FIRMAGON- degarelix
Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.
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HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATIONThese highlights do not include all the information needed to use FIRMAGON® (degarelix for injection) safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for FIRMAGON.
FIRMAGON® (degarelix for injection) for subcutaneous administration Initial U.S. Approval: 2008 RECENT MAJOR CHANGES
INDICATIONS AND USAGEFIRMAGON is a GnRH receptor antagonist indicated for treatment of patients with advanced prostate cancer. (1) DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
CONTRAINDICATIONSWARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONSADVERSE REACTIONSThe most commonly observed adverse reactions (≥10%) during FIRMAGON therapy included injection site reactions (e.g., pain, erythema, swelling or induration), hot flashes, increased weight, and increases in serum levels of transaminases and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). (6) DRUG INTERACTIONSClinically significant CYP450 pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions are unlikely. (7) USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONSThere is no need to adjust the dose for the elderly or in patients with mild or moderate liver or kidney function impairment. Patients with severe liver or kidney dysfunction have not been studied and caution is therefore warranted. (8) See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and FDA-approved patient labeling. Revised: 04/2013 |
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
FIRMAGON is a GnRH receptor antagonist indicated for treatment of patients with advanced prostate cancer.
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
FIRMAGON is for subcutaneous administration only.
Dosing information:
| Starting dose | Maintenance dose – Administration every 28 days |
|---|---|
| 240 mg given as two subcutaneous injections of 120 mg at a concentration of 40 mg/mL | 80 mg given as one subcutaneous injection at a concentration of 20 mg/mL |
The first maintenance dose should be given 28 days after the starting dose.
FIRMAGON is administered as a subcutaneous injection in the abdominal region. As with other drugs administered by subcutaneous injection, the injection site should vary periodically. Injections should be given in areas of the abdomen that will not be exposed to pressure, e.g., not close to waistband or belt nor close to the ribs.
FIRMAGON is supplied as a powder to be reconstituted with Sterile Water for Injection, USP (WFI).
The instruction for reconstitution needs to be carefully followed. Administration of other concentrations is not recommended. See Instructions for Proper Use.
Instructions for Reconstitution
The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only:
NOTE:
- Reconstituted drug must be administered within one hour after addition of Sterile Water for Injection, USP
- Do not shake the vials
- Follow aseptic technique
FIRMAGON 240 mg – Starting Dose
The pack contains 2 sets of FIRMAGON 120 mg vial, Sterile Water for Injection, USP syringe, vial adapter, and administration needle. For each subcutaneous injection, the drug product must be prepared using the following instructions.
 | 1. Uncap vial and wipe the vial rubber stopper with an alcohol pad. Remove the cover from the vial adapter package. Attach the vial adapter to the vial by pressing the adapter down until the spike pushes through the rubber stopper and the adapter snaps in place (see Figure A). |
| 2. Assembly of the syringe is required. Prepare the prefilled syringe by attaching the plunger. | |
 | 3. Remove the cap of the prefilled syringe. Attach the syringe to the vial by screwing it on to the adapter. Transfer all Sterile Water for Injection, USP to the vial (see Figure B). |
 | 4. With the syringe still attached to the adapter, swirl gently until the liquid looks clear and free of powder or particles (see Figure C). If the powder adheres to the side of the vial above the liquid surface, the vial can be tilted slightly. Avoid shaking to prevent foam formation.
A ring of small air bubbles on the surface of the liquid is acceptable. The reconstitution procedure may take, in some cases, up to 15 minutes, but usually takes a few minutes. |
 | 5. Turn the vial upside down and draw up to the 3 mL mark on the syringe for injection (see Figure D). Always make sure to withdraw the precise volume and expel any air bubbles. |
| 6. Detach the syringe from the vial adapter and attach the administration needle to the syringe. | |
 | 7. Immediately after reconstitution, inject 3 mL of FIRMAGON 120 mg slowly. Perform a deep subcutaneous injection. To do so: pinch the skin of the abdomen, elevate the subcutaneous tissue and insert the needle at a 45 degree angle (see Figure E). Do not inject into a vein or muscle. Gently pull back the plunger to check if blood is aspirated. If blood appears in the syringe, the product can no longer be used. Discontinue the injection and discard the syringe and the needle (reconstitute a new dose for the patient). No injections should be given in areas where the patient will be exposed to pressure, e.g., around the belt or waistband or close to the ribs. |
| 8. Repeat the reconstitution procedure for the second 120 mg vial to complete the 240 mg starting dose and choose a different injection site for the second dose. |
FIRMAGON 80 mg – Maintenance Dose
The pack contains 1 set of FIRMAGON 80 mg vial, Sterile Water for Injection, USP syringe, vial adapter, and administration needle. For the subcutaneous injection, the drug product must be prepared using the following instructions.
