Consumer medicine information

FIRMAGON

Degarelix

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Firmagon

Active ingredient

Degarelix

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using FIRMAGON.

SUMMARY CMI

FIRMAGON®

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I using FIRMAGON?

FIRMAGON contains the active ingredient degarelix (as acetate), which is a synthetic hormone that reduces the level of the male hormone, testosterone. It is used to treat prostate cancer and it may slow or stop the growth of the cancer.

For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using FIRMAGON? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use FIRMAGON?

Do not use FIRMAGON if you have ever had an allergic reaction to degarelix or to any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI, see Section 7. Product details.

Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or take any other medicines.

For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use FIRMAGON? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

FIRMAGON might interfere with some medicines and affect how they work.

A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I use FIRMAGON?

  • FIRMAGON is given every month. It will be given to you by your doctor or nurse.
  • It is given as an injection deep under the skin (subcutaneously) in your belly area.

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use FIRMAGON? in the full CMI and in the 'Instructions for Use' leaflet inside the carton.

5. What should I know while using FIRMAGON?

Things you should do
  • Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using FIRMAGON.
  • Be sure to keep all your doctor's appointments so your progress can be checked.
Things you should not do
  • If you get any side effects, do not stop using FIRMAGON, without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Driving or using machines
  • There are no known effects on the ability to drive or use machinery.
  • If you feel dizzy or light-headed while you are receiving FIRMAGON, be careful when getting up from a sitting or lying position. These are signs of low blood pressure.
Looking after your medicine
  • Store it in a cool dry place, where the temperature stays below 25°C, away from heat or sunlight.
  • Always store FIRMAGON in the original container until it is time for it to be given.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using FIRMAGON? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. Most of them are minor and temporary but some may need medical attention.

Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects that bother you. If in the period after a FIRMAGON injection you experience shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, rash, itching or hives on the skin, seek urgent medical attention, as you may be having a serious allergic reaction to the medicine.

For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.



FULL CMI

FIRMAGON®

Active ingredient: degarelix (as acetate)

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using FIRMAGON. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using FIRMAGON.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using FIRMAGON?
2. What should I know before I use FIRMAGON?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use FIRMAGON?
5. What should I know while using FIRMAGON?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using FIRMAGON?

FIRMAGON contains the active ingredient degarelix (as acetate), which is a synthetic hormone that reduces the level of the male androgenic hormone testosterone. As such, FIRMAGON is a form of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

FIRMAGON is a gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist (blocker) used to treat prostate cancer. FIRMAGON may slow or stop the growth of the cancer.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why FIRMAGON has been prescribed for you. Your doctor may have prescribed FIRMAGON for another reason.

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.

2. What should I know before I use FIRMAGON?

Warnings

Do not use FIRMAGON if:

  • you are allergic to degarelix (as acetate), or any similar drugs known as GnRH antagonists (blockers) or allergic to any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
  • you are a woman or a child.
  • the expiry date printed on the pack has passed
  • the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering

Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.

Check with your doctor if you:

  • have any other medical conditions especially the following:
    - heart problems, including angina (non-compensated cardiac insufficiency, angina) and cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). including in patients receiving some medicines that can cause arrhythmias
    - high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • take any medicines for any other condition

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects.

It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

If you are being treated for heart rhythm problems, speak to your doctor about the need to monitor your condition and treatment more closely. The risk of heart rhythm problems may be increased when using FIRMAGON. FIRMAGON might interfere with some medicines which include:

  • Medicines regulating heart rhythm, e.g. quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone and sotalol
  • Some medicines obtained without a prescription.

Your doctor will advise you if you have to change any medicine while on FIRMAGON.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if they are affected by FIRMAGON.

4. How do I use FIRMAGON?

How much to use

  • Two injections of 120 mg are given as a first dose (starting dose - total of 240 mg). For all subsequent doses one injection of 80 mg (maintenance dose) is given every month.
  • FIRMAGON injections will be given to you by a doctor or nurse. Instructions for proper use of the drug are included in the package insert.

