Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Sandoz 600 mg/ 200 mg/ 245 mg film coated tablets

Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is a fixed-dose combination of efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil. It is indicated for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection in adults aged 18 years and over with virologic suppression to HIV-1 RNA levels of < 50 copies/ml on their current combination antiretroviral therapy for more than three months. Patients must not have experienced virological failure on any prior antiretroviral therapy and must be known not to have harboured virus strains with mutations conferring significant resistance to any of the three components contained in Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil prior to initiation of their first antiretroviral treatment regimen (see sections 4.4 and 5.1).

The demonstration of the benefit of the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil is primarily based on 48-week data from a clinical study in which patients with stable virologic suppression on a combination antiretroviral therapy changed to the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil (see section 5.1). No data are currently available from clinical studies with the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil in treatment-naïve or in heavily pretreated patients.

No data are available to support the combination of efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil and other antiretroviral agents.

Therapy should be initiated by a physician experienced in the management of HIV infection.

Posology

Adults

The recommended dose of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is one tablet taken orally once daily.

If a patient misses a dose of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil within 12 hours of the time it is usually taken, the patient should take Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil as soon as possible and resume the normal dosing schedule. If a patient misses a dose of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil by more than 12 hours and it is almost time for the next dose, the patient should not take the missed dose and simply resume the usual dosing schedule.

If the patient vomits within 1 hour of taking Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil, another tablet should be taken. If the patient vomits more than 1 hour after taking Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil he/she does not need to take another dose.

It is recommended that Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil be taken on an empty stomach since food may increase efavirenz exposure and may lead to an increase in the frequency of adverse reactions (see sections 4.4 and 4.8). In order to improve the tolerability to efavirenz with respect to undesirable effects on the nervous system, bedtime dosing is recommended (see section 4.8).

It is anticipated that tenofovir exposure (AUC) will be approximately 30% lower following administration of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil on an empty stomach as compared to the individual component tenofovir disoproxil when taken with food (see section 5.2). Data on the clinical translation of the decrease in pharmacokinetic exposure are not available. In virologically suppressed patients, the clinical relevance of this reduction can be expected to be limited (see section 5.1).

Where discontinuation of therapy with one of the components of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is indicated or where dose modification is necessary, separate preparations of efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil are available. Please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics for these medicinal products.

If therapy with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is discontinued, consideration should be given to the long half-life of efavirenz (see section 5.2) and long intracellular half-lives of emtricitabine and tenofovir. Because of interpatient variability in these parameters and concerns regarding development of resistance, HIV treatment guidelines should be consulted, also taking into consideration the reason for discontinuation.

Dose adjustment: If Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is co-administered with rifampicin to patients weighing 50 kg or more, an additional 200 mg/day (800 mg total) of efavirenz may be considered (see section 4.5).

Special populations

Elderly

Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil should be administered with caution to elderly patients (see section 4.4).

Renal impairment

Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is not recommended for patients with moderate or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance (CrCl) < 50 ml/min). Patients with moderate or severe renal impairment require dose interval adjustment of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil that cannot be achieved with the combination tablet (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).

Hepatic impairment

The pharmacokinetics of the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil have not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment. Patients with mild liver disease (Child-Pugh-Turcotte (CPT), Class A) may be treated with the normal recommended dose of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil (see sections 4.3, 4.4 and 5.2). Patients should be monitored carefully for adverse reactions, especially nervous system symptoms related to efavirenz (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).

If Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is discontinued in patients co-infected with HIV and HBV, these patients should be closely monitored for evidence of exacerbation of hepatitis (see section 4.4).

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil in children under the age of 18 years have not been established (see section 5.2).

Method of administration

Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil tablets should be swallowed whole with water, once daily.

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

Severe hepatic impairment (CPT, Class C) (see section 5.2).

Co-administration with terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, midazolam, triazolam, pimozide, bepridil, or ergot alkaloids (for example, ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, and methylergonovine). Competition for cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 by efavirenz could result in inhibition of metabolism and create the potential for serious and/or life-threatening adverse reactions (for example, cardiac arrhythmias, prolonged sedation or respiratory depression) (see section 4.5).

Co-administration with voriconazole. Efavirenz significantly decreases voriconazole plasma concentrations while voriconazole also significantly increases efavirenz plasma concentrations. Since Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is a fixed-dose combination product, the dose of efavirenz cannot be altered (see section 4.5).

Co-administration with herbal preparations containing St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) due to the risk of decreased plasma concentrations and reduced clinical effects of efavirenz (see section 4.5).

Co-administration with elbasvir/grazoprevir due to the expected significant decreases in plasma concentrations of elbasvir and grazoprevir. This effect is due to induction of CYP3A4 or P-gp by efavirenz and may result in loss of therapeutic effect of elbasvir/grazoprevir (see section 4.5).

Administration to patients with:

- a family history of sudden death or of congenital prolongation of the QTc interval on electrocardiograms, or with any other clinical condition known to prolong the QTc interval.

- a history of symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias or with clinically relevant bradycardia or with congestive cardiac failure accompanied by reduced left ventricle ejection fraction.

- severe disturbances of electrolyte balance e.g. hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia.

Co-administration with medicinal products that are known to prolong the QTc interval (proarrhythmic). These medicinal products include:

- antiarrhythmics of classes IA and III,

- neuroleptics, antidepressive agents,

- certain antibiotics including some agents of the following classes: macrolides, fluoroquinolones, imidazole and triazole antifungal agents,

- certain non-sedating antihistamines (terfenadine, astemizole),

- cisapride,

- flecainide,

- certain antimalarials,

- methadone (see sections 4.4, 4.5 and 5.1).

Co-administration with other medicinal products

As a fixed combination, Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil should not be administered concomitantly with other medicinal products containing the same active components, emtricitabine or tenofovir disoproxil.

This medicine should not be co-administered with products containing efavirenz unless needed for dose adjustment e.g. with rifampicin (see section 4.2). Due to similarities with emtricitabine, Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil should not be administered concomitantly with other cytidine analogues, such as lamivudine (see section 4.5). This medicine should not be administered concomitantly with adefovir dipivoxil or with medicinal products containing tenofovir alafenamide.

Co-administration of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil and didanosine is not recommended (see section 4.5).

Co-administration of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir or sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir is not recommended since plasma concentrations of velpatasvir and voxilaprevir are expected to decrease following co-administration with efavirenz leading to reduced therapeutic effect of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir or sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir (see section 4.5).

No data are available on the safety and efficacy of the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil in combination with other antiretroviral agents.

Concomitant use of Ginkgo biloba extracts is not recommended (see section 4.5).

Switching from a PI-based antiretroviral regimen

Currently available data indicate a trend that in patients on a PI-based antiretroviral regimen the switch to the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil may lead to a reduction of the response to the therapy (see section 5.1). These patients should be carefully monitored for rises in viral load and, since the safety profile of efavirenz differs from that of protease inhibitors, for adverse reactions.

Opportunistic infections

Patients receiving Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil or any other antiretroviral therapy may continue to develop opportunistic infections and other complications of HIV infection, and therefore should remain under close clinical observation by physicians experienced in the treatment of patients with HIV associated diseases.

Transmission of HIV

While effective viral suppression with antiretroviral therapy has been proven to substantially reduce the risk of sexual transmission, a residual risk cannot be excluded. Precautions to prevent transmission should be taken in accordance with national guidelines.

Effect of food

The administration of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil with food may increase efavirenz exposure (see section 5.2) and may lead to an increase in frequency of adverse reactions (see section 4.8). It is recommended that Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil be taken on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime.

