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ANDRODERM®
(testosterone) Transdermal System
ANDRODERM (testosterone transdermal system) is designed to deliver testosterone continuously for 24 hours following application to intact, non-scrotal skin (e.g., back, abdomen, thighs, upper arms).
Two strengths of ANDRODERM are available that deliver approximately 2 mg or 4 mg of testosterone per day.
ANDRODERM has a central drug delivery reservoir surrounded by a peripheral adhesive area. The ANDRODERM 2 mg/day system has a total contact surface area of 32 cm² with a 6.0 cm² central drug delivery reservoir containing 9.7 mg testosterone USP, dissolved in an alcohol-based gel. The ANDRODERM 4 mg/day system has a total contact surface area of 39 cm² with a 12.0 cm² central drug delivery reservoir containing 19.5 mg testosterone USP, dissolved in an alcohol-based gel. Testosterone USP is a white, or creamy white crystalline powder or crystals chemically described as 17ß-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one.
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The ANDRODERM systems have six components as shown in Figure 1. Proceeding from the top toward the surface attached to the skin, the system is composed of (1) metallized polyester/Surlyn® (ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer)/ethylene vinyl acetate backing film with alcohol resistant ink, (2) a drug reservoir of testosterone USP, alcohol USP, glycerin USP, glycerol monooleate, methyl laurate, sodium hydroxide NF, to adjust pH, and purified water USP, gelled with carbomer copolymer Type B NF, (3) a permeable polyethylene microporous membrane, and (4) a peripheral layer of acrylic adhesive surrounding the central, active drug delivery area of the system. Prior to opening of the system and application to the skin, the central delivery surface of the system is sealed with a peelable laminate disc (5) composed of a five-layer laminate containing polyester/polyesterurethane adhesive/aluminum foil/polyester-urethane adhesive/polyethylene. The disc is attached to and removed with the release liner (6), a silicone-coated polyester film, which is removed before the system can be used.
Figure 1: System Schematic
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The active ingredient in the system is testosterone. The remaining components of the system are pharmacologically inactive.
ANDRODERM is an androgen indicated for replacement therapy in adult males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone.
Safety and efficacy of ANDRODERM in males < 18 years old have not been established [see Use In Specific Populations].
The recommended starting dose is one ANDRODERM 4 mg/day system (not two 2 mg/day systems) applied nightly for 24 hours, delivering approximately 4 mg of testosterone per day. To ensure proper dosing, approximately 2 weeks after starting therapy, the early morning serum testosterone concentration should be measured following system application the previous evening. Serum concentrations outside the range of 400 – 930 ng/dL require increasing the daily dose to 6 mg (i.e., one 4 mg/day and one 2 mg/day system) or decreasing the daily dose to 2 mg (i.e., one 2 mg/day system), maintaining nightly application.
Patients currently maintained on ANDRODERM 2.5 mg/day, 5 mg/day, and 7.5 mg/day may be switched to the 2 mg/day, 4 mg/day, and 6 mg/day dosage using the following schema:
To ensure proper dosing, approximately 2 weeks after switching therapy, the early morning serum testosterone concentration should be measured following system application the previous evening.
The adhesive side of the ANDRODERM system should be applied to a clean, dry area of the skin on the back, abdomen, upper arms, or thighs. Avoid application over bony prominences or on a part of the body that may be subject to prolonged pressure during sleep or sitting (e.g., the deltoid region of the upper arm, the greater trochanter of the femur, and the ischial tuberosity). DO NOT APPLY TO THE SCROTUM. The sites of application should be rotated, with an interval of 7 days between applications to the same site. The area selected should not be oily, damaged, or irritated.
The system should be applied immediately after opening the pouch and removing the protective release liner. The system should be pressed firmly in place, making sure there is good contact with the skin, especially around the edges.
The patient should avoid swimming, showering, or washing the administration site for a minimum of 3 hours after application [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Mild skin irritation may be ameliorated by treatment of the affected skin with over-thecounter topical hydrocortisone cream applied after system removal. Applying a small amount of 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide cream to the skin under the central drug reservoir of the ANDRODERM system has been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of skin irritation.
Transdermal system: 2 mg/day and 4 mg/day.
Each system contains 9.7 mg testosterone USP for delivery of 2 mg of testosterone per day [see DESCRIPTION].
Cartons of 60 systems NDC 52544-076-60
Each system contains 19.5 mg testosterone USP for delivery of 4 mg of testosterone per day [see DESCRIPTION].