When to use FIRMAGON

  • FIRMAGON is usually given every month.
  • The starting dose (240 mg total) is followed one month later by the first maintenance dose (80 mg).
  • Subsequent maintenance doses are usually given every month thereafter.

Always remind your doctor or nurse to set up an appointment for your next injection. If you are unable to make the appointment for your next FIRMAGON dose, be sure to inform your doctor or nurse.

How to use FIRMAGON

FIRMAGON is given as an injection deep under the skin (subcutaneously) in your belly area.

FIRMAGON injections will be prepared and given to you by your doctor or a nurse.

The injected liquid forms a depot (a gel-like bubble) under the skin from which a continuous release of degarelix takes place over a period of a month.

For this reason, FIRMAGON should not be injected in areas of the belly exposed to pressure e.g. not under a belt-line or waistband, and not close to the ribs.

The injection site should not be rubbed or massaged as this might alter the release of degarelix from the depot that forms under the skin

If you use too much FIRMAGON

As FIRMAGON is given to you under the supervision of your doctor, it is very unlikely that you will receive too much.

However, if you think that you have used too much FIRMAGON or experience any side effects after being given FIRMAGON, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

  • phone the Poisons Information Centre
    (by calling 13 11 26), or
  • contact your doctor, or
  • go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

5. What should I know while using FIRMAGON?

Things you should do

Be sure to keep all your doctor's appointments so your progress can be checked.

  • Your doctor may want to check your blood pressure and do some blood tests and other tests from time to time to check on your progress and detect any unwanted side effects.

Keep follow-up appointments with your doctor.

It is important to have your follow-up doses of FIRMAGON at the appropriate times to get the best effects from your treatment.

If you believe your monthly dose of FIRMAGON has been forgotten, please talk to your doctor or nurse.

If you feel that your medicine is not helping your condition, talk to your doctor.

Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using FIRMAGON.

Things you should not do

  • If you get any side effects, do not stop using FIRMAGON, without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how FIRMAGON affects you.

There are no known effects on the ability to drive or use machinery.

If you feel dizzy or light-headed while you are receiving FIRMAGON, be careful when getting up from a sitting or lying position.

These might be signs of low blood pressure.

Looking after your medicine

FIRMAGON is usually stored in the doctor's surgery or clinic, or at the pharmacy. However, if you need to store FIRMAGON before your next dose:

Store it in a cool dry place, where the temperature stays below 25°C, away from heat or sunlight.

For example, do not store it:

  • in the bathroom or near a sink, or
  • in the car or on window sills.

Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.

Keep FIRMAGON in the original container until it is time to use it / for it to be given.

If you take your medicine out of the original container, it will not keep well.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

After reconstitution the product should be injected immediately.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you are storing FIRMAGON at home and your doctor stops your treatment with FIRMAGON or it has passed its expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is unused. FIRMAGON should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste.

These measures will help to protect the environment.

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date located on the vials and outer packaging. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Side effects

Side effectsWhat to do
Very common side effects (affect more than 1 in 10 users):
  • injection site pain and redness
  • hot flushes
Common side effects (affect more than 1 in 100 users):
  • trouble sleeping
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • nausea
  • constipation
  • night sweats
  • chills
  • fever
  • weakness
  • tiredness
  • increased weight
Erectile dysfunction and loss of libido are common adverse events associated with androgen deprivation therapy.		These side effects are not usually serious but can become serious.
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these side effects and they bother or worry you.

Serious side effects

Serious side effectsWhat to do
Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions (uncommon side effects - affect less than 1 in 100 users):
  • shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
  • rash, itching or hives on the skin
Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using FIRMAGON.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Some of these side effects can only be found when your doctor does tests from time to time to check your progress.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects.

You may not experience any of them.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.

What FIRMAGON contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)		degarelix (as acetate)
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)		Powder:
mannitol
Solvent:
water for injections (sterile water)

FIRMAGON 80 mg: Contains degarelix (as acetate) 80 mg.

FIRMAGON 120 mg: Contains degarelix (as acetate) 120 mg.