Liver disease

The pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil have not been established in patients with significant underlying liver disorders (see section 5.2). Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (see section 4.3) and not recommended in patients with moderate hepatic impairment. Since efavirenz is principally metabolised by the CYP system, caution should be exercised in administering Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil to patients with mild hepatic impairment. These patients should be carefully monitored for efavirenz adverse reactions, especially nervous system symptoms. Laboratory tests should be performed to evaluate their liver disease at periodic intervals (see section 4.2).

Patients with pre-existing liver dysfunction including chronic active hepatitis have an increased frequency of liver function abnormalities during combination antiretroviral therapy (CART) and should be monitored according to standard practice. If there is evidence of worsening liver disease or persistent elevations of serum transaminases to greater than 5 times the upper limit of the normal range, the benefit of continued therapy with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil needs to be weighed against the potential risks of significant liver toxicity. In such patients, interruption or discontinuation of treatment must be considered (see section 4.8).

In patients treated with other medicinal products associated with liver toxicity, monitoring of liver enzymes is also recommended.

Hepatic events

Post-marketing reports of hepatic failure also occurred in patients with no pre-existing hepatic disease or other identifiable risk factors (see section 4.8). Liver enzyme monitoring should be considered for all patients independent of pre-existing hepatic dysfunction or other risk factors.

Patients with HIV and hepatitis B (HBV) or C virus (HCV) co-infection

Patients with chronic hepatitis B or C and treated with CART are at an increased risk for severe and potentially fatal hepatic adverse reactions.

Physicians should refer to current HIV treatment guidelines for the optimal management of HIV infection in patients co-infected with HBV.

In case of concomitant antiviral therapy for hepatitis B or C, please refer also to the relevant Summary of Product Characteristics for these medicinal products.

The safety and efficacy of the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil have not been studied for the treatment of chronic HBV infection. Emtricitabine and tenofovir individually and in combination have shown activity against HBV in pharmacodynamic studies (see section 5.1). Limited clinical experience suggests that emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil have an anti-HBV activity when used in antiretroviral combination therapy to control HIV infection. Discontinuation of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil therapy in patients co-infected with HIV and HBV may be associated with severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis. Patients co-infected with HIV and HBV who discontinue this medicine must be closely monitored with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least four months after stopping treatment with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil. If appropriate, resumption of anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted. In patients with advanced liver disease or cirrhosis, treatment discontinuation is not recommended since post-treatment exacerbation of hepatitis may lead to hepatic decompensation.

QTc Prolongation

QTc prolongation has been observed with the use of efavirenz (see sections 4.5 and 5.1). For patients at increased risk of Torsade de Pointes or who are receiving drugs with a known risk for Torsade de Pointes, consider alternatives to Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil.

Psychiatric symptoms

Psychiatric adverse reactions have been reported in patients treated with efavirenz. Patients with a prior history of psychiatric disorders appear to be at greater risk of serious psychiatric adverse reactions. In particular, severe depression was more common in those with a history of depression. There have also been post-marketing reports of severe depression, death by suicide, delusions, psychosis-like behaviour and catatonia. Patients should be advised that if they experience symptoms such as severe depression, psychosis or suicidal ideation, they should contact their doctor immediately to assess the possibility that the symptoms may be related to the use of efavirenz, and if so, to determine whether the risk of continued therapy outweighs the benefits (see section 4.8).

Nervous system symptoms

Symptoms including, but not limited to, dizziness, insomnia, somnolence, impaired concentration and abnormal dreaming are frequently reported undesirable effects in patients receiving efavirenz 600 mg daily in clinical studies. Dizziness was also seen in clinical studies with emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil. Headache has been reported in clinical studies with emtricitabine (see section 4.8). Nervous system symptoms associated with efavirenz usually begin during the first one or two days of therapy and generally resolve after the first two to four weeks. Patients should be informed that if they do occur, these common symptoms are likely to improve with continued therapy and are not predictive of subsequent onset of any of the less frequent psychiatric symptoms.

Seizures

Convulsions have been observed in patients receiving efavirenz, generally in the presence of a known medical history of seizures. Patients who are receiving concomitant anticonvulsant medicinal products primarily metabolised by the liver, such as phenytoin, carbamazepine and phenobarbital, may require periodic monitoring of plasma levels. In a drug interaction study, carbamazepine plasma concentrations were decreased when carbamazepine was co-administered with efavirenz (see section 4.5). Caution must be taken in any patient with a history of seizures.

Renal impairment

Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is not recommended for patients with moderate or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 50 ml/min). Patients with moderate or severe renal impairment require a dose adjustment of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil that cannot be achieved with the combination tablet (see sections 4.2 and 5.2). Use of this medicine should be avoided with concurrent or recent use of a nephrotoxic medicinal product. If concomitant use of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil and nephrotoxic agents (e.g. aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, foscarnet, ganciclovir, pentamidine, vancomycin, cidofovir, interleukin-2) is unavoidable, renal function must be monitored weekly (see section 4.5).

Cases of acute renal failure after initiation of high dose or multiple non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been reported in patients treated with tenofovir disoproxil and with risk factors for renal dysfunction. If Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is co-administered with an NSAID, renal function should be monitored adequately.

Renal failure, renal impairment, elevated creatinine, hypophosphataemia and proximal tubulopathy (including Fanconi syndrome) have been reported with the use of tenofovir disoproxil in clinical practice (see section 4.8).

It is recommended that creatinine clearance is calculated in all patients prior to initiating therapy with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil and renal function (creatinine clearance and serum phosphate) is also monitored after two to four weeks of treatment, after three months of treatment and every three to six months thereafter in patients without renal risk factors. In patients with a history of renal dysfunction or in patients who are at risk of renal dysfunction, a more frequent monitoring of renal function is required.

If serum phosphate is < 1.5 mg/dl (0.48 mmol/l) or creatinine clearance is decreased to < 50 ml/min in any patient receiving Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil, renal function must be re-evaluated within one week, including measurements of blood glucose, blood potassium and urine glucose concentrations (see section 4.8, proximal tubulopathy). Since Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is a combination product and the dosing interval of the individual components cannot be altered, treatment with this medicine must be interrupted in patients with confirmed creatinine clearance < 50 ml/min or decreases in serum phosphate to < 1.0 mg/dl (0.32 mmol/l). Interrupting treatment with this medicine should also be considered in case of progressive decline of renal function when no other cause has been identified. Where discontinuation of therapy with one of the components of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is indicated or where dose modification is necessary, separate preparations of efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil are available.

Bone effects

Bone abnormalities such as osteomalacia which can manifest as persistent or worsening bone pain, and which can infrequently contribute to fractures, may be associated with tenofovir disoproxil-induced proximal renal tubulopathy (see section 4.8).

Tenofovir disoproxil may cause a reduction in bone mineral density (BMD).

In a 144-week controlled clinical study that compared tenofovir disoproxil with stavudine in combination with lamivudine and efavirenz in antiretroviral-naïve patients, small decreases in BMD of the hip and spine were observed in both treatment groups. Decreases in bone mineral density of spine and changes in bone biomarkers from baseline were significantly greater in the tenofovir disoproxil treatment group at 144 weeks. Decreases in bone mineral density of the hip were significantly greater in this group until 96 weeks. However, there was no increased risk of fractures or evidence for clinically relevant bone abnormalities over 144 weeks in this study.

In other studies (prospective and cross-sectional), the most pronounced decreases in BMD were seen in patients treated with tenofovir disoproxil as part of a regimen containing a boosted protease inhibitor.

Overall, in view of the bone abnormalities associated with tenofovir disoproxil and the limitations of long-term data on the impact of tenofovir disoproxil on bone health and fracture risk, alternative treatment regimens should be considered for patients with osteoporosis that are at a high risk for fractures.

