Metrodin

Description

Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) is a preparation of gonadotropin extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women. Each ampule of Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) contains 75 or 150 IU of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) activity, in not more than 0.83 mg (75 IU) or 1.66 mg (150 IU) of extract, plus 10 mg lactose in a sterile, lyophilized form. Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) is administered by intramuscular injection.

Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) contains an acidic, water soluble glycoprotein biologically standardized for FSH gonadotropin activity in terms of the Second International Reference Preparation for Human Menopausal Gonadotropins established in September, 1964 by the Expert Committee on Biological Standards of the World Health Organization. Negligible amounts (less than 1 IU per 75 IU FSH) of luteinizing hormone (LH) activity are contained in Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) .

Therapeutic Class: Infertility.

Indications

Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) and hCG given in a sequential manner are indicated for the stimulation of follicular development and the induction of ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, and infertility, who have failed to respond or conceive following adequate clomiphene citrate therapy.

Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) and hCG may also be used to stimulate the development of multiple follicles in ovulatory patients undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization.

Selection of Patients

1. Before treatment with Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) is instituted, a thorough gynecologic and endocrinologic evaluation must be performed. This should include an assessment of pelvic anatomy. Patients with tubal obstruction should receive Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) only if enrolled in an in vitro fertilization program.

2. Primary ovarian failure should be excluded by the determination of gonadotropin levels.

3. Careful examination should be made to rule out the presence of early pregnancy.

4. Patients in late reproductive life have a greater predisposition to endometrial carcinoma as well as a higher incidence of anovulatory disorders. A thorough diagnostic examination should always be performed before starting Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) therapy in such patients who demonstrate abnormal uterine bleeding or other signs of endometrial abnormalities.

5. Evaluation of the husbands fertility potential should be included in the workup.

Dosage And Administration

Dosage

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The dose of Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) to stimulate development of the follicle must be individualized for each patient. The lowest dose consistent with the expectation of good results should be used. Over the course of treatment, doses of Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) may range between 75 IU to 300 IU per day depending on the individual patient response. Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) should be administered until adequate follicular development is indicated by serum estradiol and vaginal ultrasonography. A response is generally evident after 5 to 7 days. Subsequent monitoring intervals should be based on individual patient response.

It is recommended that the initial dose of the first cycle be 75 IU of Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) per day, ADMINISTERED INTRAMUSCULARLY. An adjustment in dose may be considered after 5 to 7 days. An additional dose adjustment may also be considered based on individual patient response. The dose should not be increased more than twice in any cycle or by more than one ampule (75 IU) per adjustment. To complete follicular development and effect ovulation in the absence of an endogenous LH surge, hCG, 5,000 U to 10,000 U, should be given 1 day after the last dose of Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) . HCG should be withheld if the serum estradiol is greater than 2,000 pg/mL. If the ovaries are abnormally enlarged or abdominal pain occurs, Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) treatment should be discontinued , hCG should not be administered, and the patient should be advised not to have intercourse; this will reduce the chance of development of the Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome and, should spontaneous ovulation occur, reduce the chance of multiple gestation. A follow-up visit should be conducted in the luteal phase.

The initial dose administered in the subsequent cycles should be individualized for each patient based on her response in the preceding cycle. Doses larger than 300 IU of FSH per day are not routinely recommended. As in the initial cycle, 5,000 U to 10,000 U of hCG must be given 1 day after the last dose of Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) to complete follicular development and induce ovulation. The precautions described above should be followed to minimize the chance of development of the Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.

The couple should be encouraged to have intercourse daily, beginning on the day prior to the administration of hCG until ovulation becomes apparent from the indices employed for the determination of progestational activity. Care should be taken to ensure insemination. In light of the indices and parameters mentioned, it should become obvious that, unless a physician is willing to devote considerable time to these patients and be familiar with and conduct the necessary laboratory studies, he/she should not use Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) .

Assisted Reproductive Technologies: As in the treatment of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, the dose of Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) to stimulate development of the follicle must be individualized for each patient. For Assisted Reproductive Technologies, therapy with Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) should be initiated in the early follicular phase (cycle day 2 or 3) at a dose of 150 IU per day, until sufficient follicular development is attained. In most cases, therapy should not exceed ten days.

Administration

Dissolve the contents of one ampule of Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) in one to two mL of sterile saline and ADMINISTER INTRAMUSCULARLY immediately. Any unused reconstituted material should be discarded.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually, for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

How Supplied

Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) is supplied in a sterile, lyophilized form as a white to off-white powder or pellet in ampules containing 75 IU or 150 IU FSH activity. The following package combinations are available:

–    1 ampule 75 IU Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) and 1 ampule 2 mL Sodium Chloride Injection (USP), NDC 44087-6075-1

–    1 ampule 150 IU Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) and 1 ampule 2 mL Sodium Chloride Injection (USP), NDC 44087-6150-1

–    10 ampules 75 lU Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) and 10 ampules 2 mL Sodium Chloride Injection (USP), NDC 44087-6075-3

–    100 ampules 75 IU Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) and 100 ampules 2 mL Sodium Chloride Injection (USP), NDC 44087-6075-4

Lyophilized powder may be stored refrigerated or at room temperature (3°-25°C/37°-77°F). Protect from light. Use immediately after reconstitution. Discard unused material.

