Leuprorelin acetate CAS: 74381-53-6
Eligard(r) is a sterile polymeric matrix formulation of leuprorelin acetate for subcutaneous injection. It is designed to deliver leuprorelin acetate at a controlled rate over a therapeutic period.
Leuprorelin acetate is a synthetic nonapeptide analogue of naturally occurring gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH or LH-RH) that, when given continuously, inhibits pituitary gonadotropin secretion and suppresses testicular steroidogenesis. The analogue possesses greater potency than the natural hormone. The chemical name is 5-oxo-L-prolyl-L-histidyl-L-tryptophyl-L-seryl-L-tyrosyl-D-leucyl- L-leucyl-L-arginyl-N-ethyl-L-prolinamide acetate (salt).
Eligard(r) is available in a single use kit. The kit consists of a two-syringe mixing system, a 20-gauge half-inch needle (for Eligard(r) 1 month and Eligard(r) 3 month) or a 20-gauge 5/8-inch needle (for Eligard(r) 4 month) or a 18-gauge 5/8-inch needle (for Eligard(r) 6 month), a silicone desiccant pouch to control moisture uptake, and package insert for constitution and administration procedures. Each syringe is individually packaged. One contains the Atrigel(r) Delivery System and the other contains leuprorelin acetate.
Eligard(r) is prefilled and supplied in two separate, sterile syringes whose contents are mixed immediately prior to administration. The two syringes are joined and the single dose product is mixed until it is homogenous. Eligard(r) is administered subcutaneously where it forms a solid drug delivery depot.
The Atrigel(r) Delivery System is a polymeric (non-gelatin containing) delivery system consisting of a biodegradable polyglactin. The polymer is dissolved in a biocompatible solvent, N-methyl-2- pyrrolidone. The polyglactin mixture and volume differ with each presentation of Eligard(r).
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Eligard(r) contains no anti-microbial agent.
Eligard(r) 1 month contains 10.6 mg of lyophilised leuprorelin acetate. Eligard(r) 1 month delivers 7.5 mg of leuprorelin acetate (equivalent to approximately 7.0 mg leuprorelin free base) dissolved in 160 mg N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and 82.5 mg polyglactin. The approximate weight of the administered formulation is 250 mg. It is designed to deliver 7.5 mg of leuprorelin acetate at a controlled rate over a 1 month therapeutic period.
Eligard(r) 3 month contains 29.2 mg lyophilised leuprorelin acetate. Eligard(r) 3 month delivers
22.5 mg of leuprorelin acetate (equivalent to approximately 21 mg leuprorelin free base) dissolved in
193.9 mg N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and 158.6 mg polyglactin. The approximate weight of the administered formulation is 375 mg. It is designed to deliver 22.5 mg of leuprorelin acetate at a controlled rate over a 3 month therapeutic period.
Eligard(r) 4 month contains 37.2 mg lyophilised leuprorelin acetate. Eligard(r) 4 month delivers 30 mg of leuprorelin acetate (equivalent to approximately 28 mg leuprorelin free base) dissolved in
mg N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and 211.5 mg polyglactin. The approximate weight of the administered formulation is 500 mg. It is designed to deliver 30 mg of leuprorelin acetate at a controlled rate over a 4 month therapeutic period.
Eligard(r) 6 month contains 59.2 mg of lyophilised leuprorelin acetate. Eligard(r) 6 month delivers 45 mg of leuprorelin acetate (equivalent to approximately 42 mg leuprorelin free base) dissolved in 165 mg N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and 165 mg polyglactin. The approximate weight of the administered formulation is 375 mg. It is designed to deliver 45 mg of leuprorelin acetate at a controlled rate over a 6 month therapeutic period.
Leuprorelin acetate, an LH-RH agonist, acts as a potent inhibitor of gonadotropin secretion when given continuously in therapeutic doses. Animal and human studies indicate that after an initial stimulation, chronic administration of leuprorelin acetate results in suppression of testicular steroidogenesis. This effect is reversible upon discontinuation of drug therapy.
Administration of leuprorelin acetate has resulted in inhibition of the growth of certain hormone- dependent tumours (prostatic tumours in Noble and Dunning male rats and DMBA-induced mammary tumours in female rats) as well as atrophy of the reproductive organs.
In humans, administration of leuprorelin acetate results in an initial increase in circulating levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), leading to a transient increase in levels of the gonadal steroids (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in males, and oestrone and oestradiol in premenopausal females). However, continuous administration of leuprorelin acetate results in decreased levels of LH and FSH. In males, testosterone is reduced to below castrate threshold ( 50 ng/dL). These decreases occur within two to six weeks after initiation of treatment.
