Fostimon Pfs 150 Iu Powder And Solvent For Solution For Injection
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Fostimon PFS 150 IU powder and solvent for solution for injection
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
One vial contains 150 IU of urofollitropin (follicle-stimulating hormone FSH): 1 ml
of reconstituted solution contains either 150 IU, 300 IU or 450 IU of urofollitropin
when respectively 1, 2, or 3 vials of product are reconstituted in 1 ml of solvent.
The specific in vivo activity is equal or superior to 5000 IU of FSH per mg of protein.
For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Powder and solvent for solution for injection.
The powder is white to off-white and the solvent is clear and colourless.
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Sterility in women:
• Anovulation (including polycystic ovarian syndrome, PCOS) in women who have been unresponsive to treatment with clomifene citrate.
• Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation to induce the development of multiple follicles in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), Gamete Intra-fallopian Transfer (GIFT) and Zygotes Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT).
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Treatment with Fostimon PFS should be initiated under the supervision of a physician experienced in the treatment of infertility problems.
There are great inter- and intra-individual variations in the response of the ovaries to exogenous gonadotropins. This makes it impossible to set a uniform dosage scheme. The dosage should, therefore, be adjusted individually depending on the ovarian
response. This requires ultrasonography and may also include monitoring of oestradiol levels.
Posology
• Anovulation (including PCOS):
The objective of a treatment with Fostimon PFS is to develop a single mature de Graaf follicle from which the ovum will be released after the administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
Fostimon PFS can be administered by daily injection. In menstruating patients the treatment should begin within the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle.
A commonly used regimen starts at 75 to 150 IU of FSH per day and is increased if necessary by 37.5 IU (up to 75 IU), with intervals of 7 or 14 days preferably, in order to achieve an adequate but not excessive response.
The treatment should be adjusted to the individual patient's response, assessed by measuring the follicle size by ultrasonography and/or oestrogen levels.
The daily dose is then maintained until pre-ovulatory conditions are reached. Usually, 7 to 14 days of treatment is sufficient to reach this state.
The administration of Fostimon PFS is then discontinued and ovulation can be induced by administering human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
If the number of responding follicles is too high or oestradiol levels increase too rapidly, i.e. more than a daily doubling for oestradiol for two or three consecutive days, the daily dose should be decreased. Since follicles of over 14 mm may lead to pregnancies, multiple pre-ovulatory follicles exceeding 14 mm carry the risk of multiple gestations. In that case hCG should be withheld and pregnancy should be avoided in order to prevent multiple gestations. The patient should use a barrier method of contraception or refrain from having coitus until the next menstrual bleeding has started (see section 4.4). The treatment should recommence in the next treatment cycle at a lower dose than in the previous cycle.
Maximum daily dosages of FSH should generally not exceed 225 IU.
If a patient fails to adequately respond after 4 weeks of treatment, the cycle should be abandoned and the patient should recommence at a higher initial dose than in the previous cycle.
Once the ideal response is obtained, a single injection of 5 000 IU to 10 000 IU of hCG should be administered 24 to 48 hours after the last Fostimon PFS injection.
The patient is recommended to have coitus on the day of hCG injection and the following day.
Alternatively, intrauterine insemination may be performed.
• Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation during ART
Pituitary down-regulation in order to suppress the endogenous LH peak and to control basal levels of LH is now commonly achieved by administration of a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH agonist).
In a commonly used protocol the administration of Fostimon PFS begins approximately two weeks after the start of the agonist treatment, both treatments are then continued until adequate follicular development has been achieved. For example, following two weeks of pituitary down-regulation with agonist, 150 to 225 IU of FSH are administered for the first seven days. The dose is then adjusted according to the patient's ovarian response.
An alternative protocol for superovulation involves the administration of 150 to 225 IU of FSH daily starting on the 2nd or 3rd day of the cycle. The treatment is continued until sufficient follicular development has been achieved (assessed by monitoring of serum oestrogen concentrations and/or ultrasound) with the dose adjusted according to the patient's response (usually not higher than 450 IU daily). Adequate follicular development is usually achieved on average around the tenth day of treatment (5 to 20 days).
When an optimal response is obtained a single injection of 5 000 IU to 10 000 IU of hCG administered 24 to 48 hours after the last Fostimon PFS injection, to induce final follicular maturation.
