Androgel (Testosterone) Gel [Ascend Therapeutics U.s., Llc]

AndroGel 1.62% is indicated for replacement therapy in adult males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone: Primary hypogonadism (congenital or acquired): testicular failure due to conditions such as cryptorchidism, bilateral torsion, orchitis, vanishing testis syndrome, orchiectomy, Klinefelter's syndrome, chemotherapy, or toxic damage from alcohol or heavy metals. These men usually have low serum testosterone concentrations and gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH]) above the normal range. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (congenital or acquired): gonadotropin or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) deficiency or pituitary-hypothalamic injury from tumors, trauma, or radiation. These men have low testosterone serum concentrations, but have gonadotropins in the normal or low range. Limitations of use: Safety and efficacy of AndroGel 1.62% in men with “age-related hypogonadism” (also referred to as “late-onset hypogonadism”) have not been established. Safety and efficacy of AndroGel 1.62% in males less than 18 years old have not been established [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )]. Topical testosterone products may have different doses, strengths, or application instructions that may result in different systemic exposure [see Indications and Usage ( 1 ), and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].

AndroGel 1.62% is contraindicated in men with carcinoma of the breast or known or suspected carcinoma of the prostate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. AndroGel 1.62% is contraindicated in women who are pregnant. AndroGel 1.62% can cause virilization of the female fetus when administered to a pregnant woman. Pregnant women need to be aware of the potential for transfer of testosterone from men treated with AndroGel 1.62%. If a pregnant woman is exposed to AndroGel 1.62%, she should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )].

The most common adverse reaction (incidence ≥ 5%) is an increase in prostate specific antigen (PSA). (6.1)To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact ASCEND Therapeutics US, LLC at 1-877-204-1013 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.AndroGel 1.62% was evaluated in a two-phase, 364-day, controlled clinical study. The first phase was a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled period of 182 days, in which 234 hypogonadal men were treated with AndroGel 1.62% and 40 received placebo. Patients could continue in an open-label, non-comparative, maintenance period for an additional 182 days [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. The most common adverse reaction reported in the double-blind period was increased prostate specific antigen (PSA) reported in 26 AndroGel 1.62%-treated patients (11.1%). In 17 patients, increased PSA was considered an adverse event by meeting one of the two pre-specified criteria for abnormal PSA values, defined as (1) average serum PSA >4 ng/mL based on two separate determinations, or (2) an average change from baseline in serum PSA of greater than 0.75 ng/mL on two determinations.During the 182-day, double-blind period of the clinical trial, the mean change in serum PSA value was 0.14 ng/mL for patients receiving AndroGel 1.62% and -0.12 ng/mL for the patients in the placebo group. During the double-blind period, seven patients had a PSA value >4.0 ng/mL, four of these seven patients had PSA less than or equal to 4.0 ng/mL upon repeat testing. The other three patients did not undergo repeat PSA testing.During the 182-day, open-label period of the study, the mean change in serum PSA values was 0.10 ng/mL for both patients continuing on active therapy and patients transitioning onto active from placebo. During the open-label period, three patients had a serum PSA value > 4.0 ng/mL, two of whom had a serum PSA less than or equal to 4.0 ng/mL upon repeated testing. The other patient did not undergo repeat PSA testing. Among previous placebo patients, 3 of 28 (10.7%), had increased PSA as an adverse event in the open-label period.Table 4 shows adverse reactions reported by >2% of patients in the 182-day, double-blind period of the AndroGel 1.62% clinical trial and more frequent in the AndroGel 1.62% treated group versus placebo.Table 4: Adverse Reactions Reported in >2% of Patients in the 182-Day, Double-Blind Period of AndroGel 1.62% Clinical Trial Number (%) of PatientsAdverse ReactionAndroGel 1.62%N=234PlaceboN=40PSA increased*26 (11.1%)0%Emotional lability**6 (2.6%)0%Hypertension5 (2.1%)0%Hematocrit or hemoglobin increased5 (2.1%)0%Contact dermatitis***5 (2.1%)0%* PSA increased includes: PSA values that met pre-specified criteria for abnormal PSA values (an average change from baseline > 0.75 ng/mL and/or an average PSA value >4.0 ng/mL based on two measurements) as well as those reported as adverse events.