Thyrogen

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ANNEX 1 

 

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS 



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1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

Thyrogen 0.9 mg powder for solution for injection 

 

 

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 

 

Each vial of Thyrogen contains a nominal value of 0.9 mg thyrotropin alfa. Following reconstitution, each 

vial of Thyrogen contains 0.9 mg of thyrotropin alfa in 1.0 ml.  

 

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 

 

 

3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 

 

Powder for solution for injection. 

White to off-white lyophilised powder. 

 

 

4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 

 

4.1 Therapeutic indications 

 

Thyrogen is indicated for use with serum thyroglobulin (Tg) testing with or without radioiodine imaging 

for the detection of thyroid remnants and well-differentiated thyroid cancer in post-thyroidectomy patients 

maintained on hormone suppression therapy (THST). 

 

Low risk patients with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma who have undetectable serum Tg levels on 

THST and no rh (recombinant human) TSH-stimulated increase of Tg levels may be followed-up by 

assaying rhTSH-stimulated Tg levels. 

 

Thyrogen is indicated for pre-therapeutic stimulation in combination with a range of 30 mCi (1.1 GBq) to 

100 mCi (3.7 GBq) radioiodine for ablation of thyroid tissue remnants in patients who have undergone a 

near-total or total thyroidectomy for well-differentiated thyroid cancer and who do not have evidence of 

distant metastatic thyroid cancer (see section 4.4). 

 

4.2 Posology and method of administration 

 

Therapy should be supervised by physicians with expertise in thyroid cancer. 

 

Posology 

The recommended dose regimen is two doses of 0.9 mg thyrotropin alfa administered at a 24-hour interval 

by intramuscular injection only. 

 

Paediatric population 

Due to a lack of data on the use of Thyrogen in children, Thyrogen should be given to children only in 

exceptional circumstances. 

 



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Elderly  

Results from controlled trials indicate no difference in the safety and efficacy of Thyrogen between adult 

patients less than 65 years and those greater than 65 years of age, when Thyrogen is used for diagnostic 

purposes. 

 

No dose adjustment is necessary in elderly (see section 4.4). 

 

Patients with renal/hepatic impairment 

Information from post marketing surveillance, as well as published information, suggests that elimination 

of Thyrogen is significantly slower in dialysis-dependent end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, 

resulting in prolonged elevation of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels for several days after 

treatment. This may lead to increased risk of headache and nausea. There are no studies of alternative dose 

schedules of Thyrogen in patients with ESRD to guide dose reduction in this population. 

 

In patients with significant renal impairment the activity of radioiodine should be carefully selected by the 

nuclear medicine physician. 

 

The use of Thyrogen in patients with reduced liver function does not warrant special considerations.  

 

Method of administration 

After reconstitution with water for injection, 1.0 ml solution (0.9 mg thyrotropin alfa) is administered by 

intramuscular injection to the buttock. For instructions on reconstitution of the medicinal product before 

administration, see section 6.6. 

 

For radioiodine imaging or ablation, radioiodine administration should be given 24 hours following the 

final Thyrogen injection. Diagnostic scintigraphy should be performed 48 to 72 hours following 

radioiodine administration, whereas post-ablation scintigraphy may be delayed additional days to allow 

background activity to decline. 

 

For diagnostic follow-up serum thyroglobulin (Tg) testing, the serum sample should be obtained 72 hours 

after the final injection of Thyrogen. Use of Thyrogen with Tg testing in follow up of post-thyroidectomy 

well differentiated thyroid cancer patients should be in accordance with official guidelines. 

 

4.3 Contraindications 

 

• Hypersensitivity to bovine or human thyroid stimulating hormone or to any of the excipients listed in 
section 6.1.  

• Pregnancy (see section 4.6). 
 

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 

 

Thyrogen should not be administered intravenously.  

 

When used as an alternative to thyroid hormone withdrawal, the combination of the whole body 

scintigraphy (WBS) and Tg testing after Thyrogen administration assures the highest sensitivity for 

detection of thyroid remnants or cancer. False negative results may occur with Thyrogen. If a high index 

of suspicion for metastatic disease persists, a confirmatory withdrawal WBS and Tg testing should be 

considered. 