Leuprorelin acetate is not active when given orally.
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Absorption
The absorption pharmacokinetic parameters determined for Eligard(r) are presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Absorption pharmacokinetic parameters for Eligard(r)
| Presentation | Cmax SD(ng/mL) | Tmax SD (hours) |
| Eligard (r) 1 month | 25.3 11.3 | 4.7 1.4 |
| Eligard (r) 3 month * | 127 39 | 4.6 1.6 |
| Eligard (r) 3 month * * | 107 50 | 4.5 1.5 |
| Eligard (r) 4 month * | 150 77 | 3.3 1.2 |
| Eligard (r) 4 month * * | 192 107 | 3.0 1.0 |
| Eligard (r) 6 month | 102.4 72.1 | 4.75 2.0 |
* first dose
* * second dose
After the initial increase following each injection, mean serum concentrations remained relatively constant; 0.28 - 2.0 ng/mL for Eligard(r) 1 month, 0.2 - 2.0 ng/mL for Eligard(r) 3 month, 0.1 - 1.0 ng/mL for Eligard(r) 4 month and 0.2 - 2.0 ng/mL for Eligard(r) 6 month. There was no evidence of significant accumulation during repeated dosing. Nondetectable leuprorelin plasma concentrations have been observed during chronic Eligard(r) administration, but testosterone levels were maintained at castrate levels.
Distribution
The mean steady-state volume of distribution of leuprorelin following intravenous bolus administration to healthy male volunteers was 27 L. In vitro binding to human plasma proteins ranged from 43% to 49%.
Metabolism
In healthy male volunteers, a 1 mg bolus of leuprorelin administered intravenously revealed that the mean systemic clearance was 7.6 L/h, with a terminal elimination half-life of approximately 3 hours based on a two compartment model. Drug metabolism studies were not conducted with Eligard(r). Upon administration with different leuprorelin acetate formulations, the major metabolite of leuprorelin acetate is a pentapeptide (M-1) metabolite.
Excretion
Drug excretion studies were not conducted with Eligard(r).
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Special Populations
Geriatrics
The majority of the patients (approximately 70%) studied in these clinical trials were age 70 and older.
Paediatrics
The safety and effectiveness of Eligard(r) in paediatric patients have not been established (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).
Renal and Hepatic Insufficiency
The pharmacokinetics of Eligard(r) in hepatically and renally impaired patients have not been determined.
In the open-label, multicentre studies conducted with Eligard(r) patients with advanced prostate cancer were treated with monthly injections of Eligard(r) 1 month for 6 months, a single injection of Eligard(r) 3 month, given once every three months for 6 months, a single injection of Eligard(r) 4 month, given once every four months for 8 months or a single injection of Eligard(r) 6 month, given once every six months for 12 months. Patient stages in the open-label, multicentre studies are described in Table 2. The Eligard(r) 1 month and Eligard(r) 3 month studies evaluated the achievement and maintenance of serum testosterone suppression over six months of therapy. The Eligard(r) 4 month study evaluated the achievement and maintenance of serum testosterone suppression over eight months of therapy. The Eligard(r) 6 month study evaluated the achievement and maintenance of serum testosterone suppression over twelve months of therapy.
Table 2. Description of patients in open-label, multicentre studies for Eligard(r) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation | Total | Stage A disease | Stage B disease | Stage C disease | Stage D disease |
| Eligard (r) 1 month | 120 | 0 | 0 | 89 | 31 |
| Eligard (r) 3 month | 117 | 2 | 19 | 60 | 36 |
| Eligard (r) 4 month | 90 | 2 | 38 | 16 | 34 |
| Eligard (r) 6 month | 111 | 5 | 43 | 19 | 44 |
Patients with brain metastases, spinal cord compression and/or urinary tract obstruction, serum testosterone levels below 150 ng/dL at screening, uncontrolled congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction or a coronary vascular procedure, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, venous thrombosis, uncontrolled hypertension, symptomatic hypotension, insulin dependent diabetes, a history of drug and alcohol abuse, other serious intercurrent illness, (for example, haematological, renal hepatic, respiratory, endocrine) were excluded from the studies.