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What FIRMAGON looks like

FIRMAGON is a white to off-white powder(powder for injection) and clear and colourless solvent (solvent for injection)

Starter dose (FIRMAGON 120 mg) - 1 pack contains:

2 clear glass vials with rubber stoppers and flip off seals each containing 120 mg degarelix (as powder) and 2 clear glass pre-filled syringes with rubber plunger stoppers and rubber tip caps each containing 3 mL solvent (water for injections)

2 vial adapters, 2 plunger rods and 2 safety injection needles

(AUST R 200046)

Maintenance dose (FIRMAGON 80 mg) - 1 pack contains:

1 clear glass vial with a rubber stopper and flip off seal containing 80 mg degarelix (as powder) and 1 clear glass pre-filled syringe with a rubber plunger stopper and rubber tip cap with line marking at 4 mL containing 4.2 mL solvent (water for injections)

1 vial adapter, 1 plunger rod and 1 safety injection needle

(AUST R 200047)

Who distributes FIRMAGON

Ferring Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Suite 2, Level 1, Building 1
20 Bridge Street
Pymble 2073 NSW

This leaflet was prepared in March 2023.

®Trademark of Ferring

DOCS #22951-v12A

Published by MIMS June 2023

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Firmagon

Active ingredient

Degarelix

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Degarelix (as acetate).

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

The sterile powder is a freeze-dried product containing degarelix (as the acetate) and mannitol. The solvent consists of sterile water for injections. Firmagon delivers degarelix acetate, equivalent to 120 mg of degarelix for the starting dose, and 80 mg of degarelix for the maintenance dose. The 80 mg vial contains 200 mg mannitol and the 120 mg vial contains 150 mg mannitol.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

The powder for injection is a white to off-white lyophilisation cake.
The solvent for injection is clear and colourless.
Degarelix is a third generation gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist (blocker). It is a synthetic decapeptide, which forms a depot following subcutaneous injection; this depot formation results in a sustained release of degarelix.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Firmagon is a GnRH receptor blocker indicated for treatment of patients with prostate cancer in whom androgen deprivation is warranted.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Dosage for adult males.

See Table 1.
The first maintenance dose should be given one month after the starting dose.
The therapeutic effect of Firmagon should be monitored by clinical parameters and by measuring prostate specific antigen (PSA) serum levels. Clinical studies have shown that testosterone (T) suppression occurs immediately after administration of the starting dose with 96% of the patients having plasma testosterone at medical castration levels (T ≤ 0.5 nanogram/mL) after three days and 100% after one month. Long term treatment with the maintenance dose up to 1 year shows that 97% of the patients have sustained suppressed testosterone levels (T ≤ 0.5 nanogram/mL).
In case the patient's clinical response appears to be sub-optimal, it should be confirmed that serum testosterone levels are remaining sufficiently suppressed. Since Firmagon does not induce a testosterone surge it is not necessary to add an anti-androgen as surge protection at initiation of therapy.

Administration.

Firmagon is for subcutaneous administration only. It must not be administered intravenously. Use in one patient on one occasion only. Contains no antimicrobial preservative.
Firmagon must be administered immediately after reconstitution. It is administered as a subcutaneous injection in the abdominal region. As with other drugs administered by subcutaneous injection, the injection site should vary periodically. Injections should be given in areas where the patient will not be exposed to pressure e.g. not close to waistband or belt and not close to the ribs. The injection site should not be rubbed or massaged as this might disperse the depot resulting in altered release.

Reconstitution.