Oocyte retrieval is performed 34-35 hours later.
Method of administration
Fostimon PFS is intended for subcutaneous administration.
The powder should be reconstituted immediately prior to use with the solvent provided.
To prevent painful injections and minimize leakage from the injection site Fostimon PFS should be slowly administered subcutaneously. The subcutaneous injection site should be alternated to prevent lipo-atrophy. Any unused solution should be discarded.
Subcutaneous injections can be self-administered by the patient, provided the physician's instructions and recommendations are strictly followed.
4.3 Contraindications
• Hypersensitivity to FSH or to any of the excipients
• Ovarian enlargement or cysts not related to polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Gynaecological bleeding of unknown cause
• Ovarian, uterine or breast carcinoma
• Tumours of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland
Fostimon PFS is contraindicated when an effective response cannot be achieved, for example:
• Primary ovarian failure
• Malformations of sexual organs incompatible with pregnancy
• Fibroid tumours of the uterus incompatible with pregnancy
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Self-injections of Fostimon PFS should be performed only by motivated, trained and well informed patients. Prior to self-injections, the patient must be shown how to perform a subcutaneous injection, showing her where the injection can be given and how to prepare the solution to be injected. The first injection of Fostimon PFS should be performed under direct medical supervision.
Particularly, in patients with known hypersensitivity to gonadotropins anaphylactic reactions might occur. In these patients, the first injection of Fostimon PFS should be performed by a physician in settings with facilities for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.
Before starting the treatment, the couple's infertility should be assessed as appropriate and putative contraindications for pregnancy evaluated. In particular, patients should be evaluated for hypothyroidism, adrenocortical deficiency, hyperprolactinemia and pituitary or hypothalamic tumours, for which appropriate specific treatments are given.
Multiple Pregnancies
In patients undergoing ART procedures the risk of multiple pregnancies is related mainly to the number of replaced embryos. In patients undergoing a treatment for ovulation induction the incidence of multiple pregnancies and births is increased as compared to natural conception. The majority of multiple conceptions are twins. To minimise the risk of multiple pregnancy, careful monitoring of ovarian response is recommended.
Unwanted ovarian hyperstimulation
In the treatment of female patients, ultrasonographic assessment of follicular development, and determination of oestradiol levels should be performed prior to treatment and at regular intervals during treatment. Apart from the development of a high number of follicles, oestradiol levels may rise very rapidly, e.g. more than a daily doubling for two or three consecutive days, and possibly reaching excessively high values. The diagnosis of ovarian hyperstimulation may be confirmed by ultrasound examination. If this unwanted ovarian hyperstimulation occurs (i.e. not as part of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in medically assisted reproduction programs), the administration of Fostimon PFS should be discontinued. In that case pregnancy should be avoided and hCG must be withheld, because it may induce, in addition to multiple ovulation, the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Clinical symptoms and signs of mild ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome are abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, and mild to moderate enlargement of ovaries and ovarian cysts. In rare cases severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome occurs, which may be life-threatening. This is characterised by large ovarian cysts (prone to rupture), ascites, often hydrothorax and weight gain. In rare instances, venous or arterial thromboembolism may occur in association with OHSS (see section 4.8).
Pregnancy wastage
The incidence of spontaneous miscarriage is higher in patients treated with FSH than in the general population, but it is comparable to the incidence found in women with other fertility disorders.
Ectopic pregnancy
Since infertile women undergoing assisted reproduction, and particularly IVF, often have tubal abnormalities the incidence of ectopic pregnancies might be increased. Early ultrasound confirmation that a pregnancy is intrauterine is therefore important.
Reproductive system neoplasms
There have been reports of ovarian and other reproductive system neoplasms, both benign and malignant, in women who have undergone multiple drug regimens for infertility treatment. It is not yet established if treatment with gonadotropins increases the baseline risk of these tumors in infertile women.
Congenital malformation
The prevalence of congenital malformations after ART may be slightly higher than after spontaneous conceptions. This is thought to be due to differences in parental characteristics (e.g. maternal age, sperm characteristics) and multiple pregnancies.