** Emotional lability includes: mood swings, affective disorder, impatience, anger, and aggression.*** Contact dermatitis includes: 4 patients with dermatitis at non-application sites.Other adverse reactions occurring in less than or equal to 2% of AndroGel 1.62%-treated patients and more frequently than placebo included: frequent urination, and hyperlipidemia.In the open-label period of the study (N=191), the most commonly reported adverse reaction (experienced by greater than 2% of patients) was increased PSA (n=13; 6.2%) and sinusitis. Other adverse reactions reported by less than or equal to 2% of patients included increased hemoglobin or hematocrit, hypertension, acne, libido decreased, insomnia, and benign prostatic hypertrophy.During the 182-day, double-blind period of the clinical trial, 25 AndroGel 1.62%-treated patients (10.7%) discontinued treatment because of adverse reactions. These adverse reactions included 17 patients with PSA increased and 1 report each of: hematocrit increased, blood pressure increased, frequent urination, diarrhea, fatigue, pituitary tumor, dizziness, skin erythema and skin nodule (same patient – neither at application site), vasovagal syncope, and diabetes mellitus. During the 182-day, open-label period, 9 patients discontinued treatment because of adverse reactions. These adverse reactions included 6 reports of PSA increased, 2 of hematocrit increased, and 1 each of triglycerides increased and prostate cancer.Application Site ReactionsIn the 182-day double-blind period of the study, application site reactions were reported in two (2/234; 0.9%) patients receiving AndroGel 1.62%, both of which resolved. Neither of these patients discontinued the study due to application site adverse reactions. In the open-label period of the study, application site reactions were reported in three (3/219; 1.4%) additional patients that were treated with AndroGel 1.62%. None of these subjects were discontinued from the study due to application site reactions.Blood Pressure IncreasesIn a 4-month clinical study, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was conducted on 246 patients. ABPM was conducted at baseline and at Week 16 of AndroGel 1.62% therapy. A total of 169 patients had acceptable ABPM recordings at both baseline and Week 16 and were at least 85% compliant with study drug. In that group, the mean change in 24-hour systolic blood pressure (BP) and diastolic BP from baseline to end-of-treatment at Week 16 (n=169) was 1.9 mm Hg (95% CI 0.6, 3.1) and 1.3 mm Hg (95% CI 0.5, 2.1), respectively. In patients with a history of hypertension who were receiving antihypertensive therapy, the mean ABPM systolic and diastolic BP increased by 3.0 mm Hg [95% CI 0.8, 5.2] and 2.2 mm Hg [95% CI 0.8, 3.5], respectively [n=72]). In patients with no history of hypertension, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased by 1.2 mm Hg [95% CI -0.2, 2.7] and 0.9 mm Hg [95% CI -0.1, 1.8], respectively [n=91].Four patients (2.8 %) on AndroGel 1.62%, all of whom were receiving antihypertensive medications at baseline, either started new antihypertensive medications (n=2) or had their antihypertensive medication regimen adjusted (n=2) during the ABPM study.Of the 246 patients in the ABPM study who used AndroGel 1.62%, 10 patients (4.1%) were reported to have either an adverse reaction of hypertension (5 patients, 2.0%) or increased blood pressure (5 patients, 2.0%).Cardiovascular OutcomesTRAVERSE was a randomized, double-blind, cardiovascular outcomes study to assess the cardiovascular (CV) safety of Androgel 1.62% compared to placebo in 5198 hypogonadal men aged 45 to 80 years with a history of CV disease or with multiple CV risk factors. The primary outcome was the incidence of the composite endpoint of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), consisting of CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and non-fatal stroke.The mean duration of therapy was approximately 22 months. The mean duration of follow-up was 33 months. Approximately 61% of all patients discontinued AndroGel 1.62% or placebo therapy. The mean (±SD) daily dose of testosterone was 65±22 mg.The mean patient age (±SD) was 63.3 (7.9) years, with 2452 patients aged 65 years or more (47%); 2847 (about 55%) patients had pre-existing cardiovascular disease, whereas 