Leuprolide Acetate for Depot Suspension

Name: Leuprolide Acetate for Depot Suspension

How supplied

Dosage Forms And Strengths

LUPRON DEPOT 7.5 mg for 1-month administration, 22.5 mg for 3-month administration, 30 mg for 4-month administration, and 45 mg for 6-month administration are each supplied as a kit with prefilled dual chamber syringe.

Storage And Handling

Each LUPRON DEPOT 7.5 mg for 1-month administration kit (NDC 0074-3642-03), 22.5 mg for 3-month administration kit (NDC 0074-3346-03), 30 mg for 4-month administration kit (NDC 0074-3683-03), 45 mg for 6-month administration kit (NDC 0074-3473-03) contains:

  • one prefilled dual-chamber syringe containing needle with LuproLoc® safety device
  • one plunger
  • two alcohol swabs
  • a complete prescribing information enclosure

The prefilled dual-chamber syringe of LUPRON DEPOT 7.5 mg for 1-month administration contains sterile lyophilized microspheres of leuprolide acetate incorporated in a biodegradable lactic acid/glycolic acid copolymer.

The prefilled dual-chamber syringe of LUPRON DEPOT 22.5 mg for 3-month administration, 30 mg for 4-month administration, 45 mg for 6-month administration contains sterile lyophilized microspheres of leuprolide acetate incorporated in a biodegradable lactic acid polymer.

When mixed with 1 mL of accompanying diluent, LUPRON DEPOT 7.5 mg for 1-month administration is administered as a single monthly intramuscular injection.

When mixed with 1.5 mL of accompanying diluent, LUPRON DEPOT 22.5 mg for 3-month administration is administered as a single intramuscular injection EVERY 12 WEEKS.

When mixed with 1.5 mL of accompanying diluent, LUPRON DEPOT 30 mg for 4-month administration is administered as a single intramuscular injection EVERY 16 WEEKS.

When mixed with 1.5 mL of accompanying diluent, LUPRON DEPOT 45 mg for 6-month administration is administered as a single intramuscular injection EVERY 24 WEEKS.

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C–30°C (59°F–86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Manufactured for : AbbVie Inc. North Chicago, IL 60064 by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited Osaka, Japan 540-8645. Revised: June 2016

Side effects

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.

LUPRON DEPOT 7.5 mg For 1-Month Administration

In the majority of patients testosterone levels increased above baseline during the first week, declining thereafter to baseline levels or below by the end of the second week of treatment.

Potential exacerbations of signs and symptoms during the first few weeks of treatment is a concern in patients with vertebral metastases and/or urinary obstruction or hematuria which, if aggravated, may lead to neurological problems such as temporary weakness and/or paresthesia of the lower limbs or worsening of urinary symptoms [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

In a clinical trial of LUPRON DEPOT 7.5 mg for 1-month administration, the following adverse reactions were reported in 5% or more of the patients during the initial 24-week treatment period.

Table 2: Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 5% of Patients

LUPRON DEPOT 7.5 mg for 1-Month Administration (N=56)
  N (%)
Body As A Whole
General pain 13 (23.2)
Infection 3 (5.4)
Cardiovascular System
Hot flashes/sweats* 32 (57.1)
Digestive System
GI disorders 8 (14.3)
Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders
Edema 8 (14.3)
Nervous System
Libido decreased* 3 (5.4)
Respiratory System
Respiratory disorder 6 (10.7)
Urogenital System
Urinary disorder 7 (12.5)
Impotence* 3 (5.4)
Testicular atrophy* 3 (5.4)
* Due to the expected physiologic effect of decreased testosterone levels.

In this same study, the following adverse reactions were reported in less than 5% of the patients on LUPRON DEPOT 7.5 mg for 1-month administration.

