2.1 Important Dosage Information

• Injectable testosterone products may have different doses, strengths, or administration instructions and they are not substitutable on a milligram-per-milligram basis.



• Administer Testosterone Cypionate Injection by deep gluteal intramuscular injection only.

2.2 Confirmation of Hypogonadism before Initiation of Testosterone Cypionate

Prior to initiating Testosterone Cypionate Injection, 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.

2.3 Recommended Dosage and Administration

The recommended dosage of Testosterone Cypionate Injection is 50 mg to 400 mg administered every two to four weeks as a deep intramuscular injection in the gluteal muscle.



Individualize the dose and schedule of Testosterone Cypionate Injection based on the patient’s age, diagnosis, response to treatment, and the appearance of adverse reactions.



Visually inspect parenteral drug products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Discard any unused portions of drug remaining in the single-dose vial.

5.1 Polycythemia

Increases in hematocrit levels, reflective of increases in red blood cell mass, may require discontinuation of Testosterone Cypionate Injection. Check that hematocrit is not elevated prior to initiating Testosterone Cypionate Injection. Periodically monitor hematocrit levels during treatment. If hematocrit becomes elevated, stop Testosterone Cypionate Injection until hematocrit decreases to an acceptable concentration. If Testosterone Cypionate Injection is restarted and again causes hematocrit to become elevated, stop Testosterone Cypionate Injection permanently. An increase in red blood cell mass may increase the risk of thromboembolic events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

5.2 Cardiovascular Risk

Long term clinical safety trials have not been conducted to assess the cardiovascular outcomes of testosterone replacement therapy in men. To date, epidemiologic studies and randomized controlled trials have been inconclusive for determining the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), such as non-fatal myocardial infarction, non- fatal stroke, and cardiovascular death, with the use of testosterone compared to non-use. Some studies, but not all, have reported an increased risk of MACE in association with use of testosterone replacement therapy in men. Inform patients of this possible risk when deciding whether to use or to continue Testosterone Cypionate Injection.

5.3 Worsening 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 [see Contraindications (4)].

5.4 Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

There have been postmarketing reports of venous thromboembolic events, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), in patients using testosterone replacement products, such as testosterone cypionate. 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 testosterone cypionate and initiate appropriate workup and management [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

5.5 Abuse 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 [see Drug Abuse And Dependence (9)].



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.

5.6 Not for Use in Women

Due to lack of controlled studies in women and the potential for virilizing effects, Testosterone Cypionate Injection is not indicated for use in women [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.2)].

5.7 Potential for Adverse Effects on Spermatogenesis

With large doses of exogenous androgens, including Testosterone Cypionate Injection, spermatogenesis may be suppressed through feedback inhibition of pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) possibly leading to adverse effects on semen parameters including sperm count [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) and Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. Patients should be informed of this possible risk when deciding whether to use or to continue to use Testosterone Cypionate Injection.

5.8 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.  Testosterone Cypionate Injection is not a 17 alpha-alkyl androgen and is not known to produce hepatic adverse effects associated with 17-alpha-alkyl androgens. 

Nonetheless, patients should be instructed to report any signs or symptoms of hepatic dysfunction (e.g., jaundice). If these occur, promptly discontinue Testosterone Cypionate Injection while the cause is evaluated.

5.9 Edema

Androgens, including Testosterone Cypionate Injection, may promote retention of sodium and water. Edema, with or without congestive heart failure, may be a serious complication in patients with pre-existing cardiac, renal or hepatic disease [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].  In addition to discontinuation of the drug, appropriate work up and management of edema may be required.

5.10 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.

5.11 Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia may develop and occasionally persists in patients being treated for hypogonadism.

5.12 Lipid Changes

Changes in serum lipid profile may require dose adjustment of lipid lowering drugs or discontinuation of testosterone therapy. Monitor the lipid profile periodically after starting testosterone therapy.

5.13 Hypercalcemia

Androgens, including Testosterone Cypionate Injection, should be used with caution in cancer patients at risk of hypercalcemia (and associated hypercalciuria). Monitor serum calcium concentrations periodically in these patients.

5.14 Decreased Thyroxine-binding Globulin

Androgens, including Testosterone Cypionate Injection, may decrease concentrations of thyroxine-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.

