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JULUCA
(dolutegravir and rilpivirine) tablets
JULUCA is a fixed-dose combination tablet containing dolutegravir (as dolutegravir sodium), an INSTI, and rilpivirine (as rilpivirine hydrochloride), an NNRTI.
The chemical name of dolutegravir sodium is sodium (4R,12aS)-9-{[(2,4difluorophenyl) methyl]carbamoyl}-4-methyl-6,8-dioxo-3,4,6,8,12,12a-hexahydro-2Hpyrido[ 1',2':4,5]pyrazino[2,1-b][1,3]oxazin-7-olate. The empirical formula is C20H18F2N3NaO5 and the molecular weight is 441.36 g per mol. It has the following structural formula:
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Dolutegravir sodium is a white to light yellow powder and is slightly soluble in water.
The chemical name for rilpivirine hydrochloride is 4-[[4-[[4-[(E)-2-cyanoethenyl]-2,6dimethylphenyl] amino]-2-pyrimidinyl]amino]benzonitrile monohydrochloride. Its molecular formula is C22H18N6 • HCl and its molecular weight is 402.88g per mol. Rilpivirine hydrochloride has the following structural formula:
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Rilpivirine hydrochloride is a white to almost white powder. Rilpivirine hydrochloride is practically insoluble in water over a wide pH range.
JULUCA tablets are for oral administration. Each film-coated tablet contains the active ingredients 50 mg of dolutegravir (equivalent to 52.6 mg dolutegravir sodium) and 25 mg of rilpivirine (equivalent to 27.5 mg rilpivirine hydrochloride) and the inactive ingredients croscarmellose sodium, D-mannitol, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 20, povidone K29/32 and K30, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, and sodium stearyl fumarate. The tablet film-coating contains the inactive ingredients iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, macrogol/PEG, polyvinyl alcohol-part hydrolyzed, talc, and titanium dioxide.
JULUCA is indicated as a complete regimen for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in adults to replace the current antiretroviral regimen in those who are virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen for at least 6 months with no history of treatment failure and no known substitutions associated with resistance to the individual components of JULUCA.
The recommended dosage of JULUCA is one tablet taken orally once daily with a meal [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. One tablet of JULUCA contains 50 mg of dolutegravir and 25 mg of rilpivirine.
If JULUCA is coadministered with rifabutin, take an additional 25-mg tablet of rilpivirine with JULUCA once daily with a meal for the duration of the rifabutin coadministration [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
JULUCA tablets are pink, oval, biconvex tablets debossed with “SV J3T” on one side. Each film-coated tablet contains 50 mg of dolutegravir (equivalent to 52.6 mg dolutegravir sodium) and 25 mg of rilpivirine (equivalent to 27.5 mg rilpivirine hydrochloride).
Each JULUCA tablet contains 50 mg of dolutegravir and 25 mg of rilpivirine, and is a pink, oval, film-coated, biconvex tablet debossed with “SV J3T” on one side.
Bottle of 30 tablets with child-resistant closure (contains a desiccant): NDC 49702-242-13.
Store and dispense in the original package, protect from moisture, and keep the bottle tightly closed. Do not remove desiccant.
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Manufactured by: GSK, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Revised: Dec 2017
The following adverse reactions are described below and in other sections of the labeling:
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 assessment of JULUCA in HIV–1-infected, virologically suppressed subjects switching from their current antiretroviral regimen to dolutegravir plus rilpivirine is based on the pooled primary Week 48 analyses of data from 2 identical, international, multicenter, open-label trials, SWORD-1 and SWORD-2.
A total of 1,024 adult HIV–1-infected subjects who were on a stable suppressive antiretroviral regimen (containing 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors [NRTIs] plus either an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), or a protease inhibitor [PI]) for at least 6 months with no history of treatment failure and no known substitutions associated with resistance to dolutegravir or rilpivirine, were randomized and received treatment. Subjects were randomized 1:1 to continue their current antiretroviral regimen or be switched to dolutegravir plus rilpivirine administered once daily. In the pooled analyses, the proportion of subjects who discontinued treatment due to an adverse event was 4% in subjects receiving dolutegravir plus rilpivirine once daily and less than 1% in subjects who remained on their current antiretroviral regimen. The most common adverse events leading to discontinuation were psychiatric disorders: 2% of subjects receiving dolutegravir plus rilpivirine and less than 1% on the current antiretroviral regimen.
The most common adverse reactions (ARs) (all grades) reported in at least 2% of subjects in the Week 48 pooled analyses from SWORD-1 and SWORD-2 are provided in Table 2.
Table 2. Adverse Reactions (Grades 1 to 4) Reported in at Least 2% of Virologically Suppressed Subjects with HIV-1 Infection in SWORD-1 and SWORD-2 Trials (Week 48 Pooled Analyses)
| Adverse Reaction | Dolutegravir plus Rilpivirine (n = 513) |
Current Antiretroviral Regimen (n = 511) |
| Diarrhea | 2% | <1% |
| Headache | 2% | 0 |
The following ARs occurred in less than 2% of subjects receiving dolutegravir plus rilpivirine or are from studies described in the prescribing information of the individual components, TIVICAY (dolutegravir) and EDURANT (rilpivirine). Some events have been included because of their seriousness and assessment of potential causal relationship.
General Disorders: Fatigue.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, flatulence, nausea, upper abdominal pain, vomiting.
Hepatobiliary Disorders: Cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, hepatitis. Immune System Disorders: Immune reconstitution syndrome.
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: Decreased appetite.
Musculoskeletal Disorders: Myositis.
Nervous System Disorders: Dizziness, somnolence.
Psychiatric Disorders: Depressive disorders including depressed mood; depression; suicidal ideation, attempt, behavior, or completion. These events were observed primarily in subjects with a pre-existing history of depression or other psychiatric illness. Other reported psychiatric adverse reactions include anxiety, insomnia, sleep disorders, and abnormal dreams.
Renal and Urinary Disorders: Glomerulonephritis membranous, glomerulonephritis mesangioproliferative, nephrolithiasis, renal impairment.
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Pruritus, rash.
Selected laboratory abnormalities with a worsening grade from baseline and representing the worst-grade toxicity in at least 2% of subjects are presented in Table 3.
Table 3. Selected Laboratory Abnormalities (Grades 2 and 3 to 4; Week 48 Pooled Analyses) in SWORD-1 and SWORD-2 Trials
| Laboratory Parameter Preferred Term | Dolutegravir plus Rilpivirine (n = 513) |
Current Antiretroviral Regimen (n = 511) |
| ALT | ||
| Grade 2 (>2.5-5.0 x ULN) | 2% | <1% |
| Grade 3 to 4 (>5.0 x ULN) | <1% | <1% |
| AST | ||
| Grade 2 (>2.5-5.0 x ULN) | <1% | 2% |
| Grade 3 to 4 (>5.0 x ULN) | <1% | <1% |
| Total Bilirubin | ||
| Grade 2 (1.6-2.5 x ULN) | 2% | 4% |
| Grade 3 to 4 (>2.5 x ULN) | 0 | 3% |
| Creatine kinase | ||
| Grade 2 (6.0-9.9 x ULN) | <1% | <1% |
| Grade 3 to 4 (≥10.0 x ULN) | 1% | 2% |
| Hyperglycemia | ||
| Grade 2 (126-250 mg/dL) | 4% | 5% |
| Grade 3 to 4 (>250 mg/dL) | <1% | <1% |
| Lipase | ||
| Grade 2 (>1.5-3.0 x ULN) | 5% | 5% |
| Grade 3 to 4 (>3.0 x ULN) | 2% | 2% |
| ULN = Upper limit of normal. | ||
Changes in Serum Creatinine: Dolutegravir and rilpivirine have been shown to increase serum creatinine due to inhibition of tubular secretion of creatinine without affecting renal glomerular function [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Increases in serum creatinine occurred within the first 4 weeks of treatment with dolutegravir plus rilpivirine and remained stable through 48 weeks. A mean change from baseline of 0.093 mg per dL (range: -0.30 to 0.58 mg per dL) was observed after 48 weeks of treatment with dolutegravir plus rilpivirine. These changes are not considered to be clinically relevant.
