AndroGel (testosterone gel) 1% is a clear, colorless hydroalcoholic gel containing 1% testosterone. Topical administration of AndroGel 5 g, 7.5 g, or 10 g contains 50 mg, 75 mg, or 100 mg of testosterone, respectively, is to be applied daily to the skin's surface. Approximately 10% of the applied testosterone dose is absorbed across skin of average permeability during a 24-hour period.

The active pharmacologic ingredient in AndroGel is testosterone. Testosterone USP is a white to practically white crystalline powder chemically described as 17-beta hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one. The structural formula is:

Inactive ingredients in AndroGel are carbomer 980, ethanol 67.0%, isopropyl myristate, purified water, and sodium hydroxide. These ingredients are not pharmacologically active.

Last updated on RxList: 1/8/2008

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

AndroGel, an androgen, 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 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 levels and gonadotropins (FSH, LH) above the normal range.
• Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (Congenital or Acquired) - idiopathic gonadotropin or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) deficiency or pituitary-hypothalamic injury from tumors, trauma, or radiation. These men have low testosterone serum levels but have gonadotropins in the normal or low range.

General Dosing

The recommended starting dose of AndroGel is 5 g once daily (preferably in the morning) to clean, dry, intact skin of the shoulders and upper arms and/or abdomen. AndroGel must not be applied to the genitals. AndroGel is supplied as either a pump or in individual packets. After applying the gel, the application site should be allowed to dry for a few minutes prior to dressing. Avoid fire, flames or smoking until the gel has dried since alcohol based products, including AndroGel, are flammable. Hands should be washed with soap and water after AndroGel has been applied. [see Warnings and PRECAUTIONS].

Administration

Multi-Dose Pump

Patients should be instructed to prime the pump before using it for the first time by fully depressing the pump mechanism (actuation) 3 times and discard this portion of the product to assure precise dose delivery. After the priming procedure, patients should completely depress the pump one time (actuation) for every 1.25 g (AndroGel Pump) of product required to achieve the daily prescribed dosage. The product may be delivered directly into the palm of the hand and then applied to the desired application sites, either one pump actuation at a time or upon completion of all pump actuations required for the daily dose. Alternatively, the product can be applied directly to the application sites. Application directly to the sites may prevent loss of product that may occur during transfer from the palm of the hand onto the application sites. Table 1 has specific dosing guidelines for adult males when the 75 g AndroGel Pump is used.

Table 1: Specific Dosing Guidelines for Using the Adult Multi-Dose Pump

Packets

The entire contents should be squeezed into the palm of the hand and immediately applied to the application sites. Alternately, 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.

Dose Adjustment and Patient Assessments

• To ensure proper dosing, serum testosterone levels should be measured at intervals and replaced to serum testosterone levels in the normal range. If the serum testosterone concentration is below the normal range, the daily AndroGel dose may be increased from 5 g to 7.5 g and from 7.5 g to 10 g for adult males as instructed by the physician. If the serum testosterone concentration exceeds the normal range, the daily AndroGel dose may be decreased. If the serum testosterone concentration consistently exceeds the normal range at a daily dose of 5 g, AndroGel therapy should be discontinued.

The following is general advice for treating and monitoring adult patients on AndroGel. No specific recommendations can be made.

• Prescribers should be aware that testosterone is contraindicated in men with known or suspected prostate cancer. Therefore, evaluation for prostate cancer prior to initiation of AndroGel therapy is appropriate [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
• Based on results from controlled studies, serum PSA may rise when taking AndroGel. Therefore, periodic assessment of serum PSA is recommended in patients taking AndroGel [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
• Based on results from controlled studies, worsening of BPH may occur in patients taking AndroGel [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Therefore, periodic assessments for signs and symptoms of BPH are recommended in patients taking AndroGel.
• Hematocrit, serum lipid profile, and liver function test should be monitored in patients taking AndroGel [see Warnings and PRECAUTIONS].

Dosage Forms And Strengths

AndroGel (testosterone gel) 1% for topical use is available in either unit-dose packets or multiple-dose pumps. The 75 g (60 metered-dose) pump delivers 1.25 g of product when the pump mechanism is fully depressed once.

