Get your patient on Camcevi - Leuprolide injection, Emulsion (Leuprolide)

The recommended dose of CAMCEVI is 42 mg administered subcutaneously once every 6 months.

CAMCEVI must be administered by a healthcare provider.

Important: Read the instructions completely before you administer Camcevi for the first time. Do NOT substitute any of the components from the kit for administration.

CAMCEVI is packaged in a blister in the kit. Check to make sure the kit contains:

• One sterile, single-dose pre-filled syringe with plunger rod and backstop
• One sterile 18-gauge, 5/8-inch needle
• One Point-Lok ^® Needle Protection Device
• Prescribing Information

Follow the detailed instructions to ensure correct preparation of CAMCEVI prior to administration:

STEP 1 Remove CAMCEVI kit from refrigerator. Keep the contents in their original, sealed blister carton and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before use. Return to refrigerator after 30 minutes if not used.
	STEP 2 On a clean, dry surface, open carton and remove the contents. Examine all contents of the package. Do not use if any component is damaged. Check the expiration date on the syringe. Do not use if the expiration date has passed. The use of gloves is recommended during syringe assembly and administration.
	STEP 3 Remove pre-filled syringe (A) and needle cartridge (B) from the blister tray. Visually inspect the syringe for particulate matter prior to administration. The emulsion should appear off-white to pale yellow, viscous, and opalescent. Do not use if particulate matter is observed prior to administration.
	STEP 4 Remove the gray cap from the syringe (A). Twist the clear cap off the bottom of the needle cartridge (B). Attach the needle (B) to the end of the syringe (A) by pushing and turning the needle until firmly connected to the syringe. Do not over twist the needle and strip the threading. See figure of assembled pre-filled syringe below.
	STEP 5 Choose an injection site on the upper- or mid-abdominal area with sufficient soft or loose subcutaneous tissue that has not recently been used. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab. Do NOT inject in areas with brawny or fibrous subcutaneous tissue or locations that can be rubbed or compressed (i.e., with a belt or clothing waistband). In addition, avoid applying heat directly to the site of Camcevi injection.
STEP 6 Pull the blue cover off the needle (B). Use standard sharps safety techniques to avoid needle sticks.
	STEP 7 Use standard aseptic technique when performing the injection. Grab and bunch the skin around the injection site with one hand. Insert the needle at a 90° angle to the skin surface, and then release the bunched skin.
STEP 8 Inject the full contents of the syringe with a slow and steady push on the plunger, and then withdraw the needle at the same 90° angle used for insertion.
	STEP 9 Do not remove the needle from the syringe. Use the enclosed Point-Lok ® device to prevent needle sticks. Retrieve the Point-Lok ® needle protection device from the Camcevi kit and place it on a secured, flat surface with its largest surface base touching the surface as shown in the diagram. Immediately after use of the needle, gently insert the exposed needle into the Point-Lok ® device opening at the top of the Point-Lok ® device. (see Figure 1) Push the needle into the top opening until it is fully inserted into the Point-Lok ® device. This action will seal the needle tip and lock the needle firmly into the Point-Lok ® device. (see Figure 2)
STEP 10 After use, discard all components safely in a suitable sharps container. Dispose of the syringe and contaminated products according to local regulations/procedures.

Risk Summary

Based on findings in animal studies and mechanism of action, CAMCEVI can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1 )]. There are no available data in pregnant women to inform the drug-associated risk. In animal developmental and reproductive toxicology studies, administration of a monthly formulation of leuprolide on day 6 of pregnancy (sustained exposure was expected throughout the period of organogenesis) caused adverse embryo-fetal toxicity in animals at doses less than the human dose based on body surface area using an estimated daily dose (see data) . Advise pregnant patients and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus.

Data

Animal Data

Major fetal malformations were observed in developmental and reproductive toxicology studies in rabbits after a single administration of a monthly formulation of leuprolide administered on day 6 of pregnancy at test dosages of 0.00024, 0.0024, and 0.024 mg/kg (approximately 1/1500 to 1/15 the human dose based on body surface area using an estimated daily dose in animals and humans). Since a depot formulation was utilized in the study, a sustained exposure to leuprolide was expected throughout the period of organogenesis and to the end of gestation. Similar studies in rats did not demonstrate an increase in fetal malformations, however, there was increased fetal mortality and decreased fetal weights with the two higher doses of the monthly formulation of leuprolide in rabbits and with the highest dose in rats.