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Eligard(r) 1 month The mean testosterone concentration increased from 361.3 ng/dL at baseline to 574.6 ng/dL at day 3 following the initial subcutaneous injection. The mean serum testosterone concentration then decreased to below baseline by day 10 and was 21.8 ng/dL on day 28. At the conclusion of the study (month 6), mean testosterone concentration was 6.1 ng/dL (Figure 1a), comparable to levels following bilateral orchiectomy. Serum testosterone was suppressed to below the castrate threshold ( 50 ng/dL) by day 28 (week 4) in 112 of 119 (94.1%) patients remaining in the study. The remaining seven patients all attained the castrate threshold by day 42. A high proportion of patients (97% at day 42), achieved testosterone suppression levels of <= 20 ng/dL, although the full benefit of these low levels has not yet been established. Once testosterone suppression at or below serum concentrations of 50 ng/dL was achieved, no patients (0%) demonstrated breakthrough (concentration above 50 ng/dL) at any time in the study. All 117 evaluable patients in the study at month 6 (two patients withdrew for reasons unrelated to drug) had testosterone concentrations of 50 ng/dL.
Figure 1a. Eligard(r) 1 month mean serum testosterone concentrations (n = 117)
Serum Testosterone Concentration (ng/dL)
Injection
100 #1 Injection #2 Injection #3 Injection #4 Injection #5 Injection #6
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Months Post Baseline
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Eligard(r) 3 month The mean testosterone concentration increased from 367.1 ng/dL at baseline to 588.0 ng/dL at day 2 following the initial subcutaneous injection. The mean serum testosterone concentration then decreased to below baseline by day 14 and was 27.7 ng/dL on day 21. At the conclusion of the study (month 6), mean testosterone concentration was 10.1 ng/dL (Figure 1b), comparable to levels following bilateral orchiectomy. Of the original 117 patients, one received less than a full dose of Eligard(r) 3 month at baseline, never suppressed, and was withdrawn at day 73 and given an alternate treatment. In the remaining 116 patients who did receive the full dose at baseline, serum testosterone was suppressed to below the castrate threshold ( 50 ng/dL) by day 28 (week 4) in 115 of 116 (99%). By day 35, all 116 patients (100%) who received a full dose at baseline attained the castrate threshold. A high proportion of patients (84% at day 28 and 92% at day 42), achieved testosterone suppression levels of <= 20 ng/dL, although the full benefit of these low levels has not yet been established. Once testosterone suppression at or below serum concentrations of 50 ng/dL was achieved, only one patient (<1%) demonstrated breakthrough (concentration above 50 ng/dL) following initial injection; that patient remained below the castrate threshold following the second injection. All 111 evaluable patients in the study at month 6 had testosterone concentrations of 50 ng/dL.
Figure 1b. Eligard(r) 3 month mean serum testosterone concentrations (n = 111)
Serum Testosterone Concentration (ng/dL)
Injection
#1
Injection #2
1 2 3 4 5 6
Months Post Baseline
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Eligard(r) 4 month The mean testosterone concentration increased from 385.5 ng/dL at baseline to 610.0 ng/dL at day 2 following the initial subcutaneous injection. The mean serum testosterone concentration then decreased to below baseline by day 14 and was 17.2 ng/dL on day 28. At the conclusion of the study (month 8), mean testosterone concentration was 12.4 ng/dL (Figure 1c), comparable to levels following bilateral orchiectomy. Serum testosterone was suppressed to below the castrate threshold ( 50 ng/dL) by day 28 in 85 of 89 (96%) patients remaining in the study. All 89 (100%) of patients remaining in the study attained the castrate threshold by day 42. A high proportion of patients (67% at day 28 and 90% at day 42), achieved testosterone suppression levels of <= 20 ng/dL, although the full benefit of these low levels has not yet been established. Once testosterone suppression at or below serum concentrations of 50 ng/dL was achieved, three patients (3%) demonstrated breakthrough (concentration above 50 ng/dL) during the study. These patients again reached castrate suppression following the second injection of study drug. Of 82 evaluable patients in the study at month 8, 81 had testosterone concentrations of 50 ng/dL.
Figure 1c. Eligard(r) 4 month mean serum testosterone concentrations (n = 90)
Serum Testosterone Concentration (ng/dL)
I n je c t ion #2
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
M o n t hs P o s t B a s e l i ne
Eligard(r) 6 month The mean testosterone concentration increased from 367.7 ng/dL at baseline to 588.6 ng/dL at day 2 following the initial subcutaneous injection. The mean serum testosterone concentration then decreased to below baseline by day 14 and was 16.7 ng/dL on day 28. At the conclusion of the study (month 12), mean testosterone concentration was 12.6 ng/dL (Figure 1d), comparable to levels following bilateral orchiectomy.