AndroGel is available in the following three package containers:

• 2 x 75 g pumps (each pump dispenses 60 metered 1.25 g doses)
•  2.5 g packet
• 5 g packet

AndroGel is supplied in non-aerosol, metered-dose pumps. The pump is composed of plastic and stainless steel and an LDPE/aluminum foil inner liner encased in rigid plastic with a polypropylene cap. Each 88 g AndroGel Pump in the twin package is capable of dispensing 75 g or 60 metered 1.25 g doses.

AndroGel is also supplied in unit-dose aluminum foil packets in cartons of 30. Each packet of 2.5 g or 5 g gel contains 25 mg or 50 mg testosterone, respectively.

Keep AndroGel out of the reach of children.

Storage

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

Disposal

Used AndroGel pumps or used AndroGel packets should be discarded in household trash in a manner that prevents accidental application or ingestion by children or pets.

Manufactured By: Laboratoires Besins International Montrouge, France For: Unimed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. A Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Company Marietta, GA 30062-2224 Revised: December 2007. FDA Rev date: 12/13/2007

Last updated on RxList: 1/8/2008

Clinical 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.

Clinical Trials in Hypogonadal Men

Table 2 shows the incidence of all adverse events judged by the investigator to be at least possibly related to treatment with AndroGel and reported by > 1% of patients in a 180 Day, Phase 3 study.

Table 2: Adverse Events Possibly, Probably or Definitely Related to Use of AndroGel in the 180-Day Controlled Clinical Trial

Other less common adverse reactions, reported in fewer than 1% of patients included: amnesia, anxiety, discolored hair, dizziness, dry skin, hirsutism, hostility, impaired urination, paresthesia, penis disorder, peripheral edema, sweating, and vasodilation.

In this 180 day clinical trial, skin reactions at the site of application were reported with AndroGel, but none was severe enough to require treatment or discontinuation of drug.

Six patients (4%) in this trial had adverse events that led to discontinuation of AndroGel. These events included: cerebral hemorrhage, convulsion (neither of which were considered related to AndroGel administration), depression, sadness, memory loss, elevated prostate specific antigen, and hypertension No AndroGel patient discontinued due to skin reactions.

In a separate uncontrolled pharmacokinetic study of 10 patients, two had adverse events associated with AndroGel; these were asthenia and depression in one patient and increased libido and hyperkinesia in the other.

In a 3 year, flexible dose, extension study, the incidence of all adverse events judged by the investigator to be at least possibly related to treatment with AndroGel and reported by > 1% of patients is shown in Table 3.

Table 3: Adverse Events Possibly, Probably or Definitely Related to Use of AndroGel in the 3 Year, Flexible Dose, Extension Study

Two patients reported serious adverse events considered possibly related to treatment: deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and prostate disorder requiring a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

Discontinuation for adverse events in this study included: two patients with application site reactions, one with kidney failure, and five with prostate disorders (including increase in serum PSA in 4 patients, and increase in PSA with prostate enlargement in a fifth patient).

Increases in Serum PSA Observed in Clinical Trials of Hypogonadal Men

During the initial 6-month study, the mean change in PSA values had a statistically significant increase of 0.26 ng/mL. Serum PSA was measured every 6 months thereafter in the 162 hypogonadal men on AndroGel in the 3-year extension study. There was no additional statistically significant increase observed in mean PSA from 6 months through 36 months. However, there were increases in serum PSA observed in approximately 18% of individual patients. The overall mean change from baseline in serum PSA values for the entire group from month 6 to 36 was 0.11 ng/mL.

Twenty-nine patients (18%) met the per-protocol criterion for increase in serum PSA, defined as > 2X the baseline or any single serum PSA > 6 ng/mL. Most of these (25/29) met this criterion by at least doubling of their PSA from baseline. In most cases where PSA at least doubled (22/25), the maximum serum PSA value was still < 2 ng/mL. The first occurrence of a pre-specified, post-baseline increase in serum PSA was seen at or prior to Month 12 in most of the patients who met this criterion (23 of 29; 79%).

Four patients met this criterion by having a serum PSA > 6 ng/mL and in these, maximum serum PSA values were 6.2 ng/mL, 6.6 ng/mL, 6.7 ng/mL, and 10.7 ng/mL. In two of these patients, prostate cancer was detected on biopsy. The first patient's PSA levels were 4.7 ng/mL and 6.2 ng/mL at baseline and at Month 6/Final, respectively. The second patient's PSA levels were 4.2 ng/mL, 5.2 ng/mL, 5.8 ng/mL, and 6.6 ng/mL at baseline, Month 6, Month 12, and Final, respectively.

