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What is QuilliChew ER and how is it used?
QuilliChew ER is a central nervous system stimulant prescription medicine. QuilliChew ER is an extendedrelease chewable tablet. It is used for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). QuilliChew ER may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in people with ADHD.
What are the possible side effects of QuilliChew ER?
QuilliChew ER may cause serious side effects, including:
Other serious side effects include:
The most common side effects of QuilliChew ER include:
These are not all the possible side effects of QuilliChew ER.
Call your health care provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
WARNING
ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE
CNS stimulants, including QuilliChew ER, other methylphenidate-containing products, and amphetamines, have a high potential for abuse and dependence. Assess the risk of abuse prior to prescribing, and monitor for signs of abuse and dependence while on therapy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Drug Abuse And Dependence].
QuilliChew ER (methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release chewable tablets) is available in three dosage strengths - 20 mg, 30 mg and 40 mg. The dosage strengths are expressed in terms of methylphenidate hydrochloride equivalents; however only 15% of methylphenidate is present as methylphenidate hydrochloride salt. The remaining 85% is present as methylphenidate ionically-bound to the sulfonate groups of sodium polystyrene sulfonate particles. QuilliChew ER contains approximately 30% immediate-release and 70% extended-release methylphenidate.
The QuilliChew ER extended-release chewable tablets are cherry flavored.
Methylphenidate HCl is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. The chemical name is methyl α- phenyl-2- piperidineacetate hydrochloride, and its structural formula is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Methylphenidate HCl structure
 |
Methylphenidate HCl is a white, odorless crystalline powder. Its solutions are acid to litmus. It is freely soluble in water and in methanol, soluble in alcohol, and slightly soluble in chloroform and in acetone.
QuilliChew ER also contains the following inactive ingredients: aspartame [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS], cherry flavor, citric acid, crospovidone, D&C red #30 (for 30 mg strength), D&C red #7 (for 40 mg strength), guar gum, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, povidone, silicon dioxide, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, talc, triacetin, xanthan gum.
QuilliChew ER is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) [see Clinical Studies].
Prior to treating children, adolescents, and adults with CNS stimulants including QuilliChew ER, assess for the presence of cardiac disease (i.e., perform a careful history, family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia, and physical exam) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Assess the risk of abuse prior to prescribing, and monitor for signs of abuse and dependence while on therapy. Maintain careful prescription records, educate patients about abuse, monitor for signs of abuse and overdose, and periodically re-evaluate the need for QuilliChew ER use [see BOXED WARNING, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Drug Abuse And Dependence].
The recommended starting dose of QuilliChew ER for patients 6 years and above is 20 mg once daily orally in the morning. The dose may be titrated up or down weekly in increments of 10 mg, 15 mg or 20 mg. The 10 mg and 15 mg doses can each be achieved by breaking in half the functionally scored 20 mg and 30 mg tablets, respectively. Daily doses above 60 mg have not been studied and are not recommended. As with any CNS stimulant, during titration of QuilliChew ER, the prescribed dose should be adjusted, if necessary, until a welltolerated, therapeutic dose is achieved.
Pharmacological treatment of ADHD may be needed for extended periods. Health care providers should periodically re-evaluate the long-term use of QuilliChew ER, and adjust dosage as needed.
QuilliChew ER should be orally administered once daily in the morning with or without food [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
If switching from other methylphenidate products, discontinue that treatment, and titrate with QuilliChew ER using the above titration schedule.
Do not substitute for other methylphenidate products on a milligram-per-milligram basis, because of different methylphenidate base compositions and differing pharmacokinetic profiles [see DESCRIPTION, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
If paradoxical aggravation of symptoms or other adverse effects occur, reduce dosage, or, if necessary, discontinue the drug. QuilliChew ER should be periodically discontinued to assess the child's condition. If improvement is not observed after appropriate dosage adjustment over a one-month period, the drug should be discontinued.