If bone abnormalities are suspected or detected then appropriate consultation should be obtained.

Skin reactions

Mild-to-moderate rash has been reported with the individual components of the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil. The rash associated with the efavirenz component usually resolves with continued therapy. Appropriate antihistamines and/or corticosteroids may improve tolerability and hasten the resolution of rash.

Severe rash associated with blistering, moist desquamation or ulceration has been reported in less than 1% of patients treated with efavirenz (see section 4.8). The incidence of erythema multiforme or Stevens-Johnson syndrome was approximately 0.1%. Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil must be discontinued in patients developing severe rash associated with blistering, desquamation, mucosal involvement or fever. Experience with efavirenz in patients who discontinued other antiretroviral agents of the NNRTI class is limited. This medicine is not recommended for patients who have had a life-threatening cutaneous reaction (e.g. Stevens-Johnson syndrome) while taking an NNRTI.

Weight and metabolic parameters

An increase in weight and in levels of blood lipids and glucose may occur during antiretroviral therapy. Such changes may in part be linked to disease control and life style. For lipids, there is in some cases evidence for a treatment effect, while for weight gain there is no strong evidence relating this to any particular treatment. For monitoring of blood lipids and glucose reference is made to established HIV treatment guidelines. Lipid disorders should be managed as clinically appropriate.

Mitochondrial dysfunction following exposure in utero

Nucleos(t)ide analogues may impact mitochondrial function to a variable degree, which is most pronounced with stavudine, didanosine and zidovudine. There have been reports of mitochondrial dysfunction in HIV negative infants exposed in utero and/or postnatally to nucleoside analogues; these have predominantly concerned treatment with regimens containing zidovudine. The main adverse reactions reported are haematological disorders (anaemia, neutropenia) and metabolic disorders (hyperlactatemia, hyperlipasemia). These events have often been transitory. Late onset neurological disorders have been reported rarely (hypertonia, convulsion, abnormal behaviour). Whether such neurological disorders are transient or permanent is currently unknown. These findings should be considered for any child exposed in utero to nucleos(t)ide analogues, who present with severe clinical findings of unknown etiology, particularly neurologic findings. These findings do not affect current national recommendations to use antiretroviral therapy in pregnant women to prevent vertical transmission of HIV.

Immune Reactivation Syndrome

In HIV infected patients with severe immune deficiency at the time of institution of CART, an inflammatory reaction to asymptomatic or residual opportunistic pathogens may arise and cause serious clinical conditions, or aggravation of symptoms. Typically, such reactions have been observed within the first few weeks or months of initiation of CART. Relevant examples are cytomegalovirus retinitis, generalised and/or focal mycobacterial infections, and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. Any inflammatory symptoms should be evaluated and treatment instituted when necessary.

Autoimmune disorders (such as Graves' disease and autoimmune hepatitis) have also been reported to occur in the setting of immune reactivation; however, the reported time to onset is more variable and these events can occur many months after initiation of treatment.

Osteonecrosis

Although the etiology is considered to be multifactorial (including corticosteroid use, alcohol consumption, severe immunosuppression, higher body mass index), cases of osteonecrosis have been reported particularly in patients with advanced HIV disease and/or long-term exposure to CART. Patients should be advised to seek medical advice if they experience joint aches and pain, joint stiffness or difficulty in movement.

Patients with HIV-1 harbouring mutations

Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil should be avoided in patients with HIV-1 harbouring the K65R, M184V/I or K103N mutation (see sections 4.1 and 5.1).

Elderly

The fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil has not been studied in patients over the age of 65. Elderly patients are more likely to have decreased hepatic or renal function, therefore caution should be exercised when treating elderly patients with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil (see section 4.2).

Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil contains sodium

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dosage unit, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.

As Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil contains efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil, any interactions that have been identified with these agents individually may occur with this medicine. Interaction studies with these agents have only been performed in adults.

As a fixed combination, Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil should not be administered concomitantly with other medicinal products containing the components, emtricitabine or tenofovir disoproxil. This medicine should not be co-administered with products containing efavirenz unless needed for dose adjustment e.g. with rifampicin (see section 4.2). Due to similarities with emtricitabine, this medicine should not be administered concomitantly with other cytidine analogues, such as lamivudine. Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil should not be administered concomitantly with adefovir dipivoxil or with medicinal products containing tenofovir alafenamide.

Efavirenz is an in vivo inducer of CYP3A4, CYP2B6 and UGT1A1. Compounds that are substrates of these enzymes may have decreased plasma concentrations when co-administered with efavirenz. Efavirenz may be an inducer of CYP2C19 and CYP2C9; however, inhibition has also been observed in vitro and the net effect of co-administration with substrates of these enzymes is not clear (see section 5.2).

Efavirenz exposure may be increased when given with medicinal products (for example ritonavir) or food (for example, grapefruit juice) which inhibit CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 activity. Compounds or herbal preparations (for example Ginkgo biloba extracts and St. John's wort) which induce these enzymes may give rise to decreased plasma concentrations of efavirenz. Concomitant use of St. John's wort is contraindicated (see section 4.3). Concomitant use of Ginkgo biloba extracts is not recommended (see section 4.4).

Co-administration of efavirenz with metamizole, which is an inducer of metabolising enzymes including CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 may cause a reduction in plasma concentrations of efavirenz with potential decrease in clinical efficacy. Therefore, caution is advised when metamizole and efavirenz are administered concurrently; clinical response and/or drug levels should be monitored as appropriate.

In vitro and clinical pharmacokinetic interaction studies have shown the potential for CYP-mediated interactions involving emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil with other medicinal products is low.

Cannabinoid test interaction

Efavirenz does not bind to cannabinoid receptors. False-positive urine cannabinoid test results have been reported with some screening assays in uninfected and HIV infected subjects receiving efavirenz.

Confirmatory testing by a more specific method such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry is recommended in such cases.

Contraindications of concomitant use

Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil must not be administered concurrently with terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, midazolam, triazolam, pimozide, bepridil, or ergot alkaloids (for example, ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, and methylergonovine), since inhibition of their metabolism may lead to serious, life-threatening events (see section 4.3).

Elbasvir/grazoprevir: Co-administration of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil with elbasvir/grazoprevir is contraindicated because it may lead to loss of virologic response to elbasvir/grazoprevir (see section 4.3 and Table 1).

Voriconazole: Co-administration of standard doses of efavirenz and voriconazole is contraindicated. Since Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is a fixed-dose combination product, the dose of efavirenz cannot be altered; therefore, voriconazole and this medicine must not be co-administered (see section 4.3 and Table 1).

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum): Co-administration of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil and St. John's wort or herbal preparations containing St. John's wort is contraindicated. Plasma levels of efavirenz can be reduced by concomitant use of St. John's wort due to induction of drug metabolising enzymes and/or transport proteins by St. John's wort. If a patient is already taking St. John's wort, stop St. John's wort, check viral levels and if possible efavirenz levels. Efavirenz levels may increase on stopping St. John's wort. The inducing effect of St. John's wort may persist for at least 2 weeks after cessation of treatment (see section 4.3).

QT Prolonging Drugs: Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is contraindicated with concomitant use of drugs that are known to prolong the QTc interval and could lead to Torsade de Pointes, such as: antiarrhythmics of classes IA and III, neuroleptics and antidepressant agents, certain antibiotics including some agents of the following classes: macrolides, fluoroquinolones, imidazole, and triazole antifungal agents, certain non-sedating antihistaminics (terfenadine, astemizole), cisapride, flecainide, certain antimalarials and methadone (see section 4.3).