Cartons of 30 systems NDC 52544-077-30
Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F). [See USP controlled room temperature.] Apply to skin immediately upon removal from the protective pouch. Do not store outside the pouch provided. Damaged systems should not be used. The drug reservoir may be burst by excessive pressure or heat. Discard systems in household trash in a manner that prevents accidental application or ingestion by children, pets or others.
Manufactured By: Watson Laboratories, Inc. Salt Lake City, UT 84108 USA. Distributed By: Watson Pharma, Inc. Parsippany, NJ 07054 USA. Revised: June 2014
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Table 1 shows the adverse reactions that were reported by > 3% of 36 hypogonadal men who were treated with ANDRODERM 2 mg/day, 4 mg/day, or 6 mg/day for 28 days. Of note, all hypogonadal men studied had been stable users of topical testosterone replacement products prior to the study and there was no washout period between therapies. Furthermore, there was only one subject titrated to 6 mg/day and he withdrew from the study prematurely.
Table 1: Adverse Reactions Seen With the Use of
ANDRODERM 2 mg/day, 4 mg/day, or 6 mg/day ( > 3%)
| Adverse Reaction | Overall N = 36 % |
| Application site pruritus | 17 |
| Application site vesicles | 6 |
| Back pain | 6 |
Other less common adverse reactions reported by < 3% of patients included: application site erythema, application site exfoliation, chills, diarrhea, fatigue, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hemarthrosis, hematuria, headache, polyuria, and prostatitis. The overall incidence of application site reactions of any kind was 28% (10 subjects with 13 adverse reactions).
No serious adverse reactions to ANDRODERM 2 mg/day and 4 mg/day were reported during the clinical trial.
Table 2 shows the adverse reactions that were reported in > 3% of 122 patients in clinical studies with ANDRODERM dosage strengths of 2.5 mg/day, 5 mg/day, and 7.5 mg/day. The most common adverse reactions reported were application site reactions. Transient mild to moderate erythema was observed at the site of application in the majority of patients at some time during treatment. The overall incidence of application site reactions of any kind was 48% (59 subjects with 107 adverse reactions).
Table 2: Adverse Reactions
Seen With the Use of ANDRODERM 2.5 mg/day, 5 mg/day, or 7.5 mg/day ( > 3%)
| Adverse Reaction | Overall N = 122 % |
| Application site pruritus | 37 |
| Application site blistering | 12 |
| Application site erythema | 7 |
| Application site vesicles | 6 |
| Prostate abnormalities | 5 |
| Headache | 4 |
| Contact dermatitis to system | 4 |
| Application site burning | 3 |
| Application site induration | 3 |
| Depression | 3 |
The following reactions occurred in less than 3% of patients: rash, gastrointestinal bleeding, fatigue, body pain, pelvic pain, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, increased appetite, accelerated growth, anxiety, confusion, decreased libido, paresthesia, thinking abnormalities, vertigo, acne, bullae at application site, mechanical irritation at application site, rash at application site, contamination of application site, prostate carcinoma, dysuria, hematuria, impotence, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection, and testicular abnormalities.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of ANDRODERM. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Venous thromboembolism [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Changes in insulin sensitivity or glycemic control may occur in patients treated with androgens. In diabetic patients, the metabolic effects of androgens may decrease blood glucose and, therefore, insulin requirement.
Changes in anticoagulant activity may be seen with androgens. More frequent monitoring of INR and prothrombin time is recommended in patients taking anticoagulants, especially at the initiation and termination of androgen therapy.
The concurrent use of testosterone with ACTH or corticosteroids may result in increased fluid retention and should be monitored, particularly in patients with cardiac, renal or hepatic disease.
ANDRODERM contains testosterone, a Schedule III controlled substance under the Anabolic Steroids Control Act.
Anabolic steroids, such as testosterone, are abused. Abuse is often associated with adverse physical and psychological effects.
Although drug dependence is not documented in individuals using therapeutic doses of anabolic steroids for approved indications, dependence is observed in some individuals abusing high doses of anabolic steroids. In general, anabolic steroid dependence is characterized by any three of the following:
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Increases in hematocrit, reflective of increases in red blood cell mass, may require lowering or discontinuation of testosterone. Check hematocrit prior to initiating testosterone treatment. It is appropriate to re-evaluate the hematocrit 3 to 6 months after starting testosterone treatment, and then monitor annually. Discontinue testosterone therapy if the hematocrit becomes elevated. Testosterone therapy may be restarted when the hematocrit decreases to an acceptable level. An increase in red blood cell mass may increase the risk of thromboembolic events.