Extended-release chewable tablets:
20 mg equivalent of methylphenidate HCl available as a speckled, off-white, capsule-shaped coated tablet, debossed with "NP 12" on one side and functionally scored on the other side.
30 mg equivalent of methylphenidate HCl available as a speckled, light pink color, capsule-shaped coated tablet, debossed with "NP 13" on one side and functionally scored on the other side.
40 mg equivalent of methylphenidate HCl available as a speckled, dark pink to peach color, capsule-shaped coated tablet, debossed with "NP 14" on one side and plain (not scored) on the other side.
QuilliChew ER is supplied as extended-release chewable tablets in 20 mg, 30 mg and 40 mg strengths.
The 20 mg strength extended-release chewable tablet is available as a speckled, off-white, capsule-shaped coated tablet, debossed with "NP 12" on one side and functionally scored on the other side.
The 30 mg strength extended-release chewable tablet is available as a speckled, light pink color, capsule-shaped coated tablet, debossed with "NP 13" on one side and functionally scored on the other side.
The 40 mg strength extended-release chewable tablet is available as a speckled, dark pink to peach color, capsule-shaped coated tablet, debossed with "NP 14" on one side and plain on the other side (not scored).
The product is supplied in bottles of 100.
| QuilliChew ER extended-release chewable tablets | |||
| Package Configuration | Tablet Strength (mg) | NDC | |
| Bottles of 100 | 20 mg | NDC-24478-074-01 | NP 12 |
| Bottles of 100 | 30 mg | NDC-24478-075-01 | NP 13 |
| Bottles of 100 | 40 mg | NDC-24478-076-01 | NP 14 |
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]
Comply with local laws and regulations on drug disposal of CNS stimulants. Dispose of remaining, unused, or expired QuilliChew ER by a medicine take-back program or by an authorized collector registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration. If no take-back program or authorized collector is available, mix QuilliChew ER with an undesirable, nontoxic substance to make it less appealing to children and pets. Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag and discard QuilliChew ER in the household trash.
Manufactured by: Tris Pharma, Inc., Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852. Revised: Aug 2018
The following are discussed in more detail 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 to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.
Commonly reported (≥2% of the methylphenidate group and at least twice the rate of the placebo group) adverse reactions from placebo-controlled trials of methylphenidate products include: appetite decreased, weight decreased, nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, dry mouth, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, affect lability, agitation, irritability, dizziness, vertigo, tremor, blurred vision, blood pressure increased, heart rate increased, tachycardia, palpitations, hyperhidrosis, and pyrexia.
There is limited experience with QuilliChew ER in controlled trials. The safety data in this section is based on data from a laboratory classroom study conducted in 90 pediatric subjects (ages 6 to 12 years) with ADHD. The study consisted of a 6-week dose optimization period, followed by a randomized, double-blind, parallel group treatment period with the individually optimized dose of QuilliChew ER or placebo.
The most common (≥2% in the QuilliChew ER group and greater than placebo) adverse reactions reported in the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase in patients optimized to doses of QuilliChew ER 20 to 60 mg/day are described in Table 1.