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Serum testosterone was suppressed to below the castrate threshold ( 50 ng/dL) by day 28 in 108 of 109 (99%) patients remaining in the study. One patient (<1%) did not achieve castrate suppression and was withdrawn from the study on day 85. A high proportion of patients remaining in the study (84% at day 28 and 95% at day 42), achieved testosterone suppression levels of <= 20 ng/dL, although the full benefit of these low levels has not yet been established. Once testosterone suppression at or below serum concentrations of 50 ng/dL was achieved, one patient (<1%) demonstrated breakthrough (concentration above 50 ng/dL) during the study. This patient reached castrate suppression at day 21 and remained suppressed until day 308 when his testosterone level rose to 112 ng/dL. At month 12, his testosterone was 210 ng/dL. Of 103 evaluable patients in the study at month 12, 102 had testosterone concentrations of 50 ng/dL. All five non-evaluable patients who had achieved castration by day 28 maintained castration at each timepoint, up to and including the time of withdrawal.
Figure 1d. Eligard(r) 6 month mean serum testosterone concentrations (n = 103)
Serum Testosterone Concentration (ng/dL)
Injection #2
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Months Post Baseline
Serum PSA decreased in all patients whose baseline values were elevated above the normal limit. Mean values were reduced 94% from baseline to month 6 for Eligard(r) 1 month, 98% from baseline to month 6 for Eligard(r) 3 month, 86% from baseline to month 8 for Eligard(r) 4 month and 97% from baseline to month 12 for Eligard(r) 6 month. At month 6, PSA levels had decreased to within normal limits in 94% of patients who presented with elevated levels at baseline for Eligard(r) 1 month. At month 6, PSA levels had decreased to within normal limits in 91% of patients who presented with elevated levels at baseline for Eligard(r) 3 month. At month 8, PSA levels had decreased to within normal limits in 93% of patients who presented with elevated levels at baseline for Eligard(r) 4 month. At
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month 12, PSA levels had decreased to within normal limits in 95% of patients who presented with elevated levels at baseline for Eligard(r) 6 month. Other secondary efficacy endpoints evaluated included WHO performance status, bone pain, urinary pain and urinary signs and symptoms. At baseline, 88% of patients using Eligard(r) 1 month, 94% of patients using Eligard(r) 3 month, 90% of patients using Eligard(r) 4 month and 90% of patients using Eligard(r) 6 month were classified as "fully active" by the WHO performance status scale (Status=0). Eleven percent of patients using Eligard(r) 1 month, 6% of patients using Eligard(r) 3 month, 10% of patients using Eligard(r) 4 month and 7% of patients using Eligard(r) 6 month were "restricted in strenuous activity but ambulatory and able to carry out work of a light or sedentary nature" (Status=1). Three percent of patients using Eligard(r) 6 month were classified as "ambulatory but unable to carry out work activities" (Status 2). These percentages were unchanged at month 6 for Eligard(r) 1 month. At month 6, 96% of patients using Eligard(r) 3 month, 87% of patients using Eligard(r) 4 month at month 8 and 94% of patients using Eligard(r) 6 month at month 12 were classified as "fully active" by the WHO performance status scale (Status=0). Four percent of patients using Eligard(r) 3 month at month 6, 12% of patients using Eligard(r) 4 month at month 8 and 5% of patients using Eligard(r) 6 month at month 12 were "restricted in strenuous activity but ambulatory and able to carry out work of a light or sedentary nature" (Status=1). One percent of patients using Eligard(r) 4 month at month 8 and 1% of patients using Eligard(r) 6 month at month 12 were "ambulatory but unable to carry out work activities" (Status 2). At baseline and at month 6 for Eligard(r) 1 month and Eligard(r) 3 month, at month 8 for Eligard(r) 4 month and at month 12 for Eligard(r) 6 month, patients experienced little bone pain. Urinary pain was also low both at baseline and at month 6, 8 or 12, respectively. Urinary signs and symptoms were similarly low at baseline and decreased modestly for Eligard(r) 1 month, Eligard(r) 4 month, and Eligard(r) 6 month at month 6, 8 or 12, respectively. Urinary signs and symptoms were similarly low at baseline and increase modestly for Eligard(r) 3 month at month 6. In addition, there was a reduction in patients with prostate abnormalities detected during physical exam from 102 (85%) at Screening to 77 (64%) at month 6 for Eligard(r) 1 month, from 96 (82%) at Screening to 76 (65%) at month 6 for Eligard(r) 3 month, from 66 (73%) at Screening to 54 (60%) at month 8 for Eligard(r) 4 month and from 89 (80%) at Screening to 60 (58%) at month 12 for Eligard(r) 6 month.
Eligard(r) is indicated for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
Eligard(r) is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to GnRH, GnRH agonist analogues or any of the components of Eligard(r). Anaphylactic reactions to synthetic GnRH or GnRH agonist analogues have been reported in the literature.