Body As A Whole - Asthenia, Cellulitis, Fever, Headache, Injection site reaction, Neoplasm

Cardiovascular System - Angina, Congestive heart failure

Digestive System - Anorexia, Dysphagia, Eructation, Peptic ulcer

Hemic and Lymphatic System - Ecchymosis

Musculoskeletal System - Myalgia

Nervous System - Agitation, Insomnia/sleep disorders, Neuromuscular disorders

Respiratory System - Emphysema, Hemoptysis, Lung edema, Sputum increased

Skin and Appendages - Hair disorder, Skin reaction

Urogenital System - Balanitis, Breast enlargement, Urinary tract infection

Laboratory Abnormalities

Abnormalities of certain parameters were observed, but their relationship to drug treatment are difficult to assess in this population. The following were recorded in ≥ 5% of patients at final visit: Decreased albumin, decreased hemoglobin/hematocrit, decreased prostatic acid phosphatase, decreased total protein, decreased urine specific gravity, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, increased BUN, increased creatinine, increased liver function tests (AST, LDH), increased phosphorus, increased platelets, increased prostatic acid phosphatase, increased total cholesterol, increased urine specific gravity, leukopenia.

LUPRON DEPOT 22.5 mg For 3-Month Administration

In two clinical trials of LUPRON DEPOT 22.5 mg for 3-month administration, the following adverse reactions were reported to have a possible or probable relationship to drug as ascribed by the treating physician in 5% or more of the patients receiving the drug. Often, causality is difficult to assess in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Reactions considered not drug-related are excluded.

Table 3: Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 5% of Patients

LUPRON DEPOT 22.5 mg for 3-Month Administration
Body System/Reaction N=94 (%)
Body As A Whole
Asthenia 7 (7.4)
General Pain 25 (26.6)
Headache 6 (6.4)
Injection Site Reaction 13 (13.8)
Cardiovascular System
Hot flashes/Sweats 55 (58.5)
Digestive System
GI Disorders 15 (16.0)
Musculoskeletal System
Joint Disorders 11 (117)
Central/Peripheral Nervous System
Dizziness/Vertigo 6 (6.4)
Insomnia/Sleep Disorders 8 (8.5)
Neuromuscular Disorders 9 (9.6)
Respiratory System
Respiratory Disorders 6 (6.4)
Skin and Appendages
Skin Reaction 8 (8.5)
Urogenital System
Testicular Atrophy 19 (20.2)
Urinary Disorders 14 (14.9)

In these same studies, the following adverse reactions were reported in less than 5% of the patients on LUPRON DEPOT 22.5 mg for 3-month administration.

Body As A Whole - Enlarged abdomen, Fever

Cardiovascular System - Arrhythmia, Bradycardia, Heart failure, Hypertension, Hypotension, Varicose vein

Digestive System - Anorexia, Duodenal ulcer, Increased appetite, Thirst/dry mouth

Hemic and Lymphatic System - Anemia, Lymphedema

Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders - Dehydration, Edema Central/Peripheral

Nervous System - Anxiety, Delusions, Depression, Hypesthesia, Libido decreased*, Nervousness, Paresthesia

Respiratory System - Epistaxis, Pharyngitis, Pleural effusion, Pneumonia

Special Senses - Abnormal vision, Amblyopia, Dry eyes, Tinnitus

Urogenital System - Gynecomastia, Impotence*, Penis disorders, Testis disorders.

* Physiologic effect of decreased testosterone.

Laboratory Abnormalities

Abnormalities of certain parameters were observed, but are difficult to assess in this population. The following were recorded in ≥ 5% of patients: Increased BUN, Hyperglycemia, Hyperlipidemia (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides), Hyperphosphatemia, Abnormal liver function tests, Increased PT, Increased PTT. Additional laboratory abnormalities reported were: Decreased platelets, Decreased potassium and Increased WBC.

LUPRON DEPOT 30 mg For 4-Month Administration

The 4-month formulation of LUPRON DEPOT 30 mg was utilized in clinical trials that studied the drug in 49 nonorchiectomized prostate cancer patients for 32 weeks or longer and in 24 orchiectomized prostate cancer patients for 20 weeks.

In the above described clinical trials, the following adverse reactions were reported in ≥ 5% of the patients during the treatment period.