| 1. Uncap vial and wipe the vial rubber stopper with an alcohol pad. Remove the cover from the vial adapter package. Attach the adapter to the powder vial by pressing the adapter down until the spike pushes through the rubber stopper and the adapter snaps in place (see Figure A). |
| 2. Assembly of the syringe is required. Prepare the prefilled syringe by attaching the plunger. | |
| 3. Remove the cap of the prefilled syringe. Attach the syringe to the vial by screwing it on to the adapter. Transfer all Sterile Water for Injection, USP to the vial (see Figure B). |
| 4. With the syringe still attached to the adapter, swirl gently until the liquid looks clear and free of powder or particles (see Figure C). If the powder adheres to the side of the vial above the liquid surface, the vial can be tilted slightly. Avoid shaking to prevent foam formation.
A ring of small air bubbles on the surface of the liquid is acceptable. The reconstitution procedure may take, in some cases, up to 15 minutes, but usually takes a few minutes. |
 | 5. Turn the vial upside down and draw up to the 4 mL mark on the syringe for injection (see Figure D). Always make sure to withdraw the precise volume and expel any air bubbles. |
| 6. Detach the syringe from the vial adapter and attach administration needle to the syringe. | |
| 7. Immediately after reconstitution, inject 4 mL of FIRMAGON 80 mg slowly. Perform a deep subcutaneous injection. To do so: pinch the skin of the abdomen, elevate the subcutaneous tissue and insert the needle at a 45 degree angle (see Figure E). Do not inject into a vein or muscle. Gently pull back the plunger to check if blood is aspirated. If blood appears in the syringe, the product can no longer be used. Discontinue the injection and discard the syringe and the needle (reconstitute a new dose for the patient). No injections should be given in areas where the patient will be exposed to pressure, e.g., around the belt or waistband or close to the ribs. |
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
Starting dose
One starting dose comprises 240 mg given as two 3 mL injections of 120 mg each.
Powder for injection 120 mg:
One vial of FIRMAGON 120 mg contains 120 mg degarelix. Each vial is to be reconstituted with a prefilled syringe containing 3 mL of Sterile Water for Injection. 3 mL is withdrawn to deliver 120 mg degarelix at a concentration of 40 mg/mL.
Maintenance dose
One maintenance dose comprises 80 mg given as one 4 mL injection.
Powder for injection 80 mg:
One vial of FIRMAGON 80 mg contains 80 mg degarelix. Each vial is to be reconstituted with a prefilled syringe containing 4.2 mL of Sterile Water for Injection. 4 mL is withdrawn to deliver 80 mg degarelix at a concentration of 20 mg/mL.
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
FIRMAGON is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to degarelix or to any of the product components. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Degarelix is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. Degarelix can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Degarelix given to rabbits during organogenesis at doses that were 0.02% of the clinical loading dose (240 mg) on a mg/m2 basis caused embryo/fetal lethality and abortion. When degarelix was given to female rats during organogenesis, at doses that were just 0.036% of the clinical loading dose on a mg/m2 basis, there was an increase post implantation loss and a decrease in the number of live fetuses. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Use in Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category X
Women who are or may become pregnant should not take FIRMAGON. [see Contraindications (4) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]
5.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, urticaria and angioedema, have been reported post-marketing with Firmagon. In case of a serious hypersensitivity reaction, discontinue Firmagon immediately if the injection has not been completed, and manage as clinically indicated. Patients with a known history of serious hypersensitivity reactions to Firmagon should not be re-challenged with Firmagon.
5.3 Effect on QT/QTc Interval
Long-term androgen deprivation therapy prolongs the QT interval. 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.