Serum Lipids: At 48 weeks, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol to HDL ratio were similar between the treatment arms.
Mean bone mineral density (BMD) increased from baseline to Week 48 in subjects who switched from an antiretroviral treatment (ART) regimen containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) to dolutegravir plus rilpivirine (1.34% total hip and 1.46% lumbar spine) compared with those who continued on treatment with a TDF-containing antiretroviral regimen (0.05% total hip and 0.15% lumbar spine) in a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) substudy. BMD declines of 5% or greater at the lumbar spine were experienced by 2% of subjects receiving JULUCA and 5% of subjects who continued their TDF-containing regimen. The long-term clinical significance of these BMD changes is not known.
Fractures (excluding fingers and toes) were reported in 3 (0.6%) subjects who switched to dolutegravir plus rilpivirine and 9 (1.8%) subjects who continued their current antiretroviral regimen through 48 weeks.
In the pooled Phase 3 trials results analysis of rilpivirine, at Week 96, there was an overall mean change from baseline in basal cortisol of -0.69 (-1.12, 0.27) micrograms/dL in the rilpivirine group and of -0.02 (-0.48, 0.44) micrograms/dL in the efavirenz group. The clinical significance of the higher abnormal rate of 250 micrograms ACTH stimulation tests in the rilpivirine group is not known. Refer to the EDURANT (rilpivirine) Prescribing Information for additional information.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during postmarketing experience in patients receiving a dolutegravir-or rilpivirine-containing regimen. 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.
Arthralgia, myalgia.
Acute liver failure, hepatotoxicity.
Nephrotic syndrome.
Severe skin and hypersensitivity reactions, including DRESS.
Because JULUCA is a complete regimen, coadministration with other antiretroviral medications for the treatment of HIV-1 infection is not recommended [see INDICATIONS]. Information regarding potential drug-drug interactions with other antiretroviral medications is not provided [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Dolutegravir, a component of JULUCA, inhibits the renal organic cation transporters (OCT)2 and multidrug and toxin extrusion transporter (MATE)1, thus it may increase plasma concentrations of drugs eliminated via OCT2 or MATE1 such as dofetilide and metformin [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, Established And Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions].
Dolutegravir is metabolized by uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT)1A1 with some contribution from cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A. Dolutegravir is also a substrate of UGT1A3, UGT1A9, breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in vitro. Drugs that induce those enzymes and transporters may decrease dolutegravir plasma concentrations and reduce the therapeutic effect of dolutegravir [see Established And Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions]. Coadministration of dolutegravir and other drugs that inhibit these enzymes may increase dolutegravir plasma concentrations.
Coadministration of dolutegravir with polyvalent cation-containing products may lead to decreased absorption of dolutegravir [see Established And Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions].
Rilpivirine is primarily metabolized by CYP3A, and drugs that induce or inhibit CYP3A may affect the clearance of rilpivirine. Coadministration of JULUCA and drugs that induce CYP3A may result in decreased plasma concentrations of rilpivirine and loss of virologic response and possible resistance to rilpivirine or to the class of NNRTIs [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, Potential For Other Drugs To Affect The Components Of JULUCA]. Coadministration of JULUCA and drugs that inhibit CYP3A may result in increased plasma concentrations of rilpivirine. Coadministration of JULUCA with drugs that increase gastric pH may result in decreased plasma concentrations of rilpivirine and loss of virologic response and possible resistance to rilpivirine or to the class of NNRTIs [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, Established And Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
QT-Prolonging Drugs:
In healthy subjects, 75 mg once daily of rilpivirine (3 times the dose in JULUCA) and 300 mg once daily (12 times the dose in JULUCA) have been shown to prolong the QTc interval of the electrocardiogram [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Consider alternatives to JULUCA when coadministered with a drug with a known risk of Torsade de Pointes.
Information regarding potential drug interactions with dolutegravir and rilpivirine are provided in Table 4. These recommendations are based on either drug interaction trials of individual components or predicted interactions due to the expected magnitude of interaction and potential for serious adverse events or loss of efficacy [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Table 4. Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions: Alterations in Dose or Regimen May Be Recommended Based on Drug Interaction Trials or Predicted Interactionsa
| Concomitant Drug Class: Drug Name | Effect on Concentration | Clinical Comment |
| Antacids (e.g., aluminum or magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate) | ↓Rilpivirine | Administer JULUCA 4 hours before or 6 hours after taking antacids. |
| Antiarrhythmic: Dofetilide |
↑Dofetilide | Coadministration is contraindicated with JULUCA [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. |
| Anticonvulsants: Carbamazepine Oxcarbazepine Phenobarbital Phenytoin |
↓Dolutegravir ↓Rilpivirine |
Coadministration is contraindicated with JULUCA due to decreased rilpivirine concentrations [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. |
| Antidiabetics: Metforminb |
↑Metformin | With concomitant use, limit the total daily dose of metformin to 1,000 mg either when starting metformin or JULUCA. When starting or stopping JULUCA, the metformin dose may require an adjustment. Monitoring of blood glucose when initiating concomitant use and after withdrawal of JULUCA is recommended. |
| Antimycobacterials: Rifampin Rifapentine |
↓Dolutegravir ↓Rilpivirine |
Coadministration is contraindicated with JULUCA due to decreased rilpivirine concentrations [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. |
| Antimycobacterials: Rifabutinb |
↔Dolutegravir ↔Rifabutin ↓Rilpivirine |
An additional rilpivirine 25-mg tablet should be taken with JULUCA once daily with a meal when rifabutin is coadministered. |
| Glucocorticoid (systemic): Dexamethasone (more than a single-dose treatment) |
↓Rilpivirine | Coadministration is contraindicated with JULUCA due to decreased rilpivirine concentrations [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. |
| H2-Receptor Antagonists: Famotidine Cimetidine Nizatidine Ranitidine |
↔Dolutegravir ↓Rilpivirine |
JULUCA should only be administered at least 4 hours before or 12 hours after taking H2-receptor antagonists. |
| Herbal Products: St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) |
↓ Dolutegravir ↓Rilpivirine |
Coadministration is contraindicated with JULUCA due to decreased rilpivirine concentrations [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. |
| Macrolide or ketolide antibiotics: Clarithromycin Erythromycin Telithromycin |
↔Dolutegravir ↑Rilpivirine |
Where possible, consider alternatives, such as azithromycin. |
| Medications containing polyvalent cations (e.g., Mg or Al): Cation-containing productsb or laxatives Sucralfate Buffered medications |
↓Dolutegravir | Administer JULUCA 4 hours before or 6 hours after taking products containing polyvalent cations. |
| Narcotic analgesics: Methadoneb |
↔Dolutegravir ↓Methadone ↔Rilpivirine |
No dose adjustments are required when starting coadministration of methadone with JULUCA. However, clinical monitoring is recommended as methadone maintenance therapy may need to be adjusted in some patients. |
| Oral calcium and iron supplements, including multivitamins containing calcium or ironb (nonantacid) | ↓Dolutegravir | Administer JULUCA and supplements containing calcium or iron together with a meal or take JULUCA 4 hours before or 6 hours after taking these supplements. |
| Proton Pump Inhibitors: e.g., Esomeprazole Lansoprazole Omeprazole Pantoprazole Rabeprazole |
↓Rilpivirine | Coadministration is contraindicated with JULUCA due to decreased rilpivirine concentrations [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. |
|
↑ = Increase, ↓ = Decrease, ↔ = No change. a This table is not all inclusive. b See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY for magnitude of interaction. |
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Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with dolutegravir and were characterized by rash, constitutional findings, and sometimes organ dysfunction, including liver injury. These events were reported in less than 1% of subjects receiving dolutegravir in Phase 3 clinical trials.
