) no other medical or mental disorder accounts for the symptoms; and 3) the symptoms do not meet criteria for any other sleep disorder producing insomnia or excessive sleepiness (e.g., time zone change [jet lag] syndrome).

It should be noted that not all patients with a complaint of sleepiness who are also engaged in shift work meet the criteria for the diagnosis of SWD. In the clinical trial, only patients who were symptomatic for at least 3 months were enrolled.

Enrolled patients were also required to work a minimum of 5 night shifts per month, have excessive sleepiness at the time of their night shifts (MSLT score ≤ 6 minutes), and have daytime insomnia documented by a daytime polysomnogram.

The primary measures of effectiveness were: 1) sleep latency, as assessed by the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) performed during a simulated night shift at the final visit; and 2) the change in the patient’s overall disease status, as measured by the CGI-C at the final visit [see Clinical Studies (14.1) for a description of these measures].

Patients treated with armodafinil tablets showed a statistically significant prolongation in the time to sleep onset compared to placebo-treated patients, as measured by the nighttime MSLT at final visit (Table 3). A statistically significant greater number of patients treated with armodafinil tablets showed improvement in overall clinical condition as rated by the CGI-C scale at final visit (Table 4).

Daytime sleep measured with polysomnography was not affected by the use of armodafinil tablets.

16.1 How Supplied

Armodafinil Tablets are available containing 50 mg, 150 mg or 250 mg of armodafinil.

The 50 mg tablets are white to off-white, round, unscored tablets debossed with M on one side of the tablet and A31 on the other side. They are available as follows:

NDC 0378-3431-93

bottles of 30 tablets

The 150 mg tablets are white to off-white, round, unscored tablets debossed with M on one side of the tablet and A32 on the other side. They are available as follows:

NDC 0378-3432-93

bottles of 30 tablets

The 250 mg tablets are white to off-white, capsule shaped, unscored tablets debossed with M on one side of the tablet and A33 on the other side. They are available as follows:

NDC 0378-3433-93

bottles of 30 tablets

16.2 Storage

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]

Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP using a child-resistant closure.

PHARMACIST: Dispense a Medication Guide with each prescription.