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Oprymea 0.26 mg + 0.52 mg + 1.05 mg prolonged-release tablets – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for healthcare professionals

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The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is written for healthcare professionals. Patients will find plain advice in the patient information leaflet: how to take, side effects, other medicines, pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Medicine strength:
0.26 mg + 0.52 mg + 1.05 mg
Contains active substance:

Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - Oprymea 0.26 mg + 0.52 mg + 1.05 mg prolonged-release tablets

1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Treatment initiation pack

Pramipexole Krka 0.26 mg prolonged-release tablets

Pramipexole Krka 0.52 mg prolonged-release tablets

Pramipexole Krka 1.05 mg prolonged-release tablets

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Pramipexole Krka 0.26 mg prolonged-release tablets

Each prolonged-release tablet contains 0.26 mg pramipexole (as 0.375 mg pramipexole dihydrochloride monohydrate).

Pramipexole Krka 0.52 mg prolonged-release tablets

Each prolonged-release tablet contains 0.52 mg pramipexole (as 0.75 mg pramipexole dihydrochloride monohydrate).

Pramipexole Krka 1.05 mg prolonged-release tablets

Each prolonged-release tablet contains 1.05 mg pramipexole (as 1.5 mg pramipexole dihydrochloride monohydrate).

Please note:

Pramipexole doses as published in the literature refer to the salt form.

Therefore, doses will be expressed in terms of both pramipexole base and pramipexole salt (in brackets).

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Prolonged-release tablet

0.26 mg: White or almost white, round (diameter 10 mm), slightly biconvex tablets engraved with P1 on one side, with bevelled edges and possible spots.

0.52 mg: White or almost white, round (diameter 10 mm), slightly biconvex tablets engraved with P2 on one side, with bevelled edges and possible spots.

1.05 mg: White or almost white, round (diameter 10 mm), slightly biconvex tablets engraved with P3 on one side, with bevelled edges and possible spots.

4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

Pramipexole Krka is indicated in adults for treatment of the signs and symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease, alone (without levodopa) or in combination with levodopa, i.e. over the course of the disease, through to late stages when the effect of levodopa wears off or becomes inconsistent and fluctuations of the therapeutic effect occur (end of dose or "on off" fluctuations).

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Posology

Pramipexole Krka prolonged-release tablets are a once-a-day oral formulation of pramipexole.

Initial treatment

Doses should be increased gradually from a starting dose of 0.26 mg of base (0.375 mg of salt) per day and then increased every 5 - 7 days. Providing patients do not experience intolerable undesirable effects, the dose should be titrated to achieve a maximal therapeutic effect.

Ascending dose schedule of Pramipexole Krka prolonged-release tablets
WeekDaily dose (mg of base)Daily dose (mg of salt)
10.260.375
20.520.75
31.051.5

If a further dose increase is necessary the daily dose should be increased by 0.52 mg of base (0.75 mg of salt) at weekly intervals up to a maximum dose of 3.15 mg of base (4.5 mg of salt) per day. However, it should be noted that the incidence of somnolence is increased at doses higher than 1.05 mg of base (1.5 mg of salt) per day (see section 4.8).

Patients already taking Pramipexole Krka tablets may be switched to Pramipexole Krka prolonged-release tablets overnight, at the same daily dose. After switching to Pramipexole Krka prolonged-release tablets, the dose may be adjusted depending on the patient’s therapeutic response (see section 5.1).

Maintenance treatment

The individual dose of pramipexole should be in the range of 0.26 mg of base (0.375 mg of salt) to a maximum of 3.15 mg of base (4.5 mg of salt) per day. During dose escalation in pivotal studies, efficacy was observed starting at a daily dose of 1.05 mg of base (1.5 mg of salt). Further dose adjustments should be done based on the clinical response and the occurrence of adverse reactions. In clinical trials approximately 5% of patients were treated at doses below 1.05 mg of base (1.5 mg of salt). In advanced Parkinson’s disease, pramipexole doses higher than 1.05 mg of base (1.5 mg of salt) per day can be useful in patients where a reduction of the levodopa therapy is intended. It is recommended that the dose of levodopa is reduced during both the dose escalation and the maintenance treatment with Pramipexole Krka, depending on reactions in individual patients (see section 4.5).

Missed dose

When the intake of a dose is missed, Pramipexole Krka prolonged-release tablets should be taken within 12 hours after the regularly scheduled time. After 12 hours, the missed dose should be left out and the next dose should be taken on the following day at the next regularly scheduled time.

Treatment discontinuation

Abrupt discontinuation of dopaminergic therapy can lead to the development of a neuroleptic malignant syndrome or a dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome. Pramipexole should be tapered off at a rate of 0.52 mg of base (0.75 mg of salt) per day until the daily dose has been reduced to 0.52 mg of base (0.75 mg of salt). Thereafter the dose should be reduced by 0.26 mg of base (0.375 mg of salt) per day (see section 4.4). Dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome could still appear while tapering and a temporary increase of the dose could be necessary before resuming tapering (see section 4.4).

Renal impairment

The elimination of pramipexole is dependent on renal function. The following dose schedule is suggested for initiation of therapy:

Patients with a creatinine clearance above 50 ml/min require no reduction in daily dose or dosing frequency.

In patients with a creatinine clearance between 30 and 50 ml/min, treatment should be started with 0.26 mg Pramipexole Krka prolonged-release tablets every other day. Caution should be exercised and careful assessment of therapeutic response and tolerability should be made before increasing to daily dosing after one week. If a further dose increase is necessary, doses should be increased by 0.26 mg pramipexole base at weekly intervals up to a maximum dose of 1.57 mg pramipexole base (2.25 mg of salt) per day.

The treatment of patients with a creatinine clearance below 30 ml/min with Pramipexole Krka prolonged-release tablets is not recommended as no data are available for this patient population. The use of Pramipexole Krka tablets should be considered.

If renal function declines during maintenance therapy, the recommendations given above should be followed.

Hepatic impairment

Dose adjustment in patients with hepatic failure is probably not necessary, as approx. 90% of absorbed active substance is excreted through the kidneys. However, the potential influence of hepatic insufficiency on Pramipexole Krka pharmacokinetics has not been investigated.

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of Pramipexole Krka in children below 18 years has not been established. There is no relevant use of Pramipexole Krka prolonged-release tablets in the paediatric population for the indication of Parkinson’s Disease.

Method of administration

The tablets should be swallowed whole with water, and must not be chewed, divided or crushed. The tablets may be taken either with or without food and should be taken each day at about the same time.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

When prescribing Pramipexole Krka in a patient with Parkinson’s disease with renal impairment a reduced dose is suggested in line with section 4.2.

Hallucinations

Hallucinations are known as a side effect of treatment with dopamine agonists and levodopa. Patients should be informed that (mostly visual) hallucinations can occur.

Dyskinesia

In advanced Parkinson’s disease, in combination treatment with levodopa, dyskinesia can occur during the initial titration of Pramipexole Krka. If they occur, the dose of levodopa should be decreased.

Dystonia

Axial dystonia including antecollis, camptocormia and pleurothotonus (Pisa Syndrome) has occasionally been reported in patients with Parkinson’s disease following initiation or incremental dose increase of pramipexole. Although dystonia may be a symptom of Parkinson’s disease, the symptoms in these patients have improved after reduction or withdrawal of pramipexole. If dystonia occurs, the dopaminergic medication regimen should be reviewed and an adjustment in the dose of pramipexole considered.

Sudden onset of sleep and somnolence

Pramipexole has been associated with somnolence and episodes of sudden sleep onset, particularly in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Sudden onset of sleep during daily activities, in some cases without awareness or warning signs, has been reported uncommonly. Patients must be informed of this and advised to exercise caution while driving or operating machines during treatment with Pramipexole Krka. Patients who have experienced somnolence and/or an episode of sudden sleep onset must refrain from driving or operating machines. Furthermore a reduction of the dose or termination of therapy may be considered. Because of possible additive effects, caution should be advised when patients are taking other sedating medicinal products or alcohol in combination with pramipexole (see sections 4.5, 4.7 and section 4.8).

Impulse control disorders

Patients should be regularly monitored for the development of impulse control disorders. Patients and carers should be made aware that behavioural symptoms of impulse control disorders including pathological gambling, increased libido, hypersexuality, compulsive spending or buying, binge eating and compulsive eating can occur in patients treated with dopamine agonists including Pramipexole Krka. Dose reduction/tapered discontinuation should be considered if such symptoms develop.

Mania and delirium

Patients should be regularly monitored for the development of mania and delirium. Patients and carers should be made aware that mania and delirium can occur in patients treated with pramipexole. Dose reduction/tapered discontinuation should be considered if such symptoms develop.

Patients with psychotic disorders

Patients with psychotic disorders should only be treated with dopamine agonists if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Co-administration of antipsychotic medicinal products with pramipexole should be avoided (see section 4.5).

Ophthalmologic monitoring

Ophthalmologic monitoring is recommended at regular intervals or if vision abnormalities occur.

Severe cardiovascular disease

In case of severe cardiovascular disease, care should be taken. It is recommended to monitor blood pressure, especially at the beginning of treatment, due to the general risk of postural hypotension associated with dopaminergic therapy.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Symptoms suggestive of neuroleptic malignant syndrome have been reported with abrupt withdrawal of dopaminergic therapy (see section 4.2).

Dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome (DAWS)

DAWS has been reported with dopamine agonists, including pramipexole (see section 4.8). To discontinue treatment in patients with Parkinson’s disease, pramipexole should be tapered off (see section 4.2). Limited data suggests that patients with impulse control disorders and those receiving high daily dose and/or high cumulative doses of dopamine agonists may be at higher risk for developing DAWS. Withdrawal symptoms may include apathy, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sweating and pain and do not respond to levodopa. Prior to tapering off and discontinuing pramipexole, patients should be informed about potential withdrawal symptoms. Patients should be closely monitored during tapering and discontinuation. In case of severe and/or persistent withdrawal symptoms, temporary re-administration of pramipexole at the lowest effective dose may be considered.

Remnants in stool

Some patients have reported the occurrence of remnants in faeces which may resemble intact Pramipexole Krka prolonged-release tablets. If patients report such an observation, the physician should reassess patient’s response to therapy.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Plasma protein binding

Pramipexole is bound to plasma proteins to a very low (< 20%) extent, and little biotransformation is seen in man. Therefore, interactions with other medicinal products affecting plasma protein binding or elimination by biotransformation are unlikely. As anticholinergics are mainly eliminated by biotransformation, the potential for an interaction is limited, although an interaction with anticholinergics has not been investigated. There is no pharmacokinetic interaction with selegiline and levodopa.

Inhibitors/competitors of active renal elimination pathway

Cimetidine reduced the renal clearance of pramipexole by approximately 34%, presumably by inhibition of the cationic secretory transport system of the renal tubules. Therefore, medicinal products that are inhibitors of this active renal elimination pathway or are eliminated by this pathway, such as cimetidine, amantadine, mexiletine, zidovudine, cisplatin, quinine, and procainamide, may interact with pramipexole resulting in reduced clearance of pramipexole. Reduction of the pramipexole dose should be considered when these medicinal products are administered concomitantly with Pramipexole Krka.

Combination with levodopa

When Pramipexole Krka is given in combination with levodopa, it is recommended that the dose of levodopa is reduced and the dose of other anti-parkinsonian medicinal products is kept constant while increasing the dose of Pramipexole Krka.

Because of possible additive effects, caution should be advised when patients are taking other sedating medicinal products or alcohol in combination with pramipexole (see sections 4.4, 4.7 and 4.8).

Antipsychotic medicinal products

Co-administration of antipsychotic medicinal products with pramipexole should be avoided (see section 4.4), e.g. if antagonistic effects can be expected.

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

The effect on pregnancy and lactation has not been investigated in humans. Pramipexole was not teratogenic in rats and rabbits, but was embryotoxic in the rat at maternotoxic doses (see section 5.3). Pramipexole Krka should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary, i.e. if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.

Breast-feeding

As pramipexole treatment inhibits secretion of prolactin in humans, inhibition of lactation is expected. The excretion of pramipexole into breast milk has not been studied in women. In rats, the concentration of active substance-related radioactivity was higher in breast milk than in plasma. In the absence of human data, Pramipexole Krka should not be used during breast-feeding. However, if its use is unavoidable, breast-feeding should be discontinued.

Fertility

No studies on the effect on human fertility have been conducted. In animal studies, pramipexole affected oestrous cycles and reduced female fertility as expected for a dopamine agonist. However, these studies did not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to male fertility.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Pramipexole Krka can have a major influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Hallucinations or somnolence can occur.

Patients being treated with Pramipexole Krka and presenting with somnolence and/or sudden sleep episodes must be informed to refrain from driving or engaging in activities where impaired alertness may put themselves or others at risk of serious injury or death (e.g. operating machines) until such recurrent episodes and somnolence have resolved (see also sections 4.4, 4.5 and 4.8).

4.8 Undesirable effects

Based on the analysis of pooled placebo-controlled trials, comprising a total of 1,778 Parkinson’s disease patients on pramipexole and 1,297 patients on placebo, adverse drug reactions were frequently reported for both groups. 67% of patients on pramipexole and 54% of patients on placebo reported at least one adverse drug reaction.

The majority of adverse drug reactions usually start early in therapy and most tend to disappear even as therapy is continued.

Within the system organ classes, adverse reactions are listed under headings of frequency (number of patients expected to experience the reaction), using the following categories: very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); very rare (< 1/10,000); not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

The most commonly (≥ 5%) reported adverse drug reactions in patients with Parkinson’s disease more frequent with pramipexole treatment than with placebo were nausea, dyskinesia, hypotension, dizziness, somnolence, insomnia, constipation, hallucination, headache and fatigue. The incidence of somnolence is increased at doses higher than 1.5 mg pramipexole salt per day (see section 4.2). A more frequent adverse drug reaction in combination with levodopa was dyskinesia. Hypotension may occur at the beginning of treatment, especially if pramipexole is titrated too fast.

Body System

Very

common (≥1/10)

Common (≥1/100 to <1/10)Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100)

Rare

(≥1/10,00 0 to

<1/1,000)

Not known

Infections and

infestations

pneumonia
Endocrine disorders

inappropriate antidiuretic, hormone

secretion1

Psychiatric disorders

Insomnia

hallucinations abnormal

dreams,

confusion,

behavioural symptoms of impulse control disorders and compulsions

compulsive shopping,

pathological gambling,

restlessness, hypersexuality, delusion,

libido disorder, paranoia,

delirium,

binge eating1, hyperphagia1

mania
Nervous system disorders

somnolenc e,

dizziness, dyskinesia

headache

sudden onset of sleep,

amnesia,

hyperkinesia, syncope

Eye

disorders

visual

impairment including

diplopia, vision blurred, visual acuity reduced

Cardiac disorderscardiac failure1
Vascular disordershypotension

Respiratory, thoracic,

and

mediastinal disorders

dyspnoea, hiccups
Gastrointesti nal disordersnauseaconstipation, vomiting

Skin and subcutaneou s tissue

disorders

hypersensitivity, pruritus,

rash

Reproductiv e system and breast disordersspontaneo us penile erection

General

disorders and

administrati on site

conditions

fatigue, peripheral oedemadopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome including apathy, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sweating and pain.
Investigatio ns

weight

decrease including decreased appetite

weight increase

1 This side effect has been observed in post-marketing experience. With 95 % certainty, the frequency category is not greater than uncommon, but might be lower. A precise frequency estimation is not possible as the side effect did not occur in a clinical trial database of 2,762 patients with Parkinson’s Disease treated with pramipexole.

Description of selected adverse reactions

Somnolence

Pramipexole is commonly associated with somnolence and has been associated uncommonly with excessive daytime somnolence and sudden sleep onset episodes (see also section 4.4).

Libido disorders

Pramipexole may uncommonly be associated with libido disorders (increased or decreased).

Impulse control disorders

Pathological gambling, increased libido, hypersexuality, compulsive spending or buying, binge eating and compulsive eating can occur in patients treated with dopamine agonists including Pramipexole Krka (see section 4.4).

In a cross-sectional, retrospective screening and case-control study including 3,090 Parkinson’s disease patients, 13.6% of all patients receiving dopaminergic or non-dopaminergic treatment had symptoms of an impulse control disorder during the past six months. Manifestations observed include pathological gambling, compulsive shopping, binge eating, and compulsive sexual behaviour (hypersexuality). Possible independent risk factors for impulse control disorders included dopaminergic treatments and higher doses of dopaminergic treatment, younger age (≤ 65 years), not being married and self-reported family history of gambling behaviours.

Dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome

Non-motor adverse effects may occur when tapering or discontinuing dopamine agonists including pramipexole. Symptoms include apathy, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sweating and pain (see section 4.4).

Cardiac failure

In clinical studies and post-marketing experience cardiac failure has been reported in patients with pramipexole. In a pharmacoepidemiological study pramipexole use was associated with an increased risk of cardiac failure compared with non-use of pramipexole (observed risk ratio 1.86; 95% CI, 1.21-2.85).

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme, Website: yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9 Overdose

Symptoms

There is no clinical experience with massive overdose. The expected adverse reactions would be those related to the pharmacodynamic profile of a dopamine agonist, including nausea, vomiting, hyperkinesia, hallucinations, agitation and hypotension.

Management

There is no established antidote for overdose of a dopamine agonist. If signs of central nervous system stimulation are present, a neuroleptic agent may be indicated. Management of the overdose may require general supportive measures, along with gastric lavage, intravenous fluids, administration of activated charcoal and electrocardiogram monitoring.

5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: anti-Parkinson drugs, dopamine agonists, ATC code: N04BC05.

Mechanism of action

Pramipexole is a dopamine agonist that binds with high selectivity and specificity to the D2 subfamily of dopamine receptors of which it has a preferential affinity to D3 receptors, and has full intrinsic activity.

Pramipexole alleviates parkinsonian motor deficits by stimulation of dopamine receptors in the striatum. Animal studies have shown that pramipexole inhibits dopamine synthesis, release, and turnover.

Pharmacodynamic effects

In human volunteers, a dose-dependent decrease in prolactin was observed. In a clinical trial with healthy volunteers, where pramipexole prolonged-release tablets were titrated faster (every 3 days) than recommended up to 3.15 mg pramipexole base (4.5 mg of salt) per day, an increase in blood pressure and heart rate was observed. Such effect was not observed in patient studies.

Clinical efficacy and safety in Parkinson’s disease

In patients pramipexole alleviates signs and symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Placebo-controlled clinical trials included approximately 1,800 patients of Hoehn and Yahr stages I – V treated with pramipexole. Out of these, approximately 1,000 were in more advanced stages, received concomitant levodopa therapy, and suffered from motor complications.

In early and advanced Parkinson’s disease, efficacy of pramipexole in controlled clinical trials was maintained for approximately six months. In open continuation trials lasting for more than three years there were no signs of decreasing efficacy.

In a controlled double blind clinical trial of 2 year duration, initial treatment with pramipexole significantly delayed the onset of motor complications, and reduced their occurrence compared to initial treatment with levodopa. This delay in motor complications with pramipexole should be balanced against a greater improvement in motor function with levodopa (as measured by the mean change in UPDRS-score). The overall incidence of hallucinations and somnolence was generally higher in the escalation phase with the pramipexole group. However, there was no significant difference during the maintenance phase. These points should be considered when initiating pramipexole treatment in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

The safety and efficacy of pramipexole prolonged-release tablets in the treatment of Parkinson's disease was evaluated in a multinational drug development program consisting of three randomised, controlled trials. Two trials were conducted in patients with early Parkinson's disease and one trial was conducted in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease.

Superiority of pramipexole prolonged-release tablets over placebo was demonstrated after 18 weeks of treatment on both the primary (UPDRS Parts II+III score) and the key secondary (CGI-I and PGI-I responder rates) efficacy endpoints in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial including a total of 539 patients with early Parkinson’s disease. Maintenance of efficacy was shown in patients treated for 33 weeks. Pramipexole prolonged-release tablets were non-inferior to pramipexole immediate release tablets as assessed on the UPDRS Parts II+III score at week 33.

In a double-blind placebo-controlled trial including a total of 517 patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease who were on concomitant levodopa therapy superiority of pramipexole prolonged-release tablets over placebo was demonstrated after 18 weeks of treatment on both the primary (UPDRS Parts II+III score) and the key secondary (off-time) efficacy endpoints.

The efficacy and tolerability of an overnight switch from pramipexole tablets to pramipexole prolonged-release tablets at the same daily dose were evaluated in a double-blind clinical study in patients with early Parkinson’s disease.

Efficacy was maintained in 87 of 103 patients switched to pramipexole prolonged-release tablets. Out of these 87 patients, 82.8% did not change their dose, 13.8% increased and 3.4% decreased their dose.

In half of the 16 patients who did not meet the criterion for maintained efficacy on UPDRS Part II+III score, the change from baseline was considered not clinically relevant. Only one patient switched to pramipexole prolonged-release tablets experienced a drug-related adverse event leading to withdrawal.

Paediatric population

The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with pramipexole in all subsets of the paediatric population in Parkinson’s Disease (see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use).

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Absorption

Pramipexole is completely absorbed following oral administration. The absolute bioavailability is greater than 90%.

In a Phase I trial, where pramipexole immediate release and prolonged-release tablets were assessed in fasted state, the minimum and peak plasma concentration (Cmin, Cmax) and exposure (AUC) of the same daily dose of pramipexole prolonged-release tablets given once daily and pramipexole tablets given three times a day were equivalent.

The once daily administration of pramipexole prolonged-release tablets causes less frequent fluctuations in the pramipexole plasma concentration over 24 hours compared to the three times daily administration of pramipexole immediate release tablets.

The maximum plasma concentrations occur at about 6 hours after administration of pramipexole prolonged-release tablets once daily. Steady state of exposure is reached at the latest after 5 days of continuous dosing.

Concomitant administration with food does generally not affect the bioavailability of pramipexole. Intake of a high fat meal induced an increase in peak concentration (Cmax) of about 24% after a single dose administration and about 20% after multiple dose administrations and a delay of about 2 hours in time to reach peak concentration in healthy volunteers. Total exposure (AUC) was not affected by concomitant food intake. The increase in Cmax is not considered clinically relevant. In the Phase III studies that established safety and efficacy of pramipexole prolonged-release tablets, patients were instructed to take study medication without regard to food intake.

While body weight has no impact on the AUC, it was found to influence the volume of distribution and therefore the peak concentrations Cmax. A decreased body weight by 30 kg results in an increase in Cmax of 45%. However, in Phase III trials in Parkinson’s disease patients no clinically meaningful influence of body weight on the therapeutic effect and tolerability of pramipexole prolonged-release tablets was detected.

Pramipexole shows linear kinetics and a small inter-patient variation of plasma levels.

Distribution

In humans, the protein binding of pramipexole is very low (< 20%) and the volume of distribution is large (400 l). High brain tissue concentrations were observed in the rat (approx. 8-fold compared to plasma).

Biotransformation

Pramipexole is metabolised in man only to a small extent.