Women and children should not use ANDRODERM. Use in women and children has not been studied with ANDRODERM.
Due to lack of controlled studies in women and potential virilizing effects, ANDRODERM is not indicated for use in women and children [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
At large doses of exogenous androgens, including ANDRODERM, spermatogenesis may be suppressed through feedback inhibition of pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) that could lead to adverse effects on semen parameters including reduction of sperm count.
Prolonged use of high doses of orally active 17-alpha-alkyl androgens (methyltestosterone) has been associated with serious hepatic adverse effects (peliosis hepatis, hepatic neoplasms, cholestatic hepatitis, and jaundice). Peliosis hepatis can be a life-threatening or fatal complication. Long-term therapy with intramuscular testosterone enanthate has produced multiple hepatic adenomas. ANDRODERM is not known to cause these adverse effects.
Androgens, including ANDRODERM, may promote retention of sodium and water. Edema, with or without congestive heart failure, may be a serious complication in patients with preexisting cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Gynecomastia may develop and persist in patients being treated with androgens, including ANDRODERM, for hypogonadism.
The treatment of hypogonadal men with testosterone may potentiate sleep apnea in some patients, especially those with risk factors such as obesity and chronic lung disease.
Changes in serum lipid profile may require dose adjustment or discontinuation of testosterone therapy.
Androgens, including ANDRODERM, should be used with caution in cancer patients at risk of hypercalcemia (and associated hypercalciuria). Regular monitoring of serum calcium concentrations is recommended in these patients.
Androgens, including ANDRODERM, may decrease concentrations of thyroxine-binding globulins, resulting in decreased total T4 serum concentration and increased resin uptake of T3 and T4. Free thyroid hormone concentration remains unchanged and there is no clinical evidence of thyroid dysfunction.
Skin burns have been reported at the application site in patients wearing an aluminized transdermal system during a magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI). Because ANDRODERM contains aluminum, it is recommended to remove the system before undergoing an MRI.
See “FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION)”. Patients should be informed of the following information:
Men with known or suspected prostate or breast cancer should not use ANDRODERM [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Patients should be informed that treatment with androgens may lead to adverse reactions that include:
For all medical inquiries contact: WATSON Medical Communications Parsippany, NJ 07054 800-272-5525
Testosterone has been tested by subcutaneous injection and implantation in mice and rats. In mice, the implant induced cervical-uterine tumors, which metastasized in some cases. There is suggestive evidence that injection of testosterone into some strains of female mice increases their susceptibility to hepatoma. Testosterone is also known to increase the number of tumors and decrease the degree of differentiation of chemically induced carcinomas of the liver in rats. Testosterone was negative in the in vitro Ames and in the in vivo mouse micronucleus assays. The administration of exogenous testosterone has been reported to suppress spermatogenesis in the rat, dog and non-human primates, which was reversible on cessation of the treatment.
Pregnancy Category X [see CONTRAINDICATIONS] — ANDRODERM is contraindicated during pregnancy or in women who may become pregnant. Testosterone is teratogenic and may cause fetal harm. Exposure of a female fetus to androgens may result in varying degrees of virilization. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus.
Although it is not known how much testosterone transfers into human milk, ANDRODERM is contraindicated in nursing women because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants. Testosterone and other androgens may adversely affect lactation [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Safety and efficacy of ANDRODERM have not been established in males less than18 years of age. Improper use may result in acceleration of bone age and premature closure of epiphyses.
There have not been sufficient numbers of geriatric patients involved in controlled clinical studies utilizing ANDRODERM to determine whether efficacy in those over 65 years of age differs from younger patients. Additionally, there are insufficient long-term safety data in geriatric patients utilizing ANDRODERM to assess a potential incremental risk of cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer.
No studies were conducted in patients with renal impairment.
No studies were conducted in patients with hepatic impairment.
No cases of overdose with ANDRODERM have been reported in clinical trials. There is one report of acute overdosage by injection of testosterone enanthate: testosterone concentrations of up to 11,400 ng/dL were implicated in a cerebrovascular accident. Treatment of overdosage would consist of discontinuation of ANDRODERM together with appropriate symptomatic and supportive care.
