WARNINGS
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS
Increase In Blood Pressure
In a clinical trial, JATENZO increased systolic BP during
4 months of treatment by an average of 4.9 mmHg based on ambulatory blood
pressure monitoring (ABPM) and by an average of 2.8 mmHg from baseline based on
blood pressure cuff measurements [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Average blood
pressures had not plateaued at the end of the trial. Seven percent of
JATENZOtreated patients were started on antihypertensive medications or
required intensification of their antihypertensive medication regimen during
the 4-month trial.
These BP increases can increase the risk of MACE, with
greater risk in patients with established cardiovascular disease or risk
factors for cardiovascular disease [see BOXED WARNING].
In some patients, the increase in BP with JATENZO may be
too small to detect, but can still increase the risk for MACE.
Before initiating JATENZO, consider the patient's
baseline cardiovascular risk and ensure blood pressure is adequately
controlled. Check BP approximately 3 weeks after initiating JATENZO or
increasing the dose and periodically thereafter. Treat new-onset hypertension
or exacerbations of pre-existing hypertension. Re-evaluate whether the benefits
of continued treatment with JATENZO outweigh its risks in patients who develop
cardiovascular risk factors or cardiovascular disease.
JATENZO is contraindicated in men with hypogonadal
conditions such as “age-related hypogonadism,” because the efficacy of JATENZO
has not been established for these conditions and the increases in BP can
increase the risk of MACE [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Polycythemia
Increases in hematocrit reflective of increases in red
blood cell mass, may require lowering the dose or discontinuation of JATENZO.
Check that hematocrit is not elevated prior to initiating JATENZO. Evaluate
hematocrit approximately every 3 months while the patient is on JATENZO. If
hematocrit becomes elevated, stop JATENZO until the hematocrit decreases to an acceptable
concentration. If JATENZO is restarted and again causes hematocrit to become elevated,
stop JATENZO permanently. An increase in red blood cell mass may increase the
risk of thromboembolic events [see Venous Thromboembolism].
Cardiovascular Risk
Long term clinical safety trials have not been conducted
to assess the cardiovascular outcomes of testosterone replacement therapy in
men. To date, epidemiologic studies and randomized controlled trials have been
inconclusive for determining the risk of MACE, such as non-fatal myocardial infarction,
non-fatal stroke, and cardiovascular death, with the use of testosterone compared
to non-use. Some studies, but not all, have reported an increased risk of MACE
in association with use of testosterone replacement therapy in men.
JATENZO can cause BP increases that can increase the risk
of MACE [see BOXED WARNING and Increase In Blood Pressure].
Patients should be informed of this possible risk when deciding whether to use
or to continue to use JATENZO.
Worsening Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) And Potential
Risk Of Prostate Cancer
Patients with BPH treated with androgens are at an
increased risk for worsening of signs and symptoms of BPH. Monitor patients
with BPH for worsening signs and symptoms.
Patients treated with androgens may be at increased risk
for prostate cancer. Evaluate patients for prostate cancer prior to initiating
and during treatment with androgens [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Venous Thromboembolism
There have been postmarketing reports of venous
thromboembolic events, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary
embolism (PE), in patients using testosterone replacement products such as
JATENZO. Evaluate patients who report symptoms of pain, edema, warmth and
erythema in the lower extremity for DVT and those who present with acute
shortness of breath for PE. If a venous thromboembolic event is suspected,
discontinue treatment with JATENZO and initiate appropriate workup and
management [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Abuse Of Testosterone And Monitoring Of Testosterone
Concentrations
Testosterone has been subject to abuse, typically at
doses higher than recommended for the approved indication and in combination
with other anabolic androgenic steroids. Anabolic androgenic steroid abuse can
lead to serious cardiovascular and psychiatric adverse reactions [see Drug
Abuse And Dependence].
If testosterone abuse is suspected, check testosterone
concentrations to ensure they are within therapeutic range [see DOSE AND
ADMINISTRATION]. However, testosterone levels may be in the normal or
subnormal range in men abusing synthetic testosterone derivatives. Counsel
patients concerning the serious adverse reactions associated with abuse of testosterone
and anabolic androgenic steroids. Conversely, consider the possibility of
testosterone and anabolic androgenic steroid abuse in suspected patients who
present with serious cardiovascular or psychiatric adverse events.
Not For Use In Women
Due to lack of controlled studies in women and potential
virilizing effects, JATENZO is not indicated for use in women [see CONTRAINDICATIONS
and Use In Specific Populations].
Potential For Adverse Effects On Spermatogenesis
With large doses of exogenous androgens, including
JATENZO, spermatogenesis may be suppressed through feedback inhibition of
pituitary FSH possibly leading to adverse effects on semen parameters including
sperm count [see Use In Specific Populations]. Patients should be
informed of this possible risk when deciding whether to use or to continue to
use JATENZO.
Hepatic Adverse Effects
Prolonged use of high doses of orally active
17-alpha-alkyl androgens (e.g., 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. JATENZO is not known to cause these adverse effects. Nonetheless,
patients should be instructed to report any signs or symptoms of hepatic dysfunction
(e.g. jaundice). If these occur, promptly discontinue JATENZO while the cause
is evaluated.
Edema
Androgens, including JATENZO, may promote retention of
sodium and water. Edema, with or without congestive heart failure, may be a
serious complication in patients with pre-existing cardiac, renal, or hepatic
disease. In addition to discontinuation of the drug, diuretic therapy may be
required.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia may develop and persist in patients being
treated for hypogonadism.
