DUBLIN - Endo International plc (OTC: ENDPQ) announced today that one of its operating companies, Par Pharmaceutical, Inc., launched ibuprofen-famotidine 800 mg/26.6 mg tablets, a generic version of Amgen's (formerly Horizon Therapeutics) DUEXIS.

'We're proud to provide affordable choices to healthcare providers and their appropriate patients while strengthening our reputation as a reliable, quality supplier,' said Scott Sims, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Injectable Solutions & Generics at Endo.

The combination medication is used to relieve the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis while decreasing the risk of developing ulcers of the stomach and upper intestines people may experience from ibuprofen alone.

According to IQVIA, ibuprofen-famotidine tablet sales were approximately $49 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2023.

DUEXIS is a registered trademark of Horizon Therapeutics USA, Inc.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Ibuprofen and famotidine tablets are contraindicated in the following patients: Known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reactions and serious skin reactions) to ibuprofen or famotidine or any components of the drug product.

History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe, sometimes fatal, anaphylactic reactions to NSAIDs have been reported in such patients.

In the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Ibuprofen and famotidine tablets should not be administered to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to other H2-receptor antagonists. Cross sensitivity with other H2-receptor antagonists has been observed.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events

Clinical trials of several COX-2 selective and nonselective NSAIDs of up to three years duration have shown an increased risk of serious cardiovascular (CV) thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke, which can be fatal.

To minimize the potential risk for an adverse CV event in NSAID-treated patients, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Physicians and patients should remain alert for the development of such events, throughout the entire treatment course, even in the absence of previous CV symptoms. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of serious CV events and the steps to take if they occur.

Status Post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery

Two large, controlled, clinical trials of a COX-2 selective NSAID for the treatment of pain in the first 10-14 days following CABG surgery found an increased incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke. NSAIDs are contraindicated in the setting of CABG.

Post-MI Patients

Avoid the use of ibuprofen and famotidine in patients with a recent MI unless the benefits are expected to outweigh the risk of recurrent CV thrombotic events. If ibuprofen and famotidine is used in patients with a recent MI, monitor patients for signs of cardiac ischemia.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Ulceration, and Perforation

NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, cause serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events including inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or large intestine, which can be fatal. These serious adverse events can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms, in patients treated with NSAIDS.

Strategies to Minimize the GI Risks in NSAID-treated patients

Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest possible duration.

Avoid administration of more than one NSAID at a time.

Avoid use in patients at higher risk unless benefits are expected to outweigh the increased risk of bleeding. For such patients, as well as those with active GI bleeding, consider alternate therapies other than NSAIDs.

Remain alert for signs and symptoms of GI ulceration and bleeding during NSAID therapy.

If a serious GI adverse event is suspected, promptly initiate evaluation and treatment, and discontinue ibuprofen and famotidine until a serious GI adverse event is ruled out.

In the setting of concomitant use of low-dose aspirin for cardiac prophylaxis, monitor patients more closely for evidence of GI bleeding.

Active Bleeding

When active and clinically significant bleeding from any source occurs in patients receiving ibuprofen and famotidine, the treatment should be withdrawn. Patients with initial hemoglobin values of 10 g or less who are to receive long-term therapy should have hemoglobin values determined periodically.

Hepatotoxicity

Inform patients of the warning signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity (e.g., nausea, fatigue, lethargy, diarrhea, pruritus, jaundice, right upper quadrant tenderness, and 'flu-like' symptoms). If clinical signs and symptoms consistent with liver disease develop, or if systemic manifestations occur (e.g., eosinophilia, rash, etc.), discontinue ibuprofen and famotidine immediately, and perform a clinical evaluation of the patient.

Hypertension

NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and famotidine, can lead to new onset of hypertension or worsening of pre-existing hypertension, either of which may contribute to the increased incidence of CV events. Patients taking angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, thiazide diuretics, or loop diuretics may have impaired response to these therapies when taking NSAIDs. Monitor blood pressure (BP) during the initiation of NSAID treatment and throughout the course of therapy.

Heart Failure and Edema

Fluid retention and edema have been observed in some patients treated with NSAIDs. Use of ibuprofen may blunt the CV effects of several therapeutic agents used to treat these medical conditions (e.g., diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs]).

Avoid the use of ibuprofen and famotidine in patients with severe heart failure unless the benefits are expected to outweigh the risk of worsening heart failure. If ibuprofen and famotidine is used in patients with severe heart failure, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of worsening heart failure.

Renal Toxicity and Hyperkalemia

Renal Toxicity

Avoid the use of ibuprofen and famotidine in patients with advanced renal disease unless the benefits are expected to outweigh the risk of worsening renal failure. If ibuprofen and famotidine is used in patients with advanced renal disease, monitor patients for signs of worsening renal function.

Hyperkalemia

Increases in serum potassium concentration, including hyperkalemia, have been reported with use of NSAIDs, even in some patients without renal impairment. In patients with normal renal function, these effects have been attributed to a hyporeninemic-hypoaldosteronism state.

Anaphylactic Reactions

Ibuprofen has been associated with anaphylactic reactions in patients with and without known hypersensitivity to ibuprofen and in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma. Seek emergency help if an anaphylactic reaction occurs.

Seizures

Central nervous system (CNS) adverse effects including seizures, delirium, and coma have been reported with famotidine in patients with moderate (creatinine clearance

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