In the randomized, active-controlled trial comparing FIRMAGON to leuprolide, periodic electrocardiograms were performed. Seven patients, three (<1%) in the pooled degarelix group and four (2%) patients in the leuprolide 7.5 mg group, had a QTcF ≥ 500 msec. From baseline to end of study the median change for FIRMAGON was 12.3 msec and for leuprolide was 16.7 msec.
5.4 Laboratory Testing
Therapy with FIRMAGON results in suppression of the pituitary gonadal system. Results of diagnostic tests of the pituitary gonadotropic and gonadal functions conducted during and after FIRMAGON may be affected. The therapeutic effect of FIRMAGON should be monitored by measuring serum concentrations of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) periodically. If PSA increases, serum concentrations of testosterone should be measured.
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
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.
A total of 1325 patients with prostate cancer received FIRMAGON either as a monthly treatment (60-160 mg) or as a single dose (up to 320 mg). A total of 1032 patients (78%) were treated for at least 6 months and 853 patients (64%) were treated for one year or more. The most commonly observed adverse reactions during FIRMAGON therapy included injection site reactions (e.g., pain, erythema, swelling or induration), hot flashes, increased weight, fatigue, and increases in serum levels of transaminases and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). The majority of the adverse reactions were Grade 1 or 2, with Grade 3/4 adverse reaction incidences of 1% or less.
FIRMAGON was studied in an active-controlled trial (N = 610) in which patients with prostate cancer were randomized to receive FIRMAGON (subcutaneous) or leuprolide (intramuscular) monthly for 12 months. Adverse reactions reported in 5% of patients or more are shown in Table 1.
| FIRMAGON 240/160 mg (subcutaneous) N = 202 | FIRMAGON 240/80 mg (subcutaneous) N = 207 | Leuprolide 7.5 mg (intramuscular) N = 201 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of subjects with adverse events | 83% | 79% | 78% |
| Body as a whole | |||
| Injection site adverse events | 44% | 35% | <1% |
| Weight increase | 11% | 9% | 12% |
| Fatigue | 6% | 3% | 6% |
| Chills | 4% | 5% | 0% |
| Cardiovascular system | |||
| Hot flash | 26% | 26% | 21% |
| Hypertension | 7% | 6% | 4% |
| Musculoskeletal system | |||
| Back pain | 6% | 6% | 8% |
| Arthralgia | 4% | 5% | 9% |
| Urogenital system | |||
| Urinary tract infection | 2% | 5% | 9% |
| Digestive system | |||
| Increases in Transaminases and GGT | 10% | 10% | 5% |
| Constipation | 3% | 5% | 5% |
The most frequently reported adverse reactions at the injection sites were pain (28%), erythema (17%), swelling (6%), induration (4%) and nodule (3%). These adverse reactions were mostly transient, of mild to moderate intensity, occurred primarily with the starting dose and led to few discontinuations (<1%). Grade 3 injection site reactions occurred in 2% or less of patients receiving degarelix.
Hepatic laboratory abnormalities were primarily Grade 1 or 2 and were generally reversible. Grade 3 hepatic laboratory abnormalities occurred in less than 1% of patients.
In 1-5% of patients the following adverse reactions, not already listed, were considered related to FIRMAGON by the investigator:
Body as a whole: Asthenia, fever, night sweats; Digestive system: Nausea; Nervous system: Dizziness, headache, insomnia.
The following adverse reactions, not already listed, were reported to be drug-related by the investigator in ≥1% of patients: erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia, hyperhidrosis, testicular atrophy, and diarrhea.
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 a GnRH agonist. It can be anticipated that long periods of medical castration in men will result in decreased bone density.
Anti-degarelix antibody development has been observed in 10% of patients after treatment with FIRMAGON for 1 year. There is no indication that the efficacy or safety of FIRMAGON treatment is affected by antibody formation.
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
No drug-drug interaction studies were conducted.
Degarelix is not a substrate for the human CYP450 system. Degarelix is not an inducer or inhibitor of the CYP450 system in vitro. Therefore, clinically significant CYP450 pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions are unlikely.
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1 Pregnancy
Category X [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
Women who are or may become pregnant should not take FIRMAGON.
