4.1. Therapeutic indications

(i) Metastatic prostate cancer.

(ii) Locally advanced prostate cancer, as an alternative to surgical castration.

(iii) As an adjuvant treatment to radiotherapy in patients with high-risk localised or locally advanced prostate cancer.

(iv) As an adjuvant treatment to radical prostatectomy in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer at high risk of disease progression.

(v) As neo-adjuvant treatment prior to radiotherapy in patients with high-risk localised or locally advanced prostate cancer.

(vi) Management of endometriosis, including pain relief and reduction of endometriotic lesions.

(vii) Endometrial preparation prior to intrauterine surgical procedures including endometrial ablation or resection.

(viii) Preoperative management of uterine fibroids to reduce their size and associated bleeding.

(ix) Preservation of ovarian function in pre-menopausal women with neoplastic disease undergoing chemotherapy treatment that can cause premature ovarian insufficiency. PROSTAP SR is not a replacement for standard fertility-preservation methods. Treatment with a GnRH analogue should be proposed after careful evaluation, in each case, of the benefit/risk profile.

(x) As treatment in pre- and perimenopausal women with advanced breast cancer suitable for hormonal manipulation.

(xi) As adjuvant treatment in combination with tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor, of endocrine responsive early stage breast cancer in pre- and perimenopausal women at higher risk of disease recurrence (young age, high grade tumour, lymph node involvement). In women who have received chemotherapy, premenopausal status must be confirmed after completion of chemotherapy.

In children:

Treatment of central precocious puberty (girls under 9 years of age, boys under 10 years of age).

(See Section 5.1)

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

Prostate Cancer:

The recommended dose is 3.75 mg presented as a one month depot injection and administered as a single subcutaneous or intramuscular injection every month. The majority of patients will respond to a 3.75 mg dose. PROSTAP SR therapy should not be discontinued when remission or improvement occurs. As with other drugs administered chronically by injection, the injection site should be varied periodically.

Response to PROSTAP SR therapy should be monitored by clinical parameters and by measuring prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and testosterone serum levels. Clinical studies with leuprorelin acetate have shown that testosterone levels increased during the first 4 days of treatment in the majority of non-orchidectomised patients. They then decreased and reached castrate levels by 2-4 weeks. Once attained, castrate levels were maintained as long as drug therapy continued. If a patient's response appears to be sub-optimal, then it would be advisable to confirm that serum testosterone levels have reached or are remaining at castrate levels. Transient increases in acid phosphatase levels sometimes occur early in the treatment period but usually return to normal or near normal values by the 4th week of treatment.

In patients treated with GnRH analogues for prostate cancer, treatment is usually continued upon development of castrate-resistant prostate cancer. Reference should be made to relevant guidelines.

Endometriosis:

The recommended dose is 3.75 mg administered as a single subcutaneous or intramuscular injection every month for a period up to 6 months only. Treatment should be initiated during the first 5 days of the menstrual cycle.

In women receiving GnRH analogues for the treatment of endometriosis, the addition of hormone replacement therapy (HRT - an estrogen and progestogen) has been shown to reduce bone mineral density loss and vasomotor symptoms. Therefore if appropriate, HRT may be co-administered with PROSTAP SR taking into account the risks and benefits of each treatment.

Endometrial preparation prior to intrauterine surgery:

A single 3.75 mg subcutaneous or intramuscular injection 5-6 weeks prior to surgery. Therapy should be initiated during days 3 to 5 of the menstrual cycle.

Preoperative management of uterine fibroids:

The recommended dose is 3.75 mg administered as a single subcutaneous or intramuscular injection every month, usually for 3-4 months but for a maximum of six months.

Preservation of ovarian function:

The recommended dose is 3.75 mg administered as a single subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Patients should receive this dose 2 weeks before starting chemotherapy to allow time to achieve suppression of the sex hormone levels and then continue with monthly administration of PROSTAP SR for the duration of the chemotherapy treatment.

Advanced breast cancer:

The recommended dose is 3.75 mg administered as a single subcutaneous injection every month.

Early breast cancer:

The recommended dose is 3.75 mg administered as a single subcutaneous injection every month in combination with tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor.

