Sodium Oxybate

Central Nervous System Depression and Misuse and Abuse

XYREM

  • Xyrem (sodium oxybate) is a CNS depressant. In clinical trials at recommended doses obtundation and clinically significant respiratory depression occurred in Xyrem-treated patients. Almost all of the patients who received Xyrem during clinical trials in narcolepsy were receiving central nervous system stimulants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
  • Xyrem® (sodium oxybate) is the sodium salt of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Abuse of GHB, either alone or in combination with other CNS depressants, is associated with CNS adverse reactions, including seizure, respiratory depression, decreases in the level of consciousness, coma, and death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
  • Because of the risks of CNS depression, abuse, and misuse, Xyrem is available only through a restricted distribution program called the Xyrem REMS Program, using the central pharmacy that is specially certified. Prescribers and patients must enroll in the program. For further information go to www.XYREMREMS.com or call 1-866-XYREM881-866-XYREM88® (1-866-997-36881-866-997-3688 FREE). [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
  • Xywav (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybate) is also only available under same program.

XYWAV

  • Central Nervous System Depression XYWAV is a CNS depressant. Clinically significant respiratory depression and obtundation may occur in patients treated with XYWAV at recommended doses [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15.4)]. Many patients who received XYWAV during clinical trials in narcolepsy were receiving central nervous system stimulants [see Clinical Trials (14.1)].
  • Abuse and Misuse The active moiety of XYWAV is oxybate or gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Abuse or misuse of illicit GHB, either alone or in combination with other CNS depressants, is associated with CNS adverse reactions, including seizure, respiratory depression, decreases in the level of consciousness, coma, and death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Because of the risks of CNS depression and abuse and misuse, XYWAV is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the XYWAV and XYREM REMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].