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Eligard(r) is contraindicated in women who are breastfeeding, pregnant or intending to become pregnant and in paediatric patients. Eligard(r) was not studied in women or children. Moreover, leuprorelin acetate can cause foetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Major foetal abnormalities were observed in rabbits but not in rats after administration of leuprorelin acetate throughout gestation. There were increased foetal mortality and decreased foetal weights in rats and rabbits. The effects on foetal mortality are expected consequences of the alterations in hormonal levels brought about by this drug. The possibility exists that spontaneous abortion may occur.
Eligard(r), like other LH-RH agonists, causes a transient increase in serum concentrations of testosterone during the first week of treatment. Patients may experience worsening of symptoms or onset of new signs and symptoms during the first few weeks of treatment, including bone pain, neuropathy, haematuria, or bladder outlet obstruction. Isolated cases of ureteral obstruction and/or spinal cord compression, which may contribute to paralysis with or without fatal complications, have been observed in the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer using LH-RH agonists. Initiating therapy with a non-steroidal anti-androgen at the same time as leuprorelin acetate therapy has proven benefit in reducing flare reactions in 'at risk' patients (e.g. those with thecal indentation, or at risk of cord compression, and patients with bladder neck obstruction). If spinal cord compression or renal impairment develops, standard treatment of these complications should be instituted.
Patients with metastatic vertebral lesions and/or with urinary tract obstruction should be closely observed during the first few weeks of therapy. Response to Eligard(r) should be monitored by measuring serum concentrations of testosterone and prostate-specific antigen periodically. Results of testosterone determinations are dependent on assay methodology. It is advisable to be aware of the type and precision of the assay methodology to make appropriate clinical and therapeutic decisions.
Two-year carcinogenicity studies were conducted with leuprorelin acetate in rats and mice. In rats, a dose-related increase of benign pituitary hyperplasia and benign pituitary adenomas was noted at 24 months when the drug was administered subcutaneously at high daily doses (0.6 to 4 mg/kg). There was a significant but not dose-related increase of pancreatic islet-cell adenomas in females and of testicular interstitial cell adenomas in males (highest incidence in the low dose group). In mice, no leuprorelin acetate-induced tumors or pituitary
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abnormalities were observed at a dose as high as 60 mg/kg for two years. Patients have been treated with leuprorelin acetate for up to three years with doses as high as 10 mg/day and for two years with doses as high as 20 mg/day without demonstrable pituitary abnormalities. Mutagenicity studies have been performed with leuprorelin acetate using bacterial and mammalian systems and with Eligard(r) 1 month in bacterial systems. These studies provided no evidence of a genotoxic potential.
(See CONTRAINDICATIONS) Category D: Drugs which have caused, are suspected to have caused or may be expected to cause, an increased incidence of human foetal malformations or irreversible damage. These drugs may also have adverse pharmacological effects. Although not relevant to the approved indication, leuprorelin acetate is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its embryotoxic effects.
Eligard(r) is contraindicated for use in breastfeeding women.
Eligard(r) is contraindicated in paediatric patients. It has not been studied in this population.
Eligard(r) was not studied in hepatically and renally impaired patients.
There are no reports of drug interactions with leuprorelin acetate to date.
In the majority of non-orchiectomised patients, testosterone levels increased during the first week of treatment. They then decreased and by day 14 had returned to baseline levels or below. Castrate levels were reached in 2 to 4 weeks. Once achieved, castrate levels were maintained as long as the patient received their injections. Transient increases in acid phosphatase levels may occur early in the treatment period; however, by the fourth week the elevated levels usually decreased to values at or near normal. Therapy with leuprorelin results in suppression of the pituitary-gonadal system. Results of diagnostic tests of pituitary gonadotropic and gonadal functions conducted during and after leuprorelin therapy may be affected.
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Presumed to be safe or unlikely to produce an effect on the ability to drive or use machinery.
Hyperglycemia and an increased risk of developing diabetes have been reported in men receiving LH-RH agonists. Hyperglycemia may represent development of diabetes mellitus or worsening of glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Consideration should be given to monitoring blood glucose and/or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) periodically in patients receiving a LH-RH agonist.
Increased risk of developing myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death and stroke has been reported in association with the use of LH-RH agonists in men. The risk appears to be low based but should be considered carefully along with all cardiovascular risk factors when determining a treatment for patients with prostate cancer. Patients receiving a LH-RH agonist should be monitored for symptoms and signs suggestive of development of cardiovascular disease.
QT-prolongation has been observed during long-term androgen deprivation therapy. Physicians should consider whether the benefits of androgen deprivation therapy outweigh the potential risks in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, electrolyte abnormalities or congestive heart failure and in patients taking Class IA (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic medications.
