Generic: SOMATROPIN
Recombinant Human Growth Hormone [EPC]
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE NORDITROPIN is a recombinant human growth hormone indicated for: • Pediatric : Treatment of pediatric patients with growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone (GH), short stature associated with Noonan syndrome, short stature associated with Turner syndrome, short stature born small for gestational age (SGA) with no catch-up growth by age 2 to 4 years, Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS), and growth failure due to Prader-Willi Syndrome ( 1.1 ) • Ad...
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE NORDITROPIN is a recombinant human growth hormone indicated for: • Pediatric : Treatment of pediatric patients with growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone (GH), short stature associated with Noonan syndrome, short stature associated with Turner syndrome, short stature born small for gestational age (SGA) with no catch-up growth by age 2 to 4 years, Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS), and growth failure due to Prader-Willi Syndrome ( 1.1 ) • Adult : Replacement of endogenous GH in adults with growth hormone deficiency ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Pediatric Patients NORDITROPIN is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with: • growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone (GH), • short stature associated with Noonan syndrome, • short stature associated with Turner syndrome, • short stature born small for gestational age (SGA) with no catch-up growth by age 2 years to 4 years of age, • Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS), height standard deviation score (SDS) <-2.25, and associated with growth rates unlikely to permit attainment of adult height in the normal range, • growth failure due to Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). 1.2 Adult Patients NORDITROPIN is indicated for the replacement of endogenous GH in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD)
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Increased Risk of Neoplasms : Second neoplasms have occurred in childhood cancer survivors. Monitor patients with preexisting tumors for progression or recurrence. ( 5.3 ) • Glucose Intolerance and Diabetes Mellitus : NORDITROPIN may decrease insulin sensitivity, particularly at higher doses. Monitor glucose levels periodically in all patients receiving NORDITROPIN, especially in patients with existing diabetes mellitus or at risk for development. ( 5.4 ) • Intracran...
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Increased Risk of Neoplasms : Second neoplasms have occurred in childhood cancer survivors. Monitor patients with preexisting tumors for progression or recurrence. ( 5.3 ) • Glucose Intolerance and Diabetes Mellitus : NORDITROPIN may decrease insulin sensitivity, particularly at higher doses. Monitor glucose levels periodically in all patients receiving NORDITROPIN, especially in patients with existing diabetes mellitus or at risk for development. ( 5.4 ) • Intracranial Hypertension (IH) : Has been reported usually within 8 weeks of initiation. Perform fundoscopic examinations prior to initiation and periodically thereafter. If papilledema occurs, stop treatment. ( 5.5 ) • Severe Hypersensitivity : Serious hypersensitivity reactions may occur. In the event of an allergic reaction, seek prompt medical attention. ( 5.6 ) • Fluid Retention : May occur in adults and may be dose dependent. ( 5.7 ) • Hypoadrenalism : Monitor patients for reduced serum cortisol levels and/or need for glucocorticoid dose increases in those with known hypoadrenalism. ( 5.8 ) • Hypothyroidism : Monitor thyroid function periodically as hypothyroidism may occur or worsen after initiation of somatropin. ( 5.9 ) • Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis in Pediatric Patients : May occur; evaluate patients with onset of a limp or hip/knee pain. ( 5.10 ) • Progression of Preexisting Scoliosis in Pediatric Patients : Monitor patients with scoliosis for progression. ( 5.11 ) • Pancreatitis : Has been reported; consider pancreatitis in patients with abdominal pain, especially pediatric patients. ( 5.12 ) 5.1 Increased Mortality in Patients with Acute Critical Illness Increased mortality in patients with acute critical illness due to complications following open heart surgery, abdominal surgery or multiple accidental trauma, or those with acute respiratory failure has been reported after treatment with pharmacologic amounts of somatropin [see Contraindications (4) ]. Two placebo-controlled clinical trials in non-growth hormone deficient adult patients (n=522) with these conditions in intensive care units revealed a significant increase in mortality (42% vs. 19%) among somatropin-treated patients (doses 5.3-8 mg/day) compared to those receiving placebo. The safety of continuing NORDITROPIN treatment in patients receiving replacement doses for approved indications who concurrently develop these illnesses has not been established. NORDITROPIN is not indicated for the treatment of non-GH deficient adults. 