Firmagon is supplied as a powder to be reconstituted with water for injections (supplied in a prefilled syringe specific for each presentation). The reconstitution procedure needs to be carefully followed (see Table 2 and package insert). Administration of other concentrations is not recommended. The reconstituted product should be a clear liquid, free of undissolved matter.
1. Transfer the entire contents of one pre-filled solvent syringe into one powder vial.
2. Hold the vial (with the syringe in place) by the neck and swirl it gently until the liquid looks clear and there is no powder or particulate matter visible. If the powder adheres to the side of the vial above the liquid surface, slightly tilt the vial to dissolve the powder. Avoid shaking the vial, in order to prevent foam forming. A ring of small air bubbles on the surface of the liquid is acceptable. This process usually takes a few minutes but may take up to 15 minutes.
3. Turn the vial upside down and draw up to the line mark on the syringe.
4. Attach the safety needle. Remove any air bubbles.
5. Grasp the skin of the abdomen, pinch the subcutaneous tissue. Prepare to perform a deep subcutaneous injection. To do so, insert the needle deeply at an angle of not less than 45 degrees. Do not inject directly into a vein. Before injecting, gently pull back the plunger to check if blood is aspirated. If blood appears in the syringe, the reconstituted product can no longer be used. Discontinue the procedure and discard the syringe and needle (reconstitute a new dose for the patient).
6. Inject the dose slowly, immediately after reconstitution.
7. For the 240 mg starter dose, repeat the reconstitution procedure for the second 120 mg dose.

Dose adjustment in specific patient populations.

Elderly, hepatically or renally impaired.

There is no need to adjust the dose for the elderly or in patients with mild or moderate liver or kidney function impairment (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties). Patients with severe liver or kidney dysfunction have not been studied and caution is therefore warranted.
There is no relevant indication for Firmagon in women and children.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to degarelix or any other GnRH antagonists, or to any of the product excipients. Firmagon is not indicated in women or paediatric patients.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Effect on QT/QTc interval.

Long-term androgen deprivation therapy may prolong the QT interval (see Section 5 Pharmacological Properties). In the confirmatory study comparing Firmagon to leuprorelin periodic (monthly) ECGs were performed; changes in ECG measurements seen during one year of treatment were in the same range for degarelix and a GnRH-agonist (leuprorelin) used as comparator. Both therapies showed QT/QTc intervals exceeding 450 msec in approximately 20% of the patients. Three (< 1%) out of 409 patients in the degarelix group and four (2%) out of 201 patients in the leuprorelin 7.5 mg group, had a QTcF ≥ 500 msec. From baseline to end of study the median change in QTcF for degarelix was 12.0 msec and for leuprorelin was 16.7 msec.
Firmagon has not been studied in patients with a history of a corrected QT interval over 450 msec, in patients with a history of or risk factors for torsades de pointes and in patients receiving concomitant medicinal products that might prolong the QT interval (e.g. Class IA (e.g. quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (e.g. amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic medications). Therefore in such patients, the benefit/risk ratio of Firmagon must be thoroughly appraised. A thorough QT study in healthy men showed that there was no intrinsic effect of degarelix on QT/QTc interval.

Hypersensitivity.

Patients in the degarelix program were carefully monitored post-injection for at least one hour at all dosing visits in order to detect any untoward effects that may be histamine mediated. Consequently, more than 1,700 patients at more than 19,000 dosing occasions have been observed. No cases of anaphylaxis, angioedema, or severe cutaneous skin reactions related to degarelix treatment have been observed.

Changes in bone density.

Decreased bone density has been reported in the medical literature in men who have had orchiectomy or who have been treated with a GnRH agonist. It can be anticipated that long periods of testosterone suppression in men will have effects on bone density.

Antibody formation.

Anti-degarelix antibody development has been observed in 10% of patients after treatment with Firmagon for one year. The prevalence of anti-degarelix antibodies increased with time. There is no indication that the efficacy or safety of Firmagon treatment is affected by antibody formation.

Changes in hepatic enzyme measurements.

Patients with known or suspected hepatic disorder have not been included in long-term clinical trials with degarelix. Mild, transient increases in ALT and AST have been seen, these were not accompanied by a rise in bilirubin or clinical symptoms. Changes in laboratory values seen during one year of treatment were in the same range for degarelix and the GnRH-agonist (leuprorelin) used as comparator. Markedly abnormal (> 3*ULN) liver transaminase values (ALT, AST and GGT) were seen in 2-6% of patients with normal values prior to treatment, following treatment with both medicinal products.

Route of administration.

Firmagon is for subcutaneous administration only and is not to be administered intravenously.