Table 4: Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 5% of Patients

LUPRON DEPOT 30 mg for 4-Month Administration
Body System/Events Non orchiectomized Study 013 Orchiectomized Study 012
N=49 (%) N=24 (%)
Body As A Whole
Asthenia 6 (12.2) 1 (4.2)
Flu Syndrome 6 (12.2) 0 (0.0)
General Pain 16 (32.7) 1 (4.2)
Headache 5 (10.2) 1 (4.2)
Injection Site Reaction 4 (8.2) 9 (37.5)
Cardiovascular System
Hot flashes/Sweats 23 (46.9) 2 (8.3)
Digestive System
GI Disorders 5 (10.2) 3 (12.5)
Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders
Dehydration 4 (8.2) 0 (0.0)
Edema 4 (8.2) 5 (20.8)
Musculoskeletal System
Joint Disorder 8 (16.3) 1 (4.2)
Myalgia 4 (8.2) 0 (0.0)
Nervous System
Dizziness/Vertigo 3 (6.1) 2 (8.3)
Neuromuscular Disorders 3 (6.1) 1 (4.2)
Paresthesia 4 (8.2) 1 (4.2)
Respiratory System
Respiratory Disorder 4 (8.2) 1 (4.2)
Skin and Appendages
Skin Reaction 6 (12.2) 0 (0.0)
Urogenital System
Urinary Disorders 5 (10.2) 4 (16.7)

In these same studies, the following adverse reactions were reported in less than 5% of the patients on LUPRON DEPOT 30 mg for 4-month administration.

Body As A Whole - Abscess, Accidental injury, Allergic reaction, Cyst, Fever, Generalized edema, Hernia, Neck pain, Neoplasm

Cardiovascular System - Atrial fibrillation, Deep thrombophlebitis, Hypertension

Digestive System - Anorexia, Eructation, Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, Gingivitis, Gum hemorrhage, Hepatomegaly, Increased appetite, Intestinal obstruction, Periodontal abscess

Hemic and Lymphatic System - Lymphadenopathy

Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders - Healing abnormal, Hypoxia, Weight loss

Musculoskeletal System - Leg cramps, Pathological fracture, Ptosis

Nervous System - Abnormal thinking, Amnesia, Confusion, Convulsion, Dementia, Depression, Insomnia/sleep disorders, Libido decreased*, Neuropathy, Paralysis

Respiratory System - Asthma, Bronchitis, Hiccup, Lung disorder, Sinusitis, Voice alteration

Skin and Appendages - Herpes zoster, Melanosis

Urogenital System - Bladder carcinoma, Epididymitis, Impotence*, Prostate disorder, Testicular atrophy*, Urinary incontinence, Urinary tract infection.

* Physiologic effect of decreased testosterone.

Laboratory Abnormalities

Abnormalities of certain parameters were observed, but their relationship to drug treatment is difficult to assess in this population. The following were recorded in ≥ 5% of patients: Decreased bicarbonate, Decreased hemoglobin/hematocrit/RBC, Hyperlipidemia (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides), Decreased HDL-cholesterol, Eosinophilia, Increased glucose, Increased liver function tests (ALT, AST, GGTP, LDH), Increased phosphorus. Additional laboratory abnormalities were reported: Increased BUN and PT, Leukopenia, Thrombocytopenia, Uricaciduria.

LUPRON DEPOT 45 mg For 6-Month Administration

One open label, multicenter study was conducted with LUPRON DEPOT 45 mg for 6-month administration in 151 prostate cancer patients. Patients were treated for 48 weeks, with 139/151 receiving two injections 24 weeks apart.

In the above described clinical trial, the following adverse events were reported in ≥ 5% of the patients during the treatment period. The Table 5 includes all adverse events reported in ≥ 5% of patients as well as the incidences of these adverse events that were considered, by the treating physician, to have a definite or possible relationship to LUPRON.