Postmarketing reports of convulsions have been observed in patients on leuprorelin acetate therapy. These included patients in the female and paediatric populations, patients with a history of seizures, epilepsy, cerebrovascular disorders, central nervous system anomalies or tumours, and in patients on concomitant medications that have been associated with convulsions such as bupropion and SSRIs. Convulsions have also been reported in patients in the absence of any of the conditions mentioned above.
Eligard(r), like other LH-RH analogues, caused a transient increase in serum testosterone concentrations during the first two weeks of treatment. Therefore, potential exacerbations of signs and symptoms of the disease during the first few weeks of treatment are of concern in patients with vertebral metastases and/or urinary obstruction or haematuria. If these conditions are aggravated, it may lead to neurological problems such as weakness and/or paraesthesia of the lower limbs or worsening of urinary symptoms (see PRECAUTIONS).
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'Flare' Phenomenon:
The initial increase in circulating levels of pituitary gonadotropins and gonadal steroids leads in some patients to a transient exacerbation of symptoms and signs ('flare' phenomenon). The exacerbation may include worsened bone pain, ureteric obstruction and spinal cord compression. This possibility should be taken into account in deciding to initiate leuprorelin acetate therapy in patients with existing obstructive uropathy or vertebral metastases. Early symptoms of spinal cord compression such as paraesthesia should alert the physician to the need for intensive monitoring and possible treatment.
There is no information available on the clinical effects of interrupting leuprorelin acetate therapy and whether this will produce a withdrawal 'flare'. Initiating therapy with a non-steroidal anti-androgen at the same time as leuprorelin acetate therapy has proven benefit in reducing flare reactions in 'at risk' patients. The safety of Eligard(r) was evaluated in open-label, multicentre studies. In Eligard(r) clinical studies conducted, patient injection sites were closely monitored. The adverse reactions from injections sites are summarised in Table 3.
Table 3. Summary of adverse reactions from Eligard(r) injection sites
| Presentation | Eligard (r) 1 month | Eligard (r) 3 month | Eligard (r) 4 month | Eligard (r) 6 month |
| Total number of injections (N=) | 716 | 230 | 175 | 217 |
| Adverse reactions (% of injections) | ||||
| Transient burning/stinging | 34.6 | 21.7 | 20 | 16 |
| Pain | 4.3 | 3.5 | 2.3 | 4.6 |
| Erythema | 2.6 | 0.9 | 1.1 | - |
| Mild bruising | 2.5 | 1.7 | - | 2.3 |
| Pruritis | 1.4 | 0.4 | - | - |
| Induration | 0.4 | - | - | - |
| Ulceration | 0.1 | - | - | - |
The majority (84%) of transient burning/stinging events for Eligard(r) 1 month were reported as mild. Pain was generally reported as brief in duration and mild in intensity. Erythema were all reported as mild and generally resolved within a few days post-injection. The majority (86%) of transient burning/stinging events for Eligard(r) 3 month were reported as mild. Pain was generally reported as brief in duration and mild in intensity. One of the reports characterized the erythema as mild and resolved within 7 days. The other was moderate and resolved within 15 days. Neither patient experienced erythema at multiple injections. All (100%) of transient burning/stinging events for Eligard(r) 4 month were reported as mild. Pain was generally reported as brief in duration and mild in intensity. Erythema was reported as mild in all cases and generally resolved within a few days post-injection.
