Warnings for Jatenzo
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Precautions for Jatenzo
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 BOX 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 BOX 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 DOSAGE 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 REACTIONS].
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].