2357 (about 45%) patients had an elevated cardiovascular risk at baseline, and mean BMI was 35kg/m2. Approximately 80% of patients were White, 17% were Black, and 3% were of other races or ethnic groups. Approximately 69%, 84%, and 93% had diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension, respectively.The mean serum testosterone concentration at baseline in patients receiving AndroGel 1.62% was 220.4 ng/dL (n=2596). The mean serum testosterone concentrations at 12 months, 24 months, 36 months, and 48 months in patients receiving AndroGel 1.62% were 440.5 ng/dL (n=1683), 420.9 ng/dl (n=1125), 428.7 ng/dL (n=731), and 365.2 ng/dL (n=220), respectively.For patients treated with AndroGel 1.62%, the incidence of MACE was 7.0% (n=182 events) and for those receiving placebo, the incidence of MACE was 7.3% (n=190 events). The study demonstrated non-inferiority of AndroGel 1.62% versus placebo because the upper bound of 95% CI was less than the pre-specified risk margin, of 1.5 for MACE (Hazard Ratio 0.96 [95% CI: 0.78, 1.17]).Additional Adverse Reactions Reported in TRAVERSEAdditional adverse reactions reported in TRAVERSE at an incidence rate >2% in either treatment group and greater in AndroGel 1.62% versus placebo included: nonfatal arrythmias warranting intervention (5.2% vs 3.3%), atrial fibrillation (3.5% vs 2.4%), acute kidney injury (2.3% vs 1.5%) and bone fracture (3.5% vs 2.5%). For the adverse reaction of bone fracture, each event was adjudicated by clinical review.6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of AndroGel 1.62%. Because the reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure (Table 5). Table 5: Adverse Reactions from Post Approval Experience of AndroGel 1.62% by System Organ Class System Organ ClassAdverse ReactionBlood and lymphatic system disorders:Elevated hemoglobin or hematocrit, polycythemia, anemia Cardiovascular disorders:Myocardial infarction, strokeEndocrine disorders:Hirsutism Gastrointestinal disorders:Nausea General disorders:Asthenia, edema, malaise Genitourinary disorders:Impaired urination* Hepatobiliary disorders:Abnormal liver function tests Investigations:Lab test abnormal**, elevated PSA, electrolyte changes (nitrogen, calcium, potassium [includes hypokalemia] , phosphorus, sodium), impaired glucose tolerance, hyperlipidemia, HDL, fluctuating testosterone levels, weight increase Neoplasms:Prostate cancer Nervous system disorders:Dizziness, headache, insomnia, sleep apnea Psychiatric disorders:Amnesia, anxiety, depression, hostility, emotional lability, decreased libido, nervousness Reproductive system and breast disorders:Gynecomastia, mastodynia, oligospermia, priapism (frequent or prolonged erections), prostate enlargement, BPH, testis disorder*** Respiratory disorders:Dyspnea Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:Acne, alopecia, application site reaction (discolored hair, dry skin, erythema, paresthesia, pruritus, rash), skin dry, pruritus, sweating Vascular disorders:Hypertension, vasodilation (hot flushes), venous thromboembolism* Impaired urination includes nocturia, urinary hesitancy, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary urgency and weak urinary stream **Lab test abnormal includes elevated AST, elevated ALT, elevated testosterone, elevated hemoglobin or hematocrit, elevated cholesterol, elevated cholesterol/LDL ratio, elevated triglycerides, or elevated serum creatinine ***Testis disorder includes atrophy or non-palpable testis, varicocele, testis sensitivity or tenderness Secondary Exposure to Testosterone in ChildrenCases of secondary exposure to testosterone resulting in virilization of children have been reported in postmarketing surveillance of testosterone gel products. Signs and symptoms of these reported cases have included enlargement of the clitoris (with surgical intervention) or the penis, development of pubic hair, increased erections and libido, aggressive behavior, and advanced bone age. In most cases with a reported outcome, these signs and symptoms were reported to have regressed with removal of the testosterone gel exposure. In a few cases, however, enlarged genitalia did not fully return to age appropriate normal size, and bone age remained modestly greater than chronological age. In some of the cases, direct contact with the sites of application on the skin of men using testosterone gel was reported. In at least one reported case, the reporter considered the possibility of secondary exposure from items such as the testosterone gel user's shirts and/or other fabric, such as towels and sheets [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].

