INTERACTIONS Androgens may decrease blood glucose, and therefore may decrease insulin requirements in diabetic patients ( 7.1 ). Changes in anticoagulant activity may be seen with androgens. More frequent monitoring of international normalized ratio (INR) and prothrombin time is recommended in patients taking warfarin ( 7.2 ). Use of testosterone with corticosteroids may result in increased fluid retention. Use with caution, particularly in patients with cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease ( 7.3 ). Concomitant administration of medications that are known to increase BP with XYOSTED may lead to additional increases in BP ( 7.4 ).
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, may necessitate a decrease in the dose of anti-diabetic medication.
7.2 Oral Anticoagulants Changes in anticoagulant activity may be seen with androgens, therefore more frequent monitoring of international normalized ratio (INR) and prothrombin time are recommended in patients taking warfarin, 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 requires careful monitoring, particularly in patients with cardiac, renal or hepatic disease.
7.4 Medications that May Also Increase Blood Pressure Some prescription medications and nonprescription analgesic and cold medications contain drugs known to increase blood pressure. Concomitant administration of these medications with XYOSTED may lead to additional increases in blood pressure.
CONTRAINDICATIONS Androgens are contraindicated in men with carcinomas of the breast or with known or suspected carcinomas of the prostate and in women who are or may become pregnant. When administered to pregnant women, androgens cause virilization of the external genitalia of the female fetus. This virilization includes clitoromegaly, abnormal vaginal development, and fusion of genital folds to form a scrotal-like structure. The degree of masculinization is related to the amount of drug given and the age of the fetus and is most likely to occur in the female fetus when the drugs are given in the first trimester. If the patient becomes pregnant while taking androgens, she should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. This preparation is also contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of its components.
AND PRECAUTIONS Polycythemia: Monitor hematocrit approximately every 3 months to detect increased red blood cell mass and polycythemia ( 5.1 ). Venous thromboembolism (VTE): VTE including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), have been reported in patients using testosterone products. Evaluate patients with signs or symptoms consistent with DVT or PE ( 5.2 ). Worsening of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Potential Risk of Prostate Cancer: Monitor patients with BPH for worsening signs and symptoms of BPH ( 5.3 ).
Blood Pressure
Increases: Testosterone can increase blood pressure, which can increase cardiovascular risk over time. Measure blood pressure periodically. Not recommended for use in men with uncontrolled hypertension ( 5.4 ). Abuse of Testosterone: Testosterone has been subject to abuse, typically at doses higher than recommended for the approved indication and in combination with other anabolic androgenic steroids ( 5.5 ). Potential for Adverse Effects on Spermatogenesis: Exogenous administration of androgens may lead to azoospermia ( 5.7 ). Edema: Edema with or without congestive heart failure may be a complication in patients with preexisting cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease ( 5.9 ). Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea may occur in those with risk factors ( 5.11 ). Monitor prostatic specific antigen (PSA) and lipid concentrations periodically ( 5.3 , 5.12 ). Depression and suicidal ideation and behavior, including completed suicide, have occurred during clinical trials in patients treated with XYOSTED ( 5.15 ).
5.1 Polycythemia Increases in hematocrit reflective of increases in red blood cell mass may require discontinuation of XYOSTED. Check that hematocrit is not elevated prior to initiating XYOSTED. Evaluate hematocrit approximately every 3 months while the patient is on XYOSTED. If hematocrit becomes elevated, stop XYOSTED until the hematocrit decreases to an acceptable level. If XYOSTED is restarted and again causes hematocrit to become elevated, stop XYOSTED permanently. An increase in red blood cell mass may increase the risk of thromboembolic events.