Table 5: Adverse Events in ≥ 5% of Patients

LUPRON DEPOT 45 mg for 6-Month Administration
Adverse Event Treatment Emergent Treatment Related
N = 151 (%) N = 151 (%)
Hot Flush/Flushing 89 58.9 88 58.3
Injection Site Pain/Discomfort 29 19.2 16 10.6
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection/Influenza-like Illness1 32 21.2 0 0
F atigue/Lethargy 20 13.2 18 11.9
Constipation 15 9.9 5 3.3
Arthralgia 14 9.3 2 1.3
Insomnia/Sleep Disorder 13 8.6 5 3.3
Headache/Sinus Headache 12 7.9 3 2.0
Musculoskeletal Pain/ Myalgia 12 7.9 3 2.0
Second Primary Neoplasm2 11 7.3 0 0
Cough 10 6.6 2 1.3
Hematuria/Hemorrhagic Cystitis 10 6.6 0 0
Hypertension/BP Increased 10 6.6 3 2.0
Rash 9 6.0 3 2.0
Dysuria 9 6.0 1 0.7
Urinary Tract Infection/Cystitis 9 6.0 0 0
Anemia/Hemoglobin Decreased 10 6.6 2 1.3
Back Pain 8 5.3 0 0
COPD 8 5.3 0 0
Dizziness 8 5.3 3 2.0
Dyspnea/Dyspnea on Exertion 8 5.3 2 1.3
Nocturia 8 5.3 2 1.3
Peripheral/Pitting Edema 8 5.3 2 1.3
Coronary Artery Disease/Angina 8 5.3 1 0.7
1Includes influenza, nasal congestion, nasopharyngitis, rhinorrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and viral upper respiratory tract infection
2Includes basal cell carcinoma, bladder transitional cell carcinoma, lung neoplasm, malignant melanoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and squamous cell carcinoma

The following adverse events led to discontinuation; fatigue, hot flush, second primary neoplasm, asthenia, coronary artery disease, constipation, hyperkalemia, and sleep disorder. Serious adverse events in ≥ 2% of patients, regardless of causality, included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease/angina, cerebrovascular accident/transient ischemic attack, pneumonia, and second primary neoplasms.

Laboratory Abnormalities

At baseline, 13.9% of patients had a CTCAE v4.0 grade 1 or 2 decreased hemoglobin. During the study, 42.4% of subjects had grade 1 decreased hemoglobin (10 - < 12-5 g/dL), 2.0% had grade 2 ( 8 - < 10 g/dL) and 1.3% of subjects had grade 3 or 4 ( < 8 g/dL). Likewise, 28.5% of patients had a grade 1 or 2 increased cholesterol at baseline while 55.0% had grade 1 increased cholesterol ( > 199- 300 mg/dL), 3.3% had a grade 2 increase ( > 300-400 mg/dL), and 0.7% of subjects had grade 3 ( > 400 mg/dL) during the study.

Postmarketing

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of LUPRON DEPOT. Because these 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.

During postmarketing surveillance, which includes other dosage forms and other patient populations, the following adverse reactions were reported.

Like other drugs in this class, mood swings, including depression, have been reported. There have been very rare reports of suicidal ideation and attempt. Many, but not all, of these patients had a history of depression or other psychiatric illness. Patients should be counseled on the possibility of development or worsening of depression during treatment with LUPRON.

Symptoms consistent with an anaphylactoid or asthmatic process have been rarely (incidence rate of about 0.002%) reported. Rash, urticaria, and photosensitivity reactions have also been reported.

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 analog. In a clinical trial, 25 men with prostate cancer, 12 of whom had been treated previously with leuprolide acetate for at least six months, underwent bone density studies as a result of pain. The leuprolide-treated group had lower bone density scores than the nontreated control group. 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. In a majority of these cases, a pituitary adenoma was diagnosed, with a majority of pituitary apoplexy cases occurring within 2 weeks of the first dose, and some within the first hour. In these cases, pituitary apoplexy has presented as sudden headache, vomiting, visual changes, ophthalmoplegia, altered mental status, and sometimes cardiovascular collapse. Immediate medical attention has been required.

Localized reactions including induration and abscess have been reported at the site of injection.

Symptoms consistent with fibromyalgia (e.g., joint and muscle pain, headaches, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal distress, and shortness of breath) have been reported individually and collectively.

Cardiovascular System - Hypotension, Myocardial infarction, Pulmonary embolism

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorder - Interstitial lung disease

Hepato-biliary disorder - Serious drug-induced liver injury

Hemic and Lymphatic System - Decreased WBC

Central/Peripheral Nervous System - Convulsion, Peripheral neuropathy, Spinal fracture/paralysis

Endocrine System - Diabetes

Musculoskeletal System - Tenosynovitis-like symptoms

Urogenital System - Prostate pain

See other LUPRON DEPOT and LUPRON Injection package inserts for other reactions reported in women and pediatric populations.

Warnings

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Clinical pharmacology

Mechanism Of Action

Leuprolide acetate, a GnRH agonist, acts as an inhibitor of gonadotropin secretion. Animal studies indicate that following an initial stimulation, continuous administration of leuprolide acetate results in suppression of ovarian and testicular steroidogenesis. This effect was reversible upon discontinuation of drug therapy.