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 the urine stream, passing urine many times during the day, having an urge to go to the bathroom right away, having a urine accident, being unable to pass urine and 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.

Worsening of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Potential Risk of Prostate Cancer: Monitor patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for worsening of signs and symptoms of BPH. (5.4) Potential for Secondary Exposure to Testosterone: Avoid unintentional exposure of women or children to AndroGel 1.62%. Secondary exposure to testosterone can produce signs of virilization. AndroGel 1.62% should be discontinued until the cause of virilization is identified (5.1) Venous Thromboembolism (VTE): VTE including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) have been reported in patients using testosterone products. Evaluate patients with signs or symptoms consistent with DVT or PE. (5.3) Blood Pressure Increases: AndroGel 1.62% can increase blood pressure, which can increase cardiovascular risk over time. Measure blood pressure periodically. Not recommended for use in men with uncontrolled hypertension (5.5) Potential for Adverse Effects on Spermatogenesis: Exogenous administration of androgens may lead to azoospermia (5.8) Edema: Edema with or without congestive heart failure (CHF) may be a complication in patients with preexisting cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease (5.10, 6.2) Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea may occur in those with risk factors (5.12) Monitor serum testosterone, prostate specific antigen (PSA), hemoglobin, hematocrit, liver function tests and lipid concentrations periodically (5.1, 5.2, 5.9, 5.13) Flammability: AndroGel 1.62% is flammable until dry (5.16) 5.1 Potential for Secondary Exposure to TestosteroneCases of secondary exposure resulting in virilization of children have been reported in postmarketing surveillance. Signs and symptoms have included enlargement of the penis or clitoris, development of pubic hair, increased erections and libido, aggressive behavior, and advanced bone age. In most cases, these signs and symptoms regressed with removal of the exposure to testosterone gel. In a few cases, however, enlarged genitalia did not fully return to age-appropriate normal size, and bone age remained modestly greater than chronological age. The risk of transfer was increased in some of these cases by not adhering to precautions for the appropriate use of the topical testosterone product. Children and women should avoid contact with unwashed or unclothed application sites in men using AndroGel 1.62% [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Use in Specific Populations (8.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Inappropriate changes in genital size or development of pubic hair or libido in children, or changes in body hair distribution, significant increase in acne, or other signs of virilization in adult women should be brought to the attention of a physician and the possibility of secondary exposure to testosterone gel should also be brought to the attention of a physician. Testosterone gel should be promptly discontinued until the cause of virilization has been identified.5.2 PolycythemiaIncreases 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.5.3 Venous ThromboembolismThere have been postmarketing reports of venous thromboembolic events (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), in patients using testosterone products such as AndroGel 1.62%.In the Testosterone Replacement therapy for Assessment of long-term Vascular Events and efficacy ResponSE in hypogonadal men (TRAVERSE) Study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cardiovascular (CV) outcomes study, compared to placebo, AndroGel 1.62% was associated with a numerically higher incidence of VTE (1.7% vs 1.2%) which included DVT (0.6% vs 0.5%) and PE events (0.9% vs 0.5%) [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. 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 AndroGel 1.62% and initiate appropriate workup and management [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. 5.4 Worsening of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Potential Risk of Prostate CancerPatients 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 ( 4), Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. 