Table 1. Common Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% of Subjects on QuilliChew ER and Greater than Placebo During the Double-Blind Period of the ADHD Laboratory Classroom Study
| Adverse reaction | QuilliChew ER N= 42 n (%) | Placebo N= 44 n (%) |
| Decreased appetite | 1 (2.4) | 0 (0) |
| Aggression | 1 (2.4) | 0 (0) |
| Emotional poverty | 1 (2.4) | 0 (0) |
| Nausea | 1 (2.4) | 0 (0) |
| Headache | 1 (2.4) | 0 (0) |
| Weight decreased | 1 (2.4) | 0 (0) |
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of methylphenidate products. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. These adverse reactions are as follows:
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Pancytopenia, Thrombocytopenia, Thrombocytopenic purpura
Cardiac Disorders: Angina pectoris, Bradycardia, Extrasystole, Supraventricular tachycardia, Ventricular extrasystole
Eye Disorders: Diplopia, Mydriasis, Visual impairment
General Disorders: Chest pain, Chest discomfort, Hyperpyrexia
Hepatobiliary Disorders: Severe hepatocellular injury
Immune System Disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions such as Angioedema, Anaphylactic reactions, Auricular swelling, Bullous conditions, Exfoliative conditions, Urticarias, Pruritus NEC, Rashes, Eruptions, and Exanthemas NEC
Investigations: Alkaline phosphatase increased, Bilirubin increased, Hepatic enzyme increased, Platelet count decreased, White blood cell count abnormal
Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue and Bone Disorders: Arthralgia, Myalgia, Muscle twitching, Rhabdomyolysis
Nervous System Disorders: Convulsion, Grand mal convulsion, Dyskinesia, Serotonin syndrome in combination with serotonergic drugs
Psychiatric Disorders: Disorientation, Hallucination, Hallucination auditory, Hallucination visual, Libido changes, Mania
Urogenital System: Priapism
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Alopecia, Erythema
Vascular Disorders: Raynaud’s phenomenon
Do not administer QuilliChew ER concomitantly with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI treatment. Concomitant use of MAOIs and CNS stimulants can cause hypertensive crisis. Potential outcomes include death, stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, ophthalmological complications, eclampsia, pulmonary edema, and renal failure.
QuilliChew ER contains methylphenidate, a Schedule II controlled substance.
CNS stimulants including QuilliChew ER, other methylphenidate-containing products, and amphetamines have a high potential for abuse. Abuse is characterized by impaired control over drug use, compulsive use, continued use despite harm, and craving.
Signs and symptoms of CNS stimulant abuse include increased heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and/or sweating, dilated pupils, hyperactivity, restlessness, insomnia, decreased appetite, loss of coordination, tremors, flushed skin, vomiting, and/or abdominal pain. Anxiety, psychosis, hostility, aggression, suicidal or homicidal ideation have also been observed. Abusers of CNS stimulants may chew, snort, inject, or use other unapproved routes of administration which can result in overdose and death [see OVERDOSE].
To reduce the abuse of CNS stimulants including QuilliChew ER, assess the risk of abuse prior to prescribing. After prescribing, keep careful prescription records, educate patients and their families about abuse and on proper storage and disposal of CNS stimulants [see HOW SUPPLIED], monitor for signs of abuse while on therapy, and re-evaluate the need for QuilliChew ER use.
Tolerance
Tolerance (a state of adaptation in which exposure to a drug results in a reduction of the drug’s desired and/or undesired effects over time) can occur during chronic therapy with CNS stimulants including QuilliChew ER.
DependencePhysical dependence (a state of adaptation manifested by a withdrawal syndrome produced by abrupt cessation, rapid dose reduction, or administration of an antagonist) can occur in patients treated with CNS stimulants including QuilliChew ER. Withdrawal symptoms after abrupt cessation following prolonged high-dosage administration of CNS stimulants include dysphoric mood; fatigue; vivid, unpleasant dreams; insomnia or hypersomnia; increased appetite; and psychomotor retardation or agitation.
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
CNS stimulants, including QuilliChew ER, other methylphenidate-containing products, and amphetamines, have a high potential for abuse and dependence. Assess the risk of abuse prior to prescribing, and monitor for signs of abuse and dependence while on therapy [see Drug Abuse And Dependence].
Stroke and myocardial infarction have occurred in adults treated with CNS stimulants at recommended doses. Sudden death has occurred in children and adolescents with structural cardiac abnormalities and other serious cardiac problems, and in adults taking CNS stimulants at recommended doses for ADHD. Avoid use in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac problems. Further evaluate patients who develop exertional chest pain, unexplained syncope, or arrhythmias during treatment with QuilliChew ER.
