DESCRIPTION

Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Injection USP is a sterile, long-acting preparation of the caproate ester of the naturally-occurring progestational hormone, hydroxyprogesterone, in an oil solution for intramuscular use.

The chemical name for hydroxyprogesterone caproate is pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, 17[(1-oxohexyl)oxy]. It has an empirical formula of C27H40O4 and a molecular weight of 428.60. Hydroxyprogesterone caproate exists as white to creamy white crystalline powder.

The structural formula is:

Each 5 mL multiple dose vial contains hydroxyprogesterone caproate, 250 mg/mL, in castor oil (28.6% v/v) and benzyl benzoate (46% v/v) with the preservative benzyl alcohol (2% v/v).

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Hydroxyprogesterone is a potent, long-acting, progestational steroid ester which transforms proliferative endothelium into secretory endothelium, induces mammary gland duct development, and inhibits the production and/or release of gonadotropic hormone; it also shows slight estrogenic, androgenic, or corticoid effects as well, but should not be relied upon for these effects.

In advanced adenocarcinoma of the uterine corpus, Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Injection in a dosage of 1,000 mg or more, one or more times each week, often induces regressive changes.

Absorption: Peak serum levels of hydroxyprogesterone caproate appeared after 3 to 7 days in non-pregnant female subjects following a single intramuscular injection of 1,000 mg hydroxyprogesterone caproate. The pharmacokinetics of the 250 mg dose of hydroxyprogesterone caproate has not been evaluated in a study.

Metabolism: The conjugated metabolites include sulfated and glucuronidated products. In vitro data indicate that the metabolism of hydroxyprogesterone caproate is predominantly mediated by CYP3A4 and CYP3A5.

Excretion: Both conjugated metabolites and free steroids are excreted in the urine and feces, with the conjugated metabolites being prominent.

Hepatic Impairment

The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of hydroxyprogesterone caproate has not been evaluated.

Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is extensively metabolized and hepatic impairment may reduce the elimination of hydroxyprogesterone caproate.

Renal Impairment

The effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of hydroxyprogesterone caproate has not been evaluated.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Injection USP is indicated in non-pregnant women: for the treatment of advanced adenocarcinoma of the uterine corpus (Stage III or IV); in the management of amenorrhea (primary and secondary) and abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance in the absence of organic pathology, such as submucous fibroids or uterine cancer; as a test for endogenous estrogen production and for the production of secretory endometrium and desquamation.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected carcinoma of the breast, other hormone-sensitive cancer, or history of these conditions; undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding; liver dysfunction or disease; missed abortion, and in those with a history of hypersensitivity to the drug. Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is also contraindicated as a diagnostic test for pregnancy and in patients with current or history of thrombotic or thromboembolic disorders.

WARNINGS

Thrombotic and Thromboembolic Events

Discontinue the medication pending examination if there is a sudden partial or complete loss of vision or if there is a sudden onset of proptosis, diplopia, or migraine. Medication should be stopped if examination reveals papilledema or retinal vascular lesions.

Allergic reactions

Hypersensitivity reaction to progestins have been reported. Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is contraindicated in women with a history of hypersensitivity to a progestin.

Glucose tolerance

Progestins may decrease glucose tolerance and the blood glucose concentration should be monitored in diabetic users.

PRECAUTIONS

Detectable amounts of progestins have been identified in the milk of mothers receiving the drug. Many studies have found no adverse effects of progestins on breastfeeding performance, or on the health, growth, or development of the infant.

Because progestational drugs may cause some degree of fluid retention, conditions that might be influenced by this effect, such as asthma, migraine, epilepsy, or cardiac or renal dysfunction require careful observation.

The pretreatment physical examination should include examination of the breasts and pelvic organs and a Papanicolaou smear.

In relation to irregular bleeding which does not respond predictably to the hormone therapy, nonfunctional causes should be borne in mind and adequate diagnostic measures instituted.

Any influence of prolonged sex hormone medication on pituitary, ovarian, adrenal, hepatic, or uterine function awaits further study.

The pathologist should be advised of progesterone therapy when relevant specimens are submitted.

Patients who have a history of psychic depression should be carefully observed and the drug discontinued if the depression recurs to a serious degree.

Information For The Patient

Counsel patients that hydroxyprogesterone caproate injections may cause pain, soreness, swelling, itching or bruising. Inform the patient to contact her physician if she notices increased discomfort over time, oozing of blood or fluid, or inflammatory reactions at the injection site.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-308-6755 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

A. Serious arterial thrombotic and venous thromboembolic events, including cases of pulmonary emboli (some fatal), deep vein thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and strokes, have been reported in women using progestins.

B. Neuroocular lesions (e.g., retinal thrombosis and optic neuritis); nausea; vomiting; gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal cramps or bloating); edema; breakthrough bleeding, spotting, or withdrawal bleeding; breast tenderness; changes in body weight (increase or decrease); headache; increase in cervical mucus; allergic rash; abscess; pain at the injection site; migraine headaches.

C. Chloasma or melasma, cholestatic jaundice, rise in blood pressure, mental depression, and amenorrhea during or after treatment.

D. Post-treatment anovulation, cystitis, hirsutism, loss of scalp hair, changes in libido, changes in appetite, dizziness, fatigue, backache, itching, or amenorrhea.

E. The following laboratory tests may be affected by progestins: hepatic function (increased sulfobromophthalein retention and other tests); coagulation tests (increase in prothrombin and Factors VII, VIII, IX, and X); thyroid function tests (increase in PBI and butanol extractable protein-bound iodine, decrease in T3 uptake values).

A few instances of coughing, dyspnea, constriction of the chest, and/or allergic-like reactions have occurred following hydroxyprogesterone caproate therapy; the likelihood of these occurring may be increased at higher dosage levels.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Suggested dosages are presented in the therapy guide.
Because of the low viscosity of the vehicle, Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Injection may be administered with a small gauge needle. Care should be taken to inject the preparation deeply into the upper outer quadrant of the gluteal muscle following the usual precautions for intramuscular injection. Since the 250 mg potency provides a high concentration in a small volume, particular care should be observed to administer the full dose.

Note: Use of a wet needle or syringe may cause the solution to become cloudy; however, this does not affect the potency of the material.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

Protect from light. Store vial in its box. Store upright. Discard any unused product within 28 days after first use.

THERAPY GUIDE

CYCLIC THERAPY SCHEDULE: (28-day cycle; repeated every 4 weeks)
Day 1 of each cycle: 20 mg Estradiol Valerate Injection USP
2 weeks after Day 1: 250 mg Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Injection USP and 5 mg Estradiol Valerate Injection USP
4 weeks after Day 1: This is Day 1 of next cycle

HOW SUPPLIED

Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Injection USP is available in vials providing hydroxyprogesterone caproate with a potency of 250 mg per mL. The product is formulated in castor oil and 46% benzyl benzoate and containing 2% (v/v) benzyl alcohol as a preservative. The product is available as a single, multiple dose, 5 mL vial (NDC 62559-540-15) or as a tray pack containing five (5), multiple dose, 5 mL vials (NDC 62559-540-55).

Storage

Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Injection USP should be stored at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Storage at low temperatures may result in the separation of some crystalline material which redissolves readily on heating in boiling water.

Protect from light. Store vial in its box. Store upright. Discard any unused product within 28 days after first use.

Manufactured by:
McGuff Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Santa Ana, CA 92704

Distributed by:
ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Baudette, MN 56623

MD381-0051
9919 Rev 06/16

Package Label

Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Injection USP, 1.25 g/5 mL (250 mg/mL)
NDC 62559-540-15
Rx only
5 mL, Multiple Dose Vial