5.2 Sudden Death in Pediatric Patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome There have been reports of sudden death after initiating therapy with somatropin in pediatric patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who had one or more of the following risk factors: severe obesity, history of upper airway obstruction or sleep apnea, or unidentified respiratory infection. Male patients with one or more of these factors may be at greater risk than females. Patients with Prader-Willi syndrome should be evaluated for signs of upper airway obstruction and sleep apnea before initiation of treatment with somatropin. If, during treatment with NORDITROPIN, patients show signs of upper airway obstruction (including onset of or increased snoring) and/or new onset sleep apnea, treatment should be interrupted. All patients with Prader-Willi syndrome treated with NORDITROPIN should also have effective weight control and be monitored for signs of respiratory infection, which should be diagnosed as early as possible and treated aggressively [see Contraindications (4) ] . 5.3 Increased Risk of Neoplasms Active Malignancy There is an increased risk of malignancy progression with somatropin treatment in patients with active malignancy [See Contraindications (4) ]. Any preexisting malignancy should be inactive and its treatment complete prior to instituting therapy with NORDITROPIN. Discontinue NORDITROPIN if there is evidence of recurrent activity. Risk of Second Neoplasm in Pediatric Patients There is an increased risk of a second neoplasm in pediatric cancer survivors who were treated with radiation to the brain/head and who developed subsequent GH deficiency and were treated with somatropin. Intracranial tumors, in particular meningiomas, were the most common of these second neoplasms. In adults, it is unknown whether there is any relationship between somatropin replacement therapy and CNS tumor recurrence. Monitor all patients receiving NORDITROPIN who have a history of GH deficiency secondary to an intracranial neoplasm for progression or recurrence of the tumor. New Malignancy During Treatment Because pediatric patients with certain rare genetic causes of short stature have an increased risk of developing malignancies, thoroughly consider the risks and benefits of starting NORDITROPIN in these patients. If NORDITROPIN is initiated, carefully monitor patients for development of neoplasms. Monitor all patients receiving NORDITROPIN carefully for increased growth, or potential malignant changes, of preexisting nevi. Advise patients/caregivers to report marked changes in behavior, onset of headaches, vision disturbances and/or changes in skin pigmentation or changes in the appearance of pre-existing nevi. 5.4 Glucose Intolerance and Diabetes Mellitus Treatment with somatropin may decrease insulin sensitivity, particularly at higher doses. New onset type 2 diabetes mellitus has been reported in patients taking somatropin. Previously undiagnosed impaired glucose tolerance and overt diabetes mellitus may be unmasked. Monitor glucose levels periodically in all patients receiving NORDITROPIN, especially in those with risk factors for diabetes mellitus, such as obesity, Turner syndrome, or a family history of diabetes mellitus. Patients with preexisting type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance should be monitored closely. The doses of antidiabetic agents may require adjustment when NORDITROPIN is initiated. 5.5 Intracranial Hypertension Intracranial hypertension (IH) with papilledema, visual changes, headache, nausea, and/or vomiting has been reported in a small number of patients treated with somatropins. Symptoms usually occurred within the first eight (8) weeks after the initiation of somatropin therapy. In all reported cases, IH-associated signs and symptoms rapidly resolved after cessation of therapy or a reduction of the somatropin dose. Funduscopic examination should be performed routinely before initiating treatment with NORDITROPIN to exclude preexisting papilledema, and periodically thereafter. If papilledema is observed by funduscopy during somatropin treatment, treatment should be stopped. If somatropin-induced IH is diagnosed, treatment with NORDITROPIN can be restarted at a lower dose after IH-associated signs and symptoms have resolved. Patients with Turner syndrome may be at increased risk for the development of IH. 5.6 Severe Hypersensitivity Serious systemic hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions and angioedema have been reported with postmarketing use of somatropins. Patients and caregivers should be informed that such reactions are possible and that prompt medical attention should be sought if an allergic reaction occurs [see Contraindications (4) ]. 5.7 Fluid Retention Fluid retention during somatropin replacement therapy in adults may frequently occur. Clinical manifestations of fluid retention (e.g. edema, arthralgia, myalgia, nerve compression syndromes including carpal tunnel syndrome/paraesthesias) are usually transient and dose dependent. 5.8 Hypoadrenalism Patients receiving somatropin therapy who have or are at risk for pituitary hormone deficiency(s) may be at risk for reduced serum cortisol levels and/or unmasking of central (secondary) hypoadrenalism. In addition, patients treated with glucocorticoid replacement for previously diagnosed hypoadrenalism may require an increase in their maintenance or stress doses following initiation of NORDITROPIN treatment. Monitor patients for reduced serum cortisol levels and/or need for glucocorticoid dose increases in those with known hypoadrenalism [see Drug Interactions (7) ]. 