Androgel Drug Information
Generic name: TESTOSTERONE
Androgen [EPC]
Uses of Androgel
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, luteinizing hormone ) 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 . Topical testosterone products may have different doses, strengths, or application instructions that may result in different systemic exposure . AndroGel 1.62% is indicated for replacement therapy in males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone: Primary hypogonadism (congenital or acquired) Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (congenital or acquired) Limitations of use: Safety and efficacy of AndroGel 1.62% in men with “age-related hypogonadism” have not been established.
Safety and efficacy of AndroGel 1.62% in males less than 18 years old have not been established. Topical testosterone products may have different doses, strengths, or application instructions that may result in different systemic exposure.
Dosage & Administration of Androgel
| Greater than 750 ng/dL | Decrease daily dose by 20.25 mg (1 pump actuation or the equivalent of one 20.25 mg packet) |
|---|---|
| Equal to or greater than 350 and equal to or less than 750 ng/dL | No change: continue on current dose |
| Less than 350 ng/dL | Increase daily dose by 20.25 mg (1 pump actuation or the equivalent of one 20.25 mg packet) |
Side Effects of Androgel
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. 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 average serum PSA >4 ng/mL based on two separate determinations, or 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 Patients Adverse Reaction AndroGel 1.62% N=234 Placebo N=40 PSA increased* 26 (11.1%) 0% Emotional lability** 6 (2.6%) 0% Hypertension 5 (2.1%) 0% Hematocrit or hemoglobin increased 5 (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 Reactions In 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 Increases In 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 and 2.2 mm Hg, respectively ). In patients with no history of hypertension, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased by 1.2 mm Hg and 0.9 mm Hg, respectively. 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 Outcomes TRAVERSE 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 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/m 2. 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 ). Additional Adverse Reactions Reported in TRAVERSE Additional 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.
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 Class Adverse Reaction Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Elevated hemoglobin or hematocrit, polycythemia, anemia Cardiovascular disorders: Myocardial infarction, stroke Endocrine 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 , 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 Children Cases 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 .
Warnings & Cautions for Androgel
Potential for Secondary Exposure to Testosterone Cases 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%. 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.
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 (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%). 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.
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.
Blood Pressure Increases AndroGel 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 and non-fatal stroke, were similar between treatment groups (7% for Androgel 1.62% vs 7.3% for placebo). 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.
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. 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 the lack of controlled evaluations
in women and potential virilizing effects, AndroGel 1.62% is not indicated for use in women.
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.
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. 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 Changes Changes 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.
Drug Interactions with Androgel
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.
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.
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.
Pregnancy Safety for Androgel
Pregnancy Risk Summary AndroGel 1.62% 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 . 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 female rats and their offspring exposed to doses approximately twice those used for testosterone replacement therapy.
Pediatric Use of Androgel
Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of AndroGel 1.62% in pediatric patients less than 18 years old has not been established. Improper use may result in acceleration of bone age and premature closure of epiphyses.
Contraindications for Androgel
AndroGel 1.62% is contraindicated in men with carcinoma of the breast or known or suspected carcinoma of the prostate. 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 . Men with carcinoma of the breast or known or suspected prostate cancer Women who are pregnant. Testosterone may cause fetal harm
Overdosage Information for Androgel
There is a single report of acute overdosage after parenteral administration of an approved testosterone product in the literature. This subject had serum testosterone concentrations of up to 11,400 ng/dL, which were implicated in a cerebrovascular accident. There were no reports of overdosage in the AndroGel 1.62% clinical trial.
Treatment of overdosage would consist of discontinuation of AndroGel 1.62%, washing the application site with soap and water, and appropriate symptomatic and supportive care.
Clinical Studies of Androgel
Clinical Trials in Hypogonadal Males AndroGel 1.62% was evaluated in a multi-center
randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study (182-day double-blind period) in 274 hypogonadal men with body mass index (BMI) 18-40 kg/m 2 and 18-80 years of age (mean age 53.8 years). The patients had an average serum testosterone concentration of <300 ng/dL, as determined by two morning samples collected on the same visit. Patients were Caucasian 83%, Black 13%, Asian or Native American 4%. 7.5% of patients were Hispanic. Patients were randomized to receive active treatment or placebo using a rotation method utilizing the abdomen and upper arms/shoulders for 182 days.
All patients were started at a daily dose of 40.5 mg (two pump actuations) AndroGel 1.62% or matching placebo on Day 1 of the study. Patients returned to the clinic on Day 14, Day 28, and Day 42 for predose serum total testosterone assessments. The patient's daily dose was titrated up or down in 20.25 mg increments if the predose serum testosterone value was outside the range of 350-750 ng/dL. The study included four active AndroGel 1.62% doses: 20.25 mg, 40.5 mg, 60.75 mg, and 81 mg daily.
The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with C avg within the normal range of 300-1000 ng/dL on Day 112. In patients treated with AndroGel 1.62%, 81.6% (146/179) had C avg within the normal range at Day 112. The secondary endpoint was the percentage of patients, with C max above three pre-determined limits. The percentages of patients with C max greater than 1500 ng/dL, and between 1800 and 2499 ng/dL on Day 112 were 11.2% and 5.5%, respectively. Two patients had a C max >2500 ng/dL on Day 112 (2510 ng/dL and 2550 ng/dL, respectively); neither of these 2 patients demonstrated an abnormal C max on prior or subsequent assessments at the same dose.
Patients could agree to continue in an open-label, active treatment maintenance period of the study for an additional 182 days. Dose titrations on Days 14, 28, and 42 resulted in final doses of 20.25 mg – 81 mg on Day 112 as shown in Table 6. Table 6: Mean (SD) Testosterone Concentrations (C avg and C max ) by final dose on Days 112 and 364 Parameter Final Dose on Day 112 Placebo (n=27) 20.25 mg (n=12) 40.5 mg (n=34) 60.75 mg (n=54) 81 mg (n=79) All Active (n=179) C avg (ng/dL) 303 457 524 643 537 561 C max (ng/dL) 450 663 798 958 813 845 Final Dose on Day 364 20.25 mg (n=7) 40.5 mg (n=26) 60.75 mg (n=29) 81 mg (n=74) Continuing Active (n=136) C avg (ng/dL) 386 474 513 432 455 C max (ng/dL) 562 715 839 649 697 Figure 3 summarizes the pharmacokinetic profile of total testosterone in patients completing 112 days of AndroGel 1.62% treatment administered as a starting dose of 40.5 mg of testosterone (2 pump actuations) for the initial 14 days followed by possible titration according to the follow-up testosterone measurements. Figure 3: Mean (±SD) Steady-State Serum Total Testosterone Concentrations on Day 112 Efficacy was maintained in the group of men that received AndroGel 1.62% for one full year.
In that group, 78% (106/136) had average serum testosterone concentrations in the normal range at Day 364. Figure 4 summarizes the mean total testosterone profile for these patients on Day 364. Figure 4: Mean (±SD) Steady-State Serum Total Testosterone Concentrations on Day 364 The mean estradiol and DHT concentration profiles paralleled the changes observed in testosterone. The levels of LH and FSH decreased with testosterone treatment. The decreases in levels of LH and FSH are consistent with reports published in the literature of long-term treatment with testosterone.
Figure 3 Figure 4
Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.
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