Second line use.

There are no data available on use of Firmagon in patients in whom treatment with GnRH agonists (e.g. leuprorelin, goserelin) has failed. Firmagon should only be used as first line androgen deprivation therapy.

Use in renal impairment.

No pharmacokinetic studies in renally impaired patients have been conducted. Only about 20-30% of a given dose of degarelix is excreted unchanged by the kidneys. A population pharmacokinetics analysis of the data from the confirmatory Phase 3 study has demonstrated that the clearance of degarelix in patients with moderate renal impairment is reduced by 23%; therefore dose adjustment in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment is not recommended. Data on patients with severe renal impairment is scarce and caution is therefore warranted in this patient category.

Use in hepatic impairment.

Degarelix has been studied in a pharmacokinetic study in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. No signs of increased exposure in the hepatically impaired were observed compared to healthy subjects. No shifts in liver function tests were observed 24 hours post-dose compared to baseline in patients with hepatic impairment. Dose adjustment is not necessary in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment. Patients with severe hepatic dysfunction have not been studied and caution is therefore warranted in this group.

Use in the elderly.

The patient population tested in the clinical program was typical of the intended target population of patients with prostate cancer. The mean age was 74 years (range 47 to 98 years). Population pharmacokinetic analysis shows only small changes in the clearance of degarelix related to age and weight. Therefore, dose adjustment is not warranted.

Paediatric use.

Firmagon is not indicated in paediatric patients. See Section 4.3 Contraindications.

Effects on laboratory tests.

No data available.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

No drug-drug interaction studies have been performed.
Degarelix is not a substrate for the human CYP450 system and has been shown not to induce or inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, or CYP3A4/5 to any great extent in vitro. Further, degarelix is not a substrate for P-glycoprotein or other human efflux/uptake transporters and is unlikely to interact with other medicines handled by transporters at clinically relevant concentrations. Therefore, clinically significant pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions are unlikely.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

Animal reproduction studies showed that degarelix caused infertility in male and female animals. This is due to the pharmacological effect; and the effect was reversible.
(Category D)
Firmagon must not be used in pregnant women (see Section 4.3 Contraindications). Potential embryofoetal effects were assessed with subcutaneous doses of degarelix during the period of organogenesis in rats at up to 0.09 mg/kg/day and in rabbits at up to 0.006 mg/kg/day, approximately 10% and 2% of the clinical dose on a mg/m2 basis. An increase in the number of abortions, early embryofoetal deaths and premature deliveries along with prolonged parturition were observed in both studies.
 No data available. Firmagon is not indicated for use in women or children. See Section 4.3 Contraindications.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

No studies on the effects of Firmagon on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

The most commonly observed adverse reactions during Firmagon therapy in the confirmatory Phase 3 study were due to the expected physiological effects of testosterone suppression, including hot flushes and weight increase (reported in 25% and 7%, respectively, of patients receiving treatment for one year) and injection site adverse events.
The injection site adverse events reported were mainly pain and erythema, reported in 28% and 17% of patients, respectively, less frequently reported were swelling (6%), induration (4%) and nodule (3%). These events occurred primarily with the starting dose whereas during maintenance therapy the incidence of these events per 100 injections were: 3 for pain and < 1 for erythema, swelling, nodule and induration. The reported events were mostly transient, of mild to moderate intensity and led to very few discontinuations (< 1%). Serious injection site reactions, such as injection site infection, injection site abscess or injection site necrosis that could require surgical treatment/drainage, were reported rarely.
The following adverse events were reported in 5% or more of patients in an active controlled trial comparing treatment with degarelix and leuprorelin, given as monthly administrations for 12 months, in patients with prostate cancer. See Table 3.
The following adverse events were considered related to degarelix treatment by the investigator in the active controlled trial. See Table 4.
Erectile dysfunction and loss of libido are common adverse events associated with androgen deprivation therapy.

Post-marketing experience.

Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, urticaria and angioedema, have been reported rarely in the post-marketing setting with Firmagon.

Changes in laboratory parameters.