When degarelix was given to rabbits during early organogenesis at doses of 0.002 mg/kg/day (about 0.02% of the clinical loading dose on a mg/m2 basis), there was an increase in early post-implantation loss. Degarelix given to rabbits during mid and late organogenesis at doses of 0.006 mg/kg/day (about 0.05% of the clinical loading dose on a mg/m2 basis) caused embryo/fetal lethality and abortion. When degarelix was given to female rats during early organogenesis, at doses of 0.0045 mg/kg/day (about 0.036% of the clinical loading dose on a mg/m2 basis), there was an increase in early post-implantation loss. When degarelix was given to female rats during mid and late organogenesis, at doses of 0.045 mg/kg/day (about 0.36% of the clinical loading dose on a mg/m2 basis), there was an increase in the number of minor skeletal abnormalities and variants.
8.3 Nursing Mothers
FIRMAGON is not indicated for use in women and is contraindicated in women who are or who may become pregnant. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from degarelix, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
8.5 Geriatric Use
Of the total number of subjects in clinical studies of FIRMAGON, 82% were age 65 and over, while 42% were age 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
8.6 Renal Impairment
No pharmacokinetic studies in renally impaired patients have been conducted. At least 20-30% of a given dose of degarelix is excreted unchanged in the urine.
A population pharmacokinetic analysis of data from the randomized study demonstrated that there is no significant effect of mild renal impairment [creatinine clearance (CrCL) 50-80 mL/min] on either the degarelix concentration or testosterone concentration. Data on patients with moderate or severe renal impairment is limited and therefore degarelix should be used with caution in patients with CrCL < 50 mL/min.
8.7 Hepatic Impairment
Patients with hepatic impairment were excluded from the randomized trial. A single dose of 1 mg degarelix administered as an intravenous infusion over 1 hour was studied in 16 non-prostate cancer patients with either mild (Child Pugh A) or moderate (Child Pugh B) hepatic impairment. Compared to non-prostate cancer patients with normal liver function, the exposure of degarelix decreased by 10% and 18% in patients with mild and moderate hepatic impairment, respectively. Therefore, dose adjustment is not necessary in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment. However, since hepatic impairment can lower degarelix exposure, it is recommended that in patients with hepatic impairment testosterone concentrations should be monitored on a monthly basis until medical castration is achieved. Once medical castration is achieved, an every-other-month testosterone monitoring approach could be considered.
Patients with severe hepatic dysfunction have not been studied and caution is therefore warranted in this group.
10 OVERDOSAGE
There have been no reports of overdose with FIRMAGON. In the case of overdose, however, discontinue FIRMAGON, treat the patient symptomatically, and institute supportive measures.
As with all prescription drugs, this medicine should be kept out of the reach of children.
SEE FIRMAGON PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
11 DESCRIPTION
FIRMAGON is a sterile lyophilized powder for injection containing degarelix (as the acetate) and mannitol. Degarelix is a synthetic linear decapeptide amide containing seven unnatural amino acids, five of which are D-amino acids. The acetate salt of degarelix is a white to off-white amorphous powder of low density as obtained after lyophilization.
The chemical name of degarelix is D-Alaninamide, N-acetyl-3-(2-naphthalenyl)-D-alanyl-4-chloro-D-phenylalanyl-3-(3-pyridinyl)-D-alanyl-L-seryl-4-[[[(4S)-hexahydro-2,6-dioxo-4-pyrimidinyl]carbonyl]amino]-L phenylalanyl-4-[(aminocarbonyl)amino]-D-phenylalanyl-L leucyl-N6–(1-methylethyl)-L-lysyl-L-prolyl. It has an empirical formula of C82H103N18O16Cl and a molecular weight of 1632.3 Da.
Degarelix has the following structural formula:
FIRMAGON delivers degarelix acetate, equivalent to 120 mg of degarelix for the starting dose, and 80 mg of degarelix for the maintenance dose. The 80 mg vial contains 200 mg mannitol and the 120 mg vial contains 150 mg mannitol.
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1 Mechanism of Action
Degarelix is a GnRH receptor antagonist. It binds reversibly to the pituitary GnRH receptors, thereby reducing the release of gonadotropins and consequently testosterone.
12.2 Pharmacodynamics
A single dose of 240 mg FIRMAGON causes a decrease in the plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and subsequently testosterone.
