WARNINGS
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS
Gum-Related Adverse Reactions And Limited Long-Term
Information On Oral Safety
Gum-related adverse reactions, including severe gum
irritation, were reported in clinical trials of Striant. Long-term clinical
trial data on gum safety is available in only a limited number of patients (117
patients, 51 patients and 48 patients with at least 6 months, 1 year, and 2
years of exposure, respectively). It is recommended that patients regularly
inspect their own gum region where Striant is applied. Any abnormal finding
should be brought promptly to the attention of the patient's physician. In such
circumstances, dental consultation may be appropriate.
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 and ADVERSE
REACTIONS].
Polycythemia
Increases in hematocrit, reflective of increases in red
blood cell mass, may require lowering or discontinuation of testosterone. Check
hematocrit prior to initiating treatment. It would also be appropriate to
re-evaluate the hematocrit 3 to 6 months after starting treatment, and then
annually. If hematocrit becomes elevated, stop therapy until hematocrit
decreases to an acceptable concentration. 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 Striant.
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 Striant 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 Striant.
Use In Women
Due to lack of controlled evaluations in women and
potential virilizing effects, Striant is not indicated for use in women.
Potential For Adverse Effects On Spermatogenesis
With large doses of exogenous androgens, including
Striant, 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 (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 testosterone
enanthate, which elevates blood levels for prolonged periods, has produced
multiple hepatic adenomas. Testosterone is not known to produce 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 Striant while the cause is evaluated.
Edema
Androgens, including Striant, 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. In addition to discontinuation of the drug, diuretic therapy may be
required [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia may develop and persist in patients being
treated with androgens, including Striant, 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 diseases.
Lipids
Changes in the serum lipid profile may occur. Monitor the
lipid profile periodically, particularly after starting therapy.
Hypercalcemia
Androgens, including Striant, 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 Striant, may decrease concentrations
of thyroxine-binding globulins, resulting in decreased total T4 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
See FDA-Approved Patient Labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).
Patients should be informed of the following:
Men With Known Or Suspected Prostate Or Breast Cancer
Men with known or suspected prostate or breast cancer
should not use Striant [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS AND
PRECAUTIONS].
Gum-Related Adverse Reactions
Gum-related adverse reactions, including severe gum
irritation, were reported in clinical trials of Striant. Advise patients to
regularly inspect the gum region where they apply Striant and to report any
abnormality to their health care professional.
Potential Adverse Reactions With Androgens
Patients should be informed that treatment with
androgens, such as Striant, may lead to adverse reactions that include:
- Changes in urinary habits such as increased urination at
night, trouble starting their urine stream, passing urine many times during the
day, having an urge that they have to go to the bathroom right away, having a
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 these Application
Instructions
- Advise patients to carefully read the patient information
accompanying each carton of Striant blister packaged tablets.
- Morning and evening oral care should be timed to coincide
with removal of the residual old system and application of a new buccal system.
- Before morning and evening oral care, the residual
Striant buccal system residual should be removed, then oral care should be
performed.
- Following oral care, a new buccal system should be
applied.
- Upon opening the packet, the rounded side surface of the
buccal system should be placed against the gum and held firmly in place with a
finger over the lip and against the product for 30 seconds to ensure adhesion.
- Striant should be placed in a comfortable position just
above the incisor tooth (on either side of the mouth). With each application,
Striant should be rotated to alternate sides of the mouth.
- Striant is designed to stay in position until removed. If
the buccal system fails to properly adhere to the gum or falls off within the
first 8 hours of dosing, replace with a new system and continue for a total of
12 hours for the placement of the first system. If the system falls out of
position after 8 hours of dosing, a new buccal system should be applied and it
may remain in place for 12 hours then continue with the next regularly
scheduled dosing.
- Patients should take care to avoid dislodging the buccal
system. Patients should check to see if Striant is in place following
consumption of food or alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages. Striant should not be
chewed or swallowed.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, 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: Striant is contraindicated in
pregnant women or in women who may become pregnant. Testosterone is teratogenic
and may cause fetal harm. Exposure of a fetus to androgens such as testosterone
may result in varying degrees of virilization. If a woman becomes pregnant
while taking Striant, she should be apprised of the potential hazard to the
fetus.
Nursing Mothers
Although it is not known how much testosterone transfers
into human milk, Striant is contraindicated in nursing women because of the
potential for virilization in nursing infants. Testosterone and other androgens
may adversely affect lactation.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of Striant in males less than 18
year of age have not been established. Improper use may result in acceleration
of bone age and premature closure of the epiphyses.
Geriatric Use
Of the total number of subjects in clinical studies of
Striant, 51 patients (17%) were 65 years of age and older. There is
insufficient long-term safety data in geriatric patients to assess the
potentially increased risks of cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer.
Renal Impairment
No studies were conducted in patients with renal
impairment.
Hepatic Impairment
No studies were conducted in patients with hepatic
impairment.