In women receiving chemotherapy, leuprorelin should be commenced after completion of chemotherapy, once pre-menopausal status has been confirmed (see section 4.4).

In pre-menopausal women scheduled to undergo chemotherapy and who may wish to preserve ovarian function, leuprorelin administration is commenced as described for preservation of ovarian function and then is continued for treatment of early breast cancer. In this case, treatment with leuprorelin should be proposed after careful evaluation, in each patient, of the benefit/risk profile.

The recommended treatment duration for adjuvant treatment in combination with other hormonotherapy is up to 5 years. Other forms of leuprorelin administered at longer intervals (e.g. 3 monthly) may be more suitable for long term administration.

In combination with aromatase inhibitor for advanced and early breast cancer:

Treatment with leuprorelin must be initiated at least 6-8 weeks before starting aromatase inhibitor treatment. A minimum of two injections of leuprorelin (with an interval of 1 month between injections) should be administered before commencement of aromatase inhibitor treatment.

Ovarian suppression should be confirmed by low blood concentrations of FSH and estradiol prior to starting aromatase inhibitor treatment and measurements should be repeated every three months during combination therapy with leuprorelin and an aromatase inhibitor (see Section 4.4).

During treatment with an aromatase inhibitor, leuprorelin must not be interrupted to avoid rebound increases in circulating estrogens in premenopausal women.

Elderly: As for adults.

Paediatric population:

The treatment of children with leuprorelin acetate should be under the overall supervision of the paediatric endocrinologist.

The dosing scheme needs to be adapted individually.

The recommended starting dose is dependent on the body weight.

Children with a body weight ≥ 20 kg

1 ml (3.75 mg leuprorelin acetate) suspension of 44.1 mg sustained-release microcapsules in 1 ml vehicle solution are administered once a month as a single subcutaneous injection. Children with a body weight < 20 kg

In these rare cases the following dosage should be administered according to the clinical activity of the central precocious puberty:

0.5 ml (1.88 mg leuprorelin acetate) is administered once a month as a single subcutaneous injection.

The remainder of the suspension should be discarded. The child's weight gain should be monitored.

Depending on the activity of the central precocious puberty, it may be necessary to increase the dosage in the presence of inadequate suppression (clinical evidence e.g. spotting or inadequate gonadotropin suppression in the GnRH test). The minimal effective monthly dose to be administered should then be determined by means of the GnRH test.

Sterile abscesses at the injection site often occurred when leuprorelin acetate was administered intramuscularly at higher than the recommended dosages. Therefore, in such cases, the medicinal product should be administered subcutaneously (see 4.4).

It is recommended to use the lowest volumes possible for injections in children in order to decrease the inconvenience which is associated with the intramuscular/subcutaneous injection.

The duration of treatment depends on the clinical parameters at the start of treatment or during the course of treatment (final height prognosis, growth velocity, bone age and/or bone age acceleration) and is decided by the treating paediatrician together with the legal guardian and, if appropriate, the treated child. The bone age should be monitored during treatment at 6-12 month intervals.

In girls with bone maturation of older than 12 years and boys with bone maturation of older than 13 years discontinuation of treatment should be considered taking into account the clinical parameters.

In girls, pregnancy should be excluded before the start of treatment. The occurrence of pregnancy during treatment cannot be generally excluded. In such cases, medical advice should be sought.

Note:

The administration interval should be 30 ± 2 days in order to prevent the recurrence of precocious puberty symptoms.

Method of administration

Read this Instructions For Use before injecting.

This product should be prepared, reconstituted and administered only by healthcare professionals who are familiar with these procedures.

Warnings

Wash hands before opening the syringe package.

Hold syringe upright (with needle side up) throughout entire preparation to prevent leakage.

Use immediately after mixing as the suspension settles out very quickly following reconstitution.

Check the expiration date printed on the syringe label, and check the powder and diluent in the syringe barrel. The powder should be white and dry, and the diluent should be clear. Inspect the syringe for any damage.

• Do not use the syringe if the expiration date has passed.

• Do not use the syringe if the powder appears clumped or caked.