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The majority (91%) of transient burning/stinging events for Eligard(r) 6 month were reported as mild. Pain was generally reported as brief in duration and mild in intensity. Mild bruising was reported following five (2.3%) study injections and moderate bruising was reported following two (<1%) study injections. The following possibly or probably related systemic adverse events occurred during clinical trials of up to six months of treatment with Eligard(r) 1 month and Eligard(r) 3 month, up to eight months of treatment with Eligard(r) 4 month and up to 12 months of treatment with Eligard(r) 6 month, and were reported in 2% of patients (Tables 4 and 5). Often, causality is difficult to assess in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Reactions considered not drug- related were excluded. More Common Reactions (incidence >2%)
Table 4. Incidence (%) of Possibly or Probably Related Systemic Adverse Events Reported by 2% of Patients Treated with Eligard(r) 1 month and Eligard(r) 3 month for up to six months, Eligard(r) 4 month up to eight months and Eligard(r) 6 month up to 12 months | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adverse Event | Eligard (r) 1 month 1 N (%) | Eligard (r) 3 month 2 N (%) | Eligard (r) 4 month 2 N (%) | Eligard (r) 6 month 2 N (%) | |
| Body as a Whole | Malaise and Fatigue | 21 (17.5%) | 7 (6.0 %) | 12 (13.3%) | 13 (11.7) |
| Weakness | 4 (3.6%) | ||||
| Dizziness | 4 (3.3%) | - | 4 (4.4 %) | - | |
| Cardiovascular | Hot flashes/sweats * | 68 (56.7%) | 66 (56.4%) | 66 (73.3%) | 64 (57.7) |
| Genitourinary | Atrophy of Testes * | 6 (5.0%) | - | 4 (4.4%) | 8 (7.2) |
| Nocturia | - | - | 2 (2.2 %) | - | |
| Urinary frequency | - | 3 (2.6 %) | 2 (2.2 %) | - | |
| Digestive | Gastroenteritis/ Colitis | 3 (2.5%) | - | - | - |
| Nausea | - | 4 (3.4 %) | 2 (2.2 %) | - | |
| Reproductive | Gynaecomastia * | - | - | 2 (2.2 %) | 4 (3.6) |
| Testicular pain | - | - | 2 (2.2 %) | - | |
| Skin | Clamminess * | - | - | 4 (4.4 %) | - |
| Night sweats * | - | - | 3 (3.3 %) | 3 (2.7) | |
| Alopecia | - | - | 2 (2.2 %) | - | |
| Pruritis | - | 3 (2.6 %) | - | - | |
| Psychiatric | Decreased libido * | - | - | 3 (3.3 %) | - |
| Musculoskeletal | Myalgia | - | - | 2 (2.2 %) | 5 (4.5) |
| Arthralgia | - | 4 (3.4 %) | - | ||
| Pain in limb | 3 (2.7) | ||||
adverse events are classified using ICD-9 terms
adverse events are classified using MedDRA terms
* Expected pharmacological consequences of testosterone suppression.
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Less Common Reactions (incidence <2%)
Table 5. Possibly or Probably Related Systemic Adverse Events Reported by < 2% of Patients Treated with Eligard(r) 1 month1 and Eligard(r) 3 month2 for up to six months, Eligard(r) 4 month2 up to eight months and Eligard(r) 6 month2 for up to 12 months | |
|---|---|
| Body System | Adverse Event |
| General | Sweating, insomnia, syncope, rigors, weakness, lethargy |
| Gastrointestinal | Flatulence, constipation, dyspepsia |
| Haematologic | Decreased red blood cell count, haematocrit and haemoglobin |
| Metabolic | Weight gain |
| Musculoskeletal | Tremor, backache, joint pain, muscle atrophy, limb pain |
| Nervous | Disturbance of smell and taste, depression, vertigo |
| Psychiatric | Insomnia, depression, loss of libido * |
| Skin | Alopecia, clamminess, night sweats *, sweating increased * |
| Urogenital / Reproductive | Decreased libido *, gynaecomastia, breast tenderness *, testicular atrophy *, testicular pain, erectile dysfunction *, penis disorder *, reduced penile size |
| Renal | Difficulties with urination, pain on urination, scanty urination, bladder spasm, blood in urine and urinary retention, urinary urgency, incontinence, nocturia |
| Vascular | Hypertension, hypotension |
adverse events are classified using ICD-9 terms
adverse events are classified using MedDRA terms
* Expected pharmacological consequence of testosterone suppression.
Changes in Bone Density
Decreased bone density has been reported in the medical literature in men who have had orchiectomy or who have been treated with an LH-RH agonist analogue. It can be anticipated that long periods of medical castration in men will have effects on bone density.
Pituitary Apoplexy
During post-marketing surveillance, rare cases of pituitary apoplexy (a clinical syndrome secondary to infarction of the pituitary gland) have been reported after the administration of gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists, with a majority occurring within two weeks of the first dose, and some within the first hour. In these cases, pituitary apoplexy has presented as a sudden headache, vomiting, visual changes, ophthalmoplegia, altered mental status, and sometimes cardiovascular collapse. Immediate medical attention has been required.
Other Adverse Effects
During post-market surveillance with LH-RH agonists; diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident and sudden cardiac death have also been reported (see PRECAUTIONS).
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Data Sheet
In clinical trials using daily subcutaneous leuprorelin acetate in patients with prostate cancer, doses as high as 20 mg/day for up to two years caused no adverse effects differing from those observed with the 1 mg/day dose. In case of overdose, immediately contact the Poisons Information Centre for advice (In Australia, call 13 11 26. In New Zealand, call 0800 764 766)
IMPORTANT:
must be administered within 30 minutes (r) . Once mixed, Eligard
Allow the product to reach room temperature before using
. Discard the constituted product if not administered within 30 minutes.
