ROFLUMILAST 250 ug Tablet, 28-count
🆔 Identity & classification
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🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitor class.
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🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
Roflumilast is used in people with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; a group of diseases that affect the lungs and airways) to reduce the number of episodes or worsening of COPD symptoms. Roflumilast is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase inhibitors. It works by decreasing swelling in the lungs.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- That depends on the form you have. The tablet (sold as Daliresp or generic roflumilast) is used to help prevent flare-ups in people with severe COPD tied to chronic bronchitis — it...
- No — and this is really important. Roflumilast tablets do not open up the airways, so they won't help during a sudden COPD flare or breathing emergency. You need a separate rescue...
- Can I use the COPD tablet during a sudden breathing attack?
- This is a real concern worth taking seriously. Roflumilast tablets have been linked to depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and in rare cases suicidal thoughts or behavior. It do...
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Supplement & herbal interactions
Some supplements/herbs that may interact with Roflumilast — tap one for details:
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💊 What it looks like
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🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
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UNII R75537T0T4
Hypromellose 2910 is a plant-derived thickening agent made from cellulose. It serves as a binder that holds tablet ingredients together, a film-coating for pills, and a viscosity controller in liquids.
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UNII EWQ57Q8I5X
Lactose monohydrate is a natural sugar derived from milk. It serves as a filler and binder in tablets and capsules, helping create the proper size, texture, and consistency of the medicine.
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UNII 70097M6I30
Magnesium stearate is a salt made from magnesium and stearic acid, a fatty substance. It's used in tablets and capsules as a lubricant and glidant to help ingredients flow smoothly during manufacturing and prevent sticking.
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UNII LQA7B6G8JG
A synthetic polymer made by combining water-soluble compounds. It acts as a surfactant and solubilizer to help mix oil and water-based ingredients, improving the medicine's texture and how active ingredients dissolve.
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UNII O8232NY3SJ
A plant-based carbohydrate derived from corn kernels. It acts as a filler to add bulk, a binder to hold ingredients together, and a disintegrant to help the tablet break apart in your stomach for absorption.
5 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
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ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per ea | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $1.997 | $55.91 / 28 tablets |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | No recent Medicaid claims on file for this NDC — rare and low-volume NDCs are suppressed in the public data. | |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $0.7736 | $21.66 / 28 tablets |
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🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roflumilast 250 ug 00904-7493-71 | MAJOR | 28 tablets | $1.997 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Roflumilast 250 ug 31722-0676-32 | Camber | 20 tablets | $1.997 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Roflumilast 250 ugthis 59651-0801-28 | Aurobindo | 28 tablets | $1.997 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Roflumilast 250 ug 59746-0801-70 | Jubilant | 28 tablets | $1.997 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Roflumilast 250 ug 68382-0624-31 | Zydus | 28 tablets | $1.997 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Roflumilast 250 ug 72205-0201-24 | Novadoz | 20 tablets | $1.997 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Daliresp 250 ug 00310-0088-28 | AstraZeneca | 28 tablets | $14.983 | AB | Availability likely | +650% |
| Roflumilast 250 ug 42571-0369-05 | Micro | 500 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Roflumilast 250 ug 67877-0730-05 | Ascend | 500 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Roflumilast 250 ug 69292-0630-10 | Amici | 10 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Roflumilast 250 ug 70771-1673-03 | Zydus | 20 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| roflumilast 250 ug 73190-0086-28 | AvKARE | 28 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Reporter sex
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📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Per unit | Per pack | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59651-0801-20 | 1 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (59651-801-20) / 20 TABLET in 1 BLISTER PACK | — | — | 2025-01-31 | Active |
| 59651-0801-28 You're viewing this | 1 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (59651-801-28) / 28 TABLET in 1 BLISTER PACK | $2.00 / ea | $55.91 | 2025-01-31 | Active |
Pack size FAQ
What quantity is in NDC 59651-0801-28?