Caution: Federal law prohibits dispensing without prescription.

Side Effects

The following adverse reactions reported during Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) therapy are listed in decreasing order of potential severity:

1. Pulmonary and vascular complications (see WARNINGS),

2. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (see WARNINGS),

3. Adnexal torsion (as a complication of ovarian enlargement),

4. Mild to moderate ovarian enlargement,

5. Abdominal pain,

6. Sensitivity to Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) ,

(Febrile reactions which may be accompanied by chills, musculoskeletal aches, joint pains, malaise, headache, and fatigue have occurred after the administration of Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) . It is not clear whether or not these were pyrogenic responses or possible allergic reactions.)

7. Ovarian cysts,

8. Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating),

9. Pain, rash, swelling, and/or irritation at the site of injection,

10. Breast tenderness,

11. Headache,

12. Dermatological symptoms (dry skin, body rash, hair loss, hives),

13. Hemoperitoneum has been reported during menotropins therapy and, therefore, may also occur during Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) therapy.

14. There have been infrequent reports of ovarian neoplasms, both benign and malignant, in women who have undergone multiple drug regimens for ovulation induction; however, a causal relationship has not been established.

The following medical events have been reported subsequent to pregnancies resulting from Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) therapy:

1. Ectopic pregnancy

2. Congenital abnormalities

(Three incidents of chromosomal abnormalities and four birth defects have been reported following Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) -hCG or Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) , Pergonal® (menotropins for injection, USP) hCG therapy in clinical trials for stimulation prior to in vitro fertilization. The aborted pregnancies included one Trisomy 13, one Trisomy 18, and one fetus with multiple congenital anomalies (hydrocephaly, omphalocele, and meningocele). One meningocele, one external ear defect, one dislocated hip and ankle, and one dilated cardiomyopathy in presence of maternal Systemic Lupus Erythematosis were reported. None of these events was thought to be drug-related. The incidence does not exceed that found in the general population.)

Drug Abuse and Dependence

There have been no reports of abuse or dependence with Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) .

Drug Interactions

No clinically significant drug/drug or drug/food interactions have been reported during Metrodin (urofollitropin for injection) ® therapy.

WarningS

Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) should only be used by physicians who are thoroughly familiar with infertility problems and their management. It is a potent gonadotropic substance capable of causing mild to severe adverse reactions. Therefore, the lowest dose consistent with the expectation of good results should be used. Gonadotropin therapy requires a certain time commitment by physicians and supportive health professionals, and its use requires the availability of appropriate monitoring facilities (see

Precautions

: Laboratory Tests). Safe and effective use of Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) requires monitoring of ovarian response with serum estradiol and vaginal ultrasound, on a regular basis. 

Overstimulation of the Ovary During Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) Therapy

Ovarian Enlargement: Mild to moderate uncomplicated ovarian enlargement which may be accompanied by abdominal distension and/or abdominal pain occurs in approximately 20% of those treated with Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) and hCG, and generally regresses without treatment within two or three weeks. Careful monitoring of ovarian response can further minimize the risk of overstimulation.

If the ovaries are abnormally enlarged on the last day of Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) therapy, hCG should not be administered in this course of therapy. This will reduce the chances of development of the Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.

The Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): OHSS is a medical event distinct from uncomplicated ovarian enlargement. Severe OHSS may progress rapidly (within 24 hours to several days) to become a serious medical event. It is characterized by an apparent dramatic increase in vascular permeability which can result in a rapid accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, thorax, and potentially, the pericardium. The early warning signs of development of OHSS are severe pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight gain. The following symptomatology has been seen with cases of OHSS abdominal pain, abdominal distension, gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, severe ovarian enlargement, weight gain, dyspnea, and oliguria. Clinical evaluation may reveal hypovolemia, hemoconcentration, electrolyte imbalances, ascites, hemoperitoneum, pleural effusions, hydrothorax, acute pulmonary distress, and thromboembolic events (see Pulmonary and Vascular Complications). Transient liver function test abnormalities suggestive of hepatic dysfunction, which may be accompanied by morphologic changes on liver biopsy, have been reported in association with the Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).

Severe OHSS occurred in approximately 6.0% of patients treated with Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) therapy in the initial clinical trials, in patients treated for anovulation due to polycystic ovarian syndrome. In these studies, prospective monitoring of ovarian response using serum estradiol determination or ultrasonographic visualizations was not routinely employed. In more recent clinical trials in oligo-anovulatory and infertile women in which both estradiol and ultrasound measurements were utilized to monitor follicular development, the incidence of severe OHSS was 0.6% (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Studies). During studies for in vitro fertilization, four cases of OHSS were reported following 1,586 treatment cycles (0.25%). OHSS may be more severe and more protracted if pregnancy occurs. OHSS develops rapidly; therefore, patients should be followed for at least two weeks after hCG administration. Most often, OHSS occurs after treatment has been discontinued and reaches its maximum at about seven to ten days following treatment. Usually, OHSS resolves spontaneously with the onset of menses. If there is evidence that OHSS may be developing prior to hCG administration (see

Precautions

: Laboratory Tests), the hCG should be withheld. 

