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 [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH]) 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. ( 1 , 8.4 ) Topical testosterone products may have different doses, strengths, or application instructions that may result in different systemic exposure. ( 1 , 12.3 )

Dosage and Administration for AndroGel 1.62% differs from AndroGel 1%. For dosage and administration of AndroGel 1% refer to its full prescribing information. Prior to initiating AndroGel 1.62%, confirm the diagnosis of hypogonadism by ensuring that serum testosterone concentrations have been measured in the morning on at least two separate days and that these serum testosterone concentrations are below the normal range. Dosage and Administration for AndroGel 1.62% differs from AndroGel 1%. For dosage and administration of AndroGel 1% refer to its full prescribing information. Prior to initiating AndroGel 1.62%, confirm the diagnosis of hypogonadism by ensuring that serum testosterone has been measured in the morning on at least two separate days and that these concentrations are below the normal range. Starting dose of AndroGel 1.62% is 40.5 mg of testosterone (2 pump actuations or a single 40.5 mg packet), applied topically once daily in the morning. Apply to clean, dry, intact skin of the shoulders and upper arms. Do not apply AndroGel 1.62% to any other parts of the body including the abdomen, genitals, chest, armpits (axillae), or knees. ( 2.2 , 12.3 ) Dose adjustment: AndroGel 1.62% can be dose adjusted between a minimum of 20.25 mg of testosterone (1 pump actuation or a single 20.25 mg packet) and a maximum of 81 mg of testosterone (4 pump actuations or two 40.5 mg packets). The dose should be titrated based on the pre-dose morning serum testosterone concentration at approximately 14 days and 28 days after starting treatment or following dose adjustment. Additionally, serum testosterone concentration should be assessed periodically thereafter. Patients should wash hands immediately with soap and water after applying AndroGel 1.62% and cover the application site(s) with clothing after the gel has dried. Wash the application site thoroughly with soap and water prior to any situation where skin-to-skin contact of the application site with another person is anticipated.

2.1Dosing and Dose Adjustment The

recommended starting dose of AndroGel 1.62% is 40.5 mg of testosterone (2 pump actuations or a single 40.5 mg packet) applied topically once daily in the morning to the shoulders and upper arms. The dose can be adjusted between a minimum of 20.25 mg of testosterone (1 pump actuation or a single 20.25 mg packet) and a maximum of 81 mg of testosterone (4 pump actuations or two 40.5 mg packets). To ensure proper dosing, the dose should be titrated based on the pre-dose morning serum testosterone concentration from a single blood draw at approximately 14 days and 28 days after starting treatment or following dose adjustment.

In addition, serum testosterone concentration should be assessed periodically thereafter. Table 1 describes the dose adjustments required at each titration step. Table 1: Dose Adjustment Criteria Pre-Dose Morning Total Serum Testosterone Concentration Dose Titration 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) The application site and dose of AndroGel 1.62% are not substitutable with other topical testosterone products.

2.2Administration Instructions AndroGel

1.62% should be applied to clean, dry, intact skin of the upper arms and shoulders. Do not apply AndroGel 1.62% to any other parts of the body, including the abdomen, genitals, chest, armpits (axillae), or knees . Area of application should be limited to the area that will be covered by the patient's short sleeve t-shirt. Patients should be instructed to use the palm of the hand to apply AndroGel 1.62% and spread across the maximum surface area as directed in Table 2 (for pump) and Table 3 (for packets) and in Figure 1.

Table 2: Application Sites for AndroGel 1.62%, Pump Total Dose of Testosterone Total Pump Actuations Pump Actuations Per Upper Arm and Shoulder Upper Arm and Shoulder #1 Upper Arm and Shoulder #2 20.25 mg 1 1 0 40.5 mg 2 1 1 60.75 mg 3 2 1 81 mg 4 2 2 Table 3: Application Sites for AndroGel 1.62%, Packets Total Dose of Testosterone Total packets Gel Applications Per Upper Arm and Shoulder Upper Arm and Shoulder #1 Upper Arm and Shoulder #2 20.25 mg One 20.25 mg packet One 20.25 mg packet 0 40.5 mg One 40.5 mg packet Half of contents of One 40.5 mg packet Half of contents of One 40.5 mg packet 60.75 mg One 20.25 mg packet AND One 40.5 mg packet One 40.5 mg packet One 20.25 mg packet 81 mg Two 40.5 mg packets One 40.5 mg packet One 40.5 mg packet The prescribed daily dose of AndroGel 1.62% should be applied to the right and left upper arms and shoulders as shown in the shaded areas in Figure 1. Figure 1. Application Sites for AndroGel 1.62% Once the application site is dry, the site should be covered with clothing . Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Avoid fire, flames or smoking until the gel has dried since alcohol based products, including AndroGel 1.62%, are flammable. The patient should avoid swimming or showering or washing the administration site for a minimum of 2 hours after application . To obtain a full first dose, it is necessary to prime the canister pump. To do so, with the canister in the upright position, slowly and fully depress the actuator three times.