Elimination

Renal excretion of unchanged pramipexole is the major route of elimination. Approximately 90% of 14C-labelled dose is excreted through the kidneys while less than 2% is found in the faeces. The total clearance of pramipexole is approximately 500 ml/min and the renal clearance is approximately 400 ml/min. The elimination half-life (t½) varies from 8 hours in the young to 12 hours in the elderly.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

Repeated dose toxicity studies showed that pramipexole exerted functional effects, mainly involving the CNS and female reproductive system, and probably resulting from an exaggerated pharmacodynamic effect of pramipexole.

Decreases in diastolic and systolic pressure and heart rate were noted in the minipig, and a tendency to a hypotensive effect was discerned in the monkey.

The potential effects of pramipexole on reproductive function have been investigated in rats and rabbits. Pramipexole was not teratogenic in rats and rabbits but was embryotoxic in the rat at maternally toxic doses. Due to the selection of animal species and the limited parameters investigated, the adverse effects of pramipexole on pregnancy and male fertility have not been fully elucidated.

A delay in sexual development (i.e., preputial separation and vaginal opening) was observed in rats. The relevance for humans is unknown.

Pramipexole was not genotoxic. In a carcinogenicity study, male rats developed Leydig cell hyperplasia and adenomas, explained by the prolactin-inhibiting effect of pramipexole. This finding is not clinically relevant to man. The same study also showed that, at doses of 2 mg/kg (of salt) and higher, pramipexole was associated with retinal degeneration in albino rats. The latter finding was not observed in pigmented rats, nor in a 2-year albino mouse carcinogenicity study or in any other species investigated.

6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

Hypromellose

Maize starch

Colloidal anhydrous silica

Magnesium stearate

6.2 Incompatibilities

Not applicable.

6.3 Shelf life

3 years

6.4 Special precautions for storage

Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture. This medicinal product does not require any special temperature storage conditions.

6.5 Nature and contents of container

3-week treatment initiation pack

Blister (OPA/Alu/desiccant/PE-Alu foil): 21 prolonged-release tablets (3 blisters of 7 tablets):

  • 7 prolonged-release tablets of 0.26 mg
  • 7 prolonged-release tablets of 0.52 mg
  • 7 prolonged-release tablets of 1.05 mg

6.6 Special precautions for disposal

No special requirements for disposal.

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

KRKA, d.d., Novo mesto, Šmarješka cesta 6, 8501 Novo mesto, Slovenia

8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

PLGB 01656/0328

9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE

AUTHORISATION

01/01/2021

10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

07/08/2024

About this document

Source: MHRA - Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (products.mhra.gov.uk) · Marketing authorisation: PLGB 01656/0328

Last revision stated in the text: 7 August 2024 · MHRA data as of 13 October 2026

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Facts about Oprymea 0.26 mg + 0.52 mg + 1.05 mg prolonged-release tablets

Active substance Pramipexole
Strength 0.26 mg + 0.52 mg + 1.05 mg
Pharmaceutical form 0.26 mg: White or almost white, round (diameter 10 mm), slightly biconvex tablets engraved with P1 on one side, with bevelled edges and possible spots.
0.52 mg: White or almost white, round (diameter 10 mm), slightly biconvex tablets engraved with P2 on one side, with bevelled edges and possible spots.
1.05 mg: White or almost white, round (diameter 10 mm), slightly biconvex tablets engraved with P3 on one side, with bevelled edges and possible spots.
Excipients Hypromellose, Maize starch, Colloidal anhydrous silica, Magnesium stearate
Shelf life 3 years
Storage Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture. This medicinal product does not require any special temperature storage conditions.
Drug group (ATC) Anti-Parkinson drugs, dopamine agonists
  1. N Nervous system drugs
    1. N04 Anti-parkinson drugs
      1. N04B Dopaminergic agents
        1. N04BC Dopamine agonists
          1. N04BC05 pramipexole
Marketing authorisation PLGB 01656/0328 (first authorised 1 January 2021)
Marketing authorisation holder KRKA, d.d., Novo mesto, Šmarješka cesta 6, 8501 Novo mesto, Slovenia

Sources: the MHRA product information (products.mhra.gov.uk). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.