If severe OHSS occurs, treatment should be stopped and the patient should be hospitalized. A physician experienced in the management of this syndrome, or who is experienced in the management in fluid and electrolyte imbalances should be consulted.

Pulmonary and Vascular Complications: The following paragraph describes serious medical events reported following gonadotropin therapy.

Serious pulmonary conditions (e.g., atelectasis, acute respiratory distress syndrome) have been reported. In addition, thromboembolic events both in association with, and separate from the Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome have been reported. Intravascular thrombosis and embolism can result in reduced blood wflow to critical organs or the extremities. Sequelae of such events have included venous thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary infarction, cerebral vascular occlusion (stroke), and arterial occlusion resulting in loss of limb. In rare cases, pulmonary complications and/or thromboembolic events have resulted in death.

Multiple Births: Reports of multiple births have been associated with Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) -hCG treatment, including triplet and quintuplet gestations. In clinical studies with Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) , 81.4% of the pregnancies following ovulation induction therapy resulted in single births and 18.6% in multiple births. The risk of multiple births in patients undergoing ART procedures is related to the number of embryos replaced. The patient and her husband should be advised of the potential risk of multiple births before starting treatment.

Precautions

General

Careful attention should be given to diagnosis in candidates for Metrodin® therapy (see INDICATIONS: Selection of Patients).

Information for Patients

Prior to the therapy with Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) patients should be informed of the duration of treatment and monitoring of their condition that will be required. Possible adverse reactions (see Adverse Reactions) and the risk of multiple births should also be discussed.

Laboratory Tests

In most instances, treatment with Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) results only in follicular recruitment and development. In order to effect ovulation in the absence of an endogenous LH surge, hCG must be given following the administration of Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) when monitoring of the patient indicates that sufficient follicular development has occurred. This may be estimated by serum estradiol and vaginal ultrasound. The combination of ultrasound and estradiol is useful for monitoring the development of follicles, timing hCG administration, as well as for detecting ovarian enlargement and minimizing the risk of the Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome and multiple gestation. It is recommended that the number of growing follicles be confirmed using ultrasonography because plasma estrogen alone does not give an indication of the size or number of follicles.

The clinical confirmation of ovulation, with the exception of pregnancy, is obtained by direct and indirect indices of progesterone production. The indices generally used are

1. A rise in basal body temperature,

2. Increase in serum progesterone, and

3. Menstruation following the shift in basal body temperature.

When used in conjunction with indices of progesterone production, sonographic visualization of the ovaries will assist in determining if ovulation has occurred. Sonographic evidence of ovulation may include the following:

1. Fluid in the cul-de-sac,

2. Ovarian stigmata,

3. Collapsed follicle, and

4. Secretory endometrium.

Accurate interpretation of the indices of follicular development and maturation as well as the determination of ovulation require a physician who is experienced in the interpretation of these tests.

Drug Interactions

No clinically significant drug/drug or drug/food interactions have been reported during Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) therapy.

Carcinogenesis and Mutagenesis

Carcinogenicity and mutagenicity studies have not been performed.

Pregnancy Category X

See CONTRAINDICATIONS.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised if Metrodin (urofollitropin for injection) ® is administered to a nursing woman.

Overdose

Aside from possible ovarian hyperstimulation and multiple gestations (see WARNINGS), little is known concerning the consequences of acute overdosage with Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) .

Contraindications

Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) is contraindicated in women who exhibit:

1. High levels of FSH indicating primary ovarian failure.

2. Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction.

3. An organic intracranial lesion such as a pituitary tumor.

4. The presence of any cause of infertility other than anovulation, as stated in the Indications unless they are candidates for Assisted Reproductive Technologies.

5. Abnormal bleeding of undetermined origin (see Selection of Patients).

6. Ovarian cysts or enlargement of undetermined origin.

7. Prior hypersensitivity to urofollitropin.

Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) is also contraindicated in women who are pregnant and may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are limited human data on the effects of Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) when administered during pregnancy.

Clinical Pharmacology

Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) stimulates ovarian follicular growth in women who do not have primary ovarian failure. FSH, the active component of Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) , is the primary hormone responsible for follicular recruitment and development. In order to effect final maturation of the follicle and ovulation in the absence of an endogenous LH surge, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) must be given following the administration of Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) when monitoring of the patient indicates that sufficient follicular development has occurred. There may be a degree of interpatient variability in response to FSH administration.

Clinical Studies

The results of the clinical experience and effectiveness of the administration of Metrodin® (urofollitropin for injection) to 173 evaluable patients in 367 completed courses of therapy are summarized below. All patients received prior therapy with clomiphene citrate, without success.

* Based on total pregnancies.
** Based on 181 patients who received 446 courses of therapy.