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of AndroGel. 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.

Hypogonadal Men

Table 4 includes adverse reactions that have been identified postmarketing.

Table 4: Adverse Drug Reactions from Postmarketing Experience of AndroGel by MedDRA System Organ Class

Insulin

Changes in insulin sensitivity or glycemic control may occur in patients treated with androgens. In diabetic patients, the metabolic effects of androgens may decrease blood glucose and, therefore, insulin requirements.

Corticosteroids

The concurrent use of testosterone with ACTH or corticosteroids may result in increased fluid retention and should be monitored cautiously, particularly in patients with cardiac, renal or hepatic disease.

Oral Anticoagulants

Changes in anticoagulant activity may be seen with androgens. More frequent monitoring of INR and prothrombin time are recommended in patients taking anticoagulants, especially at the initiation and termination of androgen therapy.

Drug Abuse And Dependence

Controlled Substance

AndroGel contains testosterone, a Schedule III controlled substance as defined by the Anabolic Steroids Control Act.

Oral ingestion of AndroGel will not result in clinically significant serum testosterone concentrations due to extensive first-pass metabolism.

Last updated on RxList: 1/8/2008

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Worsening of 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.
• Patients treated with androgens may be at increased risk for prostate cancer. Evaluation of the patient for prostate cancer prior to initiating and during treatment with androgens is appropriate [see Warnings and Precaution, ADVERSE REACTIONS, and Nonclinical Toxicology].
•  Increases in serum PSA from baseline values were seen in approximately 18% of individuals in an open label study of 162 hypogonadal men treated with AndroGel for up to 42 months. Most of these increases were seen within the first year of therapy [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, Warnings and Precautions, ADVERSE REACTIONS, and Nonclinical Toxicology].

Potential for Testosterone Transfer to Others

Transfer of testosterone to others (including women and children) can occur when vigorous skin-to-skin contact is made with the application site [see Clinical Studies]. The following precautions are recommended to minimize potential transfer of testosterone from AndroGel-treated skin to another person:

• Patients should wash their hands immediately with soap and water after application of AndroGel.
• Patients should cover the application site(s) with clothing after the gel has dried (e.g., a shirt).
• In the event that unwashed or unclothed skin to which AndroGel has been applied does come 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. In vitro studies show that residual testosterone is removed from the skin surface by washing with soap and water.
• Women and children should avoid skin contact with AndroGel application sites in males. Changes in body hair distribution, significant increase in acne, or other signs of virilization should be brought to the attention of a physician. AndroGel may cause fetal harm in a pregnant woman due to virilization of a female fetus [see Use in Specific Populations].

Use in Women

Due to lack of controlled evaluations in women and potential virilizing effects, Androgel is not indicated for use in women [see Use in Specific Populations].

Potential for Adverse Effects on Spermatogenesis

At large doses of exogenous androgens, spermatogenesis may be suppressed through feedback inhibition of pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) which could possibly lead to adverse effects on semen parameters including sperm count.

Hepatic 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 is not known to produce these adverse effects.

There are rare reports of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients receiving long-term oral therapy with androgens in high doses. Withdrawal of the drugs did not lead to regression of the tumors in all cases.

Edema

Drugs in the androgen class 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 [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Gynecomastia

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

Sleep Apnea

The treatment of hypogonadal men with testosterone products may potentiate sleep apnea in some patients, especially those with risk factors such as obesity or chronic lung diseases [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Laboratory Tests

• Increases in hematocrit, reflective of increases in red blood cell mass, may require lowering or discontinuation of testosterone. Increase in red blood cell mass may increase the risk for a thromboembolic event.
• Changes in serum lipid profile may require dose adjustment or discontinuation of testosterone therapy.
• Androgens may decrease levels of thyroxin-binding globulin, resulting in decreased total T4 serum levels and increased resin uptake of T3 and T4. Free thyroid hormone levels remain unchanged, however, and there is no clinical evidence of thyroid dysfunction.
• Androgens 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.

Flammable until Dry

• Alcohol Based Products including AndroGel are flammable; therefore avoid fire, flame or smoking until the gel has dried.