Administration of leuprolide acetate has resulted in inhibition of the growth of certain hormone dependent tumors (prostatic tumors in Noble and Dunning male rats and DMBA-induced mammary tumors in female rats) as well as atrophy of the reproductive organs.

Pharmacodynamics

In humans, administration of leuprolide acetate results in an initial increase in circulating concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), leading to a transient increase in concentrations of the gonadal steroids (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in males, and estrone and estradiol in premenopausal females). However, continuous administration of leuprolide acetate results in decreased concentrations of LH and FSH. In males, testosterone is reduced to castrate concentrations. In premenopausal females, estrogens are reduced to postmenopausal concentrations. These decreases occur within two to four weeks after initiation of treatment, and castrate concentrations of testosterone in prostatic cancer patients have been demonstrated for more than five years.

Leuprolide acetate is not active when given orally.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

LUPRON DEPOT 7.5 mg For 1-Month Administration

Following a single injection of LUPRON DEPOT 7.5 mg for 1-month administration to patients, mean plasma measured concentrations were 20 ng/mL at 4 hours and 0.36 ng/mL at 4 weeks. However, intact leuprolide and an inactive major metabolite could not be distinguished by the assay which was employed in the study.

LUPRON DEPOT 22.5 mg For 3-Month Administration

Following a single injection of LUPRON DEPOT 22.5 mg for 3-month administration in patients, mean peak plasma concentrations were 48.9 ng/mL at 4 hours and then declined to 0.67 ng/mL at 12 weeks. Leuprolide appeared to be released at a constant rate following the onset of steady-state concentrations during the third week after dosing, providing steady plasma concentrations through the 12-week dosing interval. However, intact leuprolide and an inactive major metabolite could not be distinguished by the assay which was employed in the study. The initial burst, followed by a decline to a steady-state concentration, was similar to the release pattern seen with the monthly formulation.

LUPRON DEPOT 30 mg For 4-Month Administration

Following a single injection of LUPRON DEPOT 30 mg for 4-month administration in sixteen orchiectomized prostate cancer patients, mean plasma concentrations were 59.3 ng/mL at 4 hours and then declined to 0.30 ng/mL at 16 weeks. Mean plasma concentrations from weeks 3.5 to 16 was 0.44 ± 0.20 ng/mL (range: 0.20-1.06). Leuprolide appeared to be released at a constant rate following the onset of steady-state concentrations during the fourth week after dosing, providing steady plasma concentrations throughout the 16-week dosing interval. However, intact leuprolide and an inactive major metabolite could not be distinguished by the assay which was employed in the study. The initial burst, followed by a decline to a steady-state concentration, was similar to the release pattern seen with the other depot formulations.

LUPRON DEPOT 45 mg For 6-Month Administration

Following a single injection of LUPRON DEPOT 45 mg for 6-month administration in 26 prostate cancer patients, mean peak plasma concentration of 6.7 ng/mL was observed at 2 hours and then declined to 0.07 ng/mL at 24 weeks. Leuprolide appeared to be released continuously following the onset of steady-state concentrations during the third week after dosing providing steady plasma concentrations through the 24-week dosing interval. The initial burst, followed by a decline to a steady-state concentration, was similar to the release pattern seen with the other depot formulations. In this study, mean plasma concentration-time profiles were similar after the first and second dose.

Distribution

The mean steady-state volume of distribution of leuprolide following intravenous bolus administration to healthy male volunteers was 27 L. In vitro binding to human plasma proteins ranged from 43% to 49%.

Elimination

The mean systemic clearance of leuprolide following intravenous bolus administration to healthy male volunteers was 7.6 L/h, and terminal elimination half-life was approximately 3 hours based on a two compartment model.

Following administration of LUPRON DEPOT 3.75 mg to 3 patients, less than 5% of the dose was recovered as parent and M-I metabolite in the urine.