What is the difference between NDC 59651-0801-28 and NDC 59651-0801-20?
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of ROFLUMILAST 250 ug Tablet?
Prices are the latest CMS NADAC pharmacy acquisition cost per NDC; per-pack figures are per-unit × pack quantity, shown only when the pack is denominated in the same measure NADAC prices.
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Roflumilast tablets are indicated as a treatment to reduce the risk of COPD exacerbations in patients with severe COPD associated with chronic bronchitis and a history of exacerbations. Limitations of Use Roflumilast tablets are not a bronchodilator and is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm. Roflumilast tablets 250 mcg is a starting dose, for the first 4 weeks of treatment only and is not the effective (therapeutic) dose.
Roflumilast is a selective phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor indicated as a treatment to reduce the risk of COPD exacerbations in patients with severe COPD associated with chronic bronchitis and a history of exacerbations. ( 1 , 14 ) Limitations of Use: Roflumilast tablets are not a bronchodilator and is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm. ( 1 , 14 ) Roflumilast tablets 250 mcg is a starting dose, for the first 4 weeks of treatment only and is not the effective (therapeutic) dose.
( 2 , 14 )
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The maintenance dose of roflumilast tablet is one 500 micrograms (mcg) tablet per day, with or without food. Starting treatment with a dose of roflumilast tablets 250 mcg once daily for 4 weeks and increasing to roflumilast tablets 500 mcg once daily thereafter may reduce the rate of treatment discontinuation in some patients [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ]. However, 250 mcg per day is not the effective (therapeutic) dose.
The maintenance dose for patients with COPD is one 500 mcg tablet per day, with or without food. Starting treatment with a dose of roflumilast tablets 250 mcg once daily for 4 weeks and increasing to roflumilast tablets 500 mcg once daily thereafter may reduce the rate of treatment discontinuation in some patients. ( 2 )
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Roflumilast 250 mcg tablets are white to off-white, round tablets, flat faced beveled edge, debossed with “T” and “250” on one side and plain on the other side. Roflumilast 500 mcg tablets are white to off-white, round tablets, flat faced beveled edge, debossed with “T” and “500” on one side and plain on the other side. Tablets: 250 mcg, 500 mcg ( 3 )
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of roflumilast tablets are contraindicated in the following condition: Moderate to severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh B or C) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] . Moderate to severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh B or C) ( 4 )
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Acute Bronchospasm: Do not use for the relief of acute bronchospasm. ( 5.1 ) Psychiatric Events including Suicidality: Advise patients, their caregivers, and families to be alert for the emergence or worsening of insomnia, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts or other mood changes, and if such changes occur to contact their healthcare provider. Carefully weigh the risks and benefits of treatment with roflumilast in patients with a history of depression and/or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
( 5.2 ) Weight Decrease: Monitor weight regularly. If unexplained or clinically significant weight loss occurs, evaluate weight loss and consider discontinuation of roflumilast. ( 5.3 ) Drug Interactions: Use with strong cytochrome P450 enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampicin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin) is not recommended.
( 5.4 )
5.1Treatment of Acute Bronchospasm Roflumilast is not a bronchodilator and should not be used for the relief of acute bronchospasm.
5.2Psychiatric Events including Suicidality Treatment with roflumilast is associated with an increase in psychiatric adverse reactions. In 8 controlled clinical trials 5.9% (263) of patients treated with roflumilast 500 mcg daily reported psychiatric adverse reactions compared to 3.3% (137) treated with placebo. The most commonly reported psychiatric adverse reactions were insomnia, anxiety, and depression which were reported at higher rates in those treated with roflumilast 500 mcg daily (2.4%, 1.4%, and 1.2% for roflumilast versus 1.0%, 0.9%, and 0.9% for placebo, respectively) [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .
Instances of suicidal ideation and behavior, including completed suicide, have been observed in clinical trials. Three patients experienced suicide-related adverse reactions (one completed suicide and two suicide attempts) while receiving roflumilast compared to one patient (suicidal ideation) who received placebo. One patient completed suicide while receiving roflumilast in Trial 9 [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] , which assessed the effect of adding roflumilast to a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of ICS/LABA on rates of exacerbations in COPD patients over 1 year of treatment.
Cases of suicidal ideation and behavior, including completed suicide, have been observed in the post-marketing setting in patients with or without a history of depression. Before using roflumilast in patients with a history of depression and/or suicidal thoughts or behavior, prescribers should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of treatment with roflumilast in such patients. Patients, their caregivers, and families should be advised of the need to be alert for the emergence or worsening of insomnia, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts or other mood changes, and if such changes occur to contact their healthcare provider.
Prescribers should carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of continuing treatment with roflumilast if such events occur.
5.3Weight Decrease Weight loss was a common adverse reaction in roflumilast clinical trials and was reported in 7.5% (331) of patients treated with roflumilast 500 mcg once daily compared to 2.1% (89) treated with placebo [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . In addition to being reported as adverse reactions, weight was prospectively assessed in two placebo-controlled clinical trials of one year duration. In these studies, 20% of patients receiving roflumilast experienced moderate weight loss (defined as between 5 to 10% of body weight) compared to 7% of patients who received placebo.
In addition, 7% of patients who received roflumilast compared to 2% of patients receiving placebo experienced severe (>10% body weight) weight loss. During follow-up after treatment discontinuation, the majority of patients with weight loss regained some of the weight they had lost while receiving roflumilast. Patients treated with roflumilast should have their weight monitored regularly.
If unexplained or clinically significant weight loss occurs…
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are described in greater detail in other sections: Psychiatric Events Including Suicidality [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Weight Decrease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥2%) are diarrhea, weight decrease, nausea, headache, back pain, influenza, insomnia, dizziness and decreased appetite. ( 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.
6.1Adverse Reactions in Clinical Studies 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 safety data described below reflect exposure of 4438 patients to roflumilast 500 mcg once daily in four 1-year placebo-controlled trials, two 6-month placebo-controlled trials, and two 6-month drug add-on trials [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ].
In these trials, 3136 and 1232 COPD patients were exposed to roflumilast 500 mcg once daily for 6 months and 1 year, respectively. The population had a median age of 64 years (range 40 to 91), 73% were male, 92.9% were Caucasian, and had COPD with a mean pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ) of 8.9 to 89.1% predicted. In these trials, 68.5% of the patients treated with roflumilast reported an adverse reaction compared with 65.3% treated with placebo.
The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse reaction was 14.8% for roflumilast-treated patients and 9.9% for placebo-treated patients. The most common adverse reactions that led to discontinuation of roflumilast were diarrhea (2.4%) and nausea (1.6%). Serious adverse reactions, whether considered drug-related or not by the investigators, which occurred more frequently in roflumilast-treated patients include diarrhea, atrial fibrillation, lung cancer, prostate cancer, acute pancreatitis, and acute renal failure.
Table 1 summarizes the adverse reactions reported by ≥2% of patients in the roflumilast group in 8 controlled COPD clinical trials. Table 1: Adverse Reactions Reported by ≥2% of Patients Treated with Roflumilast 500 mcg daily and Greater Than Placebo Treatment Adverse Reactions (Preferred Term) Roflumilast Placebo (N=4438) (N=4192) n (%) n (%) Diarrhea 420 (9.5) 113 (2.7) Weight decreased 331 (7.5) 89 (2.1) Nausea 209 (4.7) 60 (1.4) Headache 195 (4.4) 87 (2.1) Back pain 142 (3.2) 92 (2.2) Influenza 124 (2.8) 112 (2.7) Insomnia 105 (2.4) 41 (1.0) Dizziness 92 (2.1) 45 (1.1) Decreased appetite 91 (2.1) 15 (0.4) Adverse reactions that occurred in the roflumilast group at a frequency of 1 to 2% where rates exceeded that in the placebo group include: Gastrointestinal disorders - abdominal pain, dyspepsia, gastritis, vomiting Infections and infestations - rhinitis, sinusitis, urinary tract infection Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders - muscle spasms Nervous system disorders - tremor Psychiatric disorders - anxiety, depression The safety profile of roflumilast reported during Trial 9 was consistent with the key pivotal studies.
6.2Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified from spontaneous reports of roflumilast received worldwide and have not been listed elsewhere. These adverse reactions have been chosen for inclusion due to a combination of seriousness, frequency of reporting or potential causal connection to roflumilast. Because these adverse reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to roflumilast exposure: hypersensitivity reactions (including angioedema, urticaria, and rash), gynecomastia.
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS A major step in roflumilast metabolism is the N-oxidation of roflumilast to roflumilast N-oxide by CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Use with inhibitors of CYP3A4 or dual inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 (e.g., erythromycin, ketoconazole, fluvoxamine, enoxacin, cimetidine) will increase roflumilast systemic exposure and may result in increased adverse reactions. The risk of such concurrent use should be weighed carefully against benefit.
( 7.2 )
7.1Drugs that Induce Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Enzymes Strong cytochrome P450 enzyme inducers decrease systemic exposure to roflumilast and may reduce the therapeutic effectiveness of roflumilast. Therefore the use of strong cytochrome P450 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and phenytoin) with roflumilast is not recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
7.2Drugs that Inhibit Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Enzymes The co-administration of roflumilast (500 mcg) with CYP3A4 inhibitors or dual inhibitors that inhibit both CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 simultaneously (e.g., erythromycin, ketoconazole, fluvoxamine, enoxacin, cimetidine) may increase roflumilast systemic exposure and may result in increased adverse reactions. The risk of such concurrent use should be weighed carefully against benefit [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
7.3Oral Contraceptives Containing Gestodene and Ethinyl Estradiol The co-administration of roflumilast (500 mcg) with oral contraceptives containing gestodene and ethinyl estradiol may increase roflumilast systemic exposure and may result in increased side effects. The risk of such concurrent use should be weighed carefully against benefit [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Nursing Mothers: Roflumilast should not be used by women who are nursing as excretion of roflumilast and/or its metabolites into human milk is probable and there are no human studies that have investigated effects of roflumilast on breast-fed infants. ( 8.2 )
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no randomized clinical studies of roflumilast in pregnant women. In animal reproductive toxicity studies, roflumilast administered to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis produced no fetal structural abnormalities. The highest roflumilast dose in these studies was approximately 30 and 26 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD).
Roflumilast induced post-implantation loss in rats at doses greater than or equal to approximately 10 times the MRHD. Roflumilast induced stillbirth and decreased pup viability in mice at doses corresponding to approximately 16 and 49 times, respectively, the MRHD. Roflumilast has been shown to adversely affect pup post-natal development when dams were treated with the drug during pregnancy and lactation periods in mice at doses corresponding to 49 times the MRHD ( see Data ).
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. 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. Clinical Considerations Labor and delivery Roflumilast should not be used during labor and delivery.
There are no human studies that have investigated effects of roflumilast on preterm labor or labor at term; however, animal studies showed that roflumilast disrupted the labor and delivery process in mice. Data Animal data In an embryo-fetal development study, pregnant rats were dosed orally during the period of organogenesis with up to 1.8 mg/kg/day roflumilast (approximately 30 times the MRHD on an AUC basis). No evidence of structural abnormalities or effects on survival rates were observed.
Roflumilast did not affect embryo-fetal development at approximately 3 times the MRHD (on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 0.2 mg/kg/day). In a fertility and embryo-fetal development study, male rats were dosed orally with up to 1.8 mg/kg/day roflumilast for 10 weeks and females for two weeks prior to pairing and throughout the organogenesis period. Roflumilast induced pre- and post-implantation loss at doses greater than or equal to approximately 10 times the MRHD (on a mg/m 2 basis at maternal oral doses greater than or equal to 0.6 mg/kg/day).