Thromboembolic events
Women with generally recognised risk factors for thromboembolic events, such as personal or family history, severe obesity (Body Mass Index > 30 kg/m2) or thrombophilia, may have an increased risk of venous or arterial thromboembolic events, during or following treatment with gonadotropins. In these women, the benefits of gonadotropin administration need to be weighed against the risks (see section 4.8).
Infectious diseases
When medicinal products prepared from human urine are administered, the possibility of transmitting infective agents cannot be totally excluded.
This also applies to unknown or emerging viruses and other pathogens.
However, this risk is limited by the extraction/purification process, which includes viral inactivation/removal steps. These steps have been validated using model viruses, and particularly HIV, Herpes virus and Papillomavirus.
Up to now there is reassuring clinical experience with follitropin products regarding the lack of virus transmission associated with the administration of gonadotropins extracted from human urine.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
No drug/drug interaction studies have been conducted for Fostimon PFS in humans. Although there is no clinical experience, it is expected that the concomitant use of Fostimon PFS and clomifene citrate may enhance the follicular response.
4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy
Fostimon PFS is not indicated during pregnancy and lactation.
No teratogenic risk has been reported following controlled ovarian stimulation, in clinical use with urinary gonadotropins. To date no other relevant epidemiological data are available.
Animal studies do not indicate teratogenic effect.
Lactation
During lactation the secretion of prolactin can entail a poor response to ovarian stimulation.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed.
However, Fostimon PFS is unlikely to have influence on the patient’s performance to drive and use machines.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Adverse reactions (ADRs) reported in clinical trials with Fostimon PFS are listed in the table below by body system and frequency. Most events were of mild to moderate severity.
Within each system organ class, the ADRs are ranked under headings of frequency, most frequent reactions first, using the following convention:
Very common (> 1/10); common (>1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (>1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (>1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
For other undesirable effects which may be associated with the use of gonadotropins such as FSH, see section 4.4.
|
MedDRA System Organ Class |
Frequency |
Adverse Drug Reaction (MedDRA Preferred term) |
|
Endocrine disorders |
Uncommon |
Hyperthyroidism |
|
Psychiatric disorders |
Uncommon |
Mood swings |
|
Nervous system disorders |
Common |
Headache |
|
Uncommon |
Lethargy Dizziness | |
|
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders |
Uncommon |
Dyspnoea Epistaxis |
|
Gastro-intestinal disorders |
Common |
Constipation Abdominal distension |
|
Uncommon |
Nausea Abdominal pain Dyspepsia | |
|
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders |
Uncommon |
Erythema Pruritus |
|
Renal and urinary disorders |
Uncommon |
Cystitis |
|
Reproductive system and breast disorders |
Common |
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome |
|
Uncommon |
Breast enlargement Breast pain Hot flush | |
|
General disorders and administration site conditions |
Common |
Pain |
|
Uncommon |
Fatigue | |
|
Investigations |
Uncommon |
Bleeding time prolonged |
Local reactions at the site of injection (pain, redness and haematoma) have been rarely observed.
In rare cases, arterial thromboembolism has been associated with a treatment with human menotrophins/chorionic gonadotropins.
The incidence of miscarriage with gonadotropins therapy is comparable to the incidence in women with other fertility disorders. A slightly increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and multiple gestations has been observed.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system detailed below:
IRELAND: HPRA Pharmacovigilance, Earlsfort Terrace, IRL - Dublin 2;
Tel: +353 1 6764971; Fax: +353 1 6762517.
Website: www.hpra.ie; e-mail: medsafety@hpra.ie.
UNITED KINGDOM: Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
4.9 Overdose
No data on acute toxicity of FSH in humans is available, but the acute toxicity of urinary gonadotropin preparations in animal studies has been shown to be very low. Too high a dosage of FSH may lead to hyperstimulation of the ovaries (see section 4.4).
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group :
Gonadotropins.
ATC CODE: G03GA04
The active substance in Fostimon PFS is highly purified Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), obtained from human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG). The main effect of a FSH injection is the development and maturation of de Graaf follicles.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
After subcutaneous injection of 300 IU of Fostimon PFS, Cmax is 5.74 ± 0.95 IU/l, and Tmax is 21.33 ± 9.18 hours. AUC0-0O is 541.22 ± 113.83 IU/Uhour, which is approximately the double of that described in the literature after intramuscular
administration of 150 IU uFSH: 258.6 ± 47.9 IU/lxhour (measurements of FSH plasmatic contents by RIA assays).