Sleep Apnea
The treatment of hypogonadal men with testosterone may
potentiate sleep apnea in some patients, especially those with risk factors
such as obesity or chronic lung disease.
Lipids
Changes in the serum lipid profile may require dose
adjustment of lipid lowering drugs or discontinuation of testosterone therapy. Monitor
the lipid profile periodically, particularly after starting testosterone
therapy.
Hypercalcemia
Androgens, including JATENZO, should be used with caution
in cancer patients at risk of hypercalcemia (and associated hypercalciuria).
Monitor serum calcium concentrations regularly during treatment with JATENZO in
these patients.
Decreased Thyroxine-binding Globulin
Androgens, including JATENZO, may decrease concentrations
of thyroxin-binding globulin, resulting in decreased total T4 serum
concentrations and increased resin uptake of T3 and T4. Free thyroid hormone
concentrations remain unchanged, however, and there is no clinical evidence of
thyroid dysfunction.
Risk Of Depression And Suicide
Depression and suicidal ideation has been reported in
patients treated with JATENZO in clinical trials. Advise patients and
caregivers to seek medical attention for manifestations of new onset or
worsening depression, suicidal ideation or behavior, anxiety, or other mood
changes [see Adverse Events].
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient
labeling (Medication Guide).
Increased Blood Pressure and Risk for Major Adverse
Cardiovascular Events (MACE)
- Inform patients that JATENZO can increase BP that can
increase the risk for MACE, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and
cardiovascular death.
- Instruct patients about the importance of monitoring BP
periodically while on JATENZO. If BP increases while on JATENZO,
antihypertensive medications may need to be started, added, or adjusted to
control BP, or JATENZO may need to be discontinued.
Other Adverse Reactions
Inform patients that treatment with androgens may lead to
adverse reactions which include:
- Changes in urinary habits related to effects on prostate
size, such as increased urination at night, hesitancy, frequency, urinary
urgency, having a urine accident, being unable to pass urine and weak urine
flow
- Breathing disturbances that may reflect obstructive sleep
apnea, including those associated with sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness
- Too frequent or persistent erections of the penis
- Ankle swelling that may reflect peripheral edema
- Red blood cell count increase
- PSA increase
- Nausea and vomiting
Instruct patients to report any changes in their state of
health, such as changes in urinary habits, breathing, sleep, and mood including
new onset or worsening of depression, or suicidal ideation.
Keep JATENZO out of the reach of children.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Carcinogenesis
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.
Mutagenesis
Testosterone was negative in the in vitro Ames and in the
in vivo mouse micronucleus assays.
Impairment Of Fertility
The administration of exogenous testosterone suppresses
spermatogenesis in the rat, dog and non-human primates, which was reversible on
cessation of the treatment.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
JATENZO is contraindicated in pregnant women. Testosterone
is teratogenic and may cause fetal harm based on data from animal studies and
its mechanism of action [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and CLINICAL
PHARMACOLOGY]. Exposure of a female fetus to androgens may result in varying
degrees of virilization. In animal developmental studies, exposure to
testosterone in utero resulted in hormonal and behavioral changes in offspring
and structural impairments of reproductive tissues in female and male
offspring. These studies did not meet current standards for nonclinical
development toxicity studies.
Data
Animal Data
In developmental studies conducted in rats, rabbits,
pigs, sheep and rhesus monkeys, pregnant animals received intramuscular
injection of testosterone during the period of organogenesis. Testosterone
treatment at doses that were comparable to those used for testosterone
replacement therapy resulted in structural impairments in both female and male
offspring. Structural impairments observed in females included increased
anogenital distance, phallus development, empty scrotum, no external vagina,
intrauterine growth retardation, reduced ovarian reserve, and increased ovarian
follicular recruitment. Structural impairments seen in male offspring included increased
testicular weight, larger seminal tubular lumen diameter, and higher frequency
of occluded tubule lumen. Increased pituitary weight was seen in both sexes.
Testosterone exposure in utero also resulted in hormonal
and behavioral changes in offspring. Hypertension was observed in pregnant
female rats and their offspring exposed to doses approximately twice those used
for testosterone replacement therapy.
Lactation
Risk Summary
JATENZO is not indicated for use in women.
Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential
Infertility
During treatment with large doses of exogenous androgens,
including JATENZO, spermatogenesis may be suppressed through feedback
inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitarytesticular axis [see WARNINGS AND
PRECAUTIONS], possibly leading to adverse effects on semen parameters
including sperm count. Reduced fertility is observed in some men taking testosterone
replacement therapy. Testicular atrophy, subfertility, and infertility have
also been reported in men who abuse anabolic androgenic steroids [see Drug
Abuse And Dependence]. With either type of use, the impact on fertility may
be irreversible.
Pediatric Use
The safety and efficacy of JATENZO in pediatric patients
less than 18 years old have not been established. Improper use may result in
acceleration of bone age and premature closure of epiphyses.
Geriatric Use
There have not been sufficient numbers of geriatric
patients involved in controlled clinical studies utilizing JATENZO to determine
whether efficacy or safety in those over 65 years of age differs from younger
subjects. No patients over 65 years of age were enrolled in the 4-month efficacy
and safety clinical study utilizing JATENZO. Additionally, there is
insufficient longterm safety data in geriatric patients utilizing JATENZO to
assess the potentially increased risk of cardiovascular disease and prostate
cancer.
Geriatric patients treated with androgens may also be at
risk for worsening of signs and symptoms of BPH [see WARNINGS AND
PRECAUTIONS].