Clinical Studies

LUPRON DEPOT 7.5 mg For 1-Month Administration

In an open-label, non-comparative, multicenter clinical study of LUPRON DEPOT 7.5 mg for 1month administration, 56 patients with stage D2 prostatic adenocarcinoma and no prior systemic treatment were enrolled. The objectives were to determine if a 7.5 mg depot formulation of leuprolide injected once every 4 weeks would reduce and maintain serum testosterone to castrate range ( ≤ 50 ng/dL), to evaluate objective clinical response, and to assess the safety of the formulation. During the initial 24 weeks, serum testosterone was measured weekly, biweekly, or every four weeks and objective tumor response assessments were performed at Weeks 12 and 24. Once the patient completed the initial 24-week treatment phase, treatment continued at the investigator's discretion. Data from the initial 24-week treatment phase are summarized in this section.

In the majority of patients, serum testosterone increased by 50% or more above baseline during the first week of treatment. Serum testosterone suppressed to the castrate range within 30 days of the initial depot injection in 94% (51/54) of patients for whom testosterone suppression was achieved (2 patients withdrew prior to onset of suppression) and within 66 days in all 54 patients. Mean serum testosterone suppressed to castrate level by Week 3. The median dosing interval between injections was 28 days. One escape from suppression (2 consecutive testosterone values greater than 50 ng/dL after achieving castrate level) was noted at Week 18, associated with a substantial dosing delay. In this patient, serum testosterone returned to the castrate range at the next monthly measurement. Serum testosterone was minimally above the castrate range on a single occasion for 4 other patients. No clinical significance was attributed to these rises in testosterone.

Figure 8: LUPRON DEPOT 7.5 mg for 1-Month Administration
Mean Serum Testosterone Concentrations

Secondary efficacy endpoints evaluated included objective tumor response, assessed by clinical evaluations of tumor burden (complete response, partial response, objectively stable, and progression), as well as changes in local disease status, assessed by digital rectal examination, and changes in prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP). These evaluations were performed at Weeks 12 and 24. The objective tumor response analysis showed a “no progression” (ie. complete or partial response, or stable disease) in 77% (40/52) of patients at Week 12, and in 84% (42/50) of patients at Week 24. Local disease improved or remained stable in all (42) patients evaluated at Week 12 and in 98% (41/42) of patients elevated at Week 24. PAP normalized or decreased at Week 12 and/or 24 in the majority of patients with elevated baseline PAP.

Periodic monitoring of serum testosterone and PSA levels is recommended, especially if the anticipated clinical or biochemical response to treatment has not been achieved. It should be noted that 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.

LUPRON DEPOT 22.5 mg For 3-Month Administration

In clinical studies, serum testosterone was suppressed to castrate within 30 days in 87 of 92 (95%) patients and within an additional two weeks in three patients. Two patients did not suppress for 15 and 28 weeks, respectively. Suppression was maintained in all of these patients with the exception of transient minimal testosterone elevations in one of them, and in another an increase in serum testosterone to above the castrate range was recorded during the 12 hour observation period after a subsequent injection. This represents stimulation of gonadotropin secretion.

Figure 9: LUPRON DEPOT 22.5 mg for 3-Month Administration Mean Serum Testosterone Concentrations

An 85% rate of “no progression” was achieved during the initial 24 weeks of treatment. A decrease from baseline in serum PSA of ≥ 90% was reported in 71% of the patients and a change to within the normal range ( ≤ 3.99 ng/mL) in 63% of the patients.

Periodic monitoring of serum testosterone and PSA levels is recommended, especially if the anticipated clinical or biochemical response to treatment has not been achieved. It should be noted that 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.

LUPRON DEPOT 30 mg For 4-Month Administration

In an open-label, noncomparative, multicenter clinical study of LUPRON DEPOT 30 mg for 4month administration, 49 patients with stage D2 prostatic adenocarcinoma (with no prior treatment) were enrolled. The objectives were to determine whether a 30 mg depot formulation of leuprolide injected once every 16 weeks would reduce and maintain serum testosterone levels at castrate levels ( ≤ 50 ng/dL), and to assess the safety of the formulation. The study was divided into an initial 32-week treatment phase and a long-term treatment phase. Serum testosterone levels were determined biweekly or weekly during the first 32 weeks of treatment. Once the patient completed the initial 32-week treatment period, treatment continued at the investigator's discretion with serum testosterone levels being done every 4 months prior to the injection.