Safely discard the gel from the first three actuations. It is only necessary to prime the pump before the first dose. After the priming procedure, fully depress the actuator once for every 20.25 mg of AndroGel 1.62%. AndroGel 1.62% should be delivered directly into the palm of the hand and then applied to the application sites.

When using packets, the entire contents should be squeezed into the palm of the hand and immediately applied to the application sites. When 40.5 mg packets need to be split between the left and right shoulder, patients may squeeze a portion of the gel from the packet into the palm of the hand and apply to application sites. Repeat until entire contents have been applied.

Alternatively, AndroGel 1.62% can be applied directly to the application sites from the pump or packets. Strict adherence to the following precautions is advised in order to minimize the potential for secondary exposure to testosterone from AndroGel 1.62%-treated skin: Children and women should avoid contact with unwashed or unclothed application site(s) of men using AndroGel 1.62%. AndroGel 1.62% should only be applied to the upper arms and shoulders. The area of application should be limited to the area that will be covered by a short sleeve t-shirt.

Patients should wash their hands with soap and water immediately after applying AndroGel 1.62%. Patients should cover the application site(s) with clothing (e.g., a t-shirt) after the gel has dried. Prior to situations in which direct skin-to-skin contact is anticipated, patients should wash the application site(s) thoroughly with soap and water to remove any testosterone residue. In the event that unwashed or unclothed skin to which AndroGel 1.62% has been applied comes in direct contact with the skin of another person, the general area of contact on the other person should be washed with soap and water as soon as possible.

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Worsening of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Potential Risk of Prostate Cancer: Monitor patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for worsening of signs and symptoms of BPH. Potential for Secondary Exposure to Testosterone: Avoid unintentional exposure of women or children to AndroGel 1.62%. Secondary exposure to testosterone can produce signs of virilization. AndroGel 1.62% should be discontinued until the cause of virilization is identified Venous Thromboembolism (VTE): VTE including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) have been reported in patients using testosterone products. Evaluate patients with signs or symptoms consistent with DVT or PE. Blood Pressure Increases: AndroGel 1.62% can increase blood pressure, which can increase cardiovascular risk over time. Measure blood pressure periodically. Not recommended for use in men with uncontrolled hypertension Potential for Adverse Effects on Spermatogenesis: Exogenous administration of androgens may lead to azoospermia Edema: Edema with or without congestive heart failure (CHF) may be a complication in patients with preexisting cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease ( 5.10 , 6.2 ) Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea may occur in those with risk factors Monitor serum testosterone, prostate specific antigen (PSA), hemoglobin, hematocrit, liver function tests and lipid concentrations periodically ( 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.9 , 5.13 ) Flammability: AndroGel 1.62% is flammable until dry

5.1Potential 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.

5.2Polycythemia 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.

5.3Venous 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 .

5.4Worsening 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 .

5.5Blood 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 [MI] 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.

5.6Abuse 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.

5.7Not 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 .

5.8Potential 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.

5.9Hepatic 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.

5.10Edema 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 .

5.11Gynecomastia Gynecomastia

may develop and persist in patients being treated with androgens, including AndroGel 1.62%, for hypogonadism.

5.12Sleep 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.

5.13Lipid 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.

5.14Hypercalcemia 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.

5.15Decreased 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.

5.16Flammability 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.

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 ( 4 , 5.4 ) Women who are pregnant.

Testosterone may cause fetal harm ( 4 , 8.1 )

8.1Pregnancy 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.

The most common adverse reaction (incidence ≥ 5%) is an increase in prostate specific antigen (PSA). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact ASCEND Therapeutics US, LLC at 1-877-204-1013 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1Clinical 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 [95% CI 0.8, 5.2] and 2.2 mm Hg [95% CI 0.8, 3.5], respectively [n=72]). In patients with no history of hypertension, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased by 1.2 mm Hg [95% CI -0.2, 2.7] and 0.9 mm Hg [95% CI -0.1, 1.8], respectively [n=91].

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 [95% CI: 0.78, 1.17]). 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.

6.2Postmarketing 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 [includes hypokalemia] , 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 .