Changes in laboratory values seen during one year of treatment were in the same range for degarelix and a GnRH-agonist (leuprorelin) used as comparator. Markedly abnormal (> 3*ULN) liver transaminase values (ALT, AST and GGT) were seen in 2-6% of patients with normal values prior to treatment, following treatment with both medicinal products. Marked decrease in haematological values, haematocrit (≤ 0.37) and haemoglobin (≤ 115 g/L) were seen in 40% and 13-15%, respectively, of patients with normal values prior to treatment, following treatment with both medicinal products. It is unknown to what extent this decrease in haematological values was caused by the underlying prostate cancer and to what extent it was a consequence of androgen deprivation therapy. Markedly abnormal values of potassium (≥ 5.8 mmol/L), creatinine (≥ 177 micromol/L) and BUN (≥ 10.7 mmol/L) in patients with normal values prior to treatment, were seen in 6%, 2% and 15% of degarelix treated patients and 3%, 2% and 14% of leuprorelin treated patients, respectively.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration 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 at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

There is no clinical experience with the effects of an acute overdose with Firmagon. In the event of an overdose the patient should be monitored and appropriate supportive treatment should be given, if considered necessary.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131126 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Degarelix is a selective GnRH receptor antagonist (blocker) that competitively and reversibly binds to the pituitary GnRH receptors with nanomolar potency, thereby rapidly reducing the release of gonadotrophins and consequently testosterone (T). Prostate cancer is sensitive to testosterone deprivation, a mainstay principle in the treatment of hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Unlike GnRH agonists, GnRH receptor blockers do not induce a luteinising hormone (LH) surge with subsequent testosterone surge/tumour stimulation and potential symptomatic flare after the initiation of treatment.
A single dose of 240 mg Firmagon, followed by a monthly maintenance dose of 80 mg, rapidly causes a decrease in the concentrations of LH, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and subsequently testosterone. The plasma concentration of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) decreases in a similar manner to testosterone.
Firmagon is effective in achieving and maintaining testosterone suppression well below medical castration level of 0.5 nanogram/mL. Maintenance monthly dosing of 80 mg resulted in sustained testosterone suppression in 97% of patients for at least one year. Median testosterone levels after one year of treatment were 0.087 nanogram/mL [interquartile range 0.06-0.15] N=167. See Figure 1.

Clinical trials.

The efficacy and safety of Firmagon was evaluated in an open-label, multi-centre, randomised, active comparator, parallel-group study. The study investigated the efficacy and safety of Firmagon one month dosing regimens; a starting dose of 240 mg (40 mg/mL) followed by monthly doses of 160 mg (40 mg/mL) or 80 mg (20 mg/mL) s.c. in comparison to leuprorelin (Lupron) 7.5 mg i.m. in patients with prostate cancer requiring androgen deprivation therapy. In total 620 patients were randomised to one of the three treatment groups.
Of the patients randomised: 31% had localised prostate cancer; 29% had locally advanced prostate cancer; 20% had metastatic prostate cancer; 7% had an unknown metastatic status; 13% had previous curative intent surgery or radiation and a rising PSA.
Baseline demographics were similar between the arms. The primary objective was to demonstrate that Firmagon is effective with respect to achieving and maintaining testosterone suppression to below 0.5 nanogram/mL, during 12 months treatment. In total 504 (81%) patients completed the study. In the degarelix treatment group 240/80 mg, 41 (20%) patients and in the leuprorelin treatment group, 32 (16%) patients discontinued the study.
The primary efficacy endpoint of the study was the cumulative probability of testosterone ≤ 0.5 nanogram/mL from Day 28 through Day 364.
For each of the three treatment groups, the cumulative one-year testosterone suppression probabilities were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method applied to time to testosterone > 0.5 nanogram/mL from Day 28 to Day 364. Associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the log-log transformation of survivor function, Greenwood's formula and the delta-method. Differences in one-year testosterone suppression rates between the degarelix treatment groups and leuprorelin 7.5 mg were assessed using a 97.5% CI (i.e. multiplicity adjusted) calculated by normal approximation using the pooled standard error.
To assess the efficacy of degarelix, two hypotheses were tested:
One criterion was to determine whether the one-year cumulative suppression rate was statistically significantly larger than 90%, that is, whether the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the cumulative probability of testosterone ≤ 0.5 nanogram/mL from Day 28 to Day 364 was not lower than 90%. The second criterion was to determine whether degarelix was non-inferior to leuprorelin 7.5 mg with respect to the cumulative probability of testosterone ≤ 0.5 nanogram/mL from Day 28 to Day 364. The non-inferiority limit for the difference between treatments (degarelix versus leuprorelin 7.5 mg) was -10 percentage points.
The trial was powered, assuming true cumulative suppression rates of 96% and 15% annual drop out rate, for each treatment arm, to meet, with > 90% probability (power), each of the efficacy criteria. Power calculations were based on simulation experiments and the above mentioned analysis methods.
The results are presented in Tables 5 and 6 and in Figure 2.
Tables 5 and 6 indicate that the primary endpoint according to both criteria has been met. Both degarelix arms have statistically significantly demonstrated a response larger than 90% and have proven to be non-inferior to leuprorelin. Figure 2 depicts, by means of a Kaplan-Meier plot, the cumulative probability of T ≤ 0.5 nanogram/mL as a function of time for each treatment arm.
Similar results were obtained for the per-protocol analysis set.
In addition the study included a range of secondary endpoints relating to testosterone suppression and PSA levels.