Concomitant use not recommended

Atazanavir / ritonavir: Insufficient data are available to make a dosing recommendation for atazanavir / ritonavir in combination with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil. Therefore co-administration of atazanavir / ritonavir and this medicine is not recommended (see Table 1).

Praziquantel: Concomitant use of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil with praziquantel is not recommended due to significant decrease in plasma concentrations of praziquantel, with risk of treatment failure due to increased hepatic metabolism by efavirenz. In case the combination is needed, an increased dose of praziquantel could be considered.

Didanosine: Co-administration of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil and didanosine is not recommended (see section 4.4 and Table 1).

Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir: Co-administration of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir or sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir is not recommended (see section 4.4 and Table 1).

Renally eliminated medicinal products: Since emtricitabine and tenofovir are primarily eliminated by the kidneys, co-administration of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil with medicinal products that reduce renal function or compete for active tubular secretion (e.g. cidofovir) may increase serum concentrations of emtricitabine, tenofovir and/or the co-administered medicinal products.

Use of this medicine should be avoided with concurrent or recent use of a nephrotoxic medicinal product. Some examples include, but are not limited to, aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, foscarnet, ganciclovir, pentamidine, vancomycin, cidofovir or interleukin-2 (see section 4.4).

Other interactions

Interactions between the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil or its individual component(s) and other medicinal products are listed in Table 1 below (increase is indicated as “↑”, decrease as “↓”, no change as “↔”, twice daily as “b.i.d.”, once daily as “q.d.” and once every 8 hours as “q8h”). If available, 90% confidence intervals are shown in parentheses

Table 1: Interactions between Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil or its individual components and other medicinal products

¹ The predominant circulating metabolite of sofosbuvir.

Studies conducted with other medicinal products

There were no clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions when efavirenz was administered with azithromycin, cetirizine, fosamprenavir/ritonavir, lorazepam, zidovudine, aluminium/magnesium hydroxide antacids, famotidine or fluconazole. The potential for interactions with efavirenz and other azole antifungals, such as ketoconazole, has not been studied.

There were no clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions when emtricitabine was administered with stavudine, zidovudine or famciclovir. There were no clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions when tenofovir disoproxil was co-administered with emtricitabine or ribavirin.

Women of childbearing potential (see below and section 5.3)

Pregnancy should be avoided in women receiving Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil. Women of childbearing potential should undergo pregnancy testing before initiation of this medicine.

Contraception in males and females

Barrier contraception should always be used in combination with other methods of contraception (for example, oral or other hormonal contraceptives, see section 4.5) while on therapy with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil.

Because of the long half-life of efavirenz, use of adequate contraceptive measures for 12 weeks after discontinuation of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is recommended.

Pregnancy

Efavirenz: There have been seven retrospective reports of findings consistent with neural tube defects, including meningomyelocele, all in mothers exposed to efavirenz-containing regimens (excluding any efavirenz-containing fixed-dose combination tablets) in the first trimester. Two additional cases (1 prospective and 1 retrospective) including events consistent with neural tube defects have been reported with the fixed-dose combination tablet containing efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil. A causal relationship of these events to the use of efavirenz has not been established, and the denominator is unknown. As neural tube defects occur within the first 4 weeks of foetal development (at which time neural tubes are sealed), this potential risk would concern women exposed to efavirenz during the first trimester of pregnancy.

As of July 2013, the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) has received prospective reports of 904 pregnancies with first trimester exposure to efavirenz-containing regimens, resulting in 766 live births. One child was reported to have a neural tube defect, and the frequency and pattern of other birth defects were similar to those seen in children exposed to non-efavirenz-containing regimens, as well as those in HIV negative controls. The incidence of neural tube defects in the general population ranges from 0.5-1 case per 1,000 live births.

Malformations have been observed in foetuses from efavirenz-treated monkeys (see section 5.3).

Emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil: A large amount of data on pregnant women (more than 1,000 pregnancy outcomes) indicates no malformations or foetal/neonatal toxicity associated with emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil . Animal studies on emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil do not indicate reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).

Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil should not be used during pregnancy unless the clinical condition of the woman requires treatment with efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil.

Breast-feeding

Efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir have been shown to be excreted in human milk. There is insufficient information on the effects of efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir in newborns/infants.

A risk to the infants cannot be excluded. Therefore Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil should not be used during breast-feeding.

As a general rule, it is recommended that HIV infected women do not breast-feed their infants in order to avoid transmission of HIV to the infant.

Fertility

No human data on the effect of the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil are available. Animal studies do not indicate harmful effects of efavirenz, emtricitabine or tenofovir disoproxil on fertility.

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. However, dizziness has been reported during treatment with efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil. Efavirenz may also cause impaired concentration and/or somnolence. Patients should be instructed that if they experience these symptoms they should avoid potentially hazardous tasks such as driving and operating machinery.

Summary of the safety profile

The combination of efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil has been studied in 460 patients either as the fixed-dose combination tablet (study AI266073) or as the component products (study GS-01-934). Adverse reactions were generally consistent with those seen in previous studies of the individual components. The most frequently reported adverse reactions considered possibly or probably related to the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil among patients treated up to 48 weeks in study AI266073 were psychiatric disorders (16%), nervous system disorders (13%), and gastrointestinal disorders (7%).

Severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and erythema multiforme; neuropsychiatric adverse reactions (including severe depression, death by suicide, psychosis-like behaviour, seizures); severe hepatic events; pancreatitis and lactic acidosis (sometimes fatal) have been reported.

Rare events of renal impairment, renal failure and uncommon events of proximal renal tubulopathy (including Fanconi syndrome) sometimes leading to bone abnormalities (infrequently contributing to fractures) have also been reported. Monitoring of renal function is recommended for patients receiving the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil (see section 4.4).

Discontinuation of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil therapy in patients co-infected with HIV and HBV may be associated with severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis (see section 4.4).

The administration of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil with food may increase efavirenz exposure and may lead to an increase in the frequency of adverse reactions (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

The adverse reactions from clinical study and post-marketing experience with the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil and the individual components in antiretroviral combination therapy are listed in Table 2 below by body system organ class, frequency and the component(s) of the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil to which the adverse reactions are attributable. Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. Frequencies are defined as very common ( ≥ 1/10), common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10), uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100) or rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000).

Adverse reactions associated with the use of the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil: Treatment-emergent adverse reactions considered possibly or probably related to the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil reported in study AI266073 (over 48 weeks; n = 203), which have not been associated with one of the individual components of the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil, include:

Table 2: Adverse reactions associated with the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil listed by the component(s) to which the adverse reactions are attributable

¹ Anaemia was common and skin discolouration (increased pigmentation) was very common when emtricitabine was administered to paediatric patients.

² This adverse reaction may occur as a consequence of proximal renal tubulopathy. It is not considered to be causally associated with tenofovir disoproxil in the absence of this condition.

³ See section 4.8 Description of selected adverse reactions for more details.

⁴ This adverse reaction was identified through post-marketing surveillance for either efavirenz, emtricitabine or tenofovir disoproxil. The frequency category was estimated from a statistical calculation based on the total number of patients treated with efavirenz in clinical trials (n = 3,969) or exposed to emtricitabine in randomised controlled clinical trials (n = 1,563) or exposed to tenofovir disoproxil in randomised controlled clinical trials and the expanded access programme (n = 7,319).

Description of selected adverse reactions

Rash: In clinical trials of efavirenz, rashes were usually mild-to-moderate maculopapular skin eruptions that occurred within the first two weeks of initiating therapy with efavirenz. In most patients rash resolved with continuing therapy with efavirenz within one month. Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil can be reinitiated in patients interrupting therapy because of rash. Use of appropriate antihistamines and/or corticosteroids is recommended when Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is restarted.