 

The presence of Tg autoantibodies can be expected in 18-40% of patients with differentiated thyroid 

cancer and may cause false negative serum Tg measurements. Therefore, both TgAb and Tg assays are 

needed. 

 



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Careful evaluation of benefit-risk relationships should be assessed for Thyrogen administration in high 

risk elderly patients who have heart disease (e.g. valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery 

disease, and prior or current tachyarrhythmia including atrial fibrillation) and have not undergone 

thyroidectomy. 

 

Thyrogen is known to cause a transient but significant rise in serum thyroid hormone concentration when 

given to patients who have substantial thyroid tissue still in situ.  Therefore, careful evaluation of 

individual risk-benefit is necessary for patients with significant residual thyroid tissue.  

 

 

Effect on tumour growth and/or size  

In patients with thyroid cancer, several cases of stimulated tumour growth have been reported during 

withdrawal of thyroid hormones for diagnostic procedures which have been attributed to the associated 

prolonged elevation of TSH levels. 

There is a theoretical possibility that Thyrogen, like thyroid hormone withdrawal, may lead to stimulated 

tumour growth. In clinical trials with thyrotropin alfa, which produces a short-term increase in serum TSH 

levels, no case of tumour growth has been reported.  

 

Due to elevation of TSH levels after Thyrogen administration patients with metastatic thyroid cancer 

particularly in confined spaces such as the brain, spinal cord and orbit or disease infiltrating the neck, may 

experience local oedema or focal haemorrhage at the site of these metastases resulting in increased tumour 

size. This may lead to acute symptoms, which depend on the anatomical location of the tissue e.g. 

hemiplegia, hemiparesis, loss of vision have occurred in patients with CNS metastases. Laryngeal oedema, 

respiratory distress requiring tracheotomy, and pain at the site of metastasis have also been reported after 

Thyrogen administration. It is recommended that pre-treatment with corticosteroids be considered for 

patients in whom local tumour expansion may compromise vital anatomic structures. 

 

Sodium 

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per injection, i.e. essentially ‘sodium- 

free’. 

 

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 

 

Formal interaction studies between Thyrogen and other medicinal products have not been performed. In 

clinical trials, no interactions were observed between Thyrogen and the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine 

(T3) and thyroxine (T4) when administered concurrently. 

 

The use of Thyrogen allows for radioiodine imaging while patients are euthyroid on thyroid hormone 

suppression treatment. Data on radioiodine kinetics indicate that the clearance of radioiodine is 

approximately 50% greater while euthyroid than during the hypothyroid state when renal function is 

decreased, thus resulting in less radioiodine retention in the body at the time of imaging. This factor 

should be considered when selecting the activity of radioiodine for use in radioiodine imaging. 

 

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation 

 

Pregnancy 

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Thyrogen.  

 

It is not known whether Thyrogen can cause foetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or 

whether Thyrogen can affect reproductive capacity. 

 



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Thyrogen in combination with diagnostic radioiodine whole body scintigraphy is contra-indicated in 

pregnancy (see section 4.3), because of the consequent exposure of the foetus to a high dose of radioactive 

material.  

 

Breast-feeding 

It is unknown whether thyrotropin alfa /metabolites are excreted in human milk. A risk to the 
suckling child cannot be excluded. Thyrogen should not be used during breast-feeding. 
 

Fertility 

It is not known whether Thyrogen can affect fertility in humans. 

 

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines 

 

Thyrogen may reduce the ability to drive or use machines, since dizziness and headaches have been 

reported. 

 

4.8 Undesirable effects 

 

Summary of the safety profile 

The most commonly reported adverse reactions are nausea and headache, occurring in approximately 

11%, and 6% of patients, respectively. 

 

Tabulated list of adverse reactions 

The adverse reactions mentioned in the table, combine adverse reactions in the six prospective clinical 

trials (N=481) and undesirable effects that have been reported to Genzyme after licensure of Thyrogen. 

 

Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. The 

reporting rate is classified 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) and not known (cannot be estimated from the 

available data).  

 

MedDRA System 

Organ Class 

Very  

Common 

Common Uncommon Not known 

Infections and 

infestations 

  influenza  

Neoplasm benign, 

malignant and 

unspecified (incl. 

cysts and polyps) 

   neoplasm swelling, 

metastatic pain 

Nervous system 

disorders 

 dizziness, headache ageusