Tafenoquine

ARAKODA is indicated for the prophylaxis of malaria in patients aged 18 years and older. ARAKODA is an antimalarial indicated for the prophylaxis of malaria in patients aged 18 years and older. ( 1 )

ARAKODA tablets are dark pink, film-coated, capsule-shaped tablets debossed with ‘TQ100’ on one side containing 100 mg of tafenoquine. Tablets: 100 mg of tafenoquine ( 3 )

ARAKODA is contraindicated in:

• patients with G6PD deficiency or unknown G6PD status due to the risk of hemolytic anemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] .
• breastfeeding by a lactating woman when the infant is found to be G6PD deficient or if the G6PD status of the infant is unknown [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.2 )] .
• patients with a history of psychotic disorders or current psychotic symptoms (i.e., hallucinations, delusions, and/or grossly disorganized behavior) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]
• patients with known hypersensitivity reactions to tafenoquine, other 8-aminoquinolines, or any component of ARAKODA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] .
• G6PD deficiency or unknown G6PD status ( 4 )
• Breastfeeding by a lactating woman when the infant is found to be G6PD deficient or if G6PD status is unknown ( 4 , 8.2 )
• Patients with a history of psychotic disorders or current psychotic symptoms ( 4 , 5.4 )
• Known hypersensitivity reactions to tafenoquine, other 8-aminoquinolines, or any component of ARAKODA. ( 4 )

• Hemolytic Anemia : G6PD testing must be performed before prescribing ARAKODA due to the risk of hemolytic anemia. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of hemolysis. ( 5.1 )
• G6PD Deficiency in Pregnancy or Lactation : ARAKODA may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman with a G6PD-deficient fetus. ARAKODA is not recommended during pregnancy. A G6PD-deficient infant may be at risk for hemolytic anemia from exposure to ARAKODA through breast milk. Check infant’s G6PD status before breastfeeding begins. ( 5.2 , 8.1 , 8.2 )
• Methemoglobinemia : Asymptomatic elevations in blood methemoglobin have been observed. Initiate appropriate therapy if signs or symptoms of methemoglobinemia occur. ( 5.3 )
• Psychiatric Effects : Serious psychotic adverse reactions have been observed in patients with a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, at doses different from the approved dose. If psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, or grossly disorganized thinking or behavior) occur, consider discontinuation of ARAKODA therapy and, evaluation by a mental health professional as soon as possible. ( 5.4 )
• Hypersensitivity Reactions : Serious hypersensitivity reactions have been observed with administration of ARAKODA. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, institute appropriate therapy. ( 5.5 )
• Delayed Adverse Reactions : Due to the long half-life of ARAKODA (approximately 17 days), psychiatric effects, hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinemia, and hypersensitivity reactions may be delayed in onset and/or duration. ( 5.6 , 12.3 )

5.1 Hemolytic Anemia Due to the risk of hemolytic anemia in patients with G6PD deficiency, G6PD testing must be performed before prescribing ARAKODA [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Due to the limitations with G6PD tests, physicians need to be aware of residual risk of hemolysis and adequate medical support and follow-up to manage hemolytic risk should be available. Treatment with ARAKODA is contraindicated in patients with G6PD deficiency or unknown G6PD status [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . In clinical trials, declines in hemoglobin levels were reported in some G6PD-normal patients [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Monitor patients for clinical signs or symptoms of hemolysis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . Advise patients to discontinue ARAKODA and seek medical attention if signs of hemolysis occur. 5.2 G6PD Deficiency in Pregnancy and Lactation Potential Harm to the Fetus The use of ARAKODA during pregnancy may cause hemolytic anemia in a G6PD-deficient fetus. Even if a pregnant woman has normal levels of G6PD, the fetus could be G6PD deficient. Advise females of reproductive potential that treatment with ARAKODA during pregnancy is not recommended and to avoid pregnancy or use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of ARAKODA. If a pregnancy is detected during ARAKODA use, discontinue ARAKODA as soon as possible and switch to an alternative prophylactic drug for malaria during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 and 8.3 )] . Potential Harm to the Breastfeeding Infant A G6PD-deficient infant may be at risk for hemolytic anemia from exposure to ARAKODA through breast milk. Infant G6PD status should be checked before breastfeeding begins. ARAKODA is contraindicated in breastfeeding women when the infant is found to be G6PD deficient or the G6PD status of the infant is unknown [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Advise the woman with a G6PD-deficient infant or if the G6PD status of the infant is unknown not to breastfeed during treatment with ARAKODA and for 3 months after the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.2 )] .

5.3 Methemoglobinemia Asymptomatic elevations in methemoglobin have been observed in the clinical trials of ARAKODA [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Institute appropriate therapy if signs or symptoms of methemoglobinemia occur [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . Carefully monitor individuals with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-dependent methemoglobin reductase deficiency. Advise patients to discontinue ARAKODA and seek medical attention if signs of methemoglobinemia occur.

5.4 Psychiatric Effects In patients receiving ARAKODA in clinical trials, psychiatric adverse reactions included sleep disturbances (2.5%), depression/depressed mood (0.3%), and anxiety (0.2%) [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . ARAKODA was discontinued in a subject with an adverse reaction of suicide attempt (0.1%). Subjects with a history of psychiatric disorders were excluded from three of five ARAKODA trials in which mefloquine was included as a comparator. Psychosis was reported in three patients with a history of psychosis or schizophrenia who received tafenoquine doses (350 mg to 500 mg single dose, or 400 mg daily for 3 days) different from the approved ARAKODA regimen. Safety and effectiveness of ARAKODA have not been established at doses or regimens other than the approved regimen; use of ARAKODA at doses or regimens other than a 200-mg weekly dose is not approved by FDA. ARAKODA is contraindicated in patients with a history of psychotic disorders or current psychotic symptoms [see Contraindication ( 4 )] . If psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, or grossly disorganized thinking or behavior) occur, consider discontinuation of ARAKODA and prompt evaluation by a mental health professional as soon as possible. Other psychiatric symptoms, such as changes in mood, anxiety, insomnia, and nightmares, should be promptly evaluated by a medical professional if they are moderate and last more than three days or are severe [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] .

5.5 Hypersensitivity Reactions Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., angioedema and urticaria) have been observed with administration of tafenoquine. Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in clinical trials of ARAKODA [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Discontinue prophylaxis with ARAKODA and institute appropriate therapy if hypersensitivity reactions occur [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . ARAKODA is contraindicated in patients who develop hypersensitivity to tafenoquine or any component of ARAKODA or other 8-aminoquinolines [see Contraindications ( 4 )] .

5.6 Delayed Adverse Reactions, Including Hemolytic Anemia, Methemoglobinemia, Psychiatric Effects, and Hypersensitivity Reactions Adverse reactions including hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinemia, psychiatric effects, and hypersensitivity reactions were reported with the use of ARAKODA or tafenoquine in clinical trials [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.3 , 5.4 , 5.5 )] . Due to the long half-life of ARAKODA (approximately 17 days), psychiatric effects, hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinemia, and signs or symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions that may occur could be delayed in onset and/or duration. Advise patients to seek medical attention if signs of hypersensitivity occur [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .

The following clinically significant adverse reactions observed with ARAKODA are discussed in detail in the Warnings and Precautions section:

• Hemolytic Anemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]
• Methemoglobinemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]
• Psychiatric Effects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]
• Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥1%) were: headache, dizziness, back pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), motion sickness, insomnia, depression, abnormal dreams, anxiety. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals at 1-888-834-0225 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 with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of tafenoquine was studied in clinical trials at various doses and regimens in 3,184 subjects. The recommended ARAKODA regimen was evaluated in 825 subjects in 5 controlled clinical trials (Trials 1, Trial 2, Trial 3, Trial 4 and Trial 5). The mean duration of exposure to ARAKODA in these five clinical trials was 21 weeks (range 10-29 weeks). Trial 1, 2 and 4 were conducted in healthy semi-immune volunteers in Ghana or Kenya and were placebo-controlled; a mefloquine arm was included in Trials 2 and 4 as a benchmark. Trial 3, an active comparator (mefloquine) controlled trial was conducted in healthy soldiers deployed in East Timor (Timor Leste). A placebo-controlled Trial 5 was conducted in healthy volunteers in the United States and United Kingdom. The mean age of the subjects included in the five trials was 29 years (range 17 to 69 years); 84% were male. Adverse Reactions Reported with ARAKODA in Trial 3 and Pooled Trials 1, 2, 4, and 5 Adverse reactions occurring in ≥1% of subjects in the ARAKODA group in the placebo-controlled pooled Trials 1, 2, 3, and 4 are presented in Table 3 . Table 3: Selected Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥1% of Subjects Receiving ARAKODA in Pooled Trials 1, 2, 4, and 5 (Non-Deployed Subjects) Adverse Reaction ARAKODA 1 (n=333) % Placebo (n=295) % Mefloquine 2 (n=147) % 1 ARAKODA was administered as 200 mg daily for 3 days, then 200 mg weekly 2 Mefloquine was administered as 250 mg daily for 3 days, then 250 mg weekly 3 Includes headache, sinus headache, migraine and tension headache. 4 Includes dizziness and dizziness postural 5 Includes abnormal dreams, insomnia, nightmares, sleep disorder, and somnambulism. Nervous system Disorders 35 34 47 Headache 3 32 32 44 Dizziness 4 5 3 10 Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders 27 26 37 Back pain 14 9 11 Gastrointestinal disorders 31 33 46 Diarrhea 5 3 1 Nausea 5 2 2 Vomiting 2 2 1 Investigations 8 7 11 Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) increased/abnormal 4 2 3 Psychiatric disorders 2 1 2 Any sleep symptom 5 1 1 0 Insomnia 1 1 0 Depression/depressed mood 1 0 0 Adverse reactions occurring in ≥1% of subjects in the ARAKODA group in the active-control Trial 3 conducted in military personnel deployed to malaria endemic areas are presented in Table 4 . Table 4: Selected Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥1% of Subjects Receiving ARAKODA in Trial 3 (Deployed Subjects) Adverse Reaction ARAKODA 1 (n=492) % Mefloquine 2 (n=162) % 1 ARAKODA was administered as 200 mg daily for 3 days, then 200 mg weekly 2 Mefloquine was administered as 250 mg daily for 3 days, then 250 mg weekly 3 Includes headache, sinus headache, migraine and tension headache. 4 Includes dizziness and dizziness postural 5 Includes motion sickness, vertigo and vertigo positional. 6 Includes abnormal dreams, insomnia, nightmares, sleep disorder, and somnambulism. 7 Includes abnormal dreams, nightmares 8 Includes anxiety disorder, panic attack and stress. Nervous system Disorders 22 27 Headache 3 15 19 Dizziness 4 1 1 Ear and labyrinth Disorders 7 11 Motion sicknesss 5 5 6 Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders 29 30 Back pain 14 15 Gastrointestinal disorders 36 41 Diarrhea 18 20 Nausea 7 9 Vomiting 5 6 Psychiatric disorders 5 4 Any sleep symptom 6 4 4 Insomnia 2 1 Abnormal dreams 7 2 2 Anxiety 8 1 0 Clinically Significant Adverse Reactions in Trials 1 to 5 (Overall Safety Population) Clinically significant adverse reactions with ARAKODA (200 mg daily for 3 days, followed by 200 mg weekly) in Trials 1 to 5 (n= 825) are described below: Ocular Adverse Reactions Vortex keratopathy was reported in 21% to 93% of subjects receiving ARAKODA in the trials which included ophthalmic evaluations (Trials 3, 5, and Trial 6 (NCT # 01290601, an active-control trial in patients from Thailand with P. vivax malaria. The keratopathy did not result in any apparent functional visual changes and resolved within one year after drug cessation in all patients. Retinal abnormalities were noted in less than 1% of subjects receiving ARAKODA. A total of 7 serious ocular adverse reactions (SARs) were reported in ARAKODA-treated subjects in the trials which included ophthalmic evaluations: 5 reports of keratopathy and two reports of retinal disorders. Laboratory Abnormalities Methemoglobinemia: Asymptomatic methemoglobin elevations were observed in 13% of subjects receiving ARAKODA. Hemoglobin decrease: Hemoglobin decreases of ≥ 3 g/dL were observed in 2.3% of subjects receiving ARAKODA. Adverse Reactions Reported in < 1% of Subjects Receiving ARAKODA in Trials 1 to 5 The following selected adverse reactions were reported in subjects receiving ARAKODA in Trials 1 to 5 at a rate of less than 1%. Blood and lymphatic system disorders: hemolytic anemia, anemia, thrombocytopenia Ear and labyrinth disorders: hyperacusis, Meniere’s disease Eye disorders: night blindness, photophobia, blurred vision, visual acuity reduced, visual impairment, vitreous floaters Hepatobiliary disorders: hyperbilirubinemia, jaundice cholestatic Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity Investigations: blood bilirubin increased, blood creatinine increased, glomerular filtration rate decreased Nervous system disorders: amnesia, coordination abnormal, hyperesthesia, hypoesthesia, somnolence, syncope, tremor, visual field defect Psychiatric disorders: agitation, neurosis Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: urticaria.

Avoid co-administration with drugs that are substrates of organic cation transporter-2 (OCT2) or multidrug and toxin extrusion (MATE) transporters ( 7.1 )

7.1 Effect of ARAKODA on Organic Cation Transporter-2 (OCT2) and Multidrug and Toxin Extrusion (MATE) Substrates The effect of coadministration of tafenoquine on the pharmacokinetics of OCT2 and MATE substrates in humans is unknown. However, in vitro observations suggest the potential for increased concentrations of these substrates [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] which may increase the risk of toxicity of these drugs. Avoid coadministration of ARAKODA with OCT2 and MATE substrates (e.g., dofetilide, metformin). If coadministration cannot be avoided, monitor for drug-related toxicities and consider dosage reduction if needed based on approved product labeling of the coadministered drug.

Lactation : Advise women not to breastfeed a G6PD-deficient infant or infant with unknown G6PD status during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of ARAKODA. ( 5.2 , 8.2 )

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The use of ARAKODA during pregnancy may cause hemolytic anemia in a fetus who is G6PD-deficient. Treatment with ARAKODA during pregnancy is not recommended. If a pregnancy is detected during ARAKODA use, discontinue ARAKODA as soon as possible and switch to an alternative prophylactic drug for malaria during pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Available data with use of ARAKODA in pregnant women are insufficient to establish a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal studies, there were increased abortions, with and without maternal toxicity when tafenoquine was given orally to pregnant rabbits at and above doses equivalent to about 0.4 times the clinical exposure based on body surface area comparisons. No fetotoxicity was observed at doses about 1.5 times the clinical exposure (based on body surface area comparisons) in a similar study in rats. 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. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk: Malaria during pregnancy increases the risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, including maternal anemia, prematurity, spontaneous abortion and stillbirth. Data Animal Data: Tafenoquine resulted in dose-related abortions when given orally to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis (Gestation Days 6 to 18), at doses of 7 mg/kg (about 0.4 times the clinical exposure based on body surface area comparisons) and above. Doses higher than 7 mg/kg were also associated with maternal toxicity (mortality and reduced body weight gain). In a similar study in rats, doses of 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg/day resulted in maternal toxicity (enlarged spleen, reduced body weight and reduced food intake) but no fetotoxicity at the high dose (about 1.5 times the clinical exposure based on body surface area comparisons). There was no evidence of malformations in either species. In a pre- and postnatal development study in rats, tafenoquine administered throughout pregnancy and lactation produced maternal toxicity and a reversible decrease in offspring body weight gain and decrease in motor activity at 18 mg/kg/day, which is equivalent to about 0.6 times the clinical dose based on body surface area comparisons.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary A breastfed infant with G6PD deficiency is at risk for hemolytic anemia from exposure to ARAKODA. Infant G6PD status should be checked before breastfeeding begins. ARAKODA is contraindicated in breastfeeding women when the infant is found to be G6PD deficient or the G6PD status of the infant is unknown [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Clinical Considerations ] . There is no information regarding the presence of ARAKODA in human milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. In a breastfed infant with normal G6PD, the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for ARAKODA and any potential effects on the breastfed infant from ARAKODA or from the underlying maternal condition. Clinical Considerations Check the infant’s G6PD status before maternal breastfeeding commences. If an infant is G6PD-deficient, exposure to ARAKODA during breastfeeding may result in hemolytic anemia in the infant; therefore, advise the woman with an infant who has G6PD deficiency or whose G6PD status is unknown, not to breastfeed during treatment with ARAKODA and for 3 months after the final dose of ARAKODA.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Pregnancy Testing Verify the pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating treatment with ARAKODA. [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Warnings and Precautions, ( 5.2 ), and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . Contraception ARAKODA may cause hemolytic anemia in a G6PD-deficient fetus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . Advise females of reproductive potential that treatment with ARAKODA during pregnancy is not recommended and to avoid pregnancy or use effective contraception for 3 months after the final dose of ARAKODA.

8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of ARAKODA in pediatric patients have not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical trials of ARAKODA did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .

8.6 Renal Impairment The pharmacokinetics of ARAKODA have not been studied in patients with renal impairment. If ARAKODA is administered to such patients, monitoring for adverse reactions associated with ARAKODA is needed [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] .

8.7 Hepatic Impairment The pharmacokinetics of ARAKODA have not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment. If ARAKODA is administered to such patients, monitoring for adverse reactions associated with ARAKODA is needed [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] .

Tafenoquine is an 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial drug [see Microbiology ( 12.4 )] .