The two syringes are coupled and the product is mixed by transferring the contents from syringe to syringe immediately before administration to the patient. Refer to the full Mixing Instructions at the end of the document for additional instructions. The syringes are uncoupled and the needle is attached prior to injection. The product is injected subcutaneously into areas with adequate amounts of subcutaneous tissue (such as the abdomen) and that do not have excessive pigment, nodules, lesions, or hair. As with other drugs administered by subcutaneous injection, the injection site should be varied periodically. When thoroughly mixed, the suspension will appear a light tan to tan colour (Eligard(r) 1 month) or a colourless to pale yellow colour (Eligard(r) 3 month, Eligard(r) 4 month and Eligard(r) 6 month). The mixed solution colour is not representative of product quality. An occasional slightly grey appearance of the mixed solution may be due to tiny air bubbles and will not affect the product quality. Eligard(r) should not be injected in the arm. The recommended dose of Eligard(r) 1 month is one injection every month. The recommended dose of Eligard(r) 3 month is one injection every three months. The recommended dose of Eligard(r) 4 month is one injection every four months. The recommended dose of Eligard(r) 6 month is one injection every six months. Eligard(r) 1, 3, 4 and 6 month presentations have different release characteristics and therefore, fractional, multiple and/or combinational doses are not equivalent to each other and should not be given. Eligard(r) contains no antimicrobial agent and is for single use in one patient only. Discard any residue. The injection delivers leuprorelin acetate, incorporated in a polymer formulation. It is administered subcutaneously and provides continuous release of leuprorelin for one month for Eligard(r) 1 month, three months for Eligard(r) 3 month, four months for Eligard(r) 4 month and six months for Eligard(r) 6 month.
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Data Sheet
Eligard(r) 1 month is available in a single use kit that delivers 7.5 mg leuprorelin acetate. Eligard(r) 3 month is available in a single use kit that delivers 22.5 mg leuprorelin acetate. Eligard(r) 4 month is available in a single use kit that delivers 30 mg leuprorelin acetate. Eligard(r) 6 month is available in a single use kit that delivers 45 mg leuprorelin acetate. Eligard(r) should be stored below 8degC (refrigerate). The patient may store Eligard(r) below 25degC in intact packaging for a period of 4 weeks prior to administration.
New Zealand Sponsor: Hospira NZ Limited 23 Haining Street Te Aro Wellington New Zealand
Prescription Medicine
22 June 2012 Eligard(r) and Atrigel(r) are registered trademarks of Tolmar Therapeutics, Inc used under license.
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Data Sheet
IMPORTANT: Allow the product to reach room temperature before using. Once mixed, the product must be administered within 30 minutes.
Figure 1 Figure 2
Figure 3 Figure 4
Figure 5 Figure 6
Figure 7 Figure 8
Remove both trays from outer carton and place on a clean field. Remove the film from the top of both trays. Discard the dessicant sachets.
Pull out the blue tipped short plunger rod and attach stopper from Syringe B and discard (Figure 5). Gently insert the long white replacement plunder rod into the grey primary stopper remaining in Syringe B by twisting it in place (Figure 6).
Unscrew the clear cap from Syringe A (Figure 7). Remove the grey rubber cap from Syringe B (Figure 8).
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Data Sheet
Figure 9
Join the two syringes together by pushing in and twisting until secure (Figure 9).
Figure 10
Thoroughly mix the product by pushing the contents of both syringes back and forth between the syringes (approximately 45 seconds) to obtain a uniform suspension (Figure 10). When thoroughly mixed, the suspension will appear a light tan to tan colour (Eligard(r) 1 Month) or a colourless to pale yellow colour (Eligard(r) 3 Month, Eligard(r) 4 Month and Eligard(r) 6 Month). The mixed solution colour is not representative of product quality. An occasional slightly grey appearance of the mixed solution may be due to tiny air bubbles and will not affect the product quality. Please note: Product must be mixed as described; shaking will not provide adequate mixing of the product. Once mixed, the product must be administered within 30 minutes.
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Data Sheet
Figure 11
Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14
Hold the syringes vertically with Syringe B on the bottom. The syringes should remain securely coupled. Draw the entire mixed product into Syringe B (short wide syringe) by depressing the Syringe A plunger and slightly withdrawing the Syringe B plunger. Uncouple Syringe A while continuing to push down on the Syringe A plunger (figure 11). Please note: small air bubbles will remain in the formulation - this is acceptable) Hold Syringe B upright. Remove the cap on the bottom of the sterile needle cartridge by twisting it (Figure 12). Attach the needle cartridge to the end of Syringe B (Figure 13) by pushing in and turning the needle until it is firmly seated. Do not twist the needle onto the syringe until it is stripped. Remove the needle cover and expel the air in the headspace in line with good practice prior to administration (Figure 14). After administration discard all components safely in an appropriate biohazard container.
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