Psychiatric symptoms: Patients with a history of psychiatric disorders appear to be at greater risk of serious psychiatric adverse reactions listed in the efavirenz column of Table 2.

Nervous system symptoms: Nervous system symptoms are common with efavirenz, one of the components of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil. In clinical controlled studies of efavirenz, nervous system symptoms of moderate to severe intensity were experienced by 19% (severe 2%) of patients, and 2% of patients discontinued therapy due to such symptoms. They usually begin during the first one or two days of efavirenz therapy and generally resolve after the first two to four weeks. They may occur more frequently when Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is taken concomitantly with meals possibly due to increased efavirenz plasma levels (see section 5.2). Dosing at bedtime seems to improve the tolerability of these symptoms (see section 4.2).

Hepatic failure with efavirenz: Hepatic failure, including cases in patients with no pre-existing hepatic disease or other identifiable risk factors, as reported post-marketing, were sometimes characterised by a fulminant course, progressing in some cases to transplantation or death.

Renal impairment: As Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil may cause renal damage, monitoring of renal function is recommended (see sections 4.4 and 4.8 Summary of the safety profile). Proximal renal tubulopathy generally resolved or improved after tenofovir disoproxil discontinuation. However, in some patients, declines in creatinine clearance did not completely resolve despite tenofovir disoproxil discontinuation. Patients at risk of renal impairment (such as patients with baseline renal risk factors, advanced HIV disease, or patients receiving concomitant nephrotoxic medications) are at increased risk of experiencing incomplete recovery of renal function despite tenofovir disoproxil discontinuation (see section 4.4).

Metabolic parameters: Weight and levels of blood lipids and glucose may increase during antiretroviral therapy (see section 4.4).

Immune Reactivation Syndrome: In HIV infected patients with severe immune deficiency at the time of initiation of CART, an inflammatory reaction to asymptomatic or residual opportunistic infections may arise. Autoimmune disorders (such as Graves' disease and autoimmune hepatitis) have also been reported; however, the reported time to onset is more variable and these events can occur many months after initiation of treatment (see section 4.4).

Osteonecrosis: Cases of osteonecrosis have been reported, particularly in patients with generally acknowledged risk factors, advanced HIV disease or long-term exposure to CART. The frequency of this is unknown (see section 4.4).

Lactic acidosis: Cases of lactic acidosis have been reported with tenofovir disoproxil alone or in combination with other antiretrovirals. Patients with predisposing factors such as severe hepatic impairment (CPT Class C) (see section 4.3, or patients receiving concomitant medications known to induce lactic acidosis are at increased risk of experiencing severe lactic acidosis during tenofovir disoproxil treatment, including fatal outcomes.

Paediatric population

Insufficient safety data are available for children below 18 years of age. Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is not recommended in this population (see section 4.2).

Other special populations

Elderly: The fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil has not been studied in patients over the age of 65. Elderly patients are more likely to have decreased hepatic or renal function, therefore caution should be exercised when treating elderly patients with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil (see section 4.2).

Patients with renal impairment: Since tenofovir disoproxil can cause renal toxicity, close monitoring of renal function is recommended in any patient with mild renal impairment treated with Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil (see sections 4.2, 4.4 and 5.2).

HIV/HBV or HCV co-infected patients: Only a limited number of patients were co-infected with HBV (n = 13) or HCV (n = 26) in study GS-01-934. The adverse reaction profile of efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil in patients co-infected with HIV/HBV or HIV/HCV was similar to that observed in patients infected with HIV without co-infection. However, as would be expected in this patient population, elevations in AST and ALT occurred more frequently than in the general HIV infected population.

Exacerbations of hepatitis after discontinuation of treatment: In HIV infected patients co-infected with HBV, clinical and laboratory evidence of hepatitis may occur after discontinuation of treatment (see section 4.4).

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 the Yellow Card Scheme (www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard) or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

Some patients accidentally taking 600 mg efavirenz twice daily have reported increased nervous system symptoms. One patient experienced involuntary muscle contractions.

If overdose occurs, the patient must be monitored for evidence of toxicity (see section 4.8), and standard supportive treatment applied as necessary.

Administration of activated charcoal may be used to aid removal of unabsorbed efavirenz. There is no specific antidote for overdose with efavirenz. Since efavirenz is highly protein bound, dialysis is unlikely to remove significant quantities of it from blood.

Up to 30% of the emtricitabine dose and approximately 10% of the tenofovir dose can be removed by haemodialysis. It is not known whether emtricitabine or tenofovir can be removed by peritoneal dialysis.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antivirals for systemic use, antivirals for treatment of HIV infections, combinations, ATC code: J05AR06

Mechanism of action and pharmacodynamic effects

Efavirenz is an NNRTI of HIV-1. Efavirenz non-competitively inhibits HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and does not significantly inhibit human immunodeficiency virus-2 (HIV-2) RT or cellular deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) polymerases (α, β, γ, and δ). Emtricitabine is a nucleoside analogue of cytidine. Tenofovir disoproxil is converted in vivo to tenofovir, a nucleoside monophosphate (nucleotide) analogue of adenosine monophosphate.

Emtricitabine and tenofovir are phosphorylated by cellular enzymes to form emtricitabine triphosphate and tenofovir diphosphate, respectively. In vitro studies have shown that both emtricitabine and tenofovir can be fully phosphorylated when combined together in cells. Emtricitabine triphosphate and tenofovir diphosphate competitively inhibit HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, resulting in DNA chain termination.

Both emtricitabine triphosphate and tenofovir diphosphate are weak inhibitors of mammalian DNA polymerases and there was no evidence of toxicity to mitochondria in vitro and in vivo.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

The effect of efavirenz on the QTc interval was evaluated in an open-label, positive and placebo controlled, fixed single sequence 3-period, 3-treatment crossover QT study in 58 healthy subjects enriched for CYP2B6 polymorphisms. The mean Cmax of efavirenz in subjects with CYP2B6 *6/*6 genotype following the administration of 600 mg daily dose for 14 days was 2.25-fold the mean Cmax observed in subjects with CYP2B6 *1/*1 genotype. A positive relationship between efavirenz concentration and QTc prolongation was observed. Based on the concentration-QTc relationship, the mean QTc prolongation and its upper bound 90% confidence interval are 8.7 ms and 11.3 ms in subjects with CYP2B6*6/*6 genotype following the administration of 600 mg daily dose for 14 days (see section 4.5).

Antiviral activity in vitro

Efavirenz demonstrated antiviral activity against most non-clade B isolates (subtypes A, AE, AG, C, D, F, G, J, and N) but had reduced antiviral activity against group O viruses. Emtricitabine displayed antiviral activity against HIV-1 clades A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Tenofovir displayed antiviral activity against HIV-1 clades A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and O. Both emtricitabine and tenofovir showed strain specific activity against HIV-2 and antiviral activity against HBV.

In combination studies evaluating the in vitro antiviral activity of efavirenz and emtricitabine together, efavirenz and tenofovir together, and emtricitabine and tenofovir together, additive to synergistic antiviral effects were observed.

Resistance

Resistance to efavirenz can be selected in vitro and resulted in single or multiple amino acid substitutions in HIV-1 RT, including L100I, V108I, V179D, and Y181C. K103N was the most frequently observed RT substitution in viral isolates from patients who experienced rebound in viral load during clinical studies of efavirenz. Substitutions at RT positions 98, 100, 101, 108, 138, 188, 190 or 225 were also observed, but at lower frequencies, and often only in combination with K103N. Cross-resistance profiles for efavirenz, nevirapine and delavirdine in vitro demonstrated that the K103N substitution confers loss of susceptibility to all three NNRTIs.

