THYROGEN

The pharmacokinetics of THYROGEN was studied in 16 patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer given a single 0.9 mg IM dose. Mean peak serum TSH concentrations of 116±38 mU/L were reached between 3 and 24 hours after injection (median of 10 hours). The mean apparent elimination half-life was 25±10 hours. The organ(s) of TSH clearance in man have not been identified, but studies of pituitary-derived TSH suggest the involvement of the liver and kidneys.

14.1 Clinical Trials of THYROGEN as an Adjunctive Diagnostic Tool for Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Two prospective, randomized phase 3 clinical trials were conducted in patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer to compare 131 I whole body scans obtained after THYROGEN injection to 131 I whole body scans after thyroid hormone withdrawal. A cross-over, non-blinded design was used in both trials. Oral radioiodine was given 24 hours after the second injection of THYROGEN, and scanning was done 48 hours after the radioiodine administration. Each patient was scanned first following THYR...

The most common adverse reactions (>5%) reported in clinical trials were nausea and headache. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Genzyme Corporation at 800-745-4447 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect th...

If THYROGEN is administered with radioiodine, the contraindications to radioiodine also apply to this combination regimen. Refer to the radioiodine prescribing information for a list of contraindications for radioiodine. If THYROGEN is administered with radioiodine, the contraindications to radioiodine also apply to this combination regimen. ( 4 )

THYROGEN-induced hyperthyroidism: Hospitalization for administration of THYROGEN and postadministrative observation should be considered for patients at risk. ( 5.1 ) Stroke: Stroke in female patients as well as other neurologic events in patients with central nervous system metastases. ( 5.2 , 5.3 ) Sudden rapid tumor enlargement: Sudden, rapid and painful enlargement in distant metastatic thyroid cancer. ( 5.3 ) Risks associated with radioiodine (RAI) combination treatment: If THYROGEN is admi...