• Do not use the syringe if powder or diluent appear discoloured.

• Do not use the syringe if any part of it is damaged.

Step 1. Attach plunger and tighten needle

• Remove the plunger from the package.

• Screw the plunger rod into the bottom of the syringe until the end stopper begins to rotate.

• Do not twist or pull the plunger rod back once it has been attached.

• Without removing the needle cap, twist the needle to the right (clockwise) to ensure it is secured tightly.

• Do not remove needle cap until you are ready to inject.

Step 2. Release diluent

• Holding the syringe upright, release the diluents by slowly pushing the plunger until the middle stopper reaches the blue line in the middle of the syringe. You should see the diluent flowing into the interior chamber above the blue line.

• Do not push the plunger too quickly or push past the blue line as these actions may cause leaking.

• Do not withdraw plunger again.

Step 3. Mix suspension

• Gently tap the syringe against the palm of your hand to mix the powder and diluent until it forms a uniform suspension. When properly mixed, the suspension should appear milky with no visible lumps.

• Note: If particles stick to the stopper during mixing, dislodge them by gently tapping the syringe with your finger.

• Avoid hard tapping or shaking to prevent the generation of bubbles.

• Use immediately after mixing as the suspension settles out very quickly following reconstitution.

Step 4. Remove needle cap and prime syringe

• Remove the needle cap by pulling it straight upwards.

• Do not twist the needle cap.

• Prime the syringe by pushing the plunger upward until all air has been expelled from the syringe.

Step 5. Inject

• The syringe is now ready for injection. Use immediately as the suspension settles out very quickly following reconstitution.

• At the time of injection, check the direction of the safety device (with round mark pointing towards you) and inject the entire contents of the syringe subcutaneously or intramuscularly as you would for a normal injection.

Step 6. Activate safety device

• When injection is complete, withdraw the needle from the patient. Immediately activate the safety device by pressing upward from just below the arrow until a “CLICK” is heard or felt and the needle is fully covered.

Step 7. Dispose of syringe

• Dispose of the used device in the appropriate sharps container in accordance with your local standard procedure.

Detailed and up-to-date information for this product is available by scanning the QR Code, shown on the Health Professionals' User Leaflet, with a smartphone. The same information is also available on the following URL: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4650/video

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to leuprorelin, any of the excipients listed in section 6.1 or to other synthetic gonadotrophin releasing hormone (Gn-RH) analogues or Gn-RH derivatives.

Women: PROSTAP SR is contra-indicated in women who are or may become pregnant while receiving the drug. PROSTAP SR should not be used in women who are breastfeeding or have undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding. See section 4.4.

In the pre- and perimenopausal breast cancer setting: Initiation of aromatase inhibitor treatment before adequate ovarian suppression with leuprorelin has been achieved (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).

Men: There are no other known contra-indications to the use of PROSTAP SR in men.

In girls with central precocious puberty:

- Pregnancy and breastfeeding

- Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

PROSTAP SR injectable suspension must be prepared at the time of use and, after reconstitution, used immediately.

PROSTAP SR contains sodium. This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per injection, this is to say it is essentially 'sodium free'.

Depression: There is an increased risk of incident depression (which may be severe) in patients undergoing treatment with GnRH agonists, such as leuprorelin. Patients should be informed and monitored accordingly and treated as appropriate if symptoms occur.

Seizure: Postmarketing reports of seizures have been observed in patients treated with leuprorelin acetate and these events have been reported in both children and adults, and in those with or without a history of epilepsy, seizure disorders or risk disorders for seizures.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) has been reported in patients receiving leuprorelin. Patients should be warned for signs and symptoms of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, including severe or recurrent headache, vision disturbances and tinnitus. If idiopathic intracranial hypertension occurs, discontinuation of leuprorelin should be considered.

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) which can be life-threatening or fatal, have been reported in association with leuprorelin treatment. At the time of prescription patients should be advised of the signs and symptoms and monitored closely for severe skin reactions. If signs and symptoms suggestive of these reactions appear, leuprorelin should be withdrawn immediately and an alternative treatment considered (as appropriate).

Metabolic changes associated with GnRH agonist may also include fatty liver disease.