CNS stimulants cause an increase in blood pressure (mean increase approximately 2 to 4 mmHg) and heart rate (mean increase approximately 3 to 6 bpm). Individuals may have larger increases. Monitor all patients for hypertension and tachycardia.
CNS stimulants may exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder in patients with a pre-existing psychotic disorder.
CNS stimulants may induce a manic or mixed episode in patients. Prior to initiating treatment, screen patients for risk factors for developing a manic episode (e.g., comorbid or history of depressive symptoms or a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, or depression).
CNS stimulants, at recommended doses, may cause psychotic or manic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusional thinking, or mania) in patients without a prior history of psychotic illness or mania. If such symptoms occur, consider discontinuing QuilliChew ER. In a pooled analysis of multiple short-term, placebo-controlled studies of CNS stimulants, psychotic or manic symptoms occurred in approximately 0.1% of CNS stimulant-treated patients, compared to 0 in placebo-treated patients.
Prolonged and painful erections, sometimes requiring surgical intervention, have been reported with methylphenidate products in both pediatric and adult patients. Priapism was not reported with drug initiation but developed after some time on the drug, often subsequent to an increase in dose. Priapism has also appeared during a period of drug withdrawal (drug holidays or during discontinuation). Patients who develop abnormally sustained or frequent and painful erections should seek immediate medical attention.
CNS stimulants, including QuilliChew ER, used to treat ADHD are associated with peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon. Signs and symptoms are usually intermittent and mild; however, very rare sequelae include digital ulceration and/or soft tissue breakdown. Effects of peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon, were observed in postmarketing reports at different times and at therapeutic doses in all age groups throughout the course of treatment. Signs and symptoms generally improve after reduction in dose or discontinuation of drug. Careful observation of digital changes is necessary during treatment with ADHD stimulants. Further clinical evaluation (e.g., rheumatology referral) may be appropriate for certain patients.
CNS stimulants have been associated with weight loss and slowing of growth rate in pediatric patients. Careful follow-up of weight and height in pediatric patients ages 7 to 10 years who were randomized to either methylphenidate or nonmedication treatment groups over 14 months, as well as in naturalistic subgroups of newly methylphenidate-treated and nonmedication-treated pediatric patients over 36 months (to the ages of 10 to 13 years), suggests that consistently medicated pediatric patients (i.e., treatment for 7 days per week throughout the year) have a temporary slowing in growth rate (on average, a total of about 2 cm less growth in height and 2.7 kg less growth in weight over 3 years), without evidence of growth rebound during this period of development.
Closely monitor growth (weight and height) in pediatric patients treated with CNS stimulants, including QuilliChew ER. Patients who are not growing or gaining height or weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted.
Phenylalanine can be harmful to patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). QuilliChew ER extended-release chewable tablets contain phenylalanine, a component of aspartame. Each 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg extended-release chewable tablet contains 3 mg, 4.5 mg, and 6 mg phenylalanine, respectively. Before prescribing QuilliChew ER in patients with PKU, consider the combined daily amount of phenylalanine from all sources, including QuilliChew ER.
Advise patients to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Advise patients and their caregivers that QuilliChew ER is a federally controlled substance, and it can be abused and lead to dependence [see Drug Abuse And Dependence]. Instruct patients that they should not give QuilliChew ER to anyone else. Advise patients to store QuilliChew ER in a safe place, preferably locked, to prevent abuse. Advise patients to comply with laws and regulations on drug disposal. Advise patients to dispose of remaining, unused, or expired QuilliChew ER through a medicine take-back program if available [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Drug Abuse And Dependence].
Advise patients that QuilliChew ER should be taken by mouth once daily in the morning with or without food.