Severe skin and hypersensitivity reactions have been reported during postmarketing experience, including cases of Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), with rilpivirine-containing regimens. While some skin reactions were accompanied by constitutional symptoms such as fever, other skin reactions were associated with organ dysfunctions, including elevations in hepatic serum biochemistries. During the Phase 3 clinical trials of rilpivirine, treatment-related rashes with at least Grade 2 severity were reported in 3% of subjects. No Grade 4 rash was reported [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Discontinue JULUCA immediately if signs or symptoms of severe skin or hypersensitivity reactions develop (including, but not limited to, severe rash or rash accompanied by fever, general malaise, fatigue, muscle or joint aches, blisters or peeling of the skin, mucosal involvement [oral blisters or lesions], conjunctivitis, facial edema, hepatitis, eosinophilia, angioedema, difficulty breathing). Clinical status, including laboratory parameters with liver aminotransferases, should be monitored and appropriate therapy initiated. Delay in stopping treatment with JULUCA after the onset of hypersensitivity may result in a life-threatening reaction [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Hepatic adverse events have been reported in patients receiving a dolutegravir-or rilpivirinecontaining regimen [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Patients with underlying hepatitis B or C or marked elevations in transaminases prior to treatment may be at increased risk for worsening or development of transaminase elevations. Additionally, in some patients receiving dolutegravircontaining regimens, the elevations in transaminases were consistent with immune reconstitution syndrome or hepatitis B reactivation particularly in the setting where anti-hepatitis therapy was withdrawn. Cases of hepatic toxicity including elevated serum liver biochemistries and hepatitis have also been reported in patients receiving a dolutegravir-or rilpivirine-containing regimen who had no pre-existing hepatic disease or other identifiable risk factors. Drug-induced liver injury leading to acute liver failure has been reported with dolutegravir-containing products, including liver transplant with TRIUMEQ (abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine). Monitoring for hepatotoxicity is recommended.
Depressive disorders (including depressed mood, depression, dysphoria, major depression, mood altered, negative thoughts, suicide attempt, and suicidal ideation) have been reported with rilpivirine [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. For information regarding depressive disorders reported in patients taking dolutegravir, [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Promptly evaluate patients with severe depressive symptoms to assess whether the symptoms are related to JULUCA and to determine whether the risks of continued therapy outweigh the benefits.
The concomitant use of JULUCA and other drugs may result in known or potentially significant drug interactions, some of which may lead to [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS]:
In healthy subjects, 75 mg once daily of rilpivirine (3 times the dose in JULUCA) and 300 mg once daily (12 times the dose in JULUCA) have been shown to prolong the QTc interval of the electrocardiogram [see DRUG INTERACTIONS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Consider alternatives to JULUCA when coadministered with a drug with a known risk of Torsade de Pointes.
See Table 4 for steps to prevent or manage these possible and known significant drug interactions, including dosing recommendations. Consider the potential for drug interactions prior to and during therapy with JULUCA; review concomitant medications during therapy with JULUCA; and monitor for the adverse reactions associated with the concomitant drugs.
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).
Advise patients to immediately contact their healthcare provider if they develop a rash. Instruct patients to immediately stop taking JULUCA and seek medical attention if they develop a rash associated with any of the following symptoms, as it may be a sign of a more serious reaction such as DRESS severe hypersensitivity: fever; generally ill feeling; extreme tiredness; muscle or joint aches; blisters or peeling of the skin; oral blisters or lesions; eye inflammation; facial swelling; swelling of the eyes, lips, tongue, or mouth; breathing difficulty; and/or signs and symptoms of liver problems (e.g., yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes; dark or tea-colored urine; pale-colored stools or bowel movements; nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; or pain, aching, or sensitivity on the right side below the ribs). Advise patients that if hypersensitivity occurs, they will be closely monitored, laboratory tests will be ordered, and appropriate therapy will be initiated [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that hepatotoxicity has been reported with rilpivirine and dolutegravir, components of JULUCA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Inform patients that monitoring for hepatotoxicity is recommended.
Inform patients that depressive disorders (depressed mood, depression, dysphoria, major depression, mood altered, negative thoughts, suicide attempt, suicidal ideation) have been reported with the components of JULUCA. Advise patients to seek immediate medical evaluation if they experience depressive symptoms [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS].
JULUCA may interact with many drugs; therefore, advise patients to report to their healthcare provider the use of any other prescription or nonprescription medication or herbal products including St. John’s wort [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Inform patients that it is important to take JULUCA once daily on a regular dosing schedule with a meal and to avoid missing doses as it can result in development of resistance. Instruct patients that if they miss a dose of JULUCA, to take it as soon as they remember with a meal. Advise patients not to double their next dose. Advise the patient a protein drink alone does not replace a meal [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Inform patients that there is an antiretroviral pregnancy registry to monitor fetal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to JULUCA [see Use In Specific Populations].
Instruct women with HIV-1 infection not to breastfeed because HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in the breast milk [see Use In Specific Populations].
Instruct patients to store JULUCA in the original bottle to protect from moisture and keep the bottle tightly closed. Do not remove desiccant [see HOW SUPPLIED].
JULUCA, TIVICAY, and TRIUMEQ are trademarks owned by or licensed to the ViiV Healthcare group of companies.
The other brand listed is a trademark owned by or licensed to its respective owner and is not a trademark owned by or licensed to the ViiV Healthcare group of companies. The maker of this brand is not affiliated with and does not endorse the ViiV Healthcare group of companies or its products.
Two-year carcinogenicity studies in mice and rats were conducted with dolutegravir. Mice were administered doses of up to 500 mg per kg and rats were administered doses of up to 50 mg per kg. In mice, no significant increases in the incidence of drug-related neoplasms were observed at the highest doses tested, resulting in dolutegravir AUC exposures approximately 20 times higher than those in humans at the recommended dose of 50 mg once daily. In rats, no increases in the incidence of drug-related neoplasms were observed at the highest dose tested, resulting in dolutegravir AUC exposures approximately 17 times higher than those in humans at the recommended dose of 50 mg once daily.
Rilpivirine was evaluated for carcinogenic potential by oral gavage administration to mice and rats up to 104 weeks. Daily doses of 20, 60, and 160 mg per kg per day were administered to mice and doses of 40, 200, 500, and 1,500 mg per kg per day were administered to rats. In rats, there were no drug-related neoplasms. In mice, rilpivirine was positive for hepatocellular neoplasms in both males and females. The observed hepatocellular findings in mice may be rodent specific. At the lowest tested doses in the carcinogenicity studies, the systemic exposures (based on AUC) to rilpivirine were 21 (mice) and 3 (rats) times higher than those observed in humans at the recommended dose (25 mg once daily).
Dolutegravir was not genotoxic in the bacterial reverse mutation assay, mouse lymphoma assay, or in the in vivo rodent micronucleus assay.
Rilpivirine tested negative in the absence and presence of a metabolic activation system in the in vitro Ames reverse mutation assay and the in vitro clastogenicity mouse lymphoma assay. Rilpivirine did not induce chromosomal damage in the in vivo micronucleus test in mice.
Dolutegravir did not affect male or female fertility in rats at doses associated with exposures approximately 33 times higher than the exposures in humans at the doses of 50 mg once daily.
No human data on the effect of rilpivirine on fertility are available. In a study conducted in rats, there were no effects on mating or fertility with rilpivirine up to 400 mg per kg per day, a dose of rilpivirine that showed maternal toxicity. This dose is associated with an exposure that is approximately 40 times higher than the exposure in humans at the recommended dose of 25 mg once daily.
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to JULUCA during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) at 1-800-258-4263.