5.9 Hypothyroidism Undiagnosed/untreated hypothyroidism may prevent an optimal response to NORDITROPIN, in particular, the growth response in pediatric patients. Patients with Turner syndrome have an inherently increased risk of developing autoimmune thyroid disease and primary hypothyroidism. In patients with GH deficiency, central (secondary) hypothyroidism may first become evident or worsen during somatropin treatment. Therefore, patients should have periodic thyroid function tests and thyroid hormone replacement therapy should be initiated or appropriately adjusted when indicated. 5.10 Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis in Pediatric Patients Slipped capital femoral epiphysis may occur more frequently in patients with endocrine disorders (including GH deficiency and Turner syndrome) or in patients undergoing rapid growth. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis may lead to osteonecrosis. Cases of slipped capital femoral epiphysis with or without osteonecrosis have been reported in pediatric patients with short stature receiving somatropin, including NORDITROPIN. Evaluate pediatric patients receiving NORDITROPIN with the onset of a limp or complaints of hip or knee pain for slipped capital femoral epiphysis and osteonecrosis and manage accordingly . 5.11 Progression of Preexisting Scoliosis in Pediatric Patients Somatropin increases the growth rate, and progression of existing scoliosis can occur in patients who experience rapid growth. Somatropin has not been shown to increase the occurrence of scoliosis. Monitor patients with a history of scoliosis for progression of scoliosis. 5.12 Pancreatitis Cases of pancreatitis have been reported in pediatric patients and adults receiving somatropin products. There may be a greater risk in pediatric patients compared with adults. Published literature indicates that females who have Turner syndrome may be at greater risk than other pediatric patients receiving somatropin products. Pancreatitis should be considered in patients who develop persistent severe abdominal pain. 5.13 Lipoatrophy When somatropin products are administered subcutaneously at the same site over a long period of time, tissue atrophy may result. Rotate injection sites when administering NORDITROPIN to reduce this risk [see Administration and Use Instructions (2.1) ]. 5.14 Laboratory Tests Serum levels of inorganic phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and IGF-I may increase after NORDITROPIN treatment.
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following important adverse reactions are also described elsewhere in the labeling: • Increased mortality in patients with acute critical illness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Sudden death in children with Prader-Willi syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Neoplasms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Glucose intolerance and diabetes mellitus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Intracranial hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • ...
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following important adverse reactions are also described elsewhere in the labeling: • Increased mortality in patients with acute critical illness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Sudden death in children with Prader-Willi syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Neoplasms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Glucose intolerance and diabetes mellitus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Intracranial hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Severe hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Fluid retention [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Hypoadrenalism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] • Hypothyroidism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] • Slipped capital femoral epiphysis in pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] • Progression of preexisting scoliosis in pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] • Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] • Lipoatrophy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ] Common adverse reactions in adult and pediatric patients include: upper respiratory infection, fever, pharyngitis, headache, otitis media, edema, arthralgia, paresthesia, myalgia, peripheral edema, flu syndrome, and impaired glucose tolerance. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Novo Nordisk at 1-888-NOVO-444 (1-888-668-6444) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed during the clinical trials performed with one somatropin product cannot always be directly compared to the rates observed during the clinical trials performed with another somatropin product, and may not reflect the adverse reaction rates observed in practice. Pediatric Patients Growth Failure due to Inadequate Secretion of Endogenous Growth Hormone In one randomized, open label, clinical study the most frequent adverse reactions were headache, pharyngitis, otitis media and fever. There were no clinically significant differences between the three doses assessed in the study (0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg/day). Short Stature Associated with Noonan Syndrome NORDITROPIN was studied in 21 pediatric patients, 3 years to 14 years of age at doses of 0.033 mg/kg/day and 0.066 mg/kg/day. After the two-year study, patients continued NORDITROPIN treatment until final height was achieved; randomized dose groups were not maintained. Adverse reactions were later collected retrospectively from 18 pediatric patients; total follow-up was 11 years. An