WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Initial Rise of Gonadotropins and Sex Steroid Levels
During the early phase of therapy, gonadotropins and sex steroids rise above baseline because of the initial stimulatory effect of the drug. Therefore, an increase in clinical signs and symptoms of puberty may be observed [see Clinical Pharmacology ].
Convulsions
Postmarketing reports of convulsions have been observed in patients on leuprolide acetate therapy. These included patients with a history of seizures, epilepsy, cerebrovascular disorders, central nervous system anomalies or tumors, and patients on concomitant medications that have been associated with convulsions such as bupropion and SSRIs. Convulsions have also been reported in patients in the absence of any of the conditions mentioned above.
Monitoring and Laboratory Tests
Response to LUPRON DEPOT-PED 7.5 mg, 11.25 mg, or 15 mg for 1-month administration should be monitored with a GnRHa stimulation test, basal LH or serum concentration of sex steroid levels beginning 1-2 months following initiation of therapy, with changing doses, or potentially during therapy in order to confirm maintenance of efficacy. Measurement of bone age for advancement should be done every 6-12 months.
Response to LUPRON DEPOT-PED 11.25 mg or 30 mg for 3-month administration should be monitored with a GnRHa stimulation test, basal LH or serum concentration of sex steroid levels at months 2-3, month 6 and further as judged clinically appropriate, to ensure adequate suppression. Additionally, height (for calculation of growth rate) and bone age should be assessed every 6-12 months.
Once a therapeutic dose has been established, gonadotropin and sex steroid levels will decline to prepubertal levels. Gonadotropins and/or sex steroids may increase or rise above prepubertal levels if the dose is inadequate. Noncompliance with drug regimen or inadequate dosing may result in inadequate control of the pubertal process with gonadotropins and/or sex steroids increasing above prepubertal levels [see Clinical Studies and Adverse Reactions (6) ].
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category X
LUPRON DEPOT-PED is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant while receiving the drug [see Contraindications (4) ].
Safe use of leuprolide acetate in pregnancy has not been established in clinical studies. Before starting and during treatment with leuprolide acetate, it is advisable to establish whether the patient is pregnant. Leuprolide acetate is not a contraceptive. If contraception is required, a non-hormonal method of contraception should be used.
When LUPRON DEPOT was administered subcutaneously to groups of rabbits as one time dosing on day 6 of pregnancy at test dosages of 0.00024, 0.0024, and 0.024 mg/kg (1/1900 to 1/19 of the human pediatric dose) it produced a dose-related increase in major fetal abnormalities. Similar studies in rats failed to demonstrate an increase in fetal malformations. There was increased fetal mortality and decreased fetal weights with the two higher doses of LUPRON DEPOT in rabbits and with the highest dose in rats. No fetal malformations but increase in fetal resorptions and mortality were observed in rat and rabbit when the daily injection formulation of leuprolide acetate was dosed subcutaneously once daily at lower doses (0.1-1 mcg/kg/day in rabbit; 10 mcg/kg/day in rat) during the period of organogenesis. The effects on fetal mortality are logical consequences of the alterations in hormonal levels brought about by this drug. Therefore, the possibility exists that spontaneous abortion may occur if the drug is administered during pregnancy.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether leuprolide acetate is excreted in human milk. LUPRON DEPOT-PED should not be used by nursing mothers.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 2 years have not been established. The use of LUPRON DEPOT-PED in children under 2 years is not recommended.
Geriatric Use
LUPRON DEPOT 1-month 7.5 mg and 4-month 30 mg are indicated for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer. For LUPRON DEPOT-PED 11.25 mg or 15 mg for 1-month administration and LUPRON DEPOT-PED 11.25 mg or 30 mg for 3-month administration, no clinical information is available for persons aged 65 and over.
|