The potential for cross-resistance between efavirenz and NRTIs is low because of the different binding sites on the target and mechanism of action. The potential for cross-resistance between efavirenz and PIs is low because of the different enzyme targets involved.

Resistance to emtricitabine or tenofovir has been seen in vitro and in some HIV-1 infected patients due to the development of an M184V or M184I substitution in RT with emtricitabine or a K65R substitution in RT with tenofovir. Emtricitabine-resistant viruses with the M184V/I mutation were cross-resistant to lamivudine, but retained sensitivity to didanosine, stavudine, tenofovir and zidovudine. The K65R mutation can also be selected by abacavir or didanosine and results in reduced susceptibility to these agents plus lamivudine, emtricitabine and tenofovir. Tenofovir disoproxil should be avoided in patients with HIV-1 harbouring the K65R mutation. Both the K65R and M184V/I mutation remain fully susceptible to efavirenz. In addition, a K70E substitution in HIV-1 RT has been selected by tenofovir and results in low-level reduced susceptibility to abacavir, emtricitabine, lamivudine and tenofovir.

Patients with HIV-1 expressing three or more thymidine analogue associated mutations (TAMs) that included either an M41L or an L210W substitution in RT showed reduced susceptibility to tenofovir disoproxil.

In vivo resistance (antiretroviral-naïve patients): In a 144-week open-label randomised clinical study (GS-01-934) in antiretroviral-naïve patients, where efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil were used as individual formulations (or as efavirenz and the fixed combination of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil from week 96 to 144), genotyping was performed on plasma HIV-1 isolates from all patients with confirmed HIV RNA > 400 copies/ml at week 144 or early study drug discontinuation (see section on Clinical experience). As of week 144:

• The M184V/I mutation developed in 2/19 (10.5%) isolates analysed from patients in the efavirenz + emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil group and in 10/29 (34.5%) isolates analysed from the efavirenz + lamivudine/zidovudine group (p-value < 0.05, Fisher's Exact test comparing the emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil group to the lamivudine/zidovudine group among all subjects).

• No virus analysed contained the K65R or K70E mutation.

• Genotypic resistance to efavirenz, predominantly the K103N mutation, developed in virus from 13/19 (68%) patients in the efavirenz + emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil group and in virus from 21/29 (72%) patients in the efavirenz + lamivudine/zidovudine group. A summary of resistance mutation development is shown in Table 3.

Table 3: Development of resistance in study GS-01-934 through week 144

*p-value < 0.05, Fisher's Exact test comparing efavirenz + emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil group to efavirenz + lamivudine/zidovudine group among all patients.

¹Other efavirenz resistance mutations included A98G (n=1), K103E (n=1), V179D (n=1), and M230L (n=1).

²Thymidine analogue associated mutations included D67N (n=1) and K70R (n=1).

In the open-label extended phase of study GS-01-934, where patients received the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil on an empty stomach, 3 additional cases of resistance were seen. All 3 subjects had received a fixed dose combination of lamivudine and zidovudine and efavirenz for 144 weeks and then switched to the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil. Two subjects with confirmed virologic rebound developed NNRTI resistance-associated substitutions to efavirenz including K103N, V106V/I/M and Y188Y/C reverse transcriptase substitutions at week 240 (96 weeks on the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil) and week 204 (60 weeks on the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil). A third subject had pre-existing NNRTI resistance-associated substitutions to efavirenz and the M184V reverse transcriptase resistance-associated substitution to emtricitabine at entry into the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil extension phase and experienced a suboptimal virologic response, and developed K65K/R, S68N and K70K/E NRTI resistance-associated substitutions at week 180 (36 weeks on the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil).

Please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics for the individual components for additional information regarding in vivo resistance with these medicinal products.

Clinical efficacy and safety

In a 144-week open-label randomised clinical study (GS-01-934) antiretroviral treatment-naïve HIV-1 infected patients received either a once-daily regimen of efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil or a fixed combination of lamivudine and zidovudine administered twice daily and efavirenz once daily (please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics of the fixed-dose combination of emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil). Patients who completed 144 weeks of treatment with either treatment arm in study GS-01-934 were given the option to continue in an open-label extended phase of the study with the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil on an empty stomach. Data are available from 286 patients who switched to the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil: 160 had previously received efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil, and 126 had previously received lamivudine, zidovudine (as FDC) and efavirenz. High rates of virologic suppression were maintained by subjects from both initial treatment groups who then received the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil in the open-label extended phase of the study. After 96 weeks of the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil treatment, HIV-1 RNA plasma concentrations remained < 50 copies/ml in 82% of patients and < 400 copies/ml in 85% of patients (intention to treat analysis (ITT), missing=failure).

Study AI266073 was a 48-week open-label randomised clinical study in HIV infected patients comparing the efficacy of the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil to antiretroviral therapy consisting of at least two nucleoside or nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) with a protease inhibitor or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor; however not a regimen containing all components (efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil). The fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil was administered on an empty stomach (see section 4.2). Patients had never experienced virological failure on a previous antiretroviral therapy, had no known HIV-1 mutations that confer resistance to any of the three components within the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil, and had been virologically suppressed for at least three months at baseline. Patients either changed to the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil (N=203) or continued on their original antiretroviral treatment regimen (N=97). Forty-eight week data showed that high levels of virologic suppression, comparable to the original treatment regimen, were maintained in patients who were randomised to change to the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil (see Table 4).

Table 4: 48-week efficacy data from study AI266073 in which the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil was administered to virologically suppressed patients on combination antiretroviral therapy

PVR (KM): Pure virologic response assessed using the Kaplan Meier (KM) method

M: Missing

Modified LOCF: Post-hoc analysis where patients who failed virologically or discontinued for adverse events were treated as failures; for other drop-outs, the LOCF (last observation carried forward) method was applied.

When the two strata were analysed separately, response rates in the stratum with prior PI-treatment were numerically lower for patients switched to the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil [92.4% versus 94.0% for the PVR (sensitivity analysis) for the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil and SBR patients respectively; a difference (95%CI) of -1.6% (-10.0%, 6.7%). In the prior-NNRTI stratum, response rates were 98.9% vs 97.4% for the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil and SBR patients respectively; a difference (95%CI) of 1.4% (-4.0%, 6.9%)].

A similar trend was observed in a sub-group analysis of treatment-experienced patients with baseline HIV-1 RNA < 75 copies/ml from a retrospective cohort study (data collected over 20 months, see Table 5).

Table 5: Maintenance of pure virologic response (Kaplan Meier % (Standard Error) [95%CI]) at week 48 for treatment-experienced patients with baseline HIV-1 RNA < 75 copies/ml who had therapy switched to the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil according to the type of prior antiretroviral regimen (Kaiser Permanente patient database)

No data are currently available from clinical studies with the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil in treatment-naïve patients or in heavily pretreated patients. There is no clinical experience with the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil in patients who are experiencing virological failure in a first-line antiretroviral treatment regimen or in combination with other antiretroviral agents.

Patients coinfected with HIV and HBV

Limited clinical experience in patients co-infected with HIV and HBV suggests that treatment with emtricitabine or tenofovir disoproxil in antiretroviral combination therapy to control HIV infection also results in a reduction in HBV DNA (3 log₁₀ reduction or 4 to 5 log₁₀ reduction, respectively) (see section 4.4).

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil in children under the age of 18 years have not been established.