Roflumilast did not cause fetal structural abnormalities at exposures up to approximately 29 times the MRHD (on an AUC basis at maternal oral doses up to 1.8 mg/kg/day). In an embryo-fetal development study in rabbits, pregnant does were dosed orally with 0.8 mg/kg/day roflumilast during the period of organogenesis. Roflumilast did not cause fetal structural abnormalities at exposures approximately 26 times the MRHD (on a mg/m 2 basis at maternal oral doses of 0.8 mg/kg/day).
In pre- and post-natal developmental studies in mice, dams were dosed orally with up to 12 mg/kg/day roflumilast during the period of organogenesis and lactation. Roflumilast induced stillbirth and decreased pup viability at doses corresponding to approximately 16 and 49 times, respectively, the MRHD (on a mg/m 2 basis at maternal doses >2 mg/kg/day and 6 mg/kg/day, respectively). Roflumilast induced delivery retardation in pregnant mice at doses greater or equal to approximately 16 times the MRHD (on a mg/m 2 basis at maternal doses >2 mg/kg/day).
Roflumilast decreased pup rearing frequencies at approximately 49 times the MRHD (on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal dose of 6 mg/kg/day) during pregnancy and lactation. Roflumilast also decreased survival and forelimb grip reflex and delayed pinna detachment in mouse pups at approximately 97 times the MRHD (on a mg/m 2 basis at a materna…
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no randomized clinical studies of roflumilast in pregnant women. In animal reproductive toxicity studies, roflumilast administered to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis produced no fetal structural abnormalities. The highest roflumilast dose in these studies was approximately 30 and 26 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD).
Roflumilast induced post-implantation loss in rats at doses greater than or equal to approximately 10 times the MRHD. Roflumilast induced stillbirth and decreased pup viability in mice at doses corresponding to approximately 16 and 49 times, respectively, the MRHD. Roflumilast has been shown to adversely affect pup post-natal development when dams were treated with the drug during pregnancy and lactation periods in mice at doses corresponding to 49 times the MRHD ( see Data ).
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. 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. Clinical Considerations Labor and delivery Roflumilast should not be used during labor and delivery.
There are no human studies that have investigated effects of roflumilast on preterm labor or labor at term; however, animal studies showed that roflumilast disrupted the labor and delivery process in mice. Data Animal data In an embryo-fetal development study, pregnant rats were dosed orally during the period of organogenesis with up to 1.8 mg/kg/day roflumilast (approximately 30 times the MRHD on an AUC basis). No evidence of structural abnormalities or effects on survival rates were observed.
Roflumilast did not affect embryo-fetal development at approximately 3 times the MRHD (on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 0.2 mg/kg/day). In a fertility and embryo-fetal development study, male rats were dosed orally with up to 1.8 mg/kg/day roflumilast for 10 weeks and females for two weeks prior to pairing and throughout the organogenesis period. Roflumilast induced pre- and post-implantation loss at doses greater than or equal to approximately 10 times the MRHD (on a mg/m 2 basis at maternal oral doses greater than or equal to 0.6 mg/kg/day).
Roflumilast did not cause fetal structural abnormalities at exposures up to approximately 29 times the MRHD (on an AUC basis at maternal oral doses up to 1.8 mg/kg/day). In an embryo-fetal development study in rabbits, pregnant does were dosed orally with 0.8 mg/kg/day roflumilast during the period of organogenesis. Roflumilast did not cause fetal structural abnormalities at exposures approximately 26 times the MRHD (on a mg/m 2 basis at maternal oral doses of 0.8 mg/kg/day).