Advise patients, caregivers, and family members that there is a potential for serious cardiovascular risks including sudden death, myocardial infarction, and stroke with QuilliChew ER use. Instruct patients to contact a health care provider immediately if they develop symptoms such as exertional chest pain, unexplained syncope, or other symptoms suggestive of cardiac disease [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that QuilliChew ER can elevate blood pressure and heart rate [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that QuilliChew ER, at recommended doses, can cause psychotic or manic symptoms, even in patients without a prior history of psychotic symptoms or mania [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients, caregivers, and family members of the possibility of painful or prolonged penile erections (priapism). Instruct the patient to seek immediate medical attention in the event of priapism [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients, families, and caregivers that QuilliChew ER can cause slowing of growth and weight loss [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients to avoid alcohol while taking QuilliChew ER extended-release chewable tablets. Consumption of alcohol while taking QuilliChew ER may result in a more rapid release of the dose of methylphenidate [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Advise patients with phenylketonuria that QuilliChew ER extended-release chewable tablets contain phenylalanine, a component of aspartame [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
In a lifetime carcinogenicity study carried out in B6C3F1 mice, methylphenidate caused an increase in hepatocellular adenomas and, in males only, an increase in hepatoblastomas, at a daily dose of approximately 60 mg/kg/day. This dose is approximately 4 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis. Hepatoblastoma is a relatively rare rodent malignant tumor type. There was no increase in total malignant hepatic tumors. The mouse strain used is sensitive to the development of hepatic tumors, and the significance of these results to humans is unknown.
Methylphenidate did not cause any increase in tumors in a lifetime carcinogenicity study carried out in F344 rats; the highest dose used was approximately 45 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 5 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis.
Methylphenidate was not mutagenic in the in vitro Ames reverse mutation assay or in the in vitro mouse lymphoma cell forward mutation assay. Sister chromatid exchanges and chromosome aberrations were increased, indicative of a weak clastogenic response, in an in vitro assay in cultured Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. Methylphenidate was negative in an in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay.
Methylphenidate did not impair fertility in male or female mice that were fed diets containing the drug in an 18-week Continuous Breeding study. The study was conducted at doses of up to 160 mg/kg/day, approximately 8-fold the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis.
There are limited published studies and small case series that report on the use of methylphenidate in pregnant women; however, the data are insufficient to inform any drug-associated risks. There are clinical considerations [see Clinical Considerations]. No teratogenic effects were observed in embryo-fetal development studies with oral administration of methylphenidate to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses 2 and 11 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). However, spina bifida was observed in rabbits at a dose 40 times the MRHD [see Data].
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% to20%, respectively.
Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions
CNS stimulant medications, such as QuilliChew ER, can cause vasoconstriction and thereby decrease placental perfusion. No fetal and/or neonatal adverse reactions have been reported with the use of therapeutic doses of methylphenidate during pregnancy; however, premature delivery and low birth weight infants have been reported in amphetamine-dependent mothers.
Animal Data
In studies conducted in rats and rabbits, methylphenidate was administered orally at doses of up to 75 and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively, during the period of organogenesis. Teratogenic effects (increased incidence of fetal spina bifida) were observed in rabbits at the highest dose, which is approximately 40 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) on a mg/m2 basis. The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rabbits was 60 mg/kg/day (11 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). There was no evidence of specific teratogenic activity in rats, although increased incidences of fetal skeletal variations were seen at the highest dose level (7 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis), which was also maternally toxic. The no effect level for embryo-fetal development in rats was 25 mg/kg/day (2 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis).
Limited published literature reports that methylphenidate is present in human milk, which resulted in infant doses of 0.16% to 0.7% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage and a milk/plasma ratio ranging between 1.1 and 2.7. There are no reports of adverse effects on the breastfed infant and no effects on milk production. Long-term neurodevelopmental effects on infants from CNS stimulant exposure are unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for QuilliChew ER and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from QuilliChew ER or from the underlying maternal condition.
Monitor breastfeeding infants for adverse reactions, such as agitation, insomnia, anorexia, and reduced weight gain.