Endogenous androgens, including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are responsible for the normal growth and development of the male sex organs and for maintenance of secondary sex characteristics. These effects include the growth and maturation of prostate, seminal vesicles, penis and scrotum; the development of male hair distribution, such as facial, pubic, chest and axillary hair; laryngeal enlargement; vocal cord thickening; and alterations in body musculature and fat distribution. Testosterone and DHT are necessary for the normal development of secondary sex characteristics. Male hypogonadism results from insufficient secretion of testosterone and is characterized by low serum testosterone concentrations. Signs/symptoms associated with male hypogonadism include erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual desire, fatigue and loss of energy, mood depression, regression of secondary sexual characteristics, and osteoporosis.
Male hypogonadism has two main etiologies. Primary hypogonadism is caused by defects of the gonads, such as Klinefelter Syndrome or Leydig cell aplasia, whereas secondary hypogonadism is the failure of the hypothalamus (or pituitary) to produce sufficient gonadotropins (FSH, LH).
No specific pharmacodynamic studies were conducted using ANDRODERM.
ANDRODERM delivers physiologic amounts of testosterone, producing circulating testosterone concentrations that approximate the normal concentration range (300 – 1030 ng/dL) seen in healthy men. ANDRODERM provides a continuous daily dose of testosterone in a self-contained transdermal system. Following ANDRODERM application, testosterone is continuously absorbed during the 24-hour dosing period with a median (range) Tmax of 8 (4-12) hours.
Circulating testosterone is primarily bound in the serum to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. Approximately 40% of testosterone in plasma is bound to SHBG, 2% remains unbound (free) and the rest is bound to albumin and other proteins.
Testosterone is metabolized to various 17-keto steroids through two different pathways. The major active metabolites of testosterone are estradiol and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
During steady-state pharmacokinetic studies in hypogonadal men treated with ANDRODERM, the average DHT:T and E2:T ratios were approximately 1:10 and 1:200, respectively.
There is considerable variation in the half-life of testosterone as reported in the literature, ranging from 10 to 100 minutes. About 90% of a dose of testosterone given intramuscularly is excreted in the urine as glucuronic and sulfuric acid conjugates of testosterone and its metabolites; about 6% of a dose is excreted in the feces, mostly in the unconjugated form. Inactivation of testosterone occurs primarily in the liver.
Upon removal of the ANDRODERM systems, serum testosterone concentrations decrease with an apparent half-life of approximately 70 minutes. Hypogonadal concentrations are reached within 24 hours following system removal. There is no accumulation of testosterone during continuous treatment.
In a two-way crossover study, the effects of showering on the pharmacokinetics of total testosterone following a single application of ANDRODERM 4 mg/day were assessed in 16 hypogonadal males. Showering 3 hours after application of ANDRODERM increased Cavg by 0.5% and decreased Cmax by 0.4% respectively, as compared to not showering. The systemic exposure to ANDRODERM was similar following applications with or without showering 3 hours after application.
ANDRODERM 2 mg/day and 4 mg/day were studied in a trial designed to evaluate the use and titration of 2 mg/day and 4 mg/day systems in a clinic setting of 40 men with hypogonadism. Thirty-eight of the 40 subjects (95%) who were enrolled into the study were white and 2 subjects were African American. Ten (25%) subjects were Hispanic and 30 (75%) were Non-Hispanic. Men were between 34 and 76 years of age (mean: 55 years). Patients had previously been on stable therapy of ANDRODERM 5 mg; Androgel® 2.5 g, 5 g, 7.5 g or 10 g; or Testim® 2.5 g or 5 g daily before switching to ANDRODERM 4 mg/day.
Patients applied an ANDRODERM 4 mg/day system around 10 p.m. once daily for 14 days, and then were titrated up to 6 mg/day or down to 2 mg/day according to a morning serum testosterone concentration obtained at 6 a.m. on Day 8. Out of 36 patients who entered the study, 31 (86%) patients remained on the 4 mg/day dose, 4 (11%) were titrated downward to 2 mg/day, and 1 (3%) was titrated upward to 6 mg/day based on the Day 8 testosterone concentrations. The one patient that was titrated to 6 mg/day discontinued from the study for a non-safety related reason. Of the patients who were receiving ANDRODERM 5 mg/day prior to study entry (n = 11), 10 remained at 4 mg/day after titration, and 1 was titrated down to the 2 mg/day dose.