Patient Counseling Information

See (PATIENT INFORMATION) FDA-approved patient labeling

Potential Adverse Reactions with Androgens

Patients should be informed that treatment with androgens may lead to adverse reactions which include:

• Changes in urinary habits such as increased urination at night, trouble starting your urine stream, passing urine many times during the day, having an urge that you have to go to the bathroom right away, having a urine accident, being unable to pass urine and weak urine flow.
• Breathing disturbances, including those associated with sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness.
• Too frequent or persistent erections of the penis.
• Nausea, vomiting, changes in skin color, or ankle swelling.

Instructions for Use of AndroGel

• Patients should be informed to apply AndroGel once daily (preferably in the morning) to clean, dry skin of the shoulders and upper arms and/or abdomen. To prevent transfer of AndroGel to others, patient should wash their hands after application and cover the application site with clothing.
• Advise patients that AndroGel is an alcohol based product and is flammable, therefore avoid fire, flame or smoking until the gel has dried.
• Counsel patients on the importance of adhering to all recommended monitoring by their healthcare professional.
• Advise patients to report any changes in their state of health, such as changes in urinary habits, breathing, sleep, and mood.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Testosterone has been tested by subcutaneous injection and implantation in mice and rats. In mice, the implant induced cervical-uterine tumors, which metastasized in some cases. There is suggestive evidence that injection of testosterone into some strains of female mice increases their susceptibility to hepatoma. Testosterone is also known to increase the number of tumors and decrease the degree of differentiation of chemically induced carcinomas of the liver in rats.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category X: AndroGel is contraindicated during pregnancy or in women who may become pregnant. It is teratogenic and may cause fetal harm [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Exposure of a female fetus to androgens may result in varying degrees of virilization. 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 a fetus.

Nursing Mothers

Although it is not known how much testosterone transfers into human milk, AndroGel is contraindicated in nursing women because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].

Testosterone and other androgens may adversely affect lactation.

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy of AndroGel in males < 18 years old has not been established.

Geriatric Use

There have not been sufficient numbers of geriatric patients involved in controlled clinical studies utilizing AndroGel to determine whether efficacy in those over 65 years of age differs from younger subjects. Additionally, there is insufficient long-term safety data in geriatric patients to assess the potential risks of cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer.

Renal or Hepatic Impairment

No formal studies were conducted involving patients with renal or hepatic insufficiencies.

Last updated on RxList: 2/7/2008

There is one report of acute overdosage with use of an approved injectable testosterone product: this subject had serum testosterone levels of up to 11,400 ng/dL with a cerebrovascular accident. Treatment of overdosage would consist of discontinuation of AndroGel together with appropriate symptomatic and supportive care.

AndroGel should not be used in any of the following patients:

• Men with carcinoma of the breast or known or suspected carcinoma of the prostate [see Warnings and PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS, and Nonclinical Toxicology].
• Women who are or may become pregnant, or who are breastfeeding. AndroGel can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Androgel may cause serious adverse reactions in nursing infants. Exposure of a female fetus or nursing infant to androgens may result in varying degrees of virilization. Pregnant women or those who may become pregnant need to be aware of the potential for transfer of testosterone from men treated with AndroGel [see Warnings and PRECAUTIONS and Use in Specific Populations].
• Men with known hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients, including alcohol and soy products.

Last updated on RxList: 1/8/2008

Mechanism of Action

Endogenous androgens, including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are responsible for the normal growth and development of the male sex organs and for maintenance of secondary sex characteristics. These effects include the growth and maturation of prostate, seminal vesicles, penis and scrotum; the development of male hair distribution, such as facial, pubic, chest and axillary hair; laryngeal enlargement, vocal chord thickening, alterations in body musculature and fat distribution. Testosterone and DHT are necessary for the normal development of secondary sex characteristics. Male hypogonadism results from insufficient secretion of testosterone and is characterized by low serum testosterone concentrations. Signs/symptoms associated with male hypogonadism include erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual desire, fatigue and loss of energy, mood depression, regression of secondary sexual characteristics and osteoporosis.

Male hypogonadism has two main etiologies. Primary hypogonadism is caused by defects of the gonads, such as Klinefelter's Syndrome or Leydig cell aplasia, whereas secondary hypogonadism is the failure of the hypothalamus (or pituitary) to produce sufficient gonadotropins (FSH, LH).

