WARNINGS
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS
Nasal Adverse Reactions And Limited Long-Term Information
On Nasal Safety
Nasal adverse reactions, including nasopharyngitis,
rhinorrhea, epistaxis, nasal discomfort and nasal scabbing, were reported in
the clinical trial experience with Natesto. All nasal adverse reactions except
one (a single case of upper respiratory infection) were reported as mild or
moderate in severity; however, long-term clinical trial data on nasal safety is
available in a limited number of subjects [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Patients should be instructed to report any nasal symptoms or signs to their
health care professional. In that circumstance, health care professionals
should determine whether further evaluation (e.g., otorhinolaryngology
consultation) or discontinuation of Natesto is appropriate.
Use In Patients With Chronic Nasal Conditions And Alterations
In Nasal Anatomy
Due to lack of clinical data on the safety or efficacy,
Natesto is not recommended for use in the following patients:
- History of nasal disorders;
- History of nasal or sinus surgery;
- History of nasal fracture within the previous 6 months or
nasal fracture that caused a deviated anterior nasal septum;
- Mucosal inflammatory disorders (e.g, Sjogren's syndrome);
and
- Sinus disease.
Worsening Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia 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
treatment. It would be appropriate to re-evaluate patients 3 to 6 months after
initiation of treatment and then in accordance with prostate cancer screening
practices [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Polycythemia
Increases in hematocrit, reflective of increases in red
blood cell mass, may require discontinuation of Natesto . Check hematocrit
prior to initiating testosterone treatment. It would be appropriate to
re-evaluate the hematocrit 3 to 6 months after starting testosterone treatment,
and then annually. If hematocrit becomes elevated, stop therapy until
hematocrit decreases to an acceptable level. An increase in red blood cell mass
may increase the risk of thromboembolic events.
Venous Thromboembolism
There have been postmarketing reports of venous
thromboembolic events , including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary
embolism (PE), in patients using testosterone products such as Natesto.
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 Natesto and initiate appropriate workup and management [see
ADVERSE REACTIONS].
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 major adverse cardiovascular events
(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. Patients should be
informed of this possible risk when deciding whether to use or to continue to
use Natesto.
Use In Women
Due to lack of controlled studies in women and potential
virilizing effects, Natesto is not indicated for use in women.
Potential For Adverse Effects On Spermatogenesis
With large doses of exogenous androgens, including
Natesto, spermatogenesis may be suppressed through feedback inhibition of
pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which could possibly lead to
adverse effects on semen parameters, including sperm count.
Hepatic Adverse Effects
Prolonged use of high doses of orally active
17-alpha-alkyl androgens (methyltestosterone) has been associated with serious
hepatic adverse effects (peliosis hepatitis, hepatic neoplasms, cholestatic
hepatitis, and jaundice). Peliosis hepatitis can be a life-threatening or fatal
complication. Long-term therapy with intramuscular testosterone enanthate has
produced multiple hepatic adenomas. Natesto 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 Natesto while the cause is evaluated.
Edema
Androgens, including Natesto, 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 may persist in patients
being treated with androgens, including Natesto, for hypogonadism.[see
ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Sleep Apnea
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.
Lipids
Changes in the serum lipid profile may occur. Monitor the
lipid profile periodically, particularly after starting testosterone therapy.
Changes in serum lipid profile may require discontinuation of testosterone
therapy.
Hypercalcemia
Androgens, including Natesto, 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.
Decreased Thyroxine-binding Globulin
Androgens, including Natesto, may decrease concentrations
of thyroxine-binding globulins, 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.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient
labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).
Use in Men With Known or Suspected Prostate or Breast
Cancer
Men with known or suspected prostate or breast cancer
should not use Natesto [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS AND
PRECAUTION].
Nasal Adverse Reactions
Nasal adverse reactions, including nasopharyngitis,
rhinorrhea, epistaxis, nasal discomfort and nasal scabbing, were reported in
clinical trials of Natesto. Advise patients to report any nasal symptoms or
signs to their health care professional.
Potential Adverse Reactions With Androgens
Patients should be informed that treatment with androgens
may lead to adverse reactions which include:
- Changes in urinary habits such as increased urination at
night, trouble starting your urine stream, passing urine many times during the
day, having an urge that you have to go to the bathroom right away, having
urine accident, being unable to pass urine, and having a weak urine flow.
- Breathing disturbances, including those associated with
sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Too frequent or persistent erections of the penis.
- Nausea, vomiting, changes in skin color, or ankle
swelling.
Patients Should be Advised of the Following Instructions
For Use
- Read the Patient Information accompanying each Natesto
metered dose pump.
- Prime the pump by depressing it 10 times prior to its
first use. No priming is needed with subsequent uses of that pump.
- Administer Natesto intranasally and NOT to other parts of
the body. Administer Natesto intranasally three times daily, once in the
morning, once in the afternoon and once in the evening (6 to 8 hours apart),
preferably at the same time each day.
- Keep Natesto out of the reach of children.
- Report any changes in their state of health, such as
changes in urinary habits, breathing, sleep, mood, nasal irritation or rhinitis.
- Never share Natesto with anyone.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, And Impairment Of Fertility
Carcinogenicity
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 has been
reported to suppress spermatogenesis in the rat, dog and non-human primates,
which was reversible on cessation of the treatment.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category X
Natesto is contraindicated during pregnancy or in women
who may become pregnant. Testosterone is teratogenic and may cause fetal harm.
Exposure of a 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.
Nursing Mothers
Although it is not known how much testosterone transfers
into human milk, Natesto is contraindicated in nursing women because of the
potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants.
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy of Natesto has not been established
in pediatric patients less than 18 years of age. 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 Natesto to determine
whether efficacy in those over 65 years of age differs from younger subjects.
Of the 306 patients enrolled in the Phase 3 clinical
trial utilizing Natesto, 60 were 65 years of age or older, and 9 were 75 years
of age or older. There are insufficient long-term safety data in geriatric
patients to assess the potential for increased risks 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 PRECAUTION].
Renal Impairment
No studies were conducted in patients with renal
impairment.
Hepatic Impairment
No studies were conducted in patients with hepatic
impairment.
Use In Men With Body Mass Index Greater Than 35 kg/m2
Safety and efficacy of Natesto in males with body mass
index greater than 35 kg/m2 has not been established.
Allergic Rhinitis
Serum total testosterone concentrations were decreased by
21 to 24% in males with symptomatic allergic rhinitis, whether treated with
nasal decongestants such as oxymetazoline, or left untreated [see CLINICAL
PHARMACOLOGY].