FIRMAGON is for subcutaneous administration only and is not to be administered intravenously.
Dosing information:
Starting dose
Maintenance dose – Administration every 28 days
240 mg given as two subcutaneous injections of 120 mg at a concentration of 40 mg/mL
80 mg given as one subcutaneous injection at a concentration of 20 mg/mL
The first maintenance dose should be given 28 days after the starting dose.
FIRMAGON 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 of the abdomen that will not be exposed to pressure, e.g. not close to waistband or belt nor close to the ribs.
FIRMAGON is supplied as a powder to be reconstituted with Sterile Water for Injection, USP (WFI). The reconstitution procedure needs to be carefully followed. Administration of other concentrations is not recommended. See Instructions for Proper Use.
Instructions for Proper Use
NOTE:
Gloves should be worn during preparation and administration
Reconstituted drug must be administered within one hour after addition of Sterile Water for Injection, USP (WFI)
Keep the vials vertical at all times
Do not shake the vials
Follow aseptic technique
FIRMAGON 120 mg
The Treatment Initiation pack contains 2 vials of FIRMAGON 120 mg that must be prepared for 2 subcutaneous injections. Hence, the instructions here below need to be repeated a second time.
Prepare FIRMAGON 120 mg for reconstitution by gathering the following:
6 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, USP (WFI); Do not use Bacteriostatic Water for Injection
2 reconstitution needles – 21G / 2 inch
2 administration needles for subcutaneous injection – 27G / 1-1/4 inch
2 injection syringes (5 mL)
Draw up 3 mL WFI with a reconstitution needle (21G / 2 in).
Inject the WFI slowly into the FIRMAGON 120 mg vial. To keep the product and syringe sterile, do not remove the syringe and the needle.
Keeping the vial in an upright position, swirl it very gently until the liquid looks clear and without undissolved powder or particles. If the powder adheres to the vial over the liquid surface, the vial can be tilted slightly to dissolve powder. Avoid shaking to prevent foam formation. A ring of small air bubbles on the surface of the liquid is acceptable. The reconstitution procedure may take up to 15 minutes.
Tilt the vial slightly and keep the needle in the lowest part of the vial. Withdraw 3 mL of FIRMAGON 120 mg without turning the vial upside down.
Exchange the reconstitution needle with the administration needle for deep subcutaneous injection (27G / 1-1/4 in). Remove any air bubbles.
Inject 3 mL of FIRMAGON 120 mg subcutaneously immediately after reconstitution.
Grasp the skin of the abdomen, elevate the subcutaneous tissue. Insert the needle deeply at an angle of not less than 45 degrees.
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 the needle (reconstitute a new dose for the patient).
Repeat reconstitution procedure for the second dose. Choose a different injection site and inject 3 mL.
FIRMAGON 80 mg
The Treatment Maintenance pack contains 1 vial of FIRMAGON 80 mg that must be prepared for subcutaneous injection.
Prepare FIRMAGON 80 mg for reconstitution by gathering the following:
4.2 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, USP (WFI); Do not use Bacteriostatic Water for Injection
1 reconstitution needle – 21G / 2 inch
1 administration needle for subcutaneous injection – 27G / 1-1/4 inch
1 injection syringe (5 mL)
Draw up 4.2 mL WFI with the reconstitution needle (21G / 2 in).
Inject the WFI slowly into the FIRMAGON 80 mg vial. To keep the product and syringe sterile, do not remove the syringe and the needle.
Keeping the vial in an upright position, swirl it very gently until the liquid looks clear and without undissolved powder or particles. If the powder adheres to the vial over the liquid surface, the vial can be tilted slightly to dissolve powder. Avoid shaking to prevent foam formation. A ring of small air bubbles on the surface of the liquid is acceptable. The reconstitution procedure may take up to 15 minutes.
Tilt the vial slightly and keep the needle in the lowest part of the vial. Withdraw 4 mL of FIRMAGON 80 mg without turning the vial upside down.
Exchange the reconstitution needle with the administration needle for deep subcutaneous injection (27G / 1-1/4 in). Remove any air bubbles.
Inject 4 mL of FIRMAGON 80 mg subcutaneously immediately after reconstitution:
Grasp the skin of the abdomen, elevate the subcutaneous tissue. Insert the needle deeply at an angle of not less than 45 degrees.
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 the needle (reconstitute a new dose for the patient).