The separate pharmaceutical forms of efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil were used to determine the pharmacokinetics of efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil, administered separately in HIV infected patients. The bioequivalence of one film-coated tablet from the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil with one efavirenz 600 mg film-coated tablet plus one emtricitabine 200 mg hard capsule plus one tenofovir disoproxil 245 mg film-coated tablet administered together, was established following single dose administration to fasting healthy subjects in study GS-US-177-0105 (see Table 6).

Table 6: Summary of pharmacokinetic data from study GS-US-177-0105

Test: single fixed-dose combination tablet taken under fasted conditions.

Reference: single dose of a 600 mg efavirenz tablet, 200 mg emtricitabine capsule and 245 mg tenofovir disoproxil tablet taken under fasted conditions.

Values for Test and Reference are mean (% coefficient of variation).

GMR=geometric least-squares mean ratio, CI=confidence interval

Absorption

In HIV infected patients, peak efavirenz plasma concentrations were attained by 5 hours and steady-state concentrations reached in 6 to 7 days. In 35 patients receiving efavirenz 600 mg once daily, steady-state peak concentration (C_max) was 12.9 ± 3.7 µM (29%) [mean ± standard deviation (S.D.) (coefficient of variation (%CV))], steady-state C_min was 5.6 ± 3.2 µM (57%), and AUC was 184 ± 73 µM•h (40%).

Emtricitabine is rapidly absorbed with peak plasma concentrations occurring at 1 to 2 hours post-dose. Following multiple dose oral administration of emtricitabine to 20 HIV infected patients, steady-state C_max was 1.8 ± 0.7 µg/ml (mean ± S.D.) (39%CV), steady-state C_min was 0.09 ± 0.07 µg/ml (80%) and the AUC was 10.0 ± 3.1 µg•h/ml (31%) over a 24 hour dosing interval.

Following oral administration of a single 245 mg dose of tenofovir disoproxil to HIV-1 infected patients in the fasted state, maximum tenofovir concentrations were achieved within one hour and the C_max and AUC (mean ± S.D.) (%CV) values were 296 ± 90 ng/ml (30%) and 2,287 ± 685 ng•h/ml (30%), respectively. The oral bioavailability of tenofovir from tenofovir disoproxil in fasted patients was approximately 25%.

Effect of food

The fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil has not been evaluated in the presence of food.

Administration of efavirenz capsules with a high fat meal increased the mean AUC and C_max of efavirenz by 28% and 79%, respectively, compared to administration in a fasted state. Compared to fasted administration, dosing of tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine in combination with either a high fat meal or a light meal increased the mean AUC of tenofovir by 43.6% and 40.5%, and C_max by 16% and 13.5%, respectively without affecting emtricitabine exposures.

Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is recommended for administration on an empty stomach since food may increase efavirenz exposure and may lead to an increase in the frequency of adverse reactions (see sections 4.4 and 4.8). It is anticipated that tenofovir exposure (AUC) will be approximately 30% lower following administration of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil on an empty stomach as compared to the individual component tenofovir disoproxil when taken with food (see section 5.1).

Distribution

Efavirenz is highly bound (> 99%) to human plasma proteins, predominantly albumin.

In vitro binding of emtricitabine to human plasma proteins is < 4% and independent of concentrations over the range of 0.02 to 200 µg/ml. Following intravenous administration the volume of distribution of emtricitabine was approximately 1.4 l/kg. After oral administration, emtricitabine is widely distributed throughout the body. The mean plasma to blood concentration ratio was approximately 1.0 and the mean semen to plasma concentration ratio was approximately 4.0.

In vitro binding of tenofovir to human plasma or serum protein is < 0.7% and 7.2%, respectively over the tenofovir concentration range 0.01 to 25 µg/ml. Following intravenous administration the volume of distribution of tenofovir was approximately 800 ml/kg. After oral administration, tenofovir is widely distributed throughout the body.

Biotransformation

Studies in humans and in vitro studies using human liver microsomes have demonstrated that efavirenz is principally metabolised by the CYP system to hydroxylated metabolites with subsequent glucuronidation of these hydroxylated metabolites. These metabolites are essentially inactive against HIV-1. The in vitro studies suggest that CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 are the major isozymes responsible for efavirenz metabolism and that it inhibits CYP isozymes 2C9, 2C19, and 3A4. In in vitro studies efavirenz did not inhibit CYP2E1 and inhibited CYP2D6 and CYP1A2 only at concentrations well above those achieved clinically.

Efavirenz plasma exposure may be increased in patients with homozygous G516T genetic variant of the CYP2B6 isozyme. The clinical implications of such an association are unknown; however, the potential for an increased frequency and severity of efavirenz-associated adverse events cannot be excluded.

Efavirenz has been shown to induce CYP3A4 and CYP2B6, resulting in the induction of its own metabolism, which may be clinically relevant in some patients. In uninfected volunteers, multiple doses of 200 to 400 mg per day for 10 days resulted in a lower than predicted extent of accumulation (22 to 42% lower) and a shorter terminal half-life of 40 to 55 hours (single dose half-life 52 to 76 hours). Efavirenz has also been shown to induce UGT1A1. Exposures of raltegravir (a UGT1A1 substrate) are reduced in the presence of efavirenz (see section 4.5, Table 1). Although in vitro data suggest that efavirenz inhibits CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, there have been contradictory reports of both increased and decreased exposures to substrates of these enzymes when co-administered with efavirenz in vivo. The net effect of co-administration is not clear.

There is limited metabolism of emtricitabine. The biotransformation of emtricitabine includes oxidation of the thiol moiety to form the 3'-sulphoxide diastereomers (approximately 9% of dose) and conjugation with glucuronic acid to form 2'-O-glucuronide (approximately 4% of dose). In vitro studies have determined that neither tenofovir disoproxil nor tenofovir are substrates for the CYP enzymes. Neither emtricitabine nor tenofovir inhibited in vitro drug metabolism mediated by any of the major human CYP isoforms involved in drug biotransformation. Also, emtricitabine did not inhibit uridine 5'-diphosphoglucuronyl transferase, the enzyme responsible for glucuronidation.

Elimination

Efavirenz has a relatively long terminal half-life of at least 52 hours after single doses (see also data from bioequivalence study described above) and 40 to 55 hours after multiple doses. Approximately 14 to 34% of a radiolabelled dose of efavirenz was recovered in the urine and less than 1% of the dose was excreted in urine as unchanged efavirenz.

Following oral administration, the elimination half-life of emtricitabine is approximately 10 hours. Emtricitabine is primarily excreted by the kidneys with complete recovery of the dose achieved in urine (approximately 86%) and faeces (approximately 14%). Thirteen percent of the emtricitabine dose was recovered in urine as three metabolites. The systemic clearance of emtricitabine averaged 307 ml/min.

Following oral administration, the elimination half-life of tenofovir is approximately 12 to 18 hours. Tenofovir is primarily excreted by the kidneys by both filtration and an active tubular transport system with approximately 70 to 80% of the dose excreted unchanged in urine following intravenous administration. The apparent clearance of tenofovir averaged approximately 307 ml/min. Renal clearance has been estimated to be approximately 210 ml/min, which is in excess of the glomerular filtration rate. This indicates that active tubular secretion is an important part of the elimination of tenofovir.

Pharmacokinetics in special populations

Age

Pharmacokinetic studies have not been performed with efavirenz, emtricitabine or tenofovir in elderly patients (over 65 years of age).

Gender

The pharmacokinetics of emtricitabine and tenofovir are similar in male and female patients. Limited data suggest that females may have higher exposure to efavirenz but they do not appear to be less tolerant of efavirenz.

Ethnicity

Limited data suggest that Asian and Pacific Island patients may have higher exposure to efavirenz but they do not appear to be less tolerant of efavirenz.