In pre- and post-natal developmental studies in mice, dams were dosed orally with up to 12 mg/kg/day roflumilast during the period of organogenesis and lactation. Roflumilast induced stillbirth and decreased pup viability at doses corresponding to approximately 16 and 49 times, respectively, the MRHD (on a mg/m 2 basis at maternal doses >2 mg/kg/day and 6 mg/kg/day, respectively). Roflumilast induced delivery retardation in pregnant mice at doses greater or equal to approximately 16 times the MRHD (on a mg/m 2 basis at maternal doses >2 mg/kg/day).
Roflumilast decreased pup rearing frequencies at approximately 49 times the MRHD (on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal dose of 6 mg/kg/day) during pregnancy and lactation. Roflumilast also decreased survival and forelimb grip reflex and delayed pinna detachment in mouse pups at approximately 97 times the MRHD (on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal dose of 12 mg/kg/day).
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric Use COPD does not normally occur in children. The safety and effectiveness of roflumilast in pediatric patients have not been established.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
8.5Geriatric Use Of the 4438 COPD subjects exposed to roflumilast for up to 12 months in 8 controlled clinical trials, 2022 were >65 years of age and 471 were >75 years of age. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. Based on available data for roflumilast, no adjustment of dosage in geriatric patients is warranted [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
🆘 Overdosage ▾
10 OVERDOSAGE
10.1Human Experience No case of overdose has been reported in clinical studies with roflumilast. During the Phase I studies of roflumilast, the following symptoms were observed at an increased rate after a single oral dose of 2500 mcg and a single dose of 5000 mcg: headache, gastrointestinal disorders, dizziness, palpitations, lightheadedness, clamminess, and arterial hypotension.
10.2Management of Overdose In case of overdose, patients should seek immediate medical help. Appropriate supportive medical care should be provided. Since roflumilast is highly protein bound, hemodialysis is not likely to be an efficient method of drug removal. It is not known whether roflumilast is dialyzable by peritoneal dialysis.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action Roflumilast and its active metabolite (roflumilast N-oxide) are selective inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). Roflumilast and roflumilast N-oxide inhibition of PDE4 (a major cyclic-3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP)-metabolizing enzyme in lung tissue) activity leads to accumulation of intracellular cyclic AMP. While the specific mechanism(s) by which roflumilast exerts its therapeutic action in COPD patients is not well defined, it is thought to be related to the effects of increased intracellular cyclic AMP in lung cells.
12.2Pharmacodynamics In COPD patients, 4-week treatment with roflumilast 500 mcg oral once daily reduced sputum neutrophils and eosinophils by 31%, and 42%, respectively. In a pharmacodynamic study in healthy volunteers, roflumilast 500 mcg once daily reduced the number of total cells, neutrophils and eosinophils found in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid following segmental pulmonary lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge by 35%, 38% and 73%, respectively. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown.
12.3Pharmacokinetics Absorption The absolute bioavailability of roflumilast following a 500 mcg oral dose is approximately 80%. Maximum plasma concentrations (C max ) of roflumilast typically occur approximately one hour after dosing (ranging from 0.5 to 2 hours) in the fasted state while plateau-like maximum concentrations of the N-oxide metabolite are reached in approximately eight hours (ranging from 4 to 13 hours). Food has no effect on total drug absorption, but delays time to maximum concentration (T max ) of roflumilast by one hour and reduces C max by approximately 40%, however, C max and T max of roflumilast N-oxide are unaffected.
An in vitro study showed that roflumilast and roflumilast N-oxide did not inhibit P-gp transporter. Distribution Plasma protein binding of roflumilast and its N-oxide metabolite is approximately 99% and 97%, respectively. Volume of distribution for single-dose 500 mcg roflumilast is about
2.9L/kg. Studies in rats with radiolabeled roflumilast indicate low penetration across the blood-brain barrier. Metabolism Roflumilast is extensively metabolized via Phase I (cytochrome P450) and Phase II (conjugation) reactions.