FIRMAGON is effective in achieving and maintaining testosterone suppression below the castration level of 50 ng/dL.
Figure 1: Plasma Testosterone Levels from Day 0 to 364 for Degarelix 240 mg/80 mg (Median with Interquartile Ranges)
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
FIRMAGON forms a depot upon subcutaneous administration, from which degarelix is released to the circulation. Following administration of FIRMAGON 240 mg at a product concentration of 40 mg/mL, the mean Cmax was 26.2 ng/mL (coefficient of variation, CV 83%) and the mean AUC was 1054 ng∙day/mL (CV 35%). Typically Cmax occurred within 2 days after subcutaneous administration. In prostate cancer patients at a product concentration of 40 mg/mL, the pharmacokinetics of degarelix were linear over a dose range of 120 to 240 mg. The pharmacokinetic behavior of the drug is strongly influenced by its concentration in the injection solution.
Distribution
The distribution volume of degarelix after intravenous (> 1 L/kg) or subcutaneous administration (> 1000L ) indicates that degarelix is distributed throughout total body water. In vitro plasma protein binding of degarelix is estimated to be approximately 90%.
Metabolism
Degarelix is subject to peptide hydrolysis during the passage of the hepato-biliary system and is mainly excreted as peptide fragments in the feces. No quantitatively significant metabolites were detected in plasma samples after subcutaneous administration. In vitro studies have shown that degarelix is not a substrate, inducer or inhibitor of the CYP450 or p-glycoprotein transporter systems.
Excretion
Following subcutaneous administration of 240 mg FIRMAGON at a concentration of 40 mg/mL to prostate cancer patients, degarelix is eliminated in a biphasic fashion, with a median terminal half-life of approximately 53 days. The long half-life after subcutaneous administration is a consequence of a very slow release of degarelix from the FIRMAGON depot formed at the injection site(s). Approximately 20-30% of a given dose of degarelix was renally excreted, suggesting that approximately 70-80% is excreted via the hepato-biliary system in humans. Following subcutaneous administration of degarelix to prostate cancer patients the clearance is approximately 9 L/hr.
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Degarelix was administered subcutaneously to rats every 2 weeks for 2 years at doses of 2, 10 and 25 mg/kg (about 9, 45 and 120% of the recommended human loading dose on a mg/m2 basis). Long term treatment with degarelix at 25 mg/kg caused an increase in the combined incidence of benign hemangiomas plus malignant hemangiosarcomas in females.
Degarelix was administered subcutaneously to mice every 2 weeks for 2 years at doses of 2, 10 and 50 mg/kg (about 5, 22 and 120% of the recommended human loading dose (240 mg) on a mg/m2 basis). There was no statistically significant increase in tumor incidence associated with this treatment.
Degarelix did not cause genetic damage in standard in vitro assays (bacterial mutation, human lymphocyte chromosome aberration) nor in in vivo rodent bone marrow micronucleus tests.
Single degarelix doses of ≥ 1 mg/kg (about 5% of the clinical loading dose on a mg/m2 basis) caused reversible infertility in male rats. Single doses of ≥ 0.1 mg/kg (about 0.5% of the clinical loading dose on a mg/m2 basis) caused a decrease in fertility in female rats.
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
The safety and efficacy of FIRMAGON were evaluated in an open-label, multi-center, randomized, parallel-group study in patients with prostate cancer A total of 620 patients were randomized to receive one of two FIRMAGON dosing regimens or leuprolide for one year:
- FIRMAGON at a starting dose of 240 mg (40 mg/mL) followed by monthly doses of 160 mg (40 mg/mL) subcutaneously,
- FIRMAGON at a starting dose of 240 mg (40 mg/mL) followed by monthly doses of 80 mg (20 mg/mL) subcutaneously,
- leuprolide 7.5 mg intramuscularly monthly.
Serum levels of testosterone were measured at screening, on Day 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 in the first month, and then monthly until the end of the study.
The clinical trial population (n=610) across all treatment arms had an overall median age of approximately 73 (range 50 to 98). The ethnic/racial distribution was 84% white, 6% black and 10% others. Disease stage was distributed approximately as follows: 20% metastatic, 29% locally advanced (T3/T4 Nx M0 or N1 M0), 31% localized (T1 or T2 N0 M0) and 20% classified as other (including patients whose disease metastatic status could not be determined definitively - or patients with PSA relapse after primary curative therapy). In addition, the median testosterone baseline value across treatment arms was approximately 400 ng/dL.