In the majority of patients, testosterone levels increased 50% or more above the baseline during the first week of treatment. Mean serum testosterone subsequently suppressed to castrate levels within 30 days of the first injection in 94% of patients and within 43 days in all 49 patients during the initial 32-week treatment period. The median dosing interval between injections was 112 days. One escape from suppression (two consecutive testosterone values greater than 50 ng/dL after castrate levels achieved) was noted at Week 16. In this patient, serum testosterone increased to above the castrate range following the second depot injection (Week 16) but returned to the castrate level by Week 18. No adverse reactions were associated with this rise in serum testosterone. A second patient had a rise in testosterone at Week 17, then returned to the castrate level by Week 18 and remained there through Week 32. In the long-term treatment phase two patients experienced testosterone elevations, both at Week 48. Testosterone for one patient returned to the castrate range at Week 52, and one patient discontinued the study at Week 48 due to disease progression.

Secondary efficacy endpoints evaluated in the study were the objective tumor response as assessed by clinical evaluations of tumor burden (complete response, partial response, objectively stable and progression) and evaluations of changes in prostatic involvement and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). These evaluations were performed at Weeks 16 and 32 of the treatment phase. The long-term treatment phase monitored PSA at each visit (every 16 weeks). The objective tumor response analysis showed “no progression” (i.e. complete or partial response, or stable disease) in 86% (37/43) of patients at Week 16, and in 77% (37/48) of patients at Week 32. Local disease improved or remained stable in all patients evaluated at Week 16 and/or 32. For patients with elevated baseline PSA, 50% (23/46) had a normal PSA (less than 4.0 ng/mL) at Week 16, and 51% (19/37) had a normal PSA at Week 32.

Periodic monitoring of serum testosterone and PSA levels is recommended, especially if the anticipated clinical or biochemical response to treatment has not been achieved. It should be noted that 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.

Using historical comparisons, the safety and efficacy of LUPRON DEPOT 30 mg for 4-month administration appear similar to the other LUPRON DEPOT formulations.

Figure 10: LUPRON DEPOT 30 mg for 4-Month Administration Mean Serum Testosterone Concentrations

LUPRON DEPOT 45 mg For 6-Month Administration

An open-label, non-comparative, multicenter clinical study of LUPRON DEPOT 45 mg for 6month administration enrolled 151 patients with prostate cancer. The study drug was administered as two intramuscular injections of LUPRON DEPOT 45 mg at 24 week intervals (139/151 received 2 injections), and patients were followed for a total of 48 weeks.

Among 148 patients who had testosterone value at Week 4, serum testosterone was suppressed to castrate levels ( < 50 ng/dL) from Week 4 through Week 48 in an estimated 93.4% (two-sided 95% CI: 89.2%, 97.6%) of patients. One patient failed to achieve testosterone suppression by Week 4, and eight patients had escapes from suppression (any testosterone value > 50 ng/dL after castrate levels were achieved). Mean testosterone levels increased to 608 ng/dL from a baseline of 435 ng/dL during the first week of treatment. By Week 4, the mean testosterone concentration had decreased to below castrate levels (16 ng/dL).

Periodic monitoring of serum testosterone levels is recommended, especially if the anticipated clinical or biochemical response to treatment has not been achieved. Testosterone determinations are dependent on assay methodology and it is advisable to be aware of the type and precision of the assay methodology to make appropriate clinical and therapeutic decisions.

Figure 11 below shows the mean testosterone concentration at various time points.

Figure 11: LUPRON DEPOT 45 mg for 6-Month Administration Serum Testosterone Concentrations (Mean + SE)

What is leuprolide (eligard, lupron, lupron depot, lupron depot-ped)?

Leuprolide is a man-made form of a hormone that regulates many processes in the body. Leuprolide overstimulates the body's own production of certain hormones, which causes that production to shut down temporarily. Leuprolide reduces the amount of testosterone in men or estrogen in women.

Leuprolide is used in men to treat the symptoms of prostate cancer. Leuprolide treats only the symptoms of prostate cancer and does not treat the cancer itself. Use any other medications your doctor has prescribed to best treat your condition.

Leuprolide is used in women to treat symptoms of endometriosis (overgrowth of uterine lining outside of the uterus) or uterine fibroids.

Leuprolide is also used to treat precocious (early-onset) puberty in both male and female children.

Leuprolide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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