The N-oxide metabolite is the only major metabolite observed in the plasma of humans. Together, roflumilast and roflumilast N-oxide account for the majority (87.5%) of total dose administered in plasma. In urine, roflumilast was not detectable while roflumilast N-oxide was only a trace metabolite (less than 1%).
Other conjugated metabolites such as roflumilast N-oxide glucuronide and 4-amino-3,5-dichloropyridine N-oxide were detected in urine. While roflumilast is three times more potent than roflumilast N-oxide at inhibition of the PDE4 enzyme in vitro , the plasma AUC of roflumilast N-oxide on average is about 10-fold greater than the plasma AUC of roflumilast. In vitro studies and clinical drug-drug interaction studies suggest that the biotransformation of roflumilast to its N-oxide metabolite is mediated by CYP1A2 and 3A4.
Based on further in vitro results in human liver microsomes, therapeutic plasma concentrations of roflumilast and roflumilast N-oxide do not inhibit CYP1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, 3A4/5, or 4A9/11. Therefore, there is a low probability of relevant interactions with substances metabolized by these P450 enzymes. In addition, in vitro studies demonstrated no induction of the CYP 1A2, 2A6, 2C9, 2C19, or 3A4/5 and only a weak induction of CYP2B6 by roflumilast.
Elimination The plasma clearance after short-term intravenous infusion of roflumilast is on average about
9.6L/h. Following an oral dose, the median plasma effective half-life of roflumilast and its N-oxide metabolite are approximately 17 and 30 hours, respectively. Steady state plasma concentrations of roflumilast and its N-oxide metabolite are reached after approximately 4 days for roflumilast and 6 days fo…
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action Roflumilast and its active metabolite (roflumilast N-oxide) are selective inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). Roflumilast and roflumilast N-oxide inhibition of PDE4 (a major cyclic-3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP)-metabolizing enzyme in lung tissue) activity leads to accumulation of intracellular cyclic AMP. While the specific mechanism(s) by which roflumilast exerts its therapeutic action in COPD patients is not well defined, it is thought to be related to the effects of increased intracellular cyclic AMP in lung cells.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
16.1How Supplied Roflumilast tablets, 250 mcg are supplied as white to off-white, round tablets, flat faced beveled edge, debossed with “T” and “250” on one side and plain on the other side. Roflumilast 250 mcg tablets are available: Blister pack 28 NDC 59651-801-28 1X20 Unit Dose NDC 59651-801-20 Roflumilast tablets, 500 mcg are supplied as white to off-white, round tablets, flat faced beveled edge, debossed with “T” and “500” on one side and plain on the other side. Roflumilast 500 mcg tablets are available: Bottles of 30 NDC 59651-275-30 Bottles of 90 NDC 59651-275-90
16.2Storage and Handling Store at 20º to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION The active ingredient in roflumilast tablets is roflumilast, USP. Roflumilast and its active metabolite (roflumilast N-oxide) are selective phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors. The chemical name of roflumilast is N-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)-3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-difluoromethoxy-benzamide.
Its empirical formula is C 17 H 14 Cl 2 F 2 N 2 O 3 and the molecular weight is 403.22. The chemical structure is: The drug substance is a white to off-white non-hygroscopic powder with a melting point of 160°C. It is freely soluble in acetone, sparingly to slightly soluble in ethanol and practically insoluble in n-Hexane and in water.
Roflumilast, USP is supplied as white to off-white, round tablets, flat faced beveled edge, debossed with “T” and “250” or “500” on one side and plain on the other side. Each tablet contains 250 mcg or 500 mcg of roflumilast, USP. Each tablet of roflumilast for oral administration contains the following inactive ingredients: corn starch, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and poloxamer.
Chemical Structure
💬 Information for Patients ▾
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide) . Bronchospasm Roflumilast is not a bronchodilator and should not be used for immediate relief of breathing problems (i.e., as a rescue medication). Psychiatric Events including Suicidality Treatment with roflumilast is associated with an increase in psychiatric adverse reactions.