Adults: Epidemiological data have shown that during androgen deprivation therapy in males and oestrogen deprivation therapy in females, changes in the metabolic condition (e.g. reduction in glucose tolerance or aggravation of pre-existing diabetes) as well as an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases may occur. However, prospective data did not confirm a link between treatment with GnRH analogues and an increase in cardiovascular mortality. Patients at high risk for metabolic changes or syndrome, or cardiovascular diseases should be appropriately monitored. Diabetic patients may require more frequent monitoring of blood glucose during treatment with PROSTAP SR.

Hepatic dysfunction and jaundice with elevated liver enzyme have been reported. Therefore, close observation should be made and appropriate measures taken if necessary.

Spinal fracture, paralysis and hypotension have been reported.

Bone mineral loss: Long-term oestrogen deprivation either by bilateral oophorectomy, ovarian ablation or administration of GnRH analogues, or long-term androgen deprivation either by bilateral orchiectomy or administration of GnRH analogues is associated with increased risk of bone mineral loss which, in patients with additional risk factors, may lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of bone fracture (see section 4.8).

An induced hypo-estrogenic state results in a loss in bone density over the course of treatment, some of which may not be reversible e.g. the extent of bone demineralisation due to hypo-estrogenaemia is proportional to time. The generally accepted level of bone loss with GnRH analogues such as PROSTAP SR is 5%. In clinical studies with PROSTAP SR the levels varied between 2.3% and 15.7% depending on the method of measurement. During one treatment period e.g. six months, this bone loss should not be important.

In patients with major risk factors for decreased bone mineral content such as chronic alcohol and/or tobacco use, strong family history of osteoporosis, or chronic use of drugs that can reduce bone mass such as anticonvulsants or corticosteroids, PROSTAP SR therapy may pose an additional risk. In these patients, the risks and benefits must be weighed carefully before therapy with PROSTAP SR is instituted. This is particularly important in women with uterine fibroids where age related bone loss may have already begun to occur.

Men: In the initial stages of therapy, a transient rise in levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and acid phosphatase may occur. In some cases, this may be associated with a "flare" or exacerbation of the tumour growth resulting in temporary deterioration of the patient's condition. These symptoms usually subside on continuation of therapy. "Flare" may manifest itself as systemic or neurological symptoms in some cases.

In order to reduce the risk of “flare”, an anti-androgen may be administered beginning 3 days prior to leuprorelin acetate therapy and continuing for the first two to three weeks of treatment. This has been reported to prevent the sequelae of an initial rise in serum testosterone. If an anti-androgen is used over a prolonged period, due attention should be paid to the contra-indications and precautions associated with its extended use.

In the rare event of an abscess occurring at the injection site, testosterone level should be monitored as there may be inadequate absorption of leuprorelin from the depot formulation.

Patients at risk of or with ureteric obstruction or spinal cord compression due to metastasis, should be considered carefully and closely supervised in the first few weeks of treatment as bone pain, weakness of the lower extremities and paraesthesia (as neurologic symptom) may occur. These patients should be considered for prophylactic treatment with anti-androgens. Should urological/neurological complications occur, these should be treated by appropriate specific measures.

Whilst the development of pituitary adenomas has been noted in chronic toxicity studies at high doses in some animal species, this has not been observed in long term clinical studies with leuprorelin acetate.

Androgen deprivation therapy may prolong the QT interval.

In patients with a history of or risk factors for QT prolongation and in patients receiving concomitant medicinal products that might prolong the QT interval (see section 4.5) physicians should assess risk and benefits including the potential for Torsade de pointes prior to initiating treatment with PROSTAP SR.

Women:

Uterine fibroid diagnosis

When considering the preoperative treatment of fibroids it is mandatory to confirm the diagnosis of fibroids and exclude an ovarian mass, either visually by laparoscopy or by ultrasonography or other investigative technique, as appropriate, before PROSTAP SR therapy is instituted.

Initial increase in sex steroids

During the early phase of therapy, sex steroids temporarily rise above baseline because of the physiological effect of the drug. Therefore, an increase in clinical signs and symptoms may be observed during the initial days of therapy, but these will dissipate with continued therapy.

Uterine fibroids

Before using PROSTAP SR for the preoperative treatment of uterine fibroids, patients with major risk factors for decreased bone mineral content (see above) should have their bone density measured and where results are below the normal (5th percentile by DEXA scan) range, PROSTAP SR therapy should not be started. In women receiving GnRH analogues for the treatment of uterine fibroids, the duration of administration of leuprorelin acetate should be limited to 6 months, as its use is associated with an increased risk of bone mineral loss (see Bone Mineral loss, section 4.4). If it is necessary to resume administration of leuprorelin acetate, changes in bone parameters should be closely followed.

Endometriosis

In women receiving GnRH analogues for the treatment of endometriosis, the duration of administration of leuprorelin acetate should be limited to 6 months, as its use is associated with an increased risk of bone mineral loss (see Bone Mineral loss, section 4.4). The addition of HRT (an estrogen and progestogen) has been shown to reduce bone mineral density loss and vasomotor symptoms. Therefore, if appropriate, HRT may be co-administered with leuprorelin acetate, taking into account the risks and benefits of each medicinal product, for up to 6 months if clinically appropriate. If it is necessary to resume administration of leuprorelin acetate, changes in bone parameters should be closely followed.

Abnormal bleeding

In women with submucous fibroids there have been reports of severe vaginal bleeding following the administration of PROSTAP SR as a consequence of the acute degeneration of the fibroids. Patients should be warned of the possibility of abnormal bleeding or pain in case earlier surgical intervention is required.

Cervical resistance

PROSTAP SR may cause an increase in uterine cervical resistance, which may result in difficulty in dilating the cervix for intrauterine surgical procedures.

Breast cancer

Advanced and early breast cancer:

In order to ensure adequate ovarian suppression in pre- and perimenopausal women, treatment with leuprorelin should be administered for at least 6-8 weeks prior to commencement of an aromatase inhibitor, and monthly leuprorelin injections should be administered on schedule and without interruption throughout aromatase inhibitor treatment.

Women who are premenopausal at breast cancer diagnosis and who become amenorrhoeic following chemotherapy may or may not have continued estrogen production from the ovaries. Irrespective of menstrual status, premenopausal status should be confirmed following chemotherapy and before commencement of leuprorelin, by blood concentrations of estradiol and FSH within the reference ranges for premenopausal women, in order to avoid unnecessary treatment with leuprorelin in the event of a chemotherapy-induced menopause.

Following commencement of leuprorelin, it is important to confirm adequate ovarian suppression (gonadotrophin analogue- induced menopause) by serial assessment of circulating FSH, and estradiol if this subset of women is to be considered for therapy with an aromatase inhibitor, in accordance with current clinical practice recommendations. Accordingly, ovarian suppression should be confirmed by low blood concentrations of FSH and estradiol prior to starting aromatase inhibitor treatment and measurements should be repeated every three months during combination therapy with leuprorelin and an aromatase inhibitor. This is to avoid aromatase inhibitor-induced rebound increase in circulating estrogen, with consequential implications for the breast cancer. Of note, circulating FSH levels are lowered in response to gonadotrophin analogue-induced ovarian suppression (induced menopause), unlike in a natural menopause where FSH levels are elevated.

Patients who have discontinued leuprorelin treatment should also discontinue aromatase inhibitors within 1 month of the last leuprorelin administration.

Particular attention should also be paid to the prescribing information of co-administered medicinal products, such as aromatase inhibitors, tamoxifen, CDK4/6 inhibitors, for relevant safety information when administered in combination with leuprorelin.

Bone mineral density should be assessed before starting treatment with leuprorelin, particularly in women who have additional risk factors for osteoporosis. These patients should be closely monitored and treatment for, or prophylaxis of, osteoporosis should be initiated when appropriate

The risk of musculoskeletal disorders (including joint or musculoskeletal pain) when a GnRH agonist is used in combination with either an aromatase inhibitor or tamoxifen is approximately 89% with the aromatase inhibitor and approximately 76% with tamoxifen.

Hypertension has been reported as a targeted adverse event at a very common frequency with GnRH agonist in combination with either exemestane or tamoxifen.

Premenopausal women with breast cancer receiving GnRH agonist in combination with either exemestane or tamoxifen should have regular monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure.

Hyperglycaemia and diabetes were reported as targeted adverse events at a common frequency with a GnRH agonist in combination with either exemestane or tamoxifen. Premenopausal women with breast cancer receiving a GnRH agonist in combination with either exemestane or tamoxifen should have regular monitoring of risk factors for diabetes with blood glucose monitoring on a regular basis and appropriate anti-diabetic treatment initiated, if appropriate, according to national guidelines.

Depression has been reported to occur in approximately 50% of patients treated with a GnRH agonist in combination with either tamoxifen or exemestane, but less than 5% of patients had severe depression (grade 3-4). Patients should be informed accordingly and treated as appropriate if symptoms occur. Patients with known depression or depression history should be carefully monitored during therapy.

Treatment of premenopausal women with endocrine responsive early stage breast cancer with leuprorelin in combination with tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor should follow a careful individual appraisal of the risks and benefits.

Precautions

Men: Patients with urinary obstruction and patients with metastatic vertebral lesions should begin PROSTAP SR therapy under close supervision for the first few weeks of treatment.

Women: Before starting treatment with leuprorelin acetate, pregnancy must be excluded (see section 4.3) and undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding must be investigated, diagnosis confirmed and relevant management initiated. During treatment with leuprorelin acetate, patients should be instructed to prevent conception e.g. with the use of non-hormonal methods. Since menstruation should stop with effective doses of PROSTAP SR, the patient should notify her physician if regular menstruation persists.

Children with central precocious puberty: Before starting treatment with leuprorelin acetate, a precise diagnosis of idiopathic and/or neurogenic central precocious should be made and, in girls, pregnancy must be excluded (see section 4.3).

The therapy is a long-term treatment, adjusted individually. PROSTAP SR should be administered as precisely as possible in regular monthly periods. An exceptional delay of the injection date for a few days (30 ± 2 days) does not influence the results of the therapy.

In the event of a sterile abscess at the injection site (mostly reported after i.m. injection of higher than the recommended dosage) the absorption of leuprorelin acetate from the depot can be decreased. In this case the hormonal parameters (testosterone, oestradiol) should be monitored at 2-week intervals (see 4.2).

The treatment of children with progressive brain tumours should follow a careful individual appraisal of the risks and benefits.

The occurrence of vaginal bleeding, spotting and discharge after the first injection may occur as a sign of hormone withdrawal in girls. Vaginal bleeding beyond the first/second month of treatment needs to be investigated.

Bone mineral density (BMD) may decrease during GnRH therapy for central precocious puberty. However, after cessation of treatment subsequent bone mass accrual is preserved and peak bone mass in late adolescence does not seem to be affected by treatment.

Slipped femoral epiphysis can be seen after withdrawal of GnRH treatment. The suggested theory is that the low concentrations of estrogen during treatment with GnRH agonists weakens the epiphysial plate. The increase in growth velocity after stopping the treatment subsequently results in a reduction of the shearing force needed for displacement of the epiphysis.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

No interaction studies have been performed.

Women and girls: No known interactions.

Men: Since androgen deprivation treatment may prolong the QT interval, the concomitant use of PROSTAP SR with medicinal products known to prolong the QT interval or associated with Torsade de pointes such as class IA (e.g. quinidine, disopyramide) or class III (e.g. amiodarone, sotalol, dofetilide, ibutilide) antiarrhythmic medicinal products, methadone, moxifloxacin, antipsychotics, etc. should be carefully evaluated (see section 4.4).

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Safe use of leuprorelin acetate in pregnancy has not been established clinically.

Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Before starting treatment with PROSTAP SR, pregnancy must be excluded. There have been reports of foetal malformation when PROSTAP SR has been given during pregnancy.

PROSTAP SR must not be used in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding (see section 4.3).

When used monthly at the recommended dose, PROSTAP SR usually inhibits ovulation and stops menstruation. Contraception is not ensured, however, by taking PROSTAP SR and therefore patients should use non-hormonal methods of contraception during treatment and after cessation of treatment until the return of menses.