The primary objective was to demonstrate that FIRMAGON is effective with respect to achieving and maintaining testosterone suppression to castration levels (T ≤ 50 ng/dL), during 12 months treatment. The results are shown in Table 2.
| FIRMAGON 240/160 mg N=202 | FIRMAGON 240/80 mg N=207 | Leuprolide 7.5 mg N=201 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
|||
| No. of Responders | 199 | 202 | 194 |
| Castration Rate (95% CIs)* | 98.3% (94.8; 99.4) | 97.2% (93.5; 98.8) | 96.4% (92.5; 98.2) |
Percentage changes in testosterone from baseline to Day 28 (median with interquartile ranges) are shown in Figure 2 and the percentages of patients who attained the medical castration of testosterone ≤ 50 ng/dL are summarized in Table 3.
Figure 2: Percentage Change in Testosterone from Baseline by Treatment Group until Day 28 (Median with Interquartile Ranges)
| FIRMAGON 240/160 mg N=202 | FIRMAGON 240/80 mg N=207 | Leuprolide 7.5 mg N=201 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 44% | 52% | 0% |
| Day 3 | 96% | 96% | 0% |
| Day 7 | 99% | 99% | 1% |
| Day 14 | 99% | 99% | 18% |
| Day 28 | 99% | 100% | 100% |
In the clinical trial, PSA levels were monitored as a secondary endpoint. PSA levels were lowered by 64% two weeks after administration of FIRMAGON, 85% after one month, 95% after three months, and remained suppressed throughout the one year of treatment. These PSA results should be interpreted with caution because of the heterogeneity of the patient population studied. No evidence has shown that the rapidity of PSA decline is related to a clinical benefit.
15 REFERENCES
- NIOSH Alert: Preventing occupational exposures to antineoplastic and other hazardous drugs in healthcare settings. 2004. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2004-165.
- OSHA Technical Manual, TED 1-0.15A, Section VI: Chapter 2. Controlling Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Drugs. OSHA, 1999.
http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_vi/otm_vi_2.html - American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. ASHP guidelines on handling hazardous drugs. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 2006; 63:1172-1193.
- Polovich, M., White, J. M., & Kelleher, L.O. (eds.) 2005. Chemotherapy and biotherapy guidelines and recommendations for practice (2nd. ed.) Pittsburgh, PA: Oncology Nursing Society.
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
FIRMAGON is available as:
- NDC 55566-8403-1, Starting dose – One carton contains:
Two vials each with 120 mg powder for injection
Two prefilled syringes containing 3 mL of sterile water for injection, USP
Two vial adapters
Two administration needles - NDC 55566-8303-1, Maintenance dose – One carton contains:
One vial with 80 mg powder for injection
One prefilled syringe containing 4.2 mL of sterile water for injection, USP
One vial adapter
One administration needle
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F).
Caution should be exercised in handling and preparing the solution of FIRMAGON. Several guidelines on proper handling and disposal of anticancer drugs have been published.1-4 To minimize the risk of dermal exposure, always wear impervious gloves when handling FIRMAGON. If FIRMAGON solution contacts the skin, immediately wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water. If FIRMAGON contacts mucous membranes, the membranes should be flushed immediately and thoroughly with water [see Contraindications (4) and Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
(See FDA-approved Patient Labeling 17.2)
17.1 Information
- -
- Patients should be instructed to read the Patient Labeling carefully.
- -
- Patients should be informed of the possible side effects of androgen deprivation therapy, including hot flashes, flushing of the skin, increased weight, decreased sex drive, and difficulties with erectile function. Possible side effects related to therapy with FIRMAGON include redness, swelling, and itching at the injection site; these are usually mild, self limiting, and decrease within three days.
Manufactured for:
Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc., Parsippany, NJ 07054
By: Rentschler Biotechnologie GmbH, Germany
6415-08
Rev. 04/2013
FIRMAGON (FIRM-uh-gahn)
(degarelix for injection)
Read this patient information leaflet before you start taking FIRMAGON and each time you get a refill.
There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.
