VOKANAMET™ FILM-COATED TABLETS 50 MG / 1000 MG

Product Information

Registration Status: Active

VOKANAMET™ FILM-COATED TABLETS 50 MG / 1000 MG is approved to be sold in Singapore with effective from 2019-09-05. It is marketed by JOHNSON & JOHNSON PTE LTD, with the registration number of SIN15798P.

This product contains Canagliflozin 150mg, and Metformin 1000mg in the form of TABLET, FILM COATED. It is approved for ORAL use.

This product is manufactured by Janssen Cilag SpA in UNITED STATES, andJanssen Ortho in ITALY.

It is a Prescription Only Medicine that can only be obtained from a doctor or a dentist, or a pharmacist with a prescription from a Singapore-registered doctor or dentist.

Canagliflozin
Metformin

Description

Canagliflozin belongs to a new class of anti-diabetic drugs that works by inhibiting the sodium-glucose transport protein (SGLT2). This transport protein is found in the kidney and is responsible for reabsorbing glucose that has been filtered. FDA approved on March 29, 2013.

Indication

Canagliflozin is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Use in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients or in treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis is not recommended.

Mechanism of Action

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), expressed in the proximal renal tubules, is responsible for the majority of the reabsorption of filtered glucose from the tubular lumen. Canagliflozin is an inhibitor of SGLT2. By inhibiting SGLT2, canagliflozin reduces reabsorption of filtered glucose and lowers the renal threshold for glucose (RTG), and thereby increases urinary glucose excretion.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption
The pharmacokinetics of canagliflozin is similar in healthy subjects and patients with type 2 diabetes. Plasma Cmax and AUC of canagliflozin increased in a dose-proportional manner from 50 mg to 300 mg. Accumulation in plasma has been observed following multiple doses of 100 - 300 mg. Food does not affect the absorption of canagliflozin. Tmax = 1- 2 hours; Cmax = 1059 - 3148 ng/mL; Time to steady state, once daily dose, 100 - 300 mg = 4-5 days; Absolute oral bioavailability = 65%.
Distribution
Steady state, single IV infusion, healthy subject = 119 L. This high value suggests that cangliflozin is extensively distributed to tissue.
Metabolism
Canagliflozin is hepatically metabolized via O-glucuronidation into two inactive O-glucuronide metabolites. The enzymes that facilitate this process are UGT1A9 and UGT2B4. To a lesser extent (7%), canagliflozin also undergoes oxidative metabolism via CYP3A4. Canagliflozin weakly inhibited CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4 based on in vitro studies with human hepatic microsomes.
Elimination

Clearance

Mean systemic clearance, healthy subjects, IV administration = 192 mL/min. Renal clearance of canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg doses ranged from 1.30 to 1.55 mL/min.

Toxicity

Most common adverse reactions associated with canagliflozin (5% or greater incidence): female genital mycotic infections, urinary tract infection, and increased urination.

Active Ingredient/Synonyms

Canagliflozin anhydrous | Canagliflozin |


Source of information: Drugbank (External Link). Last updated on: 3rd July 18. *Trade Name used in the content below may not be the same as the HSA-registered product.


Description

Metformin is a biguanide antihyperglycemic agent used for treating non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). It improves glycemic control by decreasing hepatic glucose production, decreasing glucose absorption and increasing insulin-mediated glucose uptake. Metformin may induce weight loss and is the drug of choice for obese NIDDM patients. Use of metformin is associated with modest weight loss. When used alone, metformin does not cause hypoglycemia; however, it may potentiate the hypoglycemic effects of sulfonylureas and insulin. Its main side effects are dyspepsia, nausea and diarrhea. Dose titration and/or use of smaller divided doses may decrease side effects. Metformin should be avoided in those with severely compromised renal function (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min), acute/decompensated heart failure, severe liver disease and for 48 hours after the use of iodinated contrast dyes due to the risk of lactic acidosis. Lower doses should be used in the elderly and those with decreased renal function. Metformin decreases fasting plasma glucose, postprandial blood glucose and glycosolated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, which are reflective of the last 8-10 weeks of glucose control. Metformin may also have a positive effect on lipid levels. In 2012, a combination tablet of linagliptin plus metformin hydrochloride was marketed under the name Jentadueto for use in patients when treatment with both linagliptin and metformin is appropriate.

Indication

For use as an adjunct to diet and exercise in adult patients (18 years and older) with NIDDM. May also be used for the management of metabolic and reproductive abnormalities associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Jentadueto is for the treatment of patients when both linagliptin and metformin is appropriate.

Mechanism of Action

Metformin's mechanisms of action differ from other classes of oral antihyperglycemic agents. Metformin decreases blood glucose levels by decreasing hepatic glucose production, decreasing intestinal absorption of glucose, and improving insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. These effects are mediated by the initial activation by metformin of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a liver enzyme that plays an important role in insulin signaling, whole body energy balance, and the metabolism of glucose and fats. Activation of AMPK is required for metformin's inhibitory effect on the production of glucose by liver cells. Increased peripheral utilization of glucose may be due to improved insulin binding to insulin receptors. Metformin administration also increases AMPK activity in skeletal muscle. AMPK is known to cause GLUT4 deployment to the plasma membrane, resulting in insulin-independent glucose uptake. The rare side effect, lactic acidosis, is thought to be caused by decreased liver uptake of serum lactate, one of the substrates of gluconeogenesis. In those with healthy renal function, the slight excess is simply cleared. However, those with severe renal impairment may accumulate clinically significant serum lactic acid levels. Other conditions that may precipitate lactic acidosis include severe hepatic disease and acute/decompensated heart failure.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption
Absorbed over 6 hours, bioavailability is 50 to 60% under fasting conditions. Administration with food decreases and delays absorption. Some evidence indicates that the level of absorption is not dose-related, suggesting that absorption occurs through a saturable process. Limited data from animal and human cell cultures indicate that absorption occurs through a passive, non-saturable process, possibly involving a paracellular route. Peak action occurs 3 hours after oral administration.
Distribution
654 L for metformin 850 mg administered as a single dose. The volume of distribution following IV administration is 63-276 L, likely due to less binding in the GI tract and/or different methods used to determine volume of distribution.
Metabolism
Metformin is not metabolized.
Elimination

Clearance

718-1552 mL/minute following single oral dose of 0.5-1.5 g. Metformin is removed by hemodialysis at a rate of approximately 170 ml/min under good hemodynamic conditions.

Toxicity

Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 350 mg/kg [Rabbit]. It would be expected that adverse reactions of a more intense character including epigastric discomfort, nausea, and vomiting followed by diarrhea, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, malaise and headache might be seen.

Active Ingredient/Synonyms

1,1-Dimethylbiguanide | Dimethylbiguanid | Metformin | Metformina | Metformine | Metforminum | Metformin |


Source of information: Drugbank (External Link). Last updated on: 3rd July 18. *Trade Name used in the content below may not be the same as the HSA-registered product.

References

  1. Health Science Authority of Singapore - Reclassified POM
  2. Drugbank