WARNINGS
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS
Blood Pressure Increases
In clinical trials, XYOSTED increased systolic BP in the
first 12 weeks of treatment by an average of 4 mmHg based on ambulatory blood
pressure monitoring (ABPM) and by an average of 4 mmHg from baseline following
1 year of treatment based on blood pressure cuff measurements [see ADVERSE
REACTIONS]. In the one-year trial, 10% of XYOSTED-treated patients were
started on antihypertensive medications or required changes to their
antihypertensive medication regimen.
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 XYOSTED may be
too small to detect, but can still increase the risk for MACE.
Before initiating XYOSTED, consider the patient’s
baseline cardiovascular risk and ensure blood pressure is adequately controlled.
Check BP approximately 6 weeks after initiating XYOSTED and periodically
thereafter. Treat new-onset hypertension or exacerbations of pre-existing
hypertension. Re-evaluate whether the benefits of continued treatment with
XYOSTED outweigh its risks in patients who develop cardiovascular risk factors
or cardiovascular disease.
Polycythemia
Increases in hematocrit reflective of increases in red
blood cell mass may require discontinuation of XYOSTED.
Check that hematocrit is not elevated prior to initiating
XYOSTED. Evaluate hematocrit approximately every 3 months while the patient is
on XYOSTED. If hematocrit becomes elevated, stop XYOSTED until the hematocrit
decreases to an acceptable level. If XYOSTED is restarted and again causes
hematocrit to become elevated, stop XYOSTED permanently. An increase in red
blood cell mass may increase the risk of thromboembolic events.
Cardiovascular Risk
Long term clinical safety trials have not been completed
to assess the cardiovascular outcomes of testosterone replacement therapy in
adult males. 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 adult males. XYOSTED can cause BP increases that can increase the
risk of MACE [see BOXED WARNING and Blood Pressure Increases]. Patients
should be informed of this possible risk when deciding whether to use or to continue
to use XYOSTED.
Worsening Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) And Potential
Risk Of Prostate Cancer
Patients with BPH treated with androgens are at an
increased risk of worsening of signs and symptoms of BPH. Monitor patients with
BPH for worsening signs and symptoms.
Patients treated with androgens may be at an 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 products, such as XYOSTED.
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 XYOSTED and initiate appropriate workup and management.
Abuse Of Testosterone And Monitoring Of Serum
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 serum
testosterone concentrations to ensure they are within therapeutic range.
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, XYOSTED 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
XYOSTED, 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 [see Use In Specific
Populations]. Patients should be informed of this possible risk when
deciding whether to use or to continue to use XYOSTED.
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, which elevates blood levels for prolonged periods, has
produced multiple hepatic adenomas. XYOSTED 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
XYOSTED while the cause is evaluated.
Edema
Androgens, including XYOSTED, 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.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia may develop and may persist in patients
being treated for hypogonadism.
Sleep Apnea
Treatment with testosterone products including XYOSTED
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 XYOSTED, should be used with caution
in cancer patients at risk of hypercalcemia (and associated hypercalciuria).
Monitor serum calcium concentrations regularly during treatment with XYOSTED in
these patients.
Decreased Thyroxine-binding Globulin
Androgens, including XYOSTED, may decrease concentrations
of thyroxine-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 and behavior, including
completed suicide, have occurred during clinical trials in patients treated
with XYOSTED. Advise patients and caregivers to seek medical attention for
manifestations of suicidal ideation or behavior, new onset or worsening
depression, anxiety, or other mood changes.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient
labeling (Medication Guide and Instructions for Use).
Increased Blood Pressure And Risk For Major Adverse
Cardiovascular Events (MACE)
- Inform patients that XYOSTED 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 XYOSTED. If BP increases while on XYOSTED,
antihypertensive medications may need to be started, added, or adjusted to
control BP, or XYOSTED 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, urinary frequency,
urinary urgency, having a urine accident, or being unable to pass urine or 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, injection
site bruising, injection site bleeding.
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 XYOSTED out of the reach of children
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.
Mutagenicity
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
XYOSTED is contraindicated in pregnant women.
Testosterone is teratogenic and may cause fetal harm when administered to a
pregnant woman 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
ano-genital 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
females and offspring in rats exposed to doses approximately twice those used
for testosterone replacement therapy.
Lactation
Risk Summary
XYOSTED is not indicated for use in females.
Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential
Infertility
During treatment with large doses of exogenous androgens,
including XYOSTED, spermatogenesis may be suppressed through feedback
inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis [see WARNINGS AND
PRECAUTIONS]. Reduced fertility is observed in some men taking testosterone
replacement therapy. The impact on fertility may be irreversible.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of XYOSTED 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 in controlled clinical studies with XYOSTED to determine whether
efficacy or safety in those over 65 years of age differs from younger subjects.
Of the 283 patients enrolled in the 6-month and one-year efficacy and safety
clinical study utilizing XYOSTED, 49 (17%) were over 65 years of age.
Additionally, there are insufficient long-term safety data in geriatric
patients 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].