What is FIRMAGON?
FIRMAGON is a prescripition medicine used in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
It is not known if FIRMAGON is safe or effective in children.
Who should not use FIRMAGON?
FIRMAGON should not be given to:
- people who are allergic to any ingredient in FIRMAGON. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in FIRMAGON.
- women who are pregnant or may become pregnant
Talk to your healthcare provider before getting FIRMAGON if you have any of these conditions.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before receiving FIRMAGON?
Before receiving FIRMAGON, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:
- have any heart problems
- have problems with balance of your body salts or electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, calcium,and magnesium
- have kidney or liver problems
- are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. It is not known if FIRMAGON passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take FIRMAGON or breast-feed. You should not do either without talking with your healthcare provider.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you are taking or have taken any medicines for your heart.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I receive FIRMAGON?
You will receive an injection of FIRMAGON from your healthcare provider.
- The injection site will always be in the abdominal area but will change within that area with the next doses of FIRMAGON.
- The injected medicine gives you a continuous release of FIRMAGON over one month.
- Two injections are given as a first dose and the following monthly doses are one injection.
- Make sure your injection site is free of any pressure from belts, waistbands or other types of clothing.
- Always set up an appointment for your next injection.
- If you miss a dose of FIRMAGON, or if you think you forgot to get your monthly dose of FIRMAGON, talk to your healthcare provider about how to get your next dose.
What are the possible side effects of FIRMAGON?
The common side effects include:
- hot flashes
- injection site pain, redness, and swelling, especially with the first dose
- weight gain
- increase in some liver enzymes
- tiredness
- hypertension
- back and joint pain
- chills
- urinary tract infection
- decreased sex drive and trouble with erectile function (impotence)
These are not all the possible side effects. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
General information about the safe and effective use of FIRMAGON.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in the patient leaflet. Do not use FIRMAGON for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give FIRMAGON to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
This patient information leaflet summarizes the most important information about FIRMAGON. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about FIRMAGON that is written for health professionals.
For more information, go to www.FIRMAGON.com or call 1-888-FERRING (1-888-337-7464)
What are the ingredients in FIRMAGON?
Active ingredient: degarelix (as acetate)
Inactive ingredient: mannitol
Manufactured for:
Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc., Parsippany, NJ 07054
By: Rentschler Biotechnologie GmbH, Germany
6415-08
Rev. 04/2013
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 240 mg Kit Carton
NDC 55566-8403-1
FERRING
PHARMACEUTICALS
FIRMAGON® 240mg*
(degarelix for injection)
* 240 mg dose administered from
two vials each containing 120 mg
For single use subcutaneous injection only
Discard unused portion
Kit contents:
- 2
- vials each with 120 mg powder for injection
- 2
- syringes with sterile water for injection, USP
for reconstitution/administration - 2
- vial adapters
- 2
- administration needles
Initiation Dose
Rx only
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 80 mg Kit Carton
NDC 55566-8303-1
FERRING
PHARMACEUTICALS
FIRMAGON® 80mg
(degarelix for injection)
For single use subcutaneous injection only
Discard unused portion
Kit contents:
- 1
- vial with 80 mg powder for injection
- 1
- syringe with sterile water for injection, USP
for reconstitution/administration - 1
- vial adapter
- 1
- administration needle
Maintenance Dose (28 Days)
Rx only
| FIRMAGON
degarelix kit |
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| FIRMAGON
degarelix kit |
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| Labeler - Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. (103722955) |
| Establishment | |||
| Name | Address | ID/FEI | Business Operations |
| Rentschler Biotechnologie GmbH | 332952766 | MANUFACTURE(55566-8403, 55566-8303) | |
| Establishment | |||
| Name | Address | ID/FEI | Business Operations |
| Ferring International Center SA | 481210362 | PACK(55566-8403, 55566-8303) | |
| Establishment | |||
| Name | Address | ID/FEI | Business Operations |
| Ferring Gmbh - Kiel | 328609615 | MANUFACTURE(55566-8403, 55566-8303), ANALYSIS(55566-8403, 55566-8303) | |
| Establishment | |||
| Name | Address | ID/FEI | Business Operations |
| PolyPeptide Laboratories | 356580779 | API MANUFACTURE(55566-8403, 55566-8303) | |