5.15 Increases in Prolactin

Increases in serum prolactin have been reported in patients treated with testosterone products, such as Testosterone Cypionate Injection. Evaluate serum prolactin levels prior to initiating treatment with Testosterone Cypionate Injection. Re-evaluate serum prolactin levels 3 to 4 months after starting treatment. If serum prolactin remains elevated, discontinue Testosterone Cypionate Injection.

5.16 Adverse Effects on Bone Maturation

Testosterone use may result in acceleration of bone age and premature closure of epiphyses in pediatric patients.  This adverse effect may result in compromised adult stature. The younger the pediatric patient the greater the risk of compromising final mature height. Monitor the effect on bone maturation by assessing bone age of the wrist and hand every 6 months.

6.1 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.



The safety of Testosterone Cypionate Injection was evaluated, in Study 1, a randomized, single-dose, open-label study conducted in 27 adult males with hypogonadism.  Patients were 18 to 65 years of age with a body mass index of 18 to 35 kg/m2. Patients received a single intramuscular dose Testosterone Cypionate Injection 200 mg or comparator intramuscular testosterone replacement therapy product and were observed for adverse reactions and injection site reactions over 31 days.



The most common adverse reactions in patients who received Testosterone Cypionate Injection were injection site erythema (26%) and injection site reaction (4%).  All cases of injection site erythema and injection site reaction were categorized as mild based on a pre-defined injection site assessment scale that defined injection site reactions as mild if they were slight or barely perceptible.

6.2 Other Adverse Reactions

The following adverse reactions associated with the use of testosterone were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports.  Because some of these reactions were 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.



Administration site reactions: Inflammation and pain at the site of intramuscular injection.



Allergic: Hypersensitivity, including skin manifestations and anaphylactoid reactions.



Cardiovascular disorders: myocardial infarction, stroke.



Endocrine and urogenital: Gynecomastia premature closure of bony epiphyses with termination of growth, precocious puberty.



Fluid and electrolyte disturbances: Retention of sodium, chloride, water, potassium, calcium, and inorganic phosphates.



Gastrointestinal: Nausea, cholestatic jaundice, alterations in liver function tests, rarely hepatocellular neoplasms and peliosis hepatis.



Hematologic: Suppression of clotting factors II, V, VII, and X, bleeding in patients on concomitant anticoagulant therapy, and polycythemia.



Nervous system: Increased or decreased libido, headache, anxiety, depression, and generalized paresthesia.



Reproductive system: Excessive frequency and duration of penile erections, oligospermia, and priapism

Vascular disorders: Venous thromboembolism.

Skin and appendages: Male pattern baldness, seborrhea, and acne.



Special senses: Rare cases of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).

7.1 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.

7.2 Oral Anticoagulants

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

7.3 Corticosteroids

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

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Testosterone Cypionate Injection is contraindicated in pregnant women and not indicated for use in females [see Contraindications (4)]. Testosterone is teratogenic and may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman based on data from animal studies (see Data) and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)].  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 anogenital 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 females and offspring in rats exposed to doses approximately twice those used for testosterone replacement therapy.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

Testosterone Cypionate Injection is not indicated for use in females.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Infertility

Males

During treatment with large doses of exogenous androgens, including testosterone cypionate injection, spermatogenesis may be suppressed through feedback inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular-axis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]. Reduced fertility is observed in some men taking testosterone replacement therapy. The impact on fertility may be irreversible. Testicular atrophy, subfertility, and infertility have also been reported in men who abuse anabolic androgenic steroids [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.2)].

8.4 Pediatric Use

Improper use may result in acceleration of bone age and premature closure of epiphyses.  The effect on bone maturation should be monitored by assessing bone age of the wrist and hand every 6 months. In children, androgen treatment may accelerate bone maturation without producing compensatory gain in linear growth. This adverse effect may result in compromised adult stature. The younger the child the greater the risk of compromising final mature height. Precocious puberty has also been reported with use of testosterone.



The safety and effectiveness of Testosterone Cypionate Injection have not been established in pediatric patients young than 12 years of age.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Geriatric patients treated with androgens may be at an increased risk of developing BPH and prostatic carcinoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

9.1 Controlled Substance

Testosterone Cypionate Injection contains testosterone, a Schedule III controlled substance.