There is insufficient prospective pregnancy data from the APR to adequately assess the risk of birth defects and miscarriage. Given the limited number of pregnancies exposed to dolutegravircontaining regimens reported to the APR, no definitive conclusions can be drawn on the safety of dolutegravir in pregnancy, and continued monitoring is ongoing through the APR. Available data from the APR show no difference in the overall risk of birth defects for rilpivirine compared with the background rate for major birth defects of 2.7% in the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP) reference population (see Data). The rate of miscarriage is not reported in the APR. The estimated background rate of miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies in the U.S. general population is 15% to 20%. The background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. The APR uses the MACDP as the U.S. reference population for birth defects in the general population. The MACDP evaluates women and infants from a limited geographic area and does not include outcomes for births that occurred at less than 20 weeks’ gestation.
In animal reproduction studies, no evidence of adverse developmental outcomes was observed with the components of JULUCA (see Data). During organogenesis in the rat and rabbit, systemic exposures (AUC) to dolutegravir were less than (rabbits) and 38 times (rats) and exposures to rilpivirine were 15 (rats) and 70 (rabbits) times the exposure at the recommended human dose (RHD). In rat pre-and post-natal development studies, maternal systemic exposures (AUC) to dolutegravir and rilpivirine were approximately 32 and 63 times, respectively, the exposures of each component in humans at the RHD.
Human Data:
Rilpivirine: Based on prospective reports to the APR of 202 exposures to rilpivirine during pregnancy resulting in live births, there was no difference between the overall risk of birth defects for rilpivirine compared with the background birth defect rate of 2.7% in the U.S. reference population of the MACDP. The prevalence of defects in live births was 0.5% (95% CI: 0.0% to 2.7%) and 0.8% (95% CI: 0.0% to 4.4%) following first and second/third trimester exposure, respectively, to rilpivirine-containing regimens.
Animal Data:
Dolutegravir: Dolutegravir was administered orally at up to 1,000 mg per kg daily to pregnant rats and rabbits on gestation Days 6 to 17 and 6 to 18, respectively, and also to rats on gestation Day 6 to lactation/post-partum Day 20. No adverse effects on embryo-fetal (rats and rabbits) development were observed at up to the highest dose tested. During organogenesis systemic exposures (AUC) to dolutegravir in rabbits were less than the exposure in humans, and in rats were approximately 38 times the exposure in humans (50 mg once daily). In the rat pre/post-natal development study, decreased body weight of the developing offspring was observed during lactation at a maternally toxic dose (approximately 32 times the human exposure with 50 mg once daily).
Rilpivirine: Rilpivirine was administered orally to pregnant rats (40, 120, or 400 mg per kg per day) and rabbits (5, 10, or 20 mg per kg per day) through organogenesis (on gestation Days 6 through 17, and 6 through 19, respectively). No significant toxicological effects were observed in embryo-fetal toxicity studies performed with rilpivirine in rats and rabbits at exposures 15 (rats) and 70 (rabbits) times higher than the exposure in humans at the recommended dose of 25 mg once daily. In a pre/postnatal development study with rilpivirine, where rats were administered up to 400 mg per kg per day through lactation, no significant adverse effects directly related to drug were noted in the offspring.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that HIV-1-infected mothers in the United States not breastfeed their infants to avoid risking postnatal transmission of HIV-1 infection.
It is not known whether JULUCA or components of JULUCA are present in human breast milk, affects human milk production, or has effects on the breastfed infant. When administered to lactating rats, dolutegravir and rilpivirine were present in milk (see Data).
Because of the potential for (1) HIV-1 transmission (in HIV-negative infants), (2) developing viral resistance (in HIV-positive infants), and (3) adverse reactions in a breastfed infant, instruct mothers not to breastfeed if they are receiving JULUCA.
Animal Data:
Dolutegravir: Dolutegravir was the primary drug-related component excreted into the milk of lactating rats following a single oral dose of 50 mg per kg on lactation Day 10, with milk concentrations of up to approximately 1.3 times that of maternal plasma concentrations observed 8 hours post-dose.
Rilpivirine: In animals, no studies have been conducted to assess the excretion of rilpivirine into milk directly; however, rilpivirine was present in plasma of rat pups exposed through the milk of lactating rats (dosed up to 400 mg per kg per day).
The safety and efficacy of JULUCA have not been established in pediatric patients.
Clinical trials of JULUCA did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, caution should be exercised in administration of JULUCA in elderly patients reflecting greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with mild or moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance greater than or equal to 30 mL/min) [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min) or end-stage renal disease, increased monitoring for adverse effects is recommended.
No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Score A or B). The effect of severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Score C) on the pharmacokinetics of dolutegravir or rilpivirine is unknown [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
There is no known specific treatment for overdose with JULUCA. If overdose occurs, the patient should be monitored and standard supportive treatment applied as required, including monitoring of vital signs and ECG (QT interval) as well as observation of the clinical status of the patient. Administration of activated charcoal may be used to aid in removal of unabsorbed active substance. As both dolutegravir and rilpivirine are highly bound to plasma proteins, it is unlikely that either would be significantly removed by dialysis.
JULUCA is contraindicated in patients:
Table 1. Drugs That are Contraindicated with JULUCA
| Drug Class | Contraindicated Drugs in Class | Clinical Comment |
| Antiarrhythmic | Dofetilide | Potential for serious and/or life-threatening events due to the potential for increased dofetilide plasma concentrations. |
| Anticonvulsants | Carbamazepine Oxcarbazepine Phenobarbital Phenytoin |
Potential for significant decreases in rilpivirine plasma concentrations due to CYP3A enzyme induction, which may result in loss of virologic response. |
| Antimycobacterials | Rifampin Rifapentine |
|
| Glucocorticoid (systemic) | Dexamethasone (more than a single-dose treatment) |
|
| Herbal Products | St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) |
|
| Proton Pump Inhibitors | e.g., Esomeprazole Lansoprazole Omeprazole Pantoprazole Rabeprazole |
Potential for significant decreases in rilpivirine plasma concentrations due to gastric pH increase, which may result in loss of virologic response. |
JULUCA is a fixed-dose combination of the HIV-1 antiretroviral agents, dolutegravir and rilpivirine [see Microbiology].
The effect of JULUCA on the QT interval has not been studied.
In a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, 42 healthy subjects received single-dose oral administration of placebo, dolutegravir 250-mg suspension (exposures approximately 3–fold of the 50-mg once-daily dose at steady state), and moxifloxacin 400 mg (active control) in random sequence. After baseline and placebo adjustment, the maximum mean QTc change based on Fridericia correction method (QTcF) for dolutegravir was 2.4 msec (1-sided 95% upper CI: 4.9 msec). Dolutegravir did not prolong the QTc interval over 24 hours post-dose.
The effect of rilpivirine at the recommended dose of 25 mg once daily on the QTcF interval was evaluated in a randomized, placebo-and active-(moxifloxacin 400 mg once daily) controlled crossover study in 60 healthy adults, with 13 measurements over 24 hours at steady state. The maximum mean time-matched (95% upper confidence bound) differences in QTcF interval from placebo after baseline correction was 2.0 (5.0) milliseconds (i.e., below the threshold of clinical concern). When 75 mg and 300 mg once daily of rilpivirine (3 times and 12 times the recommended dosage in JULUCA, respectively) were studied in healthy adults, the maximum mean time-matched (95% upper confidence bound) differences in QTcF interval from placebo after baseline correction were 10.7 (15.3) and 23.3 (28.4) milliseconds, respectively. Steady-state administration of rilpivirine 75 mg once daily and 300 mg once daily resulted in a mean steady-state Cmax approximately 2.6-fold and 6.7-fold, respectively, higher than the mean Cmax observed with the recommended 25-mg once-daily dose of rilpivirine [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
The effect of dolutegravir on renal function was evaluated in an open-label, randomized, 3-arm, parallel, placebo-controlled trial in healthy subjects (n = 37) who received dolutegravir 50 mg once daily (n = 12), dolutegravir 50 mg twice daily (n = 13), or placebo once daily (n = 12) for 14 days. A decrease in creatinine clearance, as determined by 24-hour urine collection, was observed with both doses of dolutegravir after 14 days of treatment in subjects who received 50 mg once daily (9% decrease) and 50 mg twice daily (13% decrease). Neither dose of dolutegravir had a significant effect on the actual glomerular filtration rate (determined by the clearance of probe drug, iohexol) or effective renal plasma flow (determined by the clearance of probe drug, para-amino hippurate) compared with the placebo.
The pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of the components of JULUCA are provided in Table 5. The multiple-dose pharmacokinetic parameters are provided in Table 6.
Table 5. Pharmacokinetic Properties of the Components of JULUCA
| Dolutegravir | Rilpivirine | |
| Absorption | ||
| Tmax (h) | 3 | 4 |
| Effect of moderate-fat meal (relative to fasting)a | AUC Ratio 1.87 (1.54, 2.26) | AUC Ratio 1.57 (1.24, 1.98) |
| Effect of high-fat meal (relative to fasting)a | AUC Ratio 1.87 (1.53, 2.29) | AUC Ratio 1.72 (1.36, 2.16) |
| Distribution | ||
| % Bound to human plasma proteins | ~99 | ~99 |
| Source of protein binding data | in vitro | in vitro |
| Blood-to-plasma ratio | 0.5 | 0.7 |
| Metabolism | ||
| Primarily metabolized | UGT1A1 CYP3A (minor) | CYP3A |
| Elimination | ||
| Major route of elimination | Metabolism | Metabolism |
| t1/2 (h) | 14 | 50 |
| % of dose excreted as total 14C (unchanged drug) in urineb | 31 (<1) | 6.5 (<1) |
| % of dose excreted as total 14C (unchanged drug) in fecesb | 64 (53) | 85 (25) |
|
a Geometric mean ratio (fed/fasted) in PK parameters and (90% confidence interval). Highcalorie/
high-fat meal = ~900 kcal, 56% fat. Moderate-fat meal = ~625 kcal, 32% fat. When rilpivirine was taken with only a protein-rich nutritional drink, exposures were 50% lower than when taken with a meal. b Dosing in mass balance studies: single-dose administration of [14C] dolutegravir or [14C] rilpivirine. |
||
Table 6. Multiple-Dose Pharmacokinetic Properties of the Components of JULUCA
| Parameter Mean (CV%) | Dolutegravira | Rilpivirinea |
| Cmax (mcg/mL) | 3.67 (20) | 0.13 (54)b |
| AUCtau (mcg/h/mL) | 53.6 (27) | 2.2 (38) |
| Ctrough (mcg/mL) | 1.11 (46) | 0.08 (44) |
|
a Based on population pharmacokinetic analyses using pooled data from ART treatment-naïve
adults receiving 50 mg dolutegravir once daily or 25 mg rilpivirine once daily. b Observed Cmax in a pharmacokinetic substudy in ART treatment-naïve adults receiving 25 mg rilpivirine once daily. |
||
The pharmacokinetics of dolutegravir plus rilpivirine has not been studied in pediatric subjects [see Use In Specific Populations].
Population pharmacokinetic analyses from studies with the individual components indicated age had no clinically relevant effect on the pharmacokinetics of dolutegravir or rilpivirine. Pharmacokinetic data in subjects 65 years of age and older are limited [see Use In Specific Populations].
Population pharmacokinetic analyses indicated that mild and moderate renal impairment had no clinically relevant effect on the exposure of dolutegravir. Dolutegravir AUC, Cmax, and C24 were lower by 40%, 23%, and 43%, respectively, in subjects (n = 8) with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min) as compared with matched healthy controls. Dolutegravir has not been studied in patients requiring dialysis [see Use In Specific Populations].
Population pharmacokinetic analyses indicated that mild renal impairment had no clinically relevant effect on the exposure of rilpivirine. There is limited or no information regarding the pharmacokinetics of rilpivirine in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment, end-stage renal disease, or patients requiring dialysis.
Dolutegravir exposures were similar in subjects (n = 8) with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Score B) as compared with matched healthy controls.
The effect of severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Score C) on the pharmacokinetics of dolutegravir has not been studied.
Rilpivirine exposure was 47% higher in subjects (n = 8) with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Score A) and 5% higher in subjects (n = 8) with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Score B) compared with matched controls. The effect of severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Score C) on the pharmacokinetics of rilpivirine has not been studied [see Use In Specific Populations].
Population pharmacokinetic analyses indicated that hepatitis C virus co-infection had no clinically relevant effect on the exposure of dolutegravir or rilpivirine. Subjects with hepatitis B co-infection were excluded from studies with dolutegravir plus rilpivirine.
Population pharmacokinetic analyses from studies with the individual components revealed that gender and race had no clinically relevant effect on the pharmacokinetics of dolutegravir or rilpivirine.
Drug interaction trials were conducted with dolutegravir or rilpivirine as individual components and other drugs likely to be coadministered or commonly used as probes for pharmacokinetic interactions. In vitro, dolutegravir did not inhibit (IC50 greater than 50 microM) the following: CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A, UGT1A1, UGT2B7, P-gp, BCRP, bile salt export pump (BSEP), organic anion transporter polypeptide (OATP)1B1, OATP1B3, OCT1, multidrug resistance protein (MRP)2, or MRP4. In vitro, dolutegravir did not induce CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A4.
In vitro, dolutegravir inhibited the renal OCT2 (IC50 = 1.93 microM) and MATE1 (IC50 = 6.34 microM). In vivo, dolutegravir inhibits tubular secretion of creatinine by inhibiting OCT2 and potentially MATE1. Dolutegravir may increase plasma concentrations of drugs eliminated via OCT2 or MATE1 such as dofetilide and metformin [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS].
In vitro, dolutegravir inhibited the basolateral renal transporters, organic anion transporter (OAT)1 (IC50 = 2.12 microM) and OAT3 (IC50 = 1.97 microM). However, in vivo, dolutegravir did not alter the plasma concentrations of tenofovir or para-amino hippurate, substrates of OAT1 and OAT3.
Dolutegravir is metabolized by UGT1A1 with some contribution from CYP3A. Dolutegravir is also a substrate of UGT1A3, UGT1A9, BCRP, and P-gp in vitro. In vitro, dolutegravir was not a substrate of OATP1B1 or OATP1B3.
Rilpivirine is primarily metabolized by CYP3A. Rilpivirine 25 mg once daily is not likely to have a clinically relevant effect on the exposure of medicinal products metabolized by CYP enzymes.