Risk Summary

The safety and efficacy of CAMCEVI have not been established in females. There is no information regarding the presence of leuprolide in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, a decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Infertility

Males

Based on findings in animals and mechanism of action, CAMCEVI may impair fertility in males of reproductive potential [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1 ), Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1 ) ] .

The safety and efficacy of CAMCEVI in pediatric patients have not been established.

Of the 137 patients who received CAMCEVI in the FP01C-13-001 study, 74% were 65 years of age or older, while 37% were 75 years of age or older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients.

CAMCEVI, like other GnRH agonists, causes a transient increase in serum levels of testosterone during the first week of treatment, declining thereafter to baseline levels or below by the end of the second week of treatment. Transient worsening of symptoms, or the occurrence of additional signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, may develop during the first few weeks of CAMCEVI treatment. Patients treated with CAMCEVI may experience a temporary increase in bone pain, which can be managed symptomatically.

Cases of ureteral obstruction and spinal cord compression have been observed, which may contribute to paralysis with or without fatal complications.

Patients with metastatic vertebral lesions and/or with urinary tract obstruction should be closely observed during the first few weeks of therapy.

Hyperglycemia and an increased risk of developing diabetes have been reported in men receiving GnRH agonists. Hyperglycemia may represent the development of diabetes mellitus or worsening of glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Monitor blood glucose and/or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) periodically in patients receiving a GnRH agonist and manage with current practice for treatment of hyperglycemia or diabetes.

Increased risk of developing myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, and stroke has been reported in association with use of GnRH agonists in men. The risk appears low based on the reported odds ratios, and should be evaluated carefully along with cardiovascular risk factors when determining a treatment for patients with prostate cancer. Patients receiving a GnRH agonist should be monitored for symptoms and signs suggestive of development of cardiovascular disease and be managed according to current clinical practice.

Androgen deprivation therapy may prolong the QT/QTc interval. Providers should consider whether the benefits of androgen deprivation therapy outweigh the potential risks in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, congestive heart failure, frequent electrolyte abnormalities, and in patients taking drugs known to prolong the QT interval. Electrolyte abnormalities should be corrected. Consider periodic monitoring of electrocardiograms and electrolytes.

Convulsions have been reported in patients receiving GnRH agonists, like CAMCEVI [see Adverse Reactions (6.2 )]. Manage patients receiving a GnRH agonist who experience convulsions according to current clinical practice.

CAMCEVI can cause severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). SCARs, including SJS/TEN, DRESS, and AGEP, occurred in patients receiving CAMCEVI or other GnRH agonists; including cases with visceral involvement and/or requiring skin grafts [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] .

Monitor patients for the development of SCARs.

If a SCAR is suspected, interrupt CAMCEVI until the etiology of the reaction has been determined. Consultation with a dermatologist is recommended. If a SCAR is confirmed, or for other grade 4 skin reactions, permanently discontinue CAMCEVI.

Monitor serum levels of testosterone following injection of CAMCEVI. In the majority of patients treated with CAMCEVI, testosterone levels increased above baseline during the first week, and then declined thereafter to castration levels (<50 ng/dL) within 4 weeks [see Clinical Studies (14 ) and Adverse Reactions (6 )].

Based on findings in animal studies and mechanism of action, CAMCEVI can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal developmental and reproductive toxicology studies, administration of a monthly formulation of leuprolide on day 6 of pregnancy (sustained exposure was expected throughout the period of organogenesis) caused adverse embryo-fetal toxicity in animals at doses less than the human dose based on body surface area using an estimated daily dose. Advise pregnant patients and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus [see Use in Specific Population (8.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology (12.1 )].

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.

FP01C-13-001
The safety of CAMCEVI was evaluated in an open-label, single-arm, international clinical trial (FP01C-13-001) in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Patients received CAMCEVI administered subcutaneously at a dose of 42 mg on Day 0 and Day 168. Of 137 patients enrolled, 93% received both doses of CAMCEVI.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 15% of patients who received CAMCEVI, including 1% of patients who experienced subdural hematoma. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 2% of patients, including cerebrovascular accident (0.7%) and pulmonary embolism (0.7%).

The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) occurring during a median follow-up duration of 336 days were hot flush, hypertension, injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infections, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and pain in extremity.

Table 1 summarizes the adverse reactions in FP01C-13-001.