Pharmacokinetics

Adult Males

Absorption

AndroGel delivers physiologic amounts of testosterone, producing circulating testosterone concentrations that approximate normal levels (298 - 1043 ng/dL) seen in healthy men. AndroGel provides continuous transdermal delivery of testosterone for 24 hours following a single application to intact, clean, dry skin of the shoulders, upper arms and/or abdomen.

AndroGel is a hydroalcoholic formulation that dries quickly when applied to the skin surface. The skin serves as a reservoir for the sustained release of testosterone into the systemic circulation. Approximately 10% of the testosterone dose applied on the skin surface from AndroGel is absorbed into systemic circulation. Therefore, 5 g and 10 g of AndroGel systemically deliver approximately 5 mg and 10 mg of testosterone, respectively. In a study with 10 g of AndroGel, all patients showed an increase in serum testosterone within 30 minutes, and eight of nine patients had a serum testosterone concentration within normal range by 4 hours after the initial application. Absorption of testosterone into the blood continues for the entire 24-hour dosing interval. Serum concentrations approximate the steady-state level by the end of the first 24 hours and are at steady state by the second or third day of dosing.

With single daily applications of AndroGel, follow-up measurements 30, 90 and 180 days after starting treatment have confirmed that serum testosterone concentrations are generally maintained within the eugonadal range. Figure 1 summarizes the 24-hour pharmacokinetic profiles of testosterone for hypogonadal men ( < 300 ng/dL) maintained on 5 g or 10 g of AndroGel for 30 days. The average (± SD) daily testosterone concentration produced by AndroGel 10 g on Day 30 was 792 (± 294) ng/dL and by AndroGel 5 g 566 (± 262) ng/dL.

Figure 1: Mean (± SD) Steady-State Serum Testosterone Concentrations on Day 30 in Patients Applying AndroGel Once Daily

When AndroGel treatment is discontinued after achieving steady state, serum testosterone levels remain in the normal range for 24 to 48 hours but return to their pretreatment levels by the fifth day after the last application.

Distribution

Circulating testosterone is primarily bound in the serum to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. Approximately 40% of testosterone in plasma is bound to SHBG, 2% remains unbound (free) and the rest is bound to albumin and other proteins.

Metabolism

There is considerable variation in the half-life of testosterone as reported in the literature, ranging from 10 to 100 minutes. Testosterone is metabolized to various 17-keto steroids through two different pathways. The major active metabolites of testosterone are estradiol and DHT.

DHT concentrations increased in parallel with testosterone concentrations during AndroGel treatment. After 180 days of treatment in adult males, mean DHT concentrations were within the normal range with 5 g AndroGel and were about 7% above the normal range after a 10 g dose. The mean steady-state DHT/T ratio during 180 days of AndroGel treatment remained within normal limits and ranged from 0.23 to 0.29 (5 g/day) and from 0.27 to 0.33 (10 g/day).

Excretion

About 90% of a dose of testosterone given intramuscularly is excreted in the urine as glucuronic and sulfuric acid conjugates of testosterone and its metabolites; about 6% of a dose is excreted in the feces, mostly in the unconjugated form. Inactivation of testosterone occurs primarily in the liver.

Clinical Studies

Clinical Trials in Adult Hypogonadal Males

AndroGel was evaluated in a multi-center, randomized, parallel-group, active-controlled, 180-day trial in 227 hypogonadal men. The study was conducted in 2 phases. During the Initial Treatment Period (Days 1-90), 73 patients were randomized to AndroGel 5 g daily, 78 patients to AndroGel 10 g daily, and 76 patients to a non-scrotal testosterone transdermal system. The study was double-blind for dose of AndroGel but open-label for active control. Patients who were originally randomized to AndroGel and who had single-sample serum testosterone levels above or below the normal range on Day 60 were titrated to 7.5 g daily on Day 91. During the Extended Treatment Period (Days 91-180), 51 patients continued on AndroGel 5 g daily, 52 patients continued on AndroGel 10 g daily, 41 patients continued on a non-scrotal testosterone transdermal system (5 mg daily), and 40 patients received AndroGel 7.5 g daily. Upon completion of the initial study, 163 enrolled and 162 patients received treatment in an open-label extension study of AndroGel for an additional period of up to 3 years.