5.5 Blood Pressure IncreasesAndroGel 1.62% can increase blood pressure. In an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) study, Androgel 1.62% increased the mean systolic/diastolic blood pressure by 1.9/1.3 mm Hg from baseline after 16 weeks of treatment. In patients with hypertension on antihypertensive therapy, AndroGel 1.62% increased the mean systolic/diastolic BP by 3.0/2.2 mm Hg from baseline. Blood pressure increases can increase cardiovascular (CV) risk over time.The CV risk associated with Androgel 1.62% was evaluated in TRAVERSE, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, CV outcomes study in men with a history of CV disease or multiple CV risk factors. In TRAVERSE, mean systolic blood pressure in the group treated with Androgel 1.62% increased by 1.0 mm Hg from baseline to 36 months, whereas a mean decrease from baseline of 0.5 mm Hg was observed in the placebo group at this timepoint, for a mean between-group difference of 1.5 mm Hg. However, the incidences of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction [MI] and non-fatal stroke, were similar between treatment groups (7% for Androgel 1.62% vs 7.3% for placebo) [See Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Monitor blood pressure periodically in men using Androgel 1.62%, especially men with hypertension. Androgel 1.62% is not recommended for use in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.5.6 Abuse of Testosterone and Monitoring of Serum Testosterone ConcentrationsTestosterone 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 ( 9)].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. 5.7 Not for Use in WomenDue to the lack of controlled evaluations in women and potential virilizing effects, AndroGel 1.62% is not indicated for use in women [see Contraindications (4) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.2)]. 5.8 Potential for Adverse Effects on Spermatogenesis With large doses of exogenous androgens, including AndroGel 1.62%, spermatogenesis may be suppressed through feedback inhibition of pituitary FSH possibly leading to adverse effects on semen parameters including sperm count. 5.9 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. AndroGel 1.62% is not known to cause these adverse effects. 5.10 Edema Androgens, including AndroGel 1.62%, 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 [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. 5.11 Gynecomastia Gynecomastia may develop and persist in patients being treated with androgens, including AndroGel 1.62%, for hypogonadism. 5.12 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. 5.13 Lipid ChangesChanges in serum lipid profile may require dose adjustment or discontinuation of testosterone therapy, such as AndroGel 1.62%. Monitor the lipid profile periodically, particularly after starting testosterone therapy.5.14 Hypercalcemia Androgens, including AndroGel 1.62 %, 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. 5.15 Decreased Thyroxine-binding Globulin Androgens, including AndroGel 1.62%, may decrease concentrations of thyroxin-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.5.16 Flammability Alcohol based products, including AndroGel 1.62%, are flammable; therefore, patients should be advised to avoid fire, flame or smoking until the AndroGel 1.62% has dried.

Dosage and Administration for AndroGel 1.62% differs from AndroGel 1%. For dosage and administration of AndroGel 1% refer to its full prescribing information. (2)Prior to initiating AndroGel 1.62%, confirm the diagnosis of hypogonadism by ensuring that serum testosterone concentrations have been measured in the morning on at least two separate days and that these serum testosterone concentrations are below the normal range.

AndroGel (testosterone gel) 1.62% for topical use only, is available as follows: A metered-dose pump. Each pump actuation delivers 20.25 mg of testosterone in 1.25 g of gel. A unit dose packet containing 20.25 mg of testosterone in 1.25 g of gel. A unit dose packet containing 40.5 mg of testosterone in 2.5 g of gel.

Androgens may decrease blood glucose and therefore may decrease insulin requirements in diabetic patients (7.1) Changes in anticoagulant activity may be seen with androgens. More frequent monitoring of International Normalized Ratio (INR) and prothrombin time is recommended (7.2) Use of testosterone with adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) or corticosteroids may result in increased fluid retention. Use with caution, particularly in patients with cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease (7.3) 7.1 Insulin Changes in insulin sensitivity or glycemic control may occur in patients treated with androgens. In diabetic patients, the metabolic effects of androgens may decrease blood glucose and, therefore, may decrease insulin requirements. 7.2 Oral Anticoagulants Changes in anticoagulant activity may be seen with androgens, therefore more frequent monitoring of international normalized ratio (INR) and prothrombin time are recommended in patients taking anticoagulants, especially at the initiation and termination of androgen therapy. 7.3 Corticosteroids The concurrent use of testosterone with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or corticosteroids may result in increased fluid retention and requires careful monitoring particularly in patients with cardiac, renal or hepatic disease.