Rowasa

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ROWASA is indicated for the treatment of active mild to moderate distal ulcerative colitis, proctosigmoiditis or proctitis in adults. ROWASA is an aminosalicylate indicated for treatment of active mild to moderate distal ulcerative colitis, proctosigmoiditis or proctitis in adults. ( 1 )

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Evaluate renal function before initiating therapy with ROWASA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage is one rectal instillation (4 grams) once a day, preferably at bedtime, and retained for approximately eight hours for 3 to 6 weeks depending on symptoms and sigmoidoscopic findings. Administration Instructions • Shake the bottle to ensure the suspension is homogeneous. • Remove the protective sheath from the applicator tip. • Assume the correct body position: o Lie on the left side with the lower leg extended and the upper right leg flexed forward for balance. o Alternatively, sit in the knee to chest position. • Gently insert the applicator tip in the rectum pointing toward the umbilicus. • Steadily squeeze the bottle to discharge the medication. • Remain in the position for at least 30 minutes. Administer at bedtime with the objective of retaining it all night. • Drink an adequate amount of fluids during treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . • Evaluate renal function prior to initiation of ROWASA and periodically while on therapy. ( 2 , 5.1 ) • The recommended dosage is one rectal instillation (4 grams) once a day, preferably at bedtime, and retained for approximately eight hours for 3 to 6 weeks depending on symptoms and sigmoidoscopic findings. ( 2 ) • Drink an adequate amount of fluids. ( 2 . 5.7 )

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Rectal Suspension: 4 g/60 mL enema bottle; off-white to tan colored suspension Rectal Suspension: 4 g/60 mL enema bottle ( 3 )

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS ROWASA is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to salicylates, aminosalicylates, sulfites or any other component of this medication [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Known or suspected hypersensitivity to salicylates, aminosalicylates, sulfites or any other of the ingredients in ROWASA. ( 4 , 5.1 )

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Hypersensitivity Reactions : Sulfite-related reactions (ROWASA contains potassium metabisulfite) and sulfasalazine-associated reactions (myocarditis and pericarditis) can occur; evaluate patients immediately and discontinue ROWASA if a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected. ( 5.3 ) • Renal Impairment : Assess renal function at the beginning of treatment and periodically during treatment. Evaluate the risks and benefits of ROWASA in patients with known renal impairment or taking nephrotoxic drug. Discontinue ROWASA if renal function deteriorates while on therapy. ( 5.1 , 7.1 ) • Mesalamine-Induced Acute Intolerance Syndrome : Discontinue treatment if acute intolerance syndrome (cramping, acute abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, sometimes fever, headache and rash) is suspected. ( 5.2 ) • Hepatic Failure : Evaluate the risks and benefits of using ROWASA in patients with known liver impairment. ( 5.4 ) • Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions : Discontinue at the first signs or symptoms of severe cutaneous adverse reactions or other signs of hypersensitivity and consider further evaluation. ( 5.5 ) • Photosensitivity : Avoid sun exposure if pre-existing skin conditions. ( 5.6 ) • Nephrolithiasis : Cases of nephrolithiasis have been reported with the use of mesalamine. Mesalamine-containing stones are undetectable by standard radiography or computed tomography (CT). Ensure adequate hydration during treatment. ( 5.7 ) • Interference with Laboratory Tests : Mesalamine may lead to elevated urinary normetanephrine test results. ( 5.8 ) • Intracranial Hypertension : If an unusual headache or visual disturbance occurs during treatment, immediately discontinue treatment and refer patient for further evaluation. ( 5.9 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Sulfite-Related Reactions ROWASA contains potassium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown but probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic or in atopic nonasthmatic persons. Epinephrine is the preferred treatment for serious allergic or emergency situations even though epinephrine injection contains sodium or potassium metabisulfite with the above-mentioned potential liabilities. The alternatives to using epinephrine in a life-threatening situation may not be satisfactory. The presence of a sulfite(s) in epinephrine injection should not deter the administration of the drug for treatment of serious allergic or other emergency situations. Sulfasalazine-Associated Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients taking sulfasalazine. Some patients may have a similar reaction to ROWASA or to other compounds that contain or are converted to mesalamine. As with sulfasalazine, mesalamine-induced hypersensitivity reactions may present as internal organ involvement, including myocarditis, pericarditis, nephritis, hepatitis, pneumonitis and hematologic abnormalities. Evaluate patients immediately if signs or symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction are present. Discontinue ROWASA if an alternative etiology for the signs and symptoms cannot be established. 5.2 Renal Impairment Renal impairment, including minimal change disease, acute and chronic interstitial nephritis, and renal failure have been reported in patients given ROWASA or other products that contain mesalamine or are converted to mesalamine. In animal studies, the kidney was the principal organ of mesalamine toxicity [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2) ] . Evaluate the risks and benefits of using ROWASA in patients with known renal impairment or a history of renal disease or taking concomitant nephrotoxic drugs. Evaluate renal function in all patients prior to initiation and periodically while on ROWASA therapy. Discontinue ROWASA if renal function deteriorates while on therapy [see Drug Interactions (7.1) , Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] . 5.3 Mesalamine-Induced Acute Intolerance Syndrome Mesalamine has been associated with an acute intolerance syndrome that may be difficult to distinguish from a flare of inflammatory bowel disease. Although the exact frequency of occurrence cannot be ascertained, it has occurred in 3% of patients in controlled clinical trials of mesalamine or sulfasalazine. Symptoms include cramping, acute abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea, sometimes fever, headache, and rash. Monitor patients for worsening of these symptoms while on treatment. If acute intolerance syndrome is suspected, promptly discontinue treatment with ROWASA. 5.4 Hepatic Failure There have been reports of hepatic failure in patients with pre-existing liver disease who have been administered other products containing mesalamine. Evaluate the risks and benefits of using ROWASA in patients with known liver impairment. 5.5 Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Severe cutaneous adverse reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported with the use of mesalamine [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Discontinue ROWASA at the first signs or symptoms of severe cutaneous adverse reactions or other signs of hypersensitivity and consider further evaluation. 5.6 Photosensitivity Patients with pre‑existing skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and atopic eczema have reported more severe photosensitivity reactions. Advise patients to avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors. 5.7 Nephrolithiasis Cases of nephrolithiasis have been reported with the use of mesalamine, including stones with 100% mesalamine content. Mesalamine‑containing stones are radiotransparent and undetectable by standard radiography or computed tomography (CT). Ensure adequate fluid intake during treatment. 5.8 Interference with Laboratory Tests Use of mesalamine may lead to spuriously elevated test results when measuring urinary normetanephrine by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection because of the similarity in the chromatograms of normetanephrine and the main metabolite of mesalamine, N‑acetyl‑5‑aminosalicylic acid (N‑Ac‑5‑ASA). Consider an alternative, selective assay for normetanephrine. 5.9 Intracranial Hypertension Intracranial hypertension has been reported postmarketing in patients receiving mesalamine and sulfasalazine. Signs and symptoms of intracranial hypertension can include severe or recurrent headache, blurred vision, diplopia, and potential vision loss; papilledema can be found on fundoscopy. These signs and symptoms are similar to idiopathic intracranial hypertension. If an unusual headache or visual disturbance occurs during treatment, immediately discontinue ROWASA and refer the patient for further evaluation .