Attainment of serum testosterone (T) ≤ 0.5 nanogram/mL.

Firmagon is effective in achieving fast testosterone suppression, see Table 7.

Avoidance of testosterone surge.

None of the Firmagon treated patients experienced a testosterone surge; there was an average decrease of 94% in testosterone at day 3. Most of the leuprorelin treated patients experienced testosterone surge; there was an average increase of 65% in testosterone at day 3. Surge was defined as testosterone exceeding baseline by ≥ 15% within the first 2 weeks. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Serum levels of testosterone over time.

See Figure 3.

Attainment of prostate specific antigen (PSA) reduction.

Tumour size was not measured directly during the clinical trial programme, but there was an indirect beneficial tumour response as shown by a 95% reduction after 12 months in median PSA for Firmagon.
The median PSA in the study at baseline was:
for the Firmagon treatment group 19.8 nanogram/mL (interquartile range: P25 9.4 nanogram/mL, P75 46.4 nanogram/mL);
for the leuprorelin 7.5 mg treatment group 17.4 nanogram/mL (interquartile range: P25 8.4 nanogram/mL, P75 56.5 nanogram/mL). See Figure 4.
This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001) at the pre-specified analysis at day 14 and day 28.
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels are lowered by 64% two weeks after administration of Firmagon, 85% after one month, 95% after three months, and remained suppressed (approximately 97%) throughout the one year of treatment. From day 56 to day 364 there were no significant differences between Firmagon and the comparator in the percentage change from baseline.

Change in ECGs.

In the confirmatory study comparing Firmagon to leuprorelin periodic electrocardiograms were performed. Both therapies showed QT/QTc intervals exceeding 450 msec in approximately 20% of the patients. From baseline to end of study the median change for Firmagon was 12.3 msec (3.2%) and for leuprorelin was 16.7 msec (3.5%).
Anti-degarelix antibody development has been observed in 10% of patients after treatment with Firmagon for 1 year. There is no indication that the efficacy or safety of Firmagon treatment is affected by antibody formation.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

Firmagon forms a depot upon subcutaneous administration, from which degarelix is released to the circulation. The relevant pharmacokinetic results of Firmagon evaluated in prostate cancer patients are summarised in Table 8. Median degarelix trough concentrations in the maintenance phase with 80 mg at a concentration of 20 mg/mL was 10.9 nanogram/mL.
Following subcutaneous administration of 240 mg Firmagon at a concentration of 40 mg/mL to prostate cancer patients, degarelix reaches a maximal concentration after 1-2 days and decreases thereafter in a biphasic fashion, with a median terminal half-life of approximately 43 days. The long half-life after subcutaneous administration is a consequence of a very slow release of degarelix from the Firmagon depot formed at the injection site(s). The pharmacokinetic behaviour of the drug is influenced by its concentration in the injection. The estimated values for bioavailability from population pharmacokinetic modelling were approximately 60% and 40% for dose concentrations 20 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL respectively.