The safety and effectiveness of QuilliChew ER have been established in pediatric patients ages 6 to 17 years. Use of QuilliChew ER in these age groups is based on one adequate and well-controlled clinical study in pediatric patients 6 to 12 years old, pharmacokinetic data in adolescents and adults, and safety information from other methylphenidate-containing products. The long-term efficacy of methylphenidate in pediatric patients has not been established [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies]. Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients below the age of 6 years have not been established.
Growth should be monitored during treatment with CNS stimulants, including QuilliChew ER. Children who are not growing or gaining weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Rats treated with methylphenidate early in the postnatal period through sexual maturation demonstrated a decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity in adulthood. A deficit in acquisition of a specific learning task was observed in females only. The doses at which these findings were observed are at least 6 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) on a mg/m2 basis.
In the study conducted in young rats, methylphenidate was administered orally at doses of up to 100 mg/kg/day for 9 weeks, starting early in the postnatal period (postnatal day 7) and continuing through sexual maturity (postnatal week 10). When these animals were tested as adults (postnatal weeks 13 to 14), decreased spontaneous locomotor activity was observed in males and females previously treated with 50 mg/kg/day (approximately 6 times the maximum recommended human dose [MRHD] on a mg/m2 basis) or greater, and a deficit in the acquisition of a specific learning task was observed in females exposed to the highest dose (12 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). The no effect level for juvenile neurobehavioral development in rats was 5 mg/kg/day (half the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). The clinical significance of the long-term behavioral effects observed in rats is unknown.
QuilliChew ER has not been studied in patients over the age of 65 years.
Consult with a Certified Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) for up-to-date guidance and advice on the management of overdosage with methylphenidate. Signs and symptoms of acute methylphenidate overdosage, resulting principally from overstimulation of the CNS and from excessive sympathomimetic effects, may include the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, anxiety, agitation, tremors, hyperreflexia, muscle twitching, convulsions (may be followed by coma), euphoria, confusion, hallucinations, delirium, sweating, flushing, headache, hyperpyrexia, tachycardia, palpitations, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, hypotension, tachypnea, mydriasis, dryness of mucous membranes, and rhabdomyolysis.
QuilliChew ER is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to methylphenidate, or other components of QuilliChew ER. Hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema and anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients treated with other methylphenidate products [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
QuilliChew ER is contraindicated during concomitant treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and also within 14 days following discontinuation of treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), because of the risk of hypertensive crisis [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Methylphenidate HCl is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant.
Methylphenidate is a racemic mixture comprised of the d- and l-isomers. The d-isomer is more pharmacologically active than the l-isomer. The mode of therapeutic action in ADHD is not known. Methylphenidate blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron and increases the release of these monoamines into the extraneuronal space.
Following a single oral dose of 40 mg QuilliChew ER under fasting conditions, plasma methylphenidate reached maximal concentration (Cmax ) at a median time of 5 hours after dosing. Compared to an immediaterelease formulation of methylphenidate chewable tablet (40 mg in 2 equal doses of 20 mg, 6 hours apart), methylphenidate mean peak concentration and exposure (AUCinf) was about 20% and 11% lower, respectively, after single dose administration of 40 mg QuilliChew ER (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Mean Methylphenidate Plasma Concentration-Time Profiles After Administration of 40 mg QuilliChew ER or Methylphenidate Immediate-Release Chewable Tablets (IRCT, 2 Equal Doses of 20 mg, 6 Hours Apart) Under Fasted Conditions in Healthy Volunteers
 |
Food Effect
High-fat meal had no effect on the time to peak concentration, and increased C max and systemic exposure (AUCinf) of methylphenidate by about 20% and 4%, respectively, after a single dose administration of 40 mg QuilliChew ER.
Plasma methylphenidate concentrations decline monophasically following oral administration of QuilliChew ER. The mean plasma terminal elimination half-life of methylphenidate was about 5.2 hours in healthy volunteers following a single 40 mg dose administration.