Table 1. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥5% of CAMCEVI in Advanced Prostate Cancer Patients - FP01C-13-001

^a includes hot flush and flushing
^b includes hypertension, essential hypertension, and blood pressure increased
^c includes injection site pain, injection site erythema, injection site hemorrhage, injection site nodule, injection site paraesthesia, injection site pruritus, and injection site warmth
^d includes fatigue and asthenia
^e includes upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, and nasopharyngitis
^f includes musculoskeletal pain, back pain, and bone pain
^g includes micturition urgency and dysuria
^h includes dizziness, dizziness postural, vertigo, and vertigo positional.

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of CAMCEVI or leuprolide. 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.

Allergic Conditions: hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, rash, urticaria, and photosensitivity reactions
Cardiovascular System: hypotension, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism
Central/Peripheral Nervous System: convulsion, peripheral neuropathy, spinal fracture/paralysis
Endocrine System: pituitary apoplexy, diabetes
Hepato-biliary disorder: drug-induced liver injury
Hematologic: leukopenia
Psychiatric: mood swings, including depression, suicidal ideation and attempt
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorder: interstitial lung disease
Musculoskeletal System: decreased bone density, tenosynovitis-like symptoms, fibromyalgia
Skin and Subcutaneous: injection site induration or swelling, SJS/TEN, DRESS, AGEP, dermatitis exfoliative, bullous dermatitis, and erythema multiforme
Urogenital System: prostate pain

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

Mean serum testosterone concentrations transiently increased, then fell to below castrate threshold levels (≤ 50 ng/dL) within 3 weeks following administration of the dose of leuprolide, and generally remained below castrate thresholds levels throughout treatment.

In humans, subcutaneous administration of single daily doses of leuprolide result in an initial increase in circulating levels of LH and FSH, leading to a transient increase in levels of the gonadal steroids (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in males). However, continuous daily administration of leuprolide results in decreased levels of LH and FSH. In males, testosterone is reduced to below castration levels. These decreases generally occur within 2 to 4 weeks after initiation of treatment, and castration levels of testosterone in prostatic cancer patients have been demonstrated for periods of up to 5 years.

Leuprolide concentration is variable, exhibiting an initial rapid increase followed by a rapid decline over the first 3 days before reaching steady concentrations for the duration of the dosing interval. The mean serum leuprolide C _max was 94.5 and 99 ng/mL following the first and second doses of CAMCEVI, respectively. The mean serum concentration was maintained at 0.497–2.57 and 0.507–2.39 ng/ml after Day 3 post the first and second doses, respectively. The mean AUC _{0-6 mon} was 224 and 268 day.ng/mL following the first and second doses of CAMCEVI, respectively.

Absorption

The median T _max of leuprolide was 3.2 and 2.1 hours following the first and second doses of CAMCEVI, respectively

Distribution

The mean steady-state volume of distribution of leuprolide was 27 L following an intravenous bolus in healthy male volunteers. Protein binding of leuprolide ranged from 43% to 49% in vitro.

Elimination

The mean systemic clearance was 7.6 L/h and terminal elimination half-life of approximately 3 hours following an intravenous bolus of leuprolide in healthy male volunteers.

Metabolism

Administration of radiolabeled leuprolide was metabolized to smaller inactive peptides which may then be further catabolized.

Excretion

Excretion of leuprolide has not been evaluated with CAMCEVI.

Specific Populations

No clinically significant differences in the systemic exposure of leuprolide were observed based on age (51 to 88 years), race/ethnicity (White, Black, Asian), or body weight (54 to 134 kg). The effect of renal or hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of leuprolide has not been evaluated.

Two-year carcinogenicity studies were conducted with leuprolide in rats and mice. In rats, a dose-related increase of benign pituitary hyperplasia and benign pituitary adenomas was noted at 24 months when the drug was administered subcutaneously at high daily doses (0.6 to 4 mg/kg). There was a significant but not dose-related increase of pancreatic islet-cell adenomas in females and of testicular interstitial cell adenomas in males (highest incidence in the low dose group). In mice, no pituitary abnormalities were observed at a dose as high as 60 mg/kg for 2 years. Patients have been treated with leuprolide for up to 3 years with doses as high as 10 mg/day and for 2 years with doses as high as 20 mg/day without demonstrable pituitary abnormalities.

Mutagenicity studies have been performed with leuprolide using bacterial and mammalian systems. These studies provided no evidence of mutagenic potential.

Leuprolide may reduce male and female fertility. Administration of leuprolide to male and female rats at doses of 0.024, 0.24, and 2.4 mg/kg as monthly depot formulation for up to 3 months (approximately as low as 1/30 of the human dose based on body surface area using an estimated daily dose in animals and humans) caused atrophy of the reproductive organs, and suppression of reproductive function. These changes were reversible upon cessation of treatment.