Paediatric population

Pharmacokinetic studies have not been performed with the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil in infants and children under 18 years of age (see section 4.2).

Renal impairment

The pharmacokinetics of efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil after co-administration of the separate pharmaceutical forms or as the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil have not been studied in HIV infected patients with renal impairment.

Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined following administration of single doses of the individual preparations of emtricitabine 200 mg or tenofovir disoproxil 245 mg to non-HIV infected patients with varying degrees of renal impairment. The degree of renal impairment was defined according to baseline creatinine clearance (normal renal function when creatinine clearance > 80 ml/min; mild impairment with creatinine clearance=50 to 79 ml/min; moderate impairment with creatinine clearance=30 to 49 ml/min and severe impairment with creatinine clearance=10 to 29 ml/min).

The mean (%CV) emtricitabine exposure increased from 12 µg•h/ml (25%) in subjects with normal renal function to 20 µg•h/ml (6%), 25 µg•h/ml (23%) and 34 µg•h/ml (6%) in patients with mild, moderate and severe renal impairment, respectively.

The mean (%CV) tenofovir exposure increased from 2,185 ng•h/ml (12%) in patients with normal renal function, to 3,064 ng•h/ml (30%), 6,009 ng•h/ml (42%) and 15,985 ng•h/ml (45%) in patients with mild, moderate and severe renal impairment, respectively.

In patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring haemodialysis, between dialysis drug exposures substantially increased over 72 hours to 53 µg•h/ml (19%) of emtricitabine, and over 48 hours to 42,857 ng•h/ml (29%) of tenofovir.

The pharmacokinetics of efavirenz have not been studied in patients with renal impairment. However, less than 1% of an efavirenz dose is excreted unchanged in the urine, so the impact of renal impairment on exposure to efavirenz is likely to be minimal.

Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is not recommended for patients with moderate or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 50 ml/min). Patients with moderate or severe renal impairment require dose interval adjustment of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil that cannot be achieved with the combination tablet (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).

Hepatic impairment

The pharmacokinetics of the fixed-dose combination of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil has not been studied in HIV infected patients with hepatic impairment. Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil should be administered with caution to patients with mild hepatic impairment (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).

Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil must not be used in patients with severe hepatic impairment (see section 4.3) and is not recommended for patients with moderate hepatic impairment. In a single-dose study of efavirenz, half-life was doubled in the single patient with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh-Turcotte Class C), indicating a potential for a much greater degree of accumulation. A multiple-dose study of efavirenz showed no significant effect on efavirenz pharmacokinetics in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh-Turcotte Class A) compared with controls. There were insufficient data to determine whether moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh-Turcotte Class B or C) affects efavirenz pharmacokinetics.

The pharmacokinetics of emtricitabine have not been studied in non-HBV infected patients with varying degrees of hepatic insufficiency. In general, emtricitabine pharmacokinetics in HBV infected patients were similar to those in healthy subjects and in HIV infected patients.

A single 245 mg dose of tenofovir disoproxil was administered to non-HIV infected patients with varying degrees of hepatic impairment defined according to CPT classification. Tenofovir pharmacokinetics were not substantially altered in subjects with hepatic impairment suggesting that no dose adjustment of tenofovir disoproxil is required in these subjects.

Efavirenz: Non-clinical safety pharmacology studies on efavirenz reveal no special hazard for humans. In repeated-dose toxicity studies, biliary hyperplasia was observed in cynomolgus monkeys given efavirenz for ≥ 1 year at a dose resulting in mean AUC values approximately 2-fold greater than those in humans given the recommended dose. The biliary hyperplasia regressed upon cessation of dosing. Biliary fibrosis has been observed in rats. Non-sustained convulsions were observed in some monkeys receiving efavirenz for ≥ 1 year, at doses yielding plasma AUC values 4- to 13-fold greater than those in humans given the recommended dose.

Efavirenz was not mutagenic or clastogenic in conventional genotoxicity assays. Carcinogenicity studies showed an increased incidence of hepatic and pulmonary tumours in female mice, but not in male mice. The mechanism of tumour formation and the potential relevance for humans are not known. Carcinogenicity studies in male mice, male and female rats were negative.

Reproductive toxicity studies showed increased foetal resorptions in rats. No malformations were observed in foetuses from efavirenz-treated rats and rabbits. However, malformations were observed in 3 of 20 foetuses/newborns from efavirenz-treated cynomolgus monkeys given doses resulting in plasma efavirenz concentrations similar to those seen in humans. Anencephaly and unilateral anophthalmia with secondary enlargement of the tongue were observed in one foetus, microophthalmia was observed in another foetus and cleft palate was observed in a third foetus.

Emtricitabine: Non-clinical data on emtricitabine reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated-dose toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenic potential, and toxicity to reproduction and development.

Tenofovir disoproxil: Non-clinical safety pharmacology studies on tenofovir disoproxil reveal no special hazard for humans. Findings in repeated-dose toxicity studies in rats, dogs and monkeys at exposure levels greater than or equal to clinical exposure levels and with possible relevance to clinical use include renal and bone toxicity and a decrease in serum phosphate concentration. Bone toxicity was diagnosed as osteomalacia (monkeys) and reduced bone mineral density (BMD) (rats and dogs). The bone toxicity in young adult rats and dogs occurred at exposures ≥ 5-fold the exposure in paediatric or adult patients; bone toxicity occurred in juvenile infected monkeys at very high exposures following subcutaneous dosing ( ≥ 40-fold the exposure in patients). Findings in the rat and monkey studies indicated that there was a substance-related decrease in intestinal absorption of phosphate with potential secondary reduction in BMD.

Genotoxicity studies revealed positive results in the in vitro mouse lymphoma assay, equivocal results in one of the strains used in the Ames test, and weakly positive results in an UDS test in primary rat hepatocytes. However, it was negative in an in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay.

Oral carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice only revealed a low incidence of duodenal tumours at an extremely high dose in mice. These tumours are unlikely to be of relevance to humans.

Reproductive toxicity studies in rats and rabbits showed no effects on mating, fertility, pregnancy or foetal parameters. However, tenofovir disoproxil reduced the viability index and weight of pups in peri-postnatal toxicity studies at maternally toxic doses.

Combination of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil: Genotoxicity and repeated-dose toxicity studies of one month or less with the combination of these two components found no exacerbation of toxicological effects compared to studies with the separate components.

Tablet core:

Cellulose, Microcrystalline (E 460)

Croscarmellose Sodium, Type A (E 468)

Hydroxypropylcellulose (E 463)

Sodium Laurilsulfate (E 487)

Magnesium Stearate (E 470b)

Poloxamer 407

Iron Oxide Red (E 172)

Film-coating

Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) (E 1203)

Titanium Dioxide (E 171)

Macrogol 3350 (E 1521)

Talc (E 553b)

Iron Oxide Red (E 172)

Iron Oxide Black (E 172)

Not applicable.

36 months.

After 1^st opening for bottles: 30 days.

This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.

High density polyethylene (HDPE) bottle with a polypropylene child-resistant closure containing 30 film-coated tablets and a plastic (HDPE) canister containing silica gel or in Aluminium-OPA/Alu/PVC blisters.

The following pack sizes are available.

Outer cartons containing:

- 1 bottle of 30 film-coated tablets or 30 x 1 tablets in Aluminium-OPA/Alu/PVC in perforated unit dose blisters.

- 90 (3 bottles of 30) film-coated tablets or 90 x 1 (3 cartons of 30 x 1) film-coated tablets in Aluminium-OPA/Alu/PVC in perforated unit dose blisters.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

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