Elimination half-life is about 50 hours.
After intramuscular injection, literature reports that the bioavailability of FSH is about 70%.
The pharmacokinetics of FSH in patients with renal or hepatic impairment has not been investigated.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of repeated dose toxicity, with recombinant FSH.
The Ames test did not show any mutagenic activity of FSH.
No carcinogenicity study has been performed.
In a fertility study, high doses of recombinant FSH exerted marked pharmacological effects on the ovary and other genital organs resulting in impaired fertility and increased embryo-fetal mortality in the rat and in the rabbit.
Fostimon PFS was well tolerated locally after subcutaneous administration in a study performed in rabbits.
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Powder: lactose monohydrate Solvent: water for injections sodium chloride
6.2 Incompatibilities
In the absence of compatibility studies, this product must not be mixed with other medicinal products.
6.3 Shelf life
2 years.
After reconstitution, immediate use is recommended.
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 25°C. Keep the vial and the pre-filled syringe of solvent in the outer carton, in order to protect from light.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Powder in a vial (siliconized type I glass), with a stopper (bromobutyl rubber), with a seal (aluminium) and a flip-off cap (plastic) + 1 ml solvent in a pre-filled syringe (type I glass with silicone), fitted with a back-stop device, with a plunger stopper (siliconized chlorobutyl) closed by a tip cap (isopropene-bromobutyl) + 1 needle for the reconstitution and 1 needle for the subcutaneous injection. These 4 elements are packed in a blister (PVC); pack size of 1, 5 and 10 sets.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
The solution must be prepared just before injection.
One vial is for single use only. The medicinal product must be reconstituted under aseptic conditions.
Fostimon PFS must only be reconstituted with the solvent provided in the package.
A clean surface should be prepared and hands should first be washed before the solution is reconstituted.
Set out all the following items on the clean surface:
- two cotton-wool alcohol swabs (not provided)
- one vial containing Fostimon PFS powder
- one prefilled syringe with solvent
- one needle for preparing the injection
- a fine bore needle for subcutaneous injection
Both intramuscular and subcutaneous routes of administration are possible. In case the intramuscular route is chosen, appropriate intramuscular needles (not provided) will be necessary.
Reconstitution of the solution for injection using 1 vial of powder Prepare the solution for injection:
1. Remove the cap from the prefilled syringe, insert the reconstitution needle (long needle) on the syringe.
2. Remove the coloured plastic cap from the powder vial by gently pushing it upwards. Disinfect the top of the rubber stopper by wiping it with an alcohol swab and allow to dry.
3. Pick up the syringe, remove the needle shield and slowly inject the solvent into the powder vial through the middle of the top of the rubber stopper. Press the
plunger down firmly to squirt all the solution onto the powder. Do not shake, but gently roll the vial between the hands until the powder is completely dissolved, taking care to avoid creating a foam.
4. Once the powder is dissolved (which, in general, occurs immediately), slowly draw the solution into the syringe:
• With the needle still inserted, turn the vial upside down
• Make sure the needle tip is underneath the level of the liquid.
• Gently pull the plunger to draw all the solution up into the syringe.
• Check that the reconstituted solution is clear and colourless.
Preparation of higher doses, using more than 1 vial of powder
When reconstituting more than 1 vial of Fostimon PFS, at the end of step 4 above, draw the reconstituted contents of the first vial back into the syringe and slowly inject into a second vial. Repeat steps 2 to 4 for the second and subsequent vial, and until the contents of the required number of vials equivalent to the prescribed dosage are dissolved (within the limit of the maximum total dosage of 450 IU, corresponding to a maximum of 6 vials of Fostimon PFS 75 IU, 3 vials of Fostimon PFS 150 IU, or 2 vials of Fostimon PFS 225 IU).
The solution must be clear and colourless.
Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements (once the injection is ended, all the needles and empty syringes should be disposed of in an appropriate container).
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
IBSA Farmaceutici Italia Srl Via Martiri di Cefalonia, 2 26900 LODI - ITALY
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 20139/0028
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
25/11/2011
17/12/2014