Metabolism
In humans, methylphenidate is metabolized primarily via de-esterification to alpha-phenyl-piperidine acetic acid (PPAA). The metabolite has little or no pharmacologic activity.
Excretion
After oral dosing of radiolabeled methylphenidate in humans, about 90% of the radioactivity was recovered in urine. The main urinary metabolite was PPAA, accounting for approximately 80% of the dose.
Alcohol Effect
At 40% alcohol concentration, there was about 90% release methylphenidate from QuilliChew ER 40 mg tablet within half an hour. The results with the 40 mg chewable tablet strength are considered representative of the other available tablet strengths.
There is insufficient experience with the use of QuilliChew ER to detect gender variations in pharmacokinetics.
There is insufficient experience with the use of QuilliChew ER to detect ethnic variations in pharmacokinetics.
There are no specific pediatric pharmacokinetic studies for QuilliChew ER. However, the pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years old are not expected to be significantly different from adults following QuilliChew ER administration.
There is no experience with the use of QuilliChew ER in patients with renal insufficiency. After oral administration of radiolabeled methylphenidate in humans, methylphenidate was extensively metabolized and approximately 80% of the radioactivity was excreted in the urine in the form of PPAA. Since renal clearance is not an important route of methylphenidate clearance, renal insufficiency is expected to have little effect on the pharmacokinetics of QuilliChew ER.
There is no experience with the use of QuilliChew ER in patients with hepatic insufficiency.
The efficacy of QuilliChew ER was evaluated in a laboratory classroom study conducted in 90 pediatric subjects (ages 6 to 12 years) with ADHD. Patients in the trial met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD. The study began with a 6-week open-label dose optimization period with an initial QuilliChew ER dose of 20 mg. Patients were instructed to chew each dose once daily in the morning. The dose could be titrated weekly in increments of 10 to 20 mg until a therapeutic dose or the maximum dose of 60 mg/day was reached.
Eighty-six of the 90 enrolled subjects then entered a 1-week randomized, double-blind, parallel group treatment period with the individually optimized dose of QuilliChew ER or placebo. The intent-to-treat (ITT) population consisted of 85 randomized subjects who received at least 1 dose of double-blind study drug and had at least 1 post-Baseline assessment of the primary efficacy variable. At the end of the double-blind treatment period, the laboratory classroom raters and teachers evaluated the attention and behavior of the subjects, throughout the day using the Swanson, Kotkin, Agler, M-Flynn, and Pelham (SKAMP) rating scale. The SKAMP rating scale is a validated 13-item teacher-rated scale that assesses manifestations of ADHD in a classroom setting.
The SKAMP-Combined score, measured at 0.75, 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, and 13 hours post-dose during the laboratory classroom day at the end of the double-blind treatment period, was used to assess the primary and the key secondary efficacy parameters. The primary efficacy endpoint was the average of treatment effects across all the time points as specified above during the classroom day. The key secondary efficacy parameters were onset and duration of clinical effect. QuilliChew ER was statistically significantly superior to placebo with respect to the primary endpoint (Table 2). QuilliChew ER also showed improvement over placebo at 0.75, 2, 4, and 8 hours post-dosing. Efficacy results at each time point are summarized in Figure 3.