After a total of 28 days of therapy, 34 of the 35 subjects (97%) had serum testosterone Cavg within the normal range during the dosing period, with the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval for this estimate being 85% (Table 3). One subject who received ANDRODERM 4 mg/day treatment had serum testosterone Cavg below 300 ng/dL and none had Cavg concentrations above 1030 ng/dL. The mean (SD) serum testosterone Cmax following treatment with the 2 mg/day (N = 4) and 4 mg/day (N = 31) systems was 648 (145) ng/dL and 696 (158) ng/dL, respectively. Table 3 summarizes testosterone Cavg categories by treatment.
Table 3: Testosterone Cavg Categories on Day 28 after
One Titration on Day 15
| Cavg Category | Current Testosterone User N = 35 |
| 300 - 1030 ng/dL (n (%) (95% CI)) | 34/35 (97%) (85%, 100%) |
| < 300 ng/dL (n (%)) | 1/35 (3%) |
Figure 2 summarizes the pharmacokinetic profiles of total testosterone in 35 patients completing 28 days of ANDRODERM treatment applied as a starting dose of 4 mg/day for the initial 14 days followed by a possible dose titration.
Figure 2: Mean (SD) Steady-State Serum Total
Testosterone Concentration (ng/dL) on Day 28
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In separate clinical studies using the ANDRODERM 2.5 mg/day system, 1% used 2.5 mg daily, 93% of patients used 5 mg daily, and 6% used 7.5 mg daily. The hormonal effects of ANDRODERM 2.5 mg/day system as a treatment for male hypogonadism was demonstrated in four open-label trials that included 94 hypogonadal men, ages 15 to 65 years. In these trials, ANDRODERM produced average morning serum testosterone concentrations within the normal reference range in 92% of patients.
ANDRODERM®
(an-dro-derm)
(testosterone) Transdermal System for Topical Use
Read this Patient Information before you start taking ANDRODERM and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.
What is ANDRODERM?
ANDRODERM is a prescription medicine that contains testosterone. ANDRODERM is used to treat adult males who have low or no testosterone.
Your healthcare provider will test your blood for testosterone before you start and while you are taking ANDRODERM.
It is not known if ANDRODERM is safe and effective in children younger than 18 years old. Improper use of ANDRODERM may affect bone growth in children.
ANDRODERM is a controlled substance (CIII) because it contains testosterone that can be a target for people who abuse prescription medicines. Keep your ANDRODERM in a safe place to protect it. Never give your ANDRODERM to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms you have. Selling or giving away this medicine may harm others and it is against the law.
ANDRODERM is not meant for use by women.
Who should not use ANDRODERM?
Do not use ANDRODERM if you:
Talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medicine if you have any of the above conditions.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using ANDRODERM?
Before you use ANDRODERM, tell your healthcare provider if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Using ANDRODERM with other medicines can affect each other. Especially, tell your healthcare provider if you take:
Know the medicines you take. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of all your medicines if you are not sure. Keep a list of them and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I use ANDRODERM?
Applying ANDRODERM
Figure A
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Figure B
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1. Open the foil pouch. Tear along the edge and remove the patch from the pouch (See Figure C).
Do not cut the ANDRODERM protective pouch.
Figure C
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2. Remove the protective plastic liner and silver disc from the patch. Hold on to the tabs on the patch and the protective plastic liner and gently pull the two apart to remove the plastic liner and silver disc from the patch (See Figure D).
Figure D
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This will expose the adhesive and central reservoir area on the patch (See Figure E).
Figure E
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The patch should separate easily from the protective liner. Throw away the patch if the liner is hard to remove. There should not be any adhesive (glue) sticking to the liner.
Throw away the clear plastic liner and silver disc.
3. Apply the patch. Apply the patch right away after you remove the patch from the protective pouch and remove the plastic liner.
Place the patch flat on the skin with the sticky side down and firmly press around the edges. Make sure that the patch sticks well to the skin.
What are the possible side effects of ANDRODERM?
ANDRODERM can cause serious side effects including:
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the serious side effects listed above.
The most common side effects of ANDRODERM include:
Other side effects include more erections than are normal for you or erections that last a long time.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of ANDRODERM. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store ANDRODERM?
General information about the safe and effective use of ANDRODERM
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use ANDRODERM for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give ANDRODERM to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.
This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the most important information about ANDRODERM. If you would like more information, talk to your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about ANDRODERM that is written for health professionals.
For more information, go to www.androderm.com or call 1-800-272-5525. If you have questions or concerns about your ANDRODERM treatment, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
What are the ingredients in ANDRODERM?
Active ingredient: testosterone
Inactive ingredients:
