ngenla

Important safety information

Severe Hypersensitivity : Severe hypersensitivity reactions may occur. In the event of an allergic reaction, seek prompt medical attention ( 5.2 ). • Increased Risk of Neoplasms : Monitor patients with preexisting tumors for progression or recurrence. Increased risk of a second neoplasm in childhood cancer survivors treated with somatropin – in particular meningiomas in patients treated with radiation to the head for their first neoplasm ( 5.3 ). • Glucose Intolerance and Diabetes Mellitus : NGENLA may decrease insulin sensitivity, particularly at higher doses. Monitor glucose levels periodically in all patients receiving NGENLA, especially in patients with existing diabetes mellitus or at risk for its development ( 5.4 ). • Intracranial Hypertension : Perform fundoscopic examinations prior to initiation of treatment with NGENLA and periodically thereafter. If preexisting papilledema is identified, evaluate the etiology and treat the underlying cause before initiating. If papilledema occurs with NGENLA, stop treatment ( 5.5 ). • Fluid Retention: May occur and may be dose dependent. Reduce dose as necessary ( 5.6 ). • Hypoadrenalism: Monitor patients for reduced serum cortisol levels and/or need for glucocorticoid dose increases in those with known hypoadrenalism ( 5.7 ). • Hypothyroidism : Monitor thyroid function periodically as hypothyroidism may become evident or worsen after initiation with NGENLA ( 5.8 ). • Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis : May develop. Evaluate patients with the onset of a limp or persistent hip or knee pain ( 5.9 ). • Progression of Preexisting Scoliosis : Monitor for development or progression of scoliosis ( 5.10 ). • Pancreatitis : Consider pancreatitis in patients with persistent severe abdominal pain ( 5.11 ). • Lipoatrophy: May occur if NGENLA is administered in the same location over a long period of time. Rotate injection sites ( 5.12 ). 5.1 Increased Mortality in Patients with Acute Critical Illness Increased mortality in patients with acute critical illness due to complications following open heart surgery, abdominal surgery or multiple accidental trauma, or those with acute respiratory failure has been reported with somatropin [see Contraindications (4) ] . The safety of continuing NGENLA treatment for the approved indication in patients who concurrently develop these illnesses has not been established. 5.2 Severe Hypersensitivity Severe systemic hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported with somatropin. Inform patients and/or caregivers that such reactions are possible and that prompt medical attention should be sought if an allergic reaction occurs. NGENLA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to somatrogon-ghla or any excipients in NGENLA [see Contraindications (4) ] . 5.3 Increased Risk of Neoplasms Active Malignancy There is an increased risk of malignancy progression with somatropin treatment in patients with active malignancy [see Contraindications (4) ] . Any preexisting malignancy should be inactive, and its treatment should be completed prior to instituting therapy with NGENLA. Discontinue NGENLA if there is evidence of recurrent malignancy. Risk of Second Neoplasm in Pediatric Patients In childhood cancer survivors, who were treated with radiation to the brain/head for their first neoplasm and who developed subsequent GHD and were treated with somatropin, an increased risk of a second neoplasm has been reported. Intracranial tumors, in particular meningiomas, were the most common of these second neoplasms. Monitor all patients with a history of GHD secondary to an intracranial neoplasm while on NGENLA therapy for progression or recurrence of the tumor. New Malignancy During Treatment Because children with certain rare genetic causes of short stature have an increased risk of developing malignancies, thoroughly consider the risks and benefits of starting NGENLA in these patients. If treatment with NGENLA is initiated, carefully monitor these patients for development of neoplasms. Monitor patients on NGENLA therapy carefully for increased growth or potential malignant changes of preexisting nevi. Advise patients and/or caregivers to report marked changes in behavior, onset of headaches, vision disturbances and/or changes in skin pigmentation or changes in the appearance of preexisting nevi. 5.4 Glucose Intolerance and Diabetes Mellitus Treatment with growth hormone may decrease insulin sensitivity, particularly at higher doses. New onset type 2 diabetes mellitus has been reported in patients receiving growth hormone. Patients with undiagnosed pre-diabetes and diabetes mellitus may experience worsened glycemic control and become symptomatic. Monitor glucose levels periodically in all patients receiving NGENLA, especially in those with risk factors for diabetes mellitus, such as obesity, Turner syndrome, or a family history of diabetes mellitus. Patients with preexisting type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus or pre-diabetes should be monitored closely. The doses of antidiabetic agents may require adjustment when NGENLA is initiated. 5.5 Intracranial Hypertension Intracranial hypertension (IH) with papilledema, visual changes, headache, nausea, and/or vomiting has been reported in patients treated with somatropin. Symptoms usually occurred within the first eight (8) weeks after the initiation of somatropin therapy. In all reported cases, IH-associated signs and symptoms rapidly resolved after cessation of therapy or a reduction of somatropin dose. Perform fundoscopic examination before initiating treatment with NGENLA to exclude preexisting papilledema and periodically thereafter. If papilledema is identified prior to initiation, evaluate the etiology and treat the underlying cause before initiating NGENLA. NGENLA should be temporarily discontinued in patients with clinical or fundoscopic evidence of IH. If IH is confirmed, restart treatment with NGENLA at a lower dose after IH-associated signs and symptoms have resolved. 5.6 Fluid Retention Fluid retention during NGENLA therapy may occur. Clinical manifestations of fluid retention (e.g. edema and nerve compression syndromes including carpal tunnel syndrome/paresthesia) are usually transient and dose dependent. 5.7 Hypoadrenalism Patients receiving growth hormone therapy who have or are at risk for pituitary hormone deficiency(s) may be at risk for reduced serum cortisol levels and/or unmasking of central (secondary) hypoadrenalism. In addition, patients treated with glucocorticoid replacement for previously diagnosed hypoadrenalism may require an increase in their maintenance or stress doses following initiation of NGENLA treatment. Monitor patients for reduced serum cortisol levels and/or need for glucocorticoid dose increases in those with known hypoadrenalism [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . 5.8 Hypothyroidism Undiagnosed/untreated hypothyroidism may prevent an optimal response to NGENLA therapy. In patients with GH deficiency, central (secondary) hypothyroidism may first become evident or worsen during treatment with growth hormone therapy. Therefore, patients should have periodic thyroid function tests and thyroid hormone replacement therapy should be initiated or appropriately adjusted when indicated. 5.9 Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Slipped capital femoral epiphysis may occur more frequently in patients undergoing rapid growth. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis may lead to osteonecrosis. Cases of slipped capital femoral epiphysis with or without osteonecrosis have been reported in pediatric patients with short stature receiving somatropin products or NGENLA . Evaluate pediatric patients receiving NGENLA with the onset of a limp or complaints of persistent hip or knee pain for slipped capital femoral epiphysis and osteonecrosis and manage accordingly. 5.10 Progression of Preexisting Scoliosis NGENLA increases growth rate, and progression of preexisting scoliosis can occur in patients who…