Cases of suicidal ideation and behavior, including completed suicide, have been observed in the post-marketing setting in patients with or without a history of depression. The risks and benefits of treatment with roflumilast in patients with a history of depression and/or suicidal thoughts or behavior should be carefully considered. Advise patients, caregivers, and families to be alert for the emergence or worsening of insomnia, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts or other mood changes, and if such changes occur to contact their healthcare provider so that the risks and benefits of continuing treatment with roflumilast may be considered [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].
Weight Decrease Weight loss was a common adverse reaction in roflumilast clinical trials. During follow-up after treatment discontinuation, the majority of patients with weight loss regained some of the weight they had lost while receiving roflumilast. Advise patients treated with roflumilast to have their weight monitored regularly.
If unexplained weight loss occurs, patients should inform their healthcare provider so that the weight loss can be evaluated, as discontinuation of roflumilast may need to be considered [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Drug Interactions The use of cytochrome P450 enzyme inducers resulted in a reduction in exposure which may result in decreased therapeutic effectiveness of roflumilast. The use of strong cytochrome P450 enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampicin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin) with roflumilast is not recommended [see Drugs that Induce Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Enzymes (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
Dispense with Medication Guide available at: www.aurobindousa.com/medication-guides. Distributed by: Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. 279 Princeton-Hightstown Road East Windsor, NJ 08520 Manufactured by: Aurobindo Pharma Limited Hyderabad-500 032, India Revised: 11/2024 Dispense with Medication Guide available at: www.aurobindousa.com/medication-guides.
💬 Medication Guide ▾
MEDICATION GUIDE Roflumilast Tablets (roe flue' mi last) Read this Medication Guide before you start taking roflumilast tablets and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment.
What is the most important information I should know about roflumilast tablets? Roflumilast tablets can cause serious side effects. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the symptoms listed below while taking roflumilast tablets.
1. Roflumilast tablets may cause mental health problems including suicidal thoughts and behavior. Some people taking roflumilast tablets may develop mood or behavior problems including: thoughts of suicide or dying attempt to commit suicide trouble sleeping (insomnia) new or worse anxiety new or worse depression acting on dangerous impulses other unusual changes in your behavior or mood 2.
Weight loss. Roflumilast tablets can cause weight loss. You should check your weight on a regular basis.
You will also need to see your healthcare provider regularly to have your weight checked. If you notice that you are losing weight, call your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may ask you to stop taking roflumilast tablets if you lose too much weight.
Roflumilast tablets may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how roflumilast tablets work. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. What are roflumilast tablets?
Roflumilast tablets are a prescription medicine used in adults with severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to decrease the number of flare-ups or the worsening of COPD symptoms (exacerbations). Roflumilast tablets are not a bronchodilator and should not be used for treating sudden breathing problems. Your healthcare provider may give you other medicine to use for sudden breathing problems.
It is not known if roflumilast tablets are safe and effective in children. Who should not take roflumilast tablets? Do not take roflumilast tablets if you: have certain liver problems.
Talk with your healthcare provider before you take roflumilast tablets if you have liver problems. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking roflumilast tablets? Before you take roflumilast tablets, tell your healthcare provider if you: have or have had a history of mental health problems including depression and suicidal behavior. have liver problems have any other medical conditions are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known if roflumilast tablets will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if roflumilast passes into your breast milk.
You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take roflumilast tablets or breastfeed. You should not do both. How should I take roflumilast tablets?
Take roflumilast tablets exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. Roflumilast tablets can be taken with or without food. If you take more than your prescribed dose of roflumilast tablets, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.
What are the possible side effects of roflumilast tablets? Roflumilast tablets can cause serious side effects, including: See “ What is the most important information I should know about roflumilast tablets? ” The most common side effects of roflumilast tablets include: diarrhea weight loss nausea headache back pain flu like symptoms problems sleeping (insomnia) dizziness decreased appetite Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of roflumilast tablets.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may r…