Patients should be advised that if they miss successive doses of PROSTAP SR, breakthrough bleeding or ovulation may occur with the potential for conception. Patients should be advised to see their physician if they believe they may be pregnant. If a patient becomes pregnant during treatment, the drug must be discontinued. The patient must be apprised of this evidence and the potential for an unknown risk to the foetus.

In girls with central precocious puberty: See section 4.3 Contraindications.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

PROSTAP SR can influence the ability to drive and use machines due to visual disturbances and dizziness.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Adverse reactions seen with PROSTAP SR are due mainly to the specific pharmacological action, namely increases and decreases in certain hormone levels.

The following tables list adverse reactions with leuprorelin based on experience from clinical trials as well as from post-marketing experience. Adverse reactions are grouped by MedDRA System Organ Classes and frequency classification. Frequencies are defined as: 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).

Men: In cases where a "tumour flare" occurs after PROSTAP SR therapy, an exacerbation may occur in any symptoms or signs due to disease. Adverse events, which may occur particularly at the beginning of treatment include urinary tract obstruction (as urinary symptoms). In patients with spinal cord compression, bone pain, weakness of the lower extremities and paraesthesia (as neurologic symptom) may also occur (see section 4.4). These symptoms subside on continuation of therapy.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions in Men

SOC

Very common

Common

Uncommon

Rare

Very rare

Not known

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

anaemia (reported in medicinal products of this class), thrombocytopaenia, leucopenia

Immune system disorders

hypersensitivity reactions (including rash, pruritus, urticaria, wheezing, fever, chills and anaphylactic reactions)

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

weight fluctuation

decreased appetite

Metabolic syndrome

(including hypertension, dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, abnormal glucose tolerance)

Metabolic disorders

Hepatic steatosis

Psychiatric disorders

insomnia, depression (see Section 4.4), mood changes (long-term use)**

mood changes (short term use)**

Nervous system disorders

headache (occasionally severe)

dizziness, paraesthesia

pituitary apoplexy has been reported following initial administration in patients with pituitary adenoma, pituitary haemorrhage

paralysis (see Section 4.4), seizure, idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) (see section 4.4)

Eye disorders

visual impairment

Cardiac disorders

palpitations, QT prolongation (see Sections 4.4 and 4.5)

Vascular disorders

hot flush

pulmonary embolism, hypertension, hypotension (see Sections 4.4 and 4.5)

Gastrointestinal disorders

nausea

diarrhoea, vomiting

Hepatobiliary disorders

hepatic function abnormal, hepatic function test abnormal (usually transient)

jaundice

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

hyperhidrosis

Stevens-Johnson syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN) (see section 4.4), Toxic Skin Eruption, Erythema Multiforme

Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders

muscle weakness, bone pain

arthralgia

myalgia, weakness of lower extremities

spinal fracture , reduction in bone mineral density, osteoporosis (including spinal fracture, see Section 4.4)

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Interstitial lung disease

Renal and urinary disorders

urinary tract obstruction

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Libido decreased, erectile dysfunction, testicular atrophy

gynaecomastia

General disorders and administration site conditions

Fatigue, injection site reaction, e.g., induration, erythema, pain, abscesses, swelling, nodules, ulcers and necrosis

oedema peripheral

pyrexia

** mood changes (long term use: frequency of 'common' and short term use: frequency of 'uncommon')

Women: Those adverse events occurring most frequently with PROSTAP SR are associated with hypo-estrogenism; the most frequently reported are hot flushes, mood swings including depression (occasionally severe), and vaginal dryness. Estrogen levels return to normal after treatment is discontinued.

The induced hypo-estrogenic state results in a loss in bone density over the course of treatment, some of which may not be reversible (see Section 4.4).

Vaginal haemorrhage may occur during therapy due to acute degeneration of submucous fibroids (see Section 4.4).

Tabulated list of adverse reactions in Women

SOC

Very common

Common

Uncommon

Rare

Very rare

Not known

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Anaemia (reported in medicinal products of this class), thrombocytopaenia, leucopenia

Immune system disorders

hypersensitivity reactions (including rash, pruritus, urticaria, wheezing, fever, chills and anaphylactic reactions)

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

weight fluctuation

decreased appetite, lipids abnormal

Metabolic syndrome

(including hypertension, dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, abnormal glucose tolerance)

Metabolic disorders

Hepatic steatosis

Psychiatric disorders

insomnia

depression (see Section 4.4), mood changes (long-term use)**

mood changes (short term use)**

Nervous system disorders

headache (occasionally severe)

paraesthesia, dizziness

pituitary apoplexy has been reported following initial administration in patients with pituitary adenoma, pituitary haemorrhage

paralysis (see Section 4.4), seizure, idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) (see section 4.4)

Eye disorders

visual impairment

Cardiac disorders

palpitations

Vascular disorders

hot flush

pulmonary embolism, hypertension, hypotension (see Section 4.4)

Gastrointestinal disorders

nausea

diarrhoea, vomiting

Hepatobiliary disorders

hepatic function test abnormal (usually transient)

hepatic function abnormal (including jaundice)

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

hyperhidrosis

hair loss

Stevens-Johnson syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN) (see section 4.4), Toxic Skin Eruption, Erythema Multiforme

Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders

bone pain

arthralgia, muscle weakness

myalgia

reduction in bone mineral density, osteoporosis (including spinal fracture, see Section 4.4)

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Interstitial lung disease

Reproductive system and breast disorders

breast tenderness, breast atrophy, vulvovaginal dryness

vulvovaginitis, libido decreased, vaginal haemorrhage

General disorders and administration site conditions

Oedema peripheral, injection site reaction e.g.injection site induration, erythema, pain, abscesses, swelling, nodules, ulcers and necrosis

pyrexia, fatigue

** mood changes (long term use: frequency of 'common' and short term use: frequency of 'uncommon')

In women with early breast cancer treated with a GnRH agonist, in combination with tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor, the following side effects have been seen:

Very common: Nausea, fatigue, musculoskeletal disorders, osteoporosis, hot flushes, hyperhidrosis, insomnia, depression, libido decreased, vulvovaginal dryness, dyspareunia, urinary incontinence, hypertension.

Common: Diabetes mellitus, hyperglycaemia, injection site reaction, hypersensitivity fracture, embolism.

Uncommon: myocardial ischaemia, cerebral ischaemia, central nervous system haemorrhage.

Rare: QT prolongation

In Children: In the initial phase of therapy, a short-term increase as flare-up of the sex hormone level occurs, followed by a decrease to values within the pre-pubertal range. Due to this pharmacological effect, adverse events may occur particularly at the beginning of treatment.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions in Children

SOC

Very common

Common

Uncommon

Rare

Very rare

Not known

Immune system disorders

Hypersensitivity (rash, pruritus, urticaria, wheezing, fever, chills and anaphylactic reactions)

Metabolic disorders

Hepatic steatosis

Psychiatric disorders

depression (see Section 4.4), emotional lability

Nervous system disorders

headache

pituitary apoplexy has been reported following initial administration in patients with pituitary adenoma, pituitary haemorrhage

seizure, idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) (see section 4.4)

Gastrointestinal disorders

abdominal pain / abdominal cramps, nausea/vomiting

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

acne

Stevens-Johnson syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN) (see section 4.4), Toxic Skin Eruption, Erythema Multiforme

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Myalgia

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Interstitial lung disease

Reproductive system and breast disorders

vaginal haemorrhage, spotting**, vaginal discharge

General disorders and administration site conditions

injection site reactions (e.g. induration, erythema, pain, abscess, swelling, nodules and necrosis)

** In general, the occurrence of vaginal spotting with continued treatment (subsequent to possible withdrawal bleeding in the first month of treatment) should be assessed as a sign of potential underdosage. The pituitary suppression should then be determined by gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulating test.

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 Yellow Card Scheme. Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

No case of overdose has been reported.

In animal studies, doses of up to 500 times the recommended human dose resulted in dyspnoea, decreased activity and local irritation at the injection site. In cases of overdose, the patients should be monitored closely and management should be symptomatic and supportive.