Dosing recommendations as a result of established and other potentially significant drug-drug interactions with dolutegravir or rilpivirine are provided in Table 4 [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Table 7. Summary of Effect of Dolutegravir on the Pharmacokinetics of Coadministered Drugs
| Coadministered Drug(s) and Dose(s) | Dose of Dolutegravir | n | Geometric Mean Ratio (90% CI) of Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Coadministered Drug with/without Dolutegravir No Effect = 1.00 |
||
| Cmax | AUC | Cτ or C24 | |||
| Daclatasvir 60 mg once daily |
50 mg once daily | 12 | 1.03 (0.84 to 1.25) |
0.98 (0.83 to 1.15) |
1.06 (0.88 to 1.29) |
| Ethinyl estradiol 0.035 mg |
50 mg twice daily | 15 | 0.99 (0.91 to 1.08) |
1.03 (0.96 to 1.11) |
1.02 (0.93 to 1.11) |
| Metformin 500 mg twice daily |
50 mg once daily | 15a | 1.66 (1.53 to 1.81) |
1.79 (1.65 to 1.93) |
- |
| Metformin 500 mg twice daily |
50 mg twice daily | 15a | 2.11 (1.91 to 2.33) |
2.45 (2.25 to 2.66) |
- |
| Methadone 16 to 150 mg |
50 mg twice daily | 11 | 1.00 (0. 94 to 1.06) |
0.98 (0.91 to 1.06) |
0.99 (0.91 to 1.07) |
| Midazolam 3 mg |
25 mg once daily | 10 | - | 0.95 (0.79 to 1.15) |
- |
| Norelgestromin 0.25 mg |
50 mg twice daily | 15 | 0.89 (0.82 to 0.97) |
0.98 (0.91 to 1.04) |
0.93 (0.85 to 1.03) |
| a The number of subjects represents the maximum number of subjects that were evaluated. | |||||
Table 8. Summary of Effect of Coadministered Drugs on the Pharmacokinetics of Dolutegravir
| Coadministered Drug(s) and Dose(s) | Dose of Dolutegravir | n | Geometric Mean Ratio (90% CI) of Dolutegravir Pharmacokinetic Parameters with/without Coadministered Drugs No Effect = 1.00 |
||
| Cmax | AUC | Cτ or C24 | |||
| Antacid (MAALOX) simultaneous administration |
50 mg single dose | 16 | 0.28 (0.23 to 0.33) |
0.26 (0.22 to 0.32) |
0.26 (0.21 to 0.31) |
| Antacid (MAALOX) 2 h after dolutegravir |
50 mg single dose | 16 | 0.82 (0.69 to 0.98) |
0.74 (0.62 to 0.90) |
0.70 (0.58 to 0.85) |
| Calcium carbonate 1,200 mg simultaneous administration (fasted) |
50 mg single dose | 12 | 0.63 (0.50 to 0.81) |
0.61 (0.47 to 0.80) |
0.61 (0.47 to 0.80) |
| Calcium carbonate 1,200 mg simultaneous administration (fed) |
50 mg single dose | 11 | 1.07 (0.83 to 1.38) |
1.09 (0.84 to 1.43) |
1.08 (0.81 to 1.42) |
| Calcium carbonate 1,200 mg 2 h after dolutegravir |
50 mg single dose | 11 | 1.00 (0.78 to 1.29) |
0.94 (0.72 to 1.23) |
0.90 (0.68 to 1.19) |
| Carbamazepine 300 mg twice daily |
50 mg once daily | 16c | 0.67 (0.61 to 0.73) |
0.51 (0.48 to 0.55) |
0.27 (0.24 to 0.31) |
| Daclatasvir 60 mg once daily |
50 mg once daily | 12 | 1.29 (1.07 to 1.57) |
1.33 (1.11 to 1.59) |
1.45 (1.25 to 1.68) |
| Ferrous fumarate 324 mg simultaneous administration (fasted) |
50 mg single dose | 11 | 0.43 (0.35 to 0.52) |
0.46 (0.38 to 0.56) |
0.44 (0.36 to 0.54) |
| Ferrous fumarate 324 mg simultaneous administration (fed) |
50 mg single dose | 11 | 1.03 (0.84 to 1.26) |
0.98 (0.81 to 1.20) |
1.00 (0.81 to 1.23) |
| Ferrous fumarate 324 mg 2 h after dolutegravir |
50 mg single dose | 10 | 0.99 (0.81 to 1.21) |
0.95 (0.77 to 1.15) |
0.92 (0.74 to 1.13) |
| Multivitamin (One-A-Day) simultaneous administration |
50 mg single dose | 16 | 0.65 (0.54 to 0.77) |
0.67 (0.55 to 0.81) |
0.68 (0.56 to 0.82) |
| Omeprazole 40 mg once daily |
50 mg single dose | 12 | 0.92 (0.75 to 1.11) |
0.97 (0.78 to 1.20) |
0.95 (0.75 to 1.21) |
| Prednisone 60 mg once daily with taper |
50 mg once daily | 12 | 1.06 (0.99 to 1.14) |
1.11 (1.03 to 1.20) |
1.17 (1.06 to 1.28) |
| Rifampina 600 mg once daily |
50 mg twice daily | 11 | 0.57 (0.49 to 0.65) |
0.46 (0.38 to 0.55) |
0.28 (0.23 to 0.34) |
| Rifampinb 600 mg once daily |
50 mg twice daily | 11 | 1.18 (1.03 to 1.37) |
1.33 (1.15 to 1.53) |
1.22 (1.01 to 1.48) |
| Rifabutin 300 mg once daily |
50 mg once daily | 9 | 1.16 (0.98 to 1.37) |
0.95 (0.82 to 1.10) |
0.70 (0.57 to 0.87) |
|
a Comparison is rifampin taken with dolutegravir 50 mg twice daily compared with dolutegravir 50 mg twice daily. b Comparison is rifampin taken with dolutegravir 50 mg twice daily compared with dolutegravir 50 mg once daily. c The number of subjects represents the maximum number of subjects that were evaluated. |
|||||
Table 9. Summary of Effect of Rilpivirine on the Pharmacokinetics of Coadministered Drugs
| Coadministered Drug(s) and Dose(s) | Dose of Rilpivirine | n | Geometric Mean Ratio (90% CI) of Coadministered Drug Pharmacokinetic Parameters with/without EDURANT No Effect = 1.00 |
||
| Cmax | AUC | Cmin | |||
| Acetaminophen 500 mg single dose |
150 mg once dailya | 16 | 0.97 (0.86 to 1.10) |
0.91 (0.86 to 0.97) |
NA |
| Atorvastatin 40 mg once daily |
150 mg once dailya | 16 | 1.35 (1.08 to 1.68) |
1.04 (0.97 to 1.12) |
0.85 (0.69 to 1.03) |
| 2-hydroxy-atorvastatin | 1.58 (1.33 to 1.87) |
1.39 (1.29 to 1.50) |
1.32 (1.10 to 1.58) |
||
| 4-hydroxy-atorvastatin | 1.28 (1.15 to 1.43) |
1.23 (1.13 to 1.33) |
NA | ||
| Chlorzoxazone 500 mg single dose taken 2 hours after rilpivirine |
150 mg once dailya | 16 | 0.98 (0.85 to 1.13) |
1.03 (0.95 to 1.13) |
NA |
| Digoxin 0.5 mg single dose |
25 mg once daily | 22 | 1.06 (0.97 to 1.17) |
0.98 (0.93 to 1.04)c |
NA |
| Ethinylestradiol 0.035 mg once daily |
25 mg once daily | 17 | 1.17 (1.06 to 1.30) |
1.14 (1.10 to 1.19) |
1.09 (1.03 to 1.16) |
| Norethindrone 1 mg once daily |
0.94 (0.83 to 1.06) |
0.89 (0.84 to 0.94) |
0.99 (0.90 to 1.08) |
||
| Ketoconazole 400 mg once daily |
150 mg once dailya | 14 | 0.85 (0.80 to 0.90) |
0.76 (0.70 to 0.82) |
0.34 (0.25 to 0.46) |
| Methadone 60-100 mg once daily, individualized dose |
25 mg once daily | 13 | |||
| R(-) methadone | 0.86 (0.78 to 0.95) |
0.84 (0.74 to 0.95) |
0.78 (0.67 to 0.91) |
||
| S(+) methadone | 0.87 (0.78 to 0.97) |
0.84 (0.74 to 0.96) |
0.79 (0.67 to 0.92) |
||
| Metformin 850 mg single dose |
25 mg once daily | 20 | 1.02 (0.95 to -1.10) |
0.97 (0.90 to 1.06)b |
NA |
| Omeprazole 20 mg once daily |
150 mg once dailya | 15 | 0.86 (0.68 to 1.09) |
0.86 (0.76 to 0.97) |
NA |
| Rifampin 600 mg once daily |