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Renal impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Mesalamine-induced acute intolerance syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Hepatic failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Severe cutaneous adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Photosensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Nephrolithiasis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Intracranial Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥1%) are: gas/flatulence, flu, fever, leg/joint pain, hemorrhoids, rectal pain and hair loss. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc at 1-866-210-5949 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Table 1: Adverse Reactions reported in 1% or more of ROWASA-treated patients and greater than placebo in Clinical Trials of ROWASA in Adult Patients with Ulcerative Colitis, Proctosigmoiditis or Proctitis Adverse Reaction ROWASA (N=815) % Placebo (N=128) % Gas/Flatulence 6 4 Flu 5 1 Fever 3 0 Leg/Joint pain 2 1 Hemorrhoids 1 1 Rectal pain 1 0 Hair loss 1 0 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post‑approval use of mesalamine. 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: myocarditis, pericarditis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Gastrointestinal Disorders: pancreatitis Hematologic Disorders: agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, eosinophilia, leukopenia, neutropenia, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia Hepatic Disorders: elevated liver enzymes, hepatic failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Immune System Disorders: vasculitis Nervous System: intracranial hypertension Renal and Urinary Disorders: acute renal failure, chronic renal failure, interstitial nephritis, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, nephrolithiasis, nephrotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , (5.7) ] • Urine discoloration occurring ex-vivo caused by contact of mesalamine including inactive metabolite, with surfaces or water treated with hypochlorite-containing bleach Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: reversible oligospermia Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders: fibrosing alveolitis, pleurisy/pleuritis Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: AGEP, DRESS, SJS/TEN [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING ROWASA ® (mesalamine) rectal suspension is an off-white to tan colored suspension. Each disposable enema bottle contains 4 grams of mesalamine in 60 mL aqueous suspension. Enema bottles are supplied in boxed, foil-wrapped trays as follows: NDC 0037-0066-01 .................. Professional Sample NDC 0037-0066-05 .................. Carton of 7 Bottles NDC 0037-0066-14 .................. Carton of 14 Bottles NDC 0037-0066-03 .................. Carton of 28 Bottles ROWASA ® (mesalamine) rectal suspension is for rectal use only. Storage Store at controlled room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); Excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Once the foil wrapped unit of seven bottles is opened, all enemas should be used promptly as directed by your physician. Contents of enemas removed from the foil pouch may darken with time. Slight darkening will not affect potency, however, enemas with dark brown contents should be discarded.