Distribution.

The distribution volume at steady state in healthy elderly men (≥ 65 years) was in the range of 0.65-0.82 L/kg. Plasma protein binding is estimated to be approximately 90%.

Metabolism.

Degarelix is subject to common peptidic degradation during the passage of the hepato-biliary system and is mainly excreted as peptide fragments in the faeces. No significant metabolites were detected in plasma samples after subcutaneous administration. In vitro studies have shown that degarelix is not a substrate for the human CYP450 system.

Excretion.

In healthy men, approximately 20-30% of a given dose of degarelix was renally excreted, suggesting that approximately 70-80% is excreted via the hepato-biliary system in humans. The clearance in healthy elderly men is 35-50 mL/h/kg. After i.v. administration terminal half-life was 10-16 hours which is much shorter than for s.c. administration, indicating that the observed terminal phase after s.c. administration is determined by the absorption rate rather than the elimination rate.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

Degarelix did not cause genetic damage in standard in vitro assays (bacterial mutation, human lymphocyte chromosome aberration) nor in in vivo rodent bone marrow micronucleus tests.

Carcinogenicity.

Two rodent carcinogenicity studies were performed with degarelix using maximum s.c doses of 50 mg/kg/2 weeks in mice and 25 mg/kg/2 weeks in rats, resulting in at least 7-fold the clinical AUC. No neoplastic changes were observed in male animals in either of these studies. An increase in hepatocellular adenomas was observed in female mice at all doses of degarelix tested, most likely as a result of reduced estrogen. The incidence of haemangiosarcoma in the mesenteric lymph node of the female rats was increased at 25 mg/kg/2 weeks.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Powder for injection: mannitol.
Solvent for injection: water for injections.

6.2 Incompatibilities

In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C.
Chemical and physical in-use stability of the reconstituted product has been demonstrated for 2 hours at 25°C after solvent addition. From a microbiological point of view, once reconstituted, the product should be administered immediately.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

The following pack sizes are available:

Starter dose (120 mg x 2, 40 mg/mL after reconstitution).

1 pack contains: 2 clear type 1 glass vials with bromobutyl rubber stoppers and flip off seals each containing 120 mg degarelix (powder) for injection; 2 clear type 1 glass pre-filled syringes with bromobutyl rubber plunger stoppers and rubber tip caps each with line markings at 3 mL containing 3 mL solvent (water for injections); 2 plunger rods; 2 vial adapters; 2 safety needles (25 G 0.5 x 25 mm).

Maintenance dose (80 mg, 20 mg/mL after reconstitution).

1 pack contains: 1 clear type 1 glass vial with a bromobutyl rubber stopper and flip off seal containing 80 mg degarelix (powder) for injection; 1 clear type 1 glass pre-filled syringe with a bromobutyl rubber plunger stopper and rubber tip cap with line marking at 4 mL containing 4.2 mL solvent (water for injections); 1 plunger rod; 1 vial adapter; 1 safety needle (25 G 0.5 x 25 mm).

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Chemical structure.

The structural formula of degarelix is:
It has an empirical formula of C82H103N18O16Cl and a monoisotopic mass of 1630.75 Da.

CAS number.

214766-78-6.
Firmagon is a sterile, off-white powder plus a clear, colourless solvent for reconstitution.
Degarelix has a natural propensity to gel in aqueous media by its inherent physicochemical characteristics. At concentrations above ca. 1 mg/mL, aqueous degarelix aggregates and cross-links in a gel-forming network, resulting in the formation of a hydrogel. While the process does not take place visibly in the reconstituted product, the depot formation happens instantaneously following subcutaneous administration.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

(S4) Prescription Only Medicine.

Summary Table of Changes