5.2 Venous Thromboembolism There have been postmarketing reports of venous thromboembolic events, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), in patients using testosterone products, such as XYOSTED. In the Testosterone Replacement therapy for Assessment of long-term Vascular Events and efficacy Response in hypogonadal men (TRAVERSE) Study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cardiovascular (CV) outcomes study, compared to placebo, topical testosterone gel was associated with a numerically higher incidence of VTE (1.7% vs 1.2%) which included DVT (0.6% vs 0.5%) and PE events (0.9% vs 0.5%) <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]</span> . 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 XYOSTED and initiate appropriate workup and management.
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 of worsening of signs and symptoms of BPH. Monitor patients with BPH for worsening signs and symptoms. Patients treated with androgens may be at an increased risk for prostate cancer. Evaluate patients for prostate cancer prior to initiating and during treatment with androgens <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4 )]</span> .
5.4 Blood Pressure Increases XYOSTED can increase blood pressure. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) demonstrated XYOSTED increased systolic/diastolic BP by an average of 3.9/1.5 mm Hg from baseline after 12 weeks of treatment in clinical trials <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]</span>. In patients with hypertension on antihypertensive therapy, XYOSTED increased the mean systolic/diastolic BP by 3.9/1.3 mm Hg from baseline. The CV risk associated with topical testosterone gel was evaluated in TRAVERSE, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, CV outcomes study in men with a history of CV disease or multiple CV risk factors. In TRAVERSE, topical testosterone gel increased mean systolic blood pressure by 1.0 mm Hg from baseline to 36 months, whereas a mean decrease from baseline of 0.5 mm Hg was observed in the placebo group at this timepoint, for a mean between-group difference of 1.5 mm Hg. However, the incidences of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction [MI] and non-fatal stroke, were similar between treatment groups (7% for topical testosterone gel vs 7.3% for placebo) [See Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Monitor blood pressure periodically in men using XYOSTED, especially men with hypertension. XYOSTED is not recommended for use in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
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 <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Abuse and Dependence ( 9 )]</span> . 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 potential virilizing effects, XYOSTED is not indicated for use in women <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.2 )]</span> .
5.7 Potential for Adverse Effects on Spermatogenesis With large doses of exogenous androgens, including XYOSTED, 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 <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.3 )]</span> . Patients should be informed of this possible risk when deciding whether to use or to continue to use XYOSTED.
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, which elevates blood levels for prolonged periods, has produced multiple hepatic adenomas. XYOSTED is not known to produce these adverse effects. Nonetheless, patients should be instructed to report any signs or symptoms of hepatic dysfunction (e.g., jaundice). If these occur, promptly discontinue XYOSTED while the cause is evaluated.
5.9 Edema Androgens, including XYOSTED, 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. In addition to discontinuation of the drug, diuretic therapy may be required.
5.10 Gynecomastia Gynecomastia may develop and may persist in patients being treated for hypogonadism.
5.11 Sleep Apnea Treatment with testosterone products including XYOSTED may potentiate sleep apnea in some patients, especially those with risk factors such as obesity or chronic lung disease.
5.12 Lipid Changes Changes in the serum lipid profile may require dose adjustment of lipid lowering drugs or discontinuation of testosterone therapy. Monitor the lipid profile periodically, particularly after starting testosterone therapy.
5.13 Hypercalcemia Androgens, including XYOSTED, should be used with caution in cancer patients at risk of hypercalcemia (and associated hypercalciuria). Monitor serum calcium concentrations regularly during treatment with XYOSTED in these patients.
5.14 Decreased Thyroxine-binding Globulin Androgens, including XYOSTED, may decrease concentrations of thyroxine-binding globulin, resulting in decreased total T4 serum concentrations and increased resin uptake of T3 and T4. Free thyroid hormone concentrations remain unchanged, however, and there is no clinical evidence of thyroid dysfunction.
5.15 Risk of Depression and Suicide Depression and suicidal ideation and behavior, including completed suicide, have occurred during clinical trials in patients treated with XYOSTED. Advise patients and caregivers to seek medical attention for manifestations of suicidal ideation or behavior, new onset or worsening depression, anxiety, or other mood changes.