9.2 Abuse

Drug abuse is intentional non-therapeutic use of a drug, even once, for its rewarding psychological and physiological effects. Abuse and misuse of testosterone are seen in male and female adults and adolescents. Testosterone, often in combination with other anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), and not obtained by prescription through a pharmacy, may be abused by athletes and bodybuilders. There have been reports of misuse by men taking higher doses of legally obtained testosterone than prescribed and continuing testosterone despite adverse events or against medical advice.



Abuse-Related Adverse Reactions

Serious adverse reactions have been reported in individuals who abuse anabolic androgenic steroids, and include cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular accident, hepatotoxicity, and serious psychiatric manifestations, including major depression, mania, paranoia, psychosis, delusions, hallucinations, hostility, and aggression.



The following adverse reactions have also been reported in men: transient ischemic attacks, convulsions, hypomania, irritability, dyslipidemias, testicular atrophy, subfertility, and infertility.



The following additional adverse reactions have been reported in women: hirsutism, virilization, deepening of voice, clitoral enlargement, breast atrophy, male-pattern baldness, and menstrual irregularities.



The following adverse reactions have been reported in male and female adolescents: premature closure of bony epiphyses with termination of growth, and precocious puberty.



Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size and may include abuse of other agents, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

9.3 Dependence

Behaviors Associated with Addiction



Continued abuse of testosterone and other anabolic steroids, leading to addiction is characterized by the following behaviors:



• Taking greater dosages than prescribed

• Continued drug use despite medical and social problems due to drug use

• Spending significant time to obtain the drug when supplies of the drug are interrupted

• Giving a higher priority to drug use than other obligations

• Having difficulty in discontinuing the drug despite desires and attempts to do so

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt discontinuation of use

Physical dependence is characterized by withdrawal symptoms after abrupt drug discontinuation or a significant dose reduction of a drug. Individuals taking supratherapeutic doses of testosterone may experience withdrawal symptoms lasting for weeks or months which include depressed mood, major depression, fatigue, craving, restlessness, irritability, anorexia, insomnia, decreased libido and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Drug dependence in individuals using approved doses of testosterone for approved indications has not been documented.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Endogenous androgens, including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are responsible for normal growth and development of the male sex organs and for maintenance of secondary sex characteristics. These effects include growth and maturation of the prostate, seminal vesicles, penis, and scrotum; the development of male hair distribution, such as facial, pubic, chest, and axillary hair; laryngeal enlargement, vocal cord thickening, alterations in body musculature and fat distribution.



Male hypogonadism, a clinical syndrome resulting from insufficient secretion of testosterone, 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).

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

The exposure-response relationship and time course of pharmacodynamic response for the safety and effectiveness of testosterone have not been fully characterized.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Testosterone esters are less polar than free testosterone. Testosterone esters in oil injected intramuscularly are absorbed slowly from the lipid phase; thus, testosterone cypionate can be given at intervals of two to four weeks.



Pharmacokinetic parameters of baseline-corrected testosterone obtained following a single-dose intramuscular administration of testosterone cypionate 200 mg in prefilled syringe in 26 hypogonadal adult males are summarized in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Mean (±SD) Baseline-corrected Testosterone Pharmacokinetic Parameters

Following a Single-dose Intramuscular Administration of Testosterone Cypionate 200 mg

in Hypogonadal Males (N=26)

a Reported in median (min, max).

Distribution

Circulating testosterone is primarily bound in 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.



Elimination

The half-life of testosterone cypionate when injected intramuscularly is approximately eight days.



Metabolism

Inactivation of testosterone occurs primarily in the liver. Testosterone is metabolized to various 17-keto steroids through two different pathways. The major active metabolites of testosterone are dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estradiol.



Excretion

About 90 percent of a dose of testosterone is excreted in the urine as glucuronic and sulfuric acid conjugates of testosterone and its metabolites. About 6 percent of a dose is excreted in the feces, mostly in the unconjugated form.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

Testosterone has been tested by subcutaneous injection and implantation in mice and rats. The implant induced cervical-uterine tumors in mice, 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.

Mutagenicity

Testosterone was negative in the in vitro Ames and in the in vivo mouse micronucleus assays.



Impairment of Fertility

The administration of exogenous testosterone suppresses spermatogenesis in the rat, dog and non-human primates, which was reversible on cessation of the treatment.