150 mg once dailya | 16 | 1.02 (0.93 to 1.12) |
0.99 (0.92 to 1.07) |
NA |
| 25-desacetylrifampin | 1.00 (0.87 to 1.15) |
0.91 (0.77 to 1.07) |
NA | ||
| Sildenafil 50 mg single dose |
75 mg once dailya | 16 | 0.93 (0.80 to 1.08) |
0.97 (0.87 to 1.08) |
NA |
| N-desmethyl-sildenafil | 0.90 (0.80 to 1.02) |
0.92 (0.85 to 0.99)c |
NA | ||
| Simeprevir 150 mg once daily |
25 mg once daily | 21 | 1.10 (0.97 to 1.26) |
1.06 (0.94 to 1.19) |
0.96 (0.83 to 1.11) |
|
CI = Confidence Interval; n = Maximum number of subjects with data; NA = Not available. a This interaction study has been performed with a dose higher than the recommended dose for rilpivirine (25 mg once daily) assessing the maximal effect on the coadministered drug. b N (maximum number of subjects with data) for AUC(0-∞) = 15. c AUC(0-last). |
|||||
Table 10. Summary of Effect of Coadministered Drugs on the Pharmacokinetics of Rilpivirine
| Coadministered Drug(s) and Dose(s) | Dose of Rilpivirine | n | Geometric Mean Ratio (90% CI) of Rilpivirine Pharmacokinetic Parameters with/without Coadministered Drugs No Effect = 1.00 |
||
| Cmax | AUC | Cmin | |||
| Acetaminophen 500 mg single dose |
150 mg once dailya | 16 | 1.09 (1.01 to 1.18) |
1.16 (1.10 to 1.22) |
1.26 (1.16 to 1.38) |
| Atorvastatin 40 mg once daily |
150 mg once dailya | 16 | 0.91 (0.79 to 1.06) |
0.90 (0.81 to 0.99) |
0.90 (0.84 to 0.96) |
| Chlorzoxazone 500 mg single dose taken 2 hours after rilpivirine |
150 mg once dailya | 16 | 1.17 (1.08 to 1.27) |
1.25 (1.16 to 1.35) |
1.18 (1.09 to 1.28) |
| Ethinylestradiol/ Norethindrone 0.035 mg once daily/ 1 mg once daily |
25 mg once daily | 15 | ↔b | ↔b | ↔b |
| Famotidine 40 mg single dose taken 12 hours before rilpivirine |
150 mg single dosea | 24 | 0.99 (0.84 to 1.16) |
0.91 (0.78 to 1.07) |
NA |
| Famotidine 40 mg single dose taken 2 hours before rilpivirine |
150 mg single dosea | 23 | 0.15 (0.12 to 0.19) |
0.24 (0.20 to 0.28) |
NA |
| Famotidine 40 mg single dose taken 4 hours after rilpivirine |
150 mg single dosea | 24 | 1.21 (1.06 to 1.39) |
1.13 (1.01 to 1.27) |
NA |
| Ketoconazole 400 mg once daily |
150 mg once dailyb | 15 | 1.30 (1.13 to 1.48) |
1.49 (1.31 to 1.70) |
1.76 (1.57 to 1.97) |
| Methadone 60-100 mg once daily, individualised dose |
25 mg once daily | 12 | ↔b | ↔b | ↔b |
| Omeprazole 20 mg once daily |
150 mg once dailya | 16 | 0.60 (0.48 to 0.73) |
0.60 (0.51 to 0.71) |
0.67 (0.58 to 0.78) |
| Rifabutin 300 mg once daily |
25 mg once daily | 18 | 0.69 (0.62 to 0.76) |
0.58 (0.52 to 0.65) |
0.52 (0.46 to 0.59) |
| Rifabutin 300 mg once daily |
50 mg once daily | 18 | 1.43 (1.30 to 1.56) |
1.16 (1.06 to 1.26) |
0.93 (0.85 to 1.01) |
| (reference arm for comparison was 25-mg-oncedaily rilpivirine administered alone) | |||||
| Rifampin 600 mg once daily |
150 mg once dailya | 16 | 0.31 (0.27 to 0.36) |
0.20 (0.18 to 0.23) |
0.11 (0.10 to 0.13) |
| Sildenafil 50 mg single dose |
75 mg once dailya | 16 | 0.92 (0.85 to 0.99) |
0.98 (0.92 to 1.05) |
1.04 (0.98 to 1.09) |
| Simeprevir 150 mg once daily |
25 mg once daily | 23 | 1.04 (0.95 to 1.13) |
1.12 (1.05 to 1.19) |
1.25 (1.16 to 1.35) |
|
CI = Confidence Interval; n = Maximum number of subjects with data; NA = Not available;
↔ = No change. a This interaction study has been performed with a dose higher than the recommended dose for rilpivirine (25 mg once daily) assessing the maximal effect on the coadministered drug. b Comparison based on historic controls. |
|||||
Dolutegravir inhibits HIV integrase by binding to the integrase active site and blocking the strand transfer step of retroviral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) integration which is essential for the HIV replication cycle. Strand transfer biochemical assays using purified HIV-1 integrase and pre-processed substrate DNA resulted in IC50 values of 2.7 nM and 12.6 nM.
Rilpivirine is a diarylpyrimidine NNRTI of HIV-1 and inhibits HIV-1 replication by noncompetitive inhibition of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT). Rilpivirine does not inhibit the human cellular DNA polymerases α, β, and γ.
Dolutegravir exhibited antiviral activity against laboratory strains of wild-type HIV-1 with mean EC50 values of 0.5 nM to 2.1 nM (0.21 to 0.85 ng per mL) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and MT-4 cells. Dolutegravir exhibited antiviral activity against 13 clinically diverse clade B isolates with a mean EC50 value of 0.52 nM in a viral integrase susceptibility assay using the integrase coding region from clinical isolates. Dolutegravir demonstrated antiviral activity in cell culture against a panel of HIV-1 clinical isolates (3 in each group of M [clades A, B, C, D, E, F, and G] and 3 in group O) with EC50 values ranging from 0.02 nM to 2.14 nM.
Rilpivirine exhibited activity against laboratory strains of wild-type HIV-1 in an acutely infected T-cell line with a median EC50 value for HIV-1IIIB of 0.73 nM (0.27 ng per mL). Rilpivirine demonstrated antiviral activity against a broad panel of HIV-1 group M (clades A, B, C, D, F, G, H) primary isolates with EC50 values ranging from 0.07 nM to 1.01 nM (0.03 to 0.37 ng/mL) and was less active against group O primary isolates with EC50 values ranging from 2.88 to 8.45 nM (1.06 to 3.10 ng/mL).
Neither dolutegravir nor rilpivirine were antagonistic to all tested anti-HIV agents or with each other when tested in combination.
Cell Culture:
Dolutegravir-resistant viruses were selected in cell culture starting from different wild-type HIV-1 strains and clades. Amino acid substitutions E92Q, G118R, S153F or Y, G193E, or R263K emerged in different passages and conferred decreased susceptibility to dolutegravir of up to 4-fold.
Rilpivirine-resistant strains were selected in cell culture starting from wild-type HIV-1 of different origins and clades as well as NNRTI-resistant HIV-1. The frequently observed amino acid substitutions that emerged and conferred decreased phenotypic susceptibility to rilpivirine included: L100I; K101E; V106I and A; V108I; E138K and G, Q, R; V179F and I; Y181C and I; V189I; G190E; H221Y; F227C; and M230I and L.
Virologically Suppressed Subjects: In the pooled SWORD-1 and SWORD-2 trials, 2 subjects in each treatment arm had confirmed virologic failure at any time through Week 48. The 2 subjects in the dolutegravir/rilpivirine arm had detectable resistance substitutions at rebound. One subject had the NNRTI-resistance-associated substitution K101K/E with no decreased susceptibility to rilpivirine (fold-change = 1.2) at Week 36, had no INSTI resistance-associated substitutions or decreased susceptibility to dolutegravir (fold-change less than 2), and had HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL at the withdrawal visit. The other subject had the dolutegravir resistance-associated substitution G193E at baseline (by exploratory HIV proviral DNA archive sequencing) and Week 24 (by conventional sequencing) without decreased susceptibility to dolutegravir (fold-change = 1.02) at Week 24. No resistance-associated substitutions were observed for the other 2 subjects in the comparative current antiretroviral regimen arms.
Dolutegravir: The susceptibility of dolutegravir was tested against 60 INSTI-resistant site-directed mutant HIV-1 viruses (28 with single substitutions and 32 with 2 or more substitutions). The single INSTI-resistance substitutions T66K, I151L, and S153Y conferred a greater than 2fold decrease in dolutegravir susceptibility (range: 2.3-fold to 3.6-fold from reference).
Combinations of multiple substitutions T66K/L74M; E92Q/N155H; G140C/Q148R; G140S/Q148H, R or K; Q148R/N155H; T97A/G140S/Q148, and substitutions at E138/G140/Q148 showed a greater than 2-fold decrease in dolutegravir susceptibility (range: 2.5-fold to 21-fold from reference).
Rilpivirine:
Considering all of the available cell culture and clinical data, any of the following amino acid substitutions, when present at baseline, are likely to decrease the antiviral activity of rilpivirine: K101E, K101P, E138A, E138G, E138K, E138R, E138Q, V179L, Y181C, Y181I, Y181V, Y188L, H221Y, F227C, M230I, or M230L.
Cross-resistance in site-directed mutant virus has been observed among NNRTIs. The single NNRTI substitutions K101P, Y181I, and Y181V conferred 52 times, 15 times, and 12 times decreased susceptibility to rilpivirine, respectively. The combination of E138K and M184I showed 6.7 times reduced susceptibility to rilpivirine compared with 2.8 times for E138K alone. The K103N substitution did not show reduced susceptibility to rilpivirine by itself. However, the combination of K103N and L100I resulted in a 7 times reduced susceptibility to rilpivirine. In another study, the Y188L substitution resulted in a reduced susceptibility to rilpivirine of 9 times for clinical isolates and 6 times for site-directed mutants. Combinations of 2 or 3 NNRTI resistance-associated substitutions gave decreased susceptibility to rilpivirine (fold-change range: 3.7 to 554) in 38% and 66% of mutants, respectively.
Cross-resistance to efavirenz, etravirine, and/or nevirapine is likely after virologic failure and development of rilpivirine resistance.
The efficacy of JULUCA is supported by data from 2 open-label, controlled trials [SWORD-1 (NCT02429791) and SWORD-2 (NCT02422797)] in virologically suppressed patients switching from their current antiretroviral regimen to dolutegravir plus rilpivirine.
SWORD-1 and SWORD-2 are identical 148-week, Phase 3, randomized, multicenter, parallel-group, non-inferiority trials. A total of 1,024 adult HIV–1-infected subjects who were on a stable suppressive antiretroviral regimen (containing 2 NRTIs plus either an INSTI, an NNRTI, or a PI) for at least 6 months (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL), with no history of treatment failure and no known substitutions associated with resistance to dolutegravir or rilpivirine received treatment in the trials. Subjects were randomized 1:1 to continue their current antiretroviral regimen or be switched to dolutegravir plus rilpivirine administered once daily. The primary efficacy endpoint for the SWORD trials was the proportion of subjects with plasma HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL at Week 48.
At baseline, in the pooled analysis, the median age of subjects was 43 years (range: 21 to 79), 22% female, 20% non-white, 11% were CDC Class C (AIDS), and 11% had CD4+ cell count less than 350 cells per mm3; these characteristics were similar between treatment arms. In the pooled analysis, 54%, 26%, and 20% of subjects were receiving an NNRTI, PI, or INSTI (respectively) as their baseline third-treatment-agent class prior to randomization. This distribution was similar between treatment arms.
The primary endpoint and other outcomes (including outcomes by key baseline covariates) for the pooled SWORD-1 and SWORD-2 trials are shown in Table 11. The virologic outcome results for SWORD-1 and SWORD-2 were similar to the pooled SWORD-1 and SWORD-2 virologic outcome results.
Table 11. Pooled Virologic Outcomes of Randomized Treatment in SWORD-1 and SWORD-2 Trials at Week 48 in Virologically Suppressed Subjects Who Switched to JULUCA (Snapshot Algorithm)
| Pooled Data | ||
| Dolutegravir plus Rilpivirine (n = 513) |
Current Antiretroviral Regimen (n = 511) |
|
| HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL | 95% | 95% |
| Treatment Difference | -0.2% (95% CI: -3.0%, 2.5%) |
|
| HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies/mL | <1% | 1% |
| Treatment Difference | -0.6 % (95% CI:-1.7%, 0.6%) |
|
| Data in window not <50 copies/mL | 0 | <1% |
| Discontinued for lack of efficacy | <1% | <1% |
| Discontinued for other reasons while not <50 copies/mL | <1% | <1% |
| Change in ART | 0 | <1% |
| No virologic data at Week 48 window | 5% | 4% |
| Discontinued due to adverse event or death | 3% | <1% |
| Discontinued for other reasonsa | 1% | 3% |
| Missing data during window but on study | 0 | <1% |
| Proportion (%) of Subjects with HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL by Baseline Category | ||
| Baseline CD4+ (cells/mm3) | ||
| <350 | 88% (n = 58) | 88% (n = 52) |
| ≥350 | 96% (n = 455) | 96% (n = 459) |
| Baseline Third-Treatment-Agent Class | ||
| INSTI | 94% (n = 105) | 95% (n = 97) |
| NNRTI | 96% (n = 275) | 95% (n = 278) |
| PI | 93% (n = 133) | 94% (n = 136) |
| Gender | ||
| Male | 95% (n = 393) | 96% (n = 403) |
| Female | 93% (n = 120) | 91% (n = 108) |
| Race | ||
| White | 94% (n = 421) | 95% (n = 400) |
| African-America/African Heritage/Other | 99% (n = 92) | 95% (n = 111) |
| Age (years) | ||
| <50 | 96% (n = 366) | 94% (n = 369) |
| ≥50 | 93% (n = 147) | 96% (n = 142) |
| a Other includes reasons such as withdrew consent, loss to follow-up, moved, and protocol deviation. | ||
Treatment differences were maintained across baseline characteristics including, CD4+ cell count, age, gender, race, and baseline third-treatment-agent class.
JULUCA
(Jah-LOO-kah)
(dolutegravir and rilpivirine)
tablets
What is JULUCA?
JULUCA is a prescription medicine that is used without other antiretroviral medicines to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) infection in adults to replace their current anti-HIV-1 medicines when their healthcare provider determines that they meet certain requirements.
HIV-1 is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
It is not known if JULUCA is safe and effective in children.
Do not take JULUCA if you:
Before you take JULUCA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Pregnancy Registry. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiretroviral medications, including JULUCA, during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry.
Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-thecounter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Some medicines interact with JULUCA. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I take JULUCA?
What are the possible side effects of JULUCA?
JULUCA can cause serious side effects, including:
Severe skin rash and allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash with JULUCA. Stop taking JULUCA and get medical help right away if you develop a rash with any of the following signs or symptoms:
These are not all the possible side effects of JULUCA. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store JULUCA?
Keep JULUCA and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the safe and effective use of JULUCA.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use JULUCA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give JULUCA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about JULUCA that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in JULUCA?
Active ingredients: dolutegravir and rilpivirine.
Inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, D-mannitol, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 20, povidone K29/32 and K30, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, and sodium stearyl fumarate.
The tablet film-coating contains: iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, macrogol/PEG, polyvinyl alcohol-part hydrolyzed, talc, and titanium dioxide.
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