Mean peak, trough and average serum testosterone concentrations within the normal range (298-1043 ng/dL) were achieved on the first day of treatment with doses of 5 g and 10 g. In patients continuing on AndroGel 5 g and 10 g, these mean testosterone levels were maintained within the normal range for the 180-day duration of the original study. Figure 2 summarizes the 24-hour pharmacokinetic profiles of testosterone administered as AndroGel for 30, 90 and 180 days. Testosterone concentrations were maintained as long as the patient continued to properly apply the prescribed AndroGel treatment.

Figure 2: Mean Steady-State Testosterone Concentrations in Patients with Once-Daily AndroGel Therapy

Table 5 summarizes the mean testosterone concentrations on Treatment Day 180 for patients receiving 5 g, 7.5 g, or 10 g of AndroGel. The 7.5 g dose produced mean concentrations intermediate to those produced by 5 g and 10 g of AndroGel.

Table 5: Mean (± SD) Steady-State Serum Testosterone Concentrations During Therapy (Day 180)

Of 129 hypogonadal men who were appropriately titrated with AndroGel and who had sufficient data for analysis, 87% achieved an average serum testosterone level within the normal range on Treatment Day 180.

In patients treated with AndroGel, there were no observed differences in the average daily serum testosterone concentrations at steady-state based on age, cause of hypogonadism, or body mass index.

AndroGel 5 g/day and 10 g/day resulted in significant increases over time in total body mass and total body lean mass, while total body fat mass and the percent body fat decreased significantly. These changes were maintained for 180 days of treatment during the original study. Changes in the 7.5 g dose group were similar. Bone mineral density in both hip and spine increased significantly from Baseline to Day 180 with 10 g AndroGel.

AndroGel treatment at 5 g/day and 10 g/day for 90 days produced significant improvement in libido (measured by sexual motivation, sexual activity and enjoyment of sexual activity as assessed by patient responses to a questionnaire). The degree of penile erection as subjectively estimated by the patients, increased with AndroGel treatment, as did the subjective score for "satisfactory duration of erection." AndroGel treatment at 5 g/day and 10 g/day produced positive effects on mood and fatigue. Similar changes were seen after 180 days of treatment and in the group treated with the 7.5 g dose. DHT concentrations increased in parallel with testosterone concentrations at AndroGel doses of 5 g/day and 10 g/day, but the DHT/T ratio stayed within the normal range, indicating enhanced availability of the major physiologically active androgen. Serum estradiol (E2) concentrations increased significantly within 30 days of starting treatment with AndroGel 5 or 10 g/day and remained elevated throughout the treatment period but remained within the normal range for eugonadal men. Serum levels of SHBG decreased very slightly (1 to 11%) during AndroGel treatment. In men with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, serum levels of LH and FSH fell in a dose- and time-dependent manner during treatment with AndroGel.

Phototoxicity in Humans

The phototoxic potential of AndroGel was evaluated in a double-blind, single-dose study in 27 subjects with photosensitive skin types. The Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) of ultraviolet radiation was determined for each subject. A single 24 (+1) hour application of duplicate patches containing test articles (placebo gel, testosterone gel, or saline) was made to naive skin sites on Day 1. On Day 2, each subject received five exposure times of ultraviolet radiation, each exposure being 25% greater than the previous one. Skin evaluations were made on Days 2 to 5. Exposure of test and control article application sites to ultraviolet light did not produce increased inflammation relative to non-irradiated sites, indicating no phototoxic effect.

Testosterone Transfer from Male Patients to Female Partners

The potential for dermal testosterone transfer following AndroGel use was evaluated in a clinical study between males dosed with AndroGel and their untreated female partners. Two (2) to 12 hours after AndroGel (10 g) application by the male subjects, the couples (N = 38 couples) engaged in daily, 15- minute sessions of vigorous skin-to-skin contact so that the female partners gained maximum exposure to the AndroGel application sites. Under these study conditions, all unprotected female partners had a serum testosterone concentration > 2 times the baseline value at some time during the study. When a shirt covered the application site(s), the transfer of testosterone from the males to the female partners was completely prevented.

Last updated on RxList: 1/8/2008

FDA-Approved Patient Labeling

AndroGel (testosterone gel) 1% CIII is available packaged with 2 x 75 g pumps (each pump dispenses 60 metered 1.25 g doses) or in a box of 30 packets with 2.5g or 5g gel.