additional 6 pediatric patients were not randomized, but followed the protocol and are included in this assessment of adverse reactions. The most frequent adverse reactions were upper respiratory infection, gastroenteritis, ear infection, and influenza. Cardiac disorders was the system organ class with the second most adverse reactions reported. Scoliosis was reported in 1 and 4 pediatric patients receiving doses of 0.033 mg/kg/day and 0.066 mg/kg/day respectively. The following additional adverse reactions also occurred once: insulin resistance and panic reaction for the 0.033 mg/kg/day dose group; injection site pruritus, bone development abnormal, depression, and self-injurious ideation in the 0.066 mg/kg/day dose group. Headache occurred in 2 cases in the 0.066 mg/kg/day dose group. Short Stature Associated with Turner Syndrome In two clinical studies in pediatric patients that were treated until final height with various doses of NORDITROPIN, the most frequently reported adverse reactions were influenza-like illness, otitis media, upper respiratory tract infection, otitis externa, gastroenteritis, eczema and, impaired fasting glucose. Adverse reactions in study 1 were most frequent in the highest dose groups. Three patients in study 1 had excessive growth of hands and/or feet in the high dose groups. Two patients in study 1 had a serious adverse reaction of exacerbation of preexisting scoliosis in the 0.045 mg/kg/day group. Small for Gestational Age (SGA) with No Catch-up Growth by Age 2-4 Years In a study, 53 pediatric patients were treated with 2 doses of NORDITROPIN (0.033 or 0.067 mg/kg/day) to final height for up to 13 years (mean duration of treatment 7.9 and 9.5 years for girls and boys, respectively). The most frequently reported adverse reactions were influenza-like illness, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, gastroenteritis, abdominal pain, otitis media, pharyngitis, arthralgia, headache, gynecomastia, and increased sweating. One pediatric patient treated with 0.067 mg/kg/day for 4 years was reported with disproportionate growth of the lower jaw, and another patient treated with 0.067 mg/kg/day developed a melanocytic nevus. 4 pediatric patients treated with 0.067 mg/kg/day and 2 pediatric patients treated with 0.033 mg/kg/day of NORDITROPIN had increased fasting blood glucose levels after 1 year of treatment. In addition, small increases in mean fasting blood glucose and insulin levels after 1 and 2 years of NORDITROPIN treatment appeared to be dose-dependent. In a second study, 98 Japanese pediatric patients were treated with 2 doses of NORDITROPIN (0.033 or 0.067 mg/kg/day) for 2 years or were untreated for 1 year. Adverse reactions were otitis media, arthralgia and impaired glucose tolerance. Arthralgia and transiently impaired glucose tolerance were reported in the 0.067 mg/kg/day treatment group. Idiopathic Short Stature In two open-label clinical studies with another somatropin product in pediatric patients, the most common adverse reactions were upper respiratory tract infections, influenza, tonsillitis, nasopharyngitis, gastroenteritis, headaches, increased appetite, pyrexia, fracture, altered mood, and arthralgia. Growth Failure Due to Prader-Willi Syndrome In two clinical studies in pediatric patients with PWS carried out with another somatropin product, the following adverse reactions were reported: edema, aggressiveness, arthralgia, benign intracranial hypertension, hair loss, headache, and myalgia. Adult Patients Adults with Growth Hormone Deficiency Adverse reactions with an incidence of ≥5% occurring in patients with AO GHD during the 6 month placebo-controlled portion of a clinical trial for NORDITROPIN are presented in Table 1 . Table 1 – Adverse Reactions with ≥5% Overall Incidence in Adult Onset Growth Hormone Deficient Patients Treated with NORDITROPIN During a Six Month Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Placebo (N=52) NORDITROPIN (N=53) Adverse Reactions % % Peripheral Edema 8 42 Edema 0 25 Arthralgia 15 19 Leg Edema 4 15 Myalgia 8 15 Infection (non-viral) 8 13 Paraesthesia 6 11 Skeletal Pain 2 11 Headache 6 9 Bronchitis 0 9 Flu-like symptoms 4 8 Hypertension 2 8 Gastroenteritis 8 8 Other Non-Classifiable Disorders (excludes accidental injury) 6 8 Increased sweating 2 8 Glucose tolerance abnormal 2 6 Laryngitis 6 6 Type 2 diabetes mellitus 0 5 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of somatropin or NORDITROPIN. Because these adverse 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 . Immune system disorders — Serious systemic hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions and angioedema Skin — Increase in size or number of cutaneous nevi Endocrine disorders — Hypothyroidism - Gynecomastia Metabolism and nutrition disorders — Hyperglycemia Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders — Slipped capital femoral epiphysis and osteonecrosis (including Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease) have been reported in pediatric patients treated with growth hormone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]. Cases have been reported with NORDITROPIN. Investigations — Increase in blood alkaline phosphatase level — Decrease in serum thyroxin (T4) levels Gastrointestinal — Pancreatitis Neoplasm — Leukemia has been reported in a small number of GH deficient children treated with somatropin, somatrem (methionylated rhGH) and GH of pituitary origin
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