Table 2. Primary Efficacy Result (ITT Population)
| Study Number | Treatment Group | Primary Efficacy measure: Average of Treatment Effect Across All Time Points Based on SKAMP-Combined Score | ||
| Mean Pre-Dose Score on Classroom Day (SD) | LS Mean (SE) for the Classroom day | Placebo-subtracted Differencea (95% CI) | ||
| Study 1 | Quillichew ER (N=42) | 17.5 (11.6) | 12.1 (1.4) | -7.0 (-10.9, -3.1) |
| Placebo (N-43) | 13.8 (10.0) | 19.1 (1.4) | ||
| N: number of patients; SD: standard deviation; SE: standard error; LS Mean: least-squares mean; CI: confidence interval. aLeast-Squares Mean Difference (drug minus placebo). | ||||
Figure 3. SKAMP-Combined Scores Over Time (LS Mean ±SE) by Treatment Group (ITT Population)
 |
| ITT: intent-to-treat LS means from post-dose time-points were obtained from a repeated measures mixed model with terms for center, hour, treatment and treatment by hour interaction. For the pre-dose time-point, arithmetic means and standard errors are displayed. |
QuilliChew ER®
(quil-ih' CHOO' ee-ahr)
(methylphenidate hydrochloride)
extended-release chewable tablets
What is the most important information I should know about QuilliChew ER?
QuilliChew ER is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence.
Keep QuilliChew ER in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away QuilliChew ER may harm others, and is against the law.
Tell your health care provider if you or your child have (or have a family history of) ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines or street drugs.
The following have been reported with use of methylphenidate hydrochloride and other stimulant medicines.
Tell your health care provider if you or your child have any heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems.
Your health care provider should check you or your child carefully for heart problems before starting QuilliChew ER.
Your health care provider should check your or your child’s blood pressure and heart rate regularly during treatment with QuilliChew ER.
Call your health care provider right away if you or your child has any signs of heart problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking QuilliChew ER.
Tell your health care provider about any mental problems you or your child have, or about a family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression.
Call your health care provider right away if you or your child have any new or worsening mental symptoms or problems while taking QuilliChew ER, especially seeing or hearing things that are not real, believing things that are not real, or are suspicious.
Tell your health care provider if you have or your child has numbness, pain, skin color change, or sensitivity to temperature in the fingers or toes.
Call your health care provider right away if you have or your child has any signs of unexplained wounds appearing on fingers or toes while taking QuilliChew ER.
What is QuilliChew ER?
QuilliChew ER is a central nervous system stimulant prescription medicine. QuilliChew ER is an extendedrelease chewable tablet. It is used for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). QuilliChew ER may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in people with ADHD.
It is not known if QuilliChew ER is safe and effective in children under 6 years of age.
Do not take QUILLICHEW ER if you or your child:
QUILLICHEW ER may not be right for you or your child. Before starting QuilliChew ER tell your or your child’s health care provider about all health conditions (or a family history of) including:
Tell your health care provider about all of the medicines that you or your child take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. QuilliChew ER and some medicines may interact with each other and cause serious side effects. Sometimes the doses of other medicines will need to be adjusted while taking QuilliChew ER.
Your health care provider will decide whether QuilliChew ER can be taken with other medicines.
Especially tell your health care provider if you or your child takes:
Know the medicines that you or your child takes. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your health care provider and pharmacist.
Do not start any new medicine while taking QuilliChew ER without talking to your health care provider first.
How should QuilliChew ER be taken?
What should I avoid while taking QuilliChew ER?
What are the possible side effects of QuilliChew ER?
QuilliChew ER may cause serious side effects, including:
Other serious side effects include:
The most common side effects of QuilliChew ER include:
These are not all the possible side effects of QuilliChew ER.
Call your health care provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store QUILLICHEW ER?
General information about the safe and effective use of QuilliChew ER
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use QuilliChew ER for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give QuilliChew ER to other people, even if they have the same condition. It may harm them.
You can ask your pharmacist or health care provider for information about QuilliChew ER that was written for health care professionals.
What are the ingredients in QuilliChew ER?
Active Ingredient: methylphenidate
Inactive Ingredients: aspartame, cherry flavor, citric acid, crospovidone, D&C red #30 (for 30 mg strength), D&C red #7 (for 40 mg strength), guar gum, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, povidone, silicon dioxide, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, talc, triacetin, xanthan gum.
For more information, please contact Tris Pharma, Inc. at (732) 940-0358 or visit the website at www.QuilliChewER.com..
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