This is a summary of the important information about AndroGel. For details, talk to your healthcare professional and refer to the package insert.

1. What Disease or Condition Does AndroGel Treat?

Your healthcare provider has prescribed this medication because your body does not produce enough testosterone. The medical term for this condition is hypogonadism.

2. How Should AndroGel (Pump or Packet) Be Applied?

It is important that you use AndroGel as prescribed by your healthcare professional. If you experience serious problems, contact your healthcare professional. Your healthcare professional will tell you how much AndroGel to use each day.

• AndroGel should be applied once daily at the same time each day (preferably every morning) to clean, dry, healthy, intact skin of the shoulders, upper arms and/or abdomen. If you take a bath or shower in the morning, use AndroGel after your bath or shower.
• AndroGel should not be applied to the penis or scrotum, or to skin with open sores, wounds or irritation.
• Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after application to reduce the chance that the medication will spread from your hands to other people.
• Let AndroGel dry for a few minutes before you dress.
• AndroGel is flammable until dry; allow the gel to dry before smoking or going near an open flame.
• Wait 5 to 6 hours before showering or swimming. This will ensure that the greatest amount of AndroGel is absorbed into your system.

How to use the AndroGel pump?

It is important that you read and follow these directions on how to use the AndroGel Pump properly. Before using the pump for the first time, you must prime the AndroGel pump by fully depressing the pump three times and discarding the gel. The unused gel should be discarded in a manner to avoid accidental exposure or ingestion by household members or pets. Fully depress the pump the appropriate number of times to deliver the daily dose prescribed by your healthcare provider. The product may be delivered directly into the palm of your hand and then applied to the desired application sites, either one pump depression at a time or upon completion of all pump depressions required for the daily dose.

How to use the AndroGel packets?

Open one AndroGel aluminum foil packet by folding the top edge at the perforation and tearing completely across the packet along the perforation. Squeeze the contents into the palm of your hand. Squeeze from the bottom of the packet toward the top. If you like, you may squeeze a portion of the gel from the packet into the palm of your hand and apply to application site(s). Repeat until the entire contents of the packet have been applied.

3. What Should You Discuss With Your Healthcare Professional?

Before you start using AndroGel, tell your healthcare professional if you:

• Have prostate cancer or breast cancer.
• Have a known hypersensitivity to any of AndroGel's components, including individuals who are hypersensitive to testosterone that is chemically synthesized from soy.

4. What Other Drugs Should Not Be Used Together With AndroGel?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. AndroGel can affect how your body handles other drugs. Changes in your dose or careful monitoring may be needed if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Insulin
• Corticosteroids
• Oral Anticoagulants

5.What Are The Side Effects And Risks?

Possible side effects of AndroGel to discuss with your healthcare professional include:

Most common: Skin irritation where gel is applied, breast development or tenderness, acne, prostate enlargement, changes in lab test results and changes in urinary habits.

Contact your healthcare professional if you experience any of the following adverse reactions:

• Too frequent or persistent erections of the penis.
• Any nausea, vomiting, changes in skin color or ankle swelling.
• Breathing disturbances, including those associated with sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness.
• Changes in urinary habits such as increased urination at night, trouble starting your urine stream, passing urine many times during the day, having an urge that you have to go to the bathroom right away, having a urine accident, being unable to pass urine and weak urine flow.

The major risks of AndroGel include:

Prostate Disorders: Patients treated with testosterone may be at an increased risk for prostate enlargement, and prostate cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information on risk factors and ways to monitor for prostate disorders.

Testosterone Transfer: Transfer of testosterone to others (including women and children) can occur when vigorous skin-to-skin contact is made with the application site. AndroGel must not be used by women, and exposure to the active ingredient testosterone in pregnancy can cause fetal harm. Notify your healthcare provider if your female partner develops changes in hair distribution, increases in acne or other signs of masculinity.

6. How Should AndroGel Be Stored?

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep out of the reach of children.

7. Is There Anything Else I Need To Know When Using AndroGel?

Your healthcare professional has prescribed AndroGel to meet your specific needs; never share your AndroGel with anyone. If you have any questions or concerns about your AndroGel treatment, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Last updated on RxList: 1/8/2008

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

TESTOSTERONE GEL - TRANSDERMAL

(tess-TOSS-ter-own)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Androgel, Testim

USES: This medicated gel contains testosterone. It is used for hormone replacement in men who are not able to produce enough testosterone (e.g., hypogonadism). This medication is absorbed through the skin, enters your bloodstream, and helps your body reach normal testosterone levels.

Testosterone helps the body to produce sperm and to develop and maintain the male sexual characteristics (masculinity), such as a deep voice and body hair. It also helps to maintain muscle and prevent bone loss, and is necessary for natural sexual ability/desire.

This drug should not be used by women.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using testosterone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Apply the medication as directed to the clean, dry skin of the shoulders/upper arms, once daily in the morning or as directed by your doctor. Certain brands of this medication may also be applied to the lower stomach (abdomen). Check your Patient Information Leaflet or ask your pharmacist if your brand may be applied to the lower abdomen. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Avoid applying gel to skin with open sores or to broken, irritated skin. Do not apply this medication to the genitals (penis or scrotum).

After applying this medication, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the possibility of spreading the medicine from your hands to other people.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Allow this medication to dry completely on the skin before getting dressed.

After applying the gel, wait several hours before showering or swimming (2 to 6 hours depending on brand) to make sure all the drug is absorbed. If you are unsure how long you must wait, check the manufacturer's Patient Information Leaflet or ask your pharmacist.

This medication is flammable. Avoid smoking and open flame until the gel has dried.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, hair loss, trouble sleeping, change in sexual desire, redness/swelling of the skin, change in skin color, or acne may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: breast pain/enlargement, swelling of the feet/ankles (edema), weight gain, very slow/shallow/difficult breathing (possibly while sleeping), weakness.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: trouble urinating, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, agitation, hostility), change in size/shape of the testicles, testicle pain/tenderness, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing of eyes/skin, change in the amount of urine, calf tenderness/swelling/pain.

In patients with diabetes, especially those taking insulin, testosterone may decrease your blood sugar. Be prepared to treat low blood sugar while you are using this medication. Symptoms of low blood sugar include shakiness, nervousness, rapid pulse, and sweating. If you are experiencing these symptoms, consult your doctor.

For males, in the very unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.

Avoid spreading this medication to others (see How to Use and Precautions sections). If your female partner or your children develop any changes in hair location, an increase in acne, or other signs of the effects of testosterone, tell both of your doctors.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using testosterone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to soy; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: breast cancer (males), prostate cancer.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, prostate problems (e.g., enlarged prostate or BPH), heart problems, kidney problems, diabetes, high cholesterol level, lung disease, obesity, difficulty breathing during sleep (apnea), high blood pressure, bone cancer.

Direct contact with the application site can spread this medication to others. Protect others from direct skin contact with the application site. This is especially important for women (especially pregnant women) and children. You can use clothing (e.g., long-sleeved shirt) to cover the area, but if you expect to have direct contact with someone else, you should wash the application site with soap and water in advance. Should anyone's skin directly contact the application site, their skin should be washed immediately with soap and water.

If this medication accidentally gets into your eyes, rinse the eyes immediately with clean, warm water. Seek medical attention if necessary.

This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Some men, particularly the elderly, are at a higher risk for developing enlarged prostates or prostate cancer while using this medication. Your risk of prostate problems should be checked by your doctor before you start testosterone.

Extreme caution is advised if using this drug in children because it might stunt the growth of the child. Monitor the child's growth rate carefully.

This medication should not be used in women.

Women must avoid direct skin contact with a male's testosterone application site if the woman is pregnant, may be pregnant, or breast-feeding. Testosterone may be absorbed into her bloodstream and cause harm to the unborn/breast-feeding baby. Discuss the risks with your doctor.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: beta blockers (e.g., propranolol), "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), oral diabetes medication (e.g., glyburide, metformin), insulin, oxyphenbutazone.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including thyroid function tests, creatinine level), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of an overdose may include weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, vision problems, or confusion.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. It is against the law.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., PSA, cholesterol, hemoglobin, hematocrit, testosterone blood levels, prostate exams) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another problem unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

Inform all your doctors that you are using or have used this medication.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom or near an open flame. Keep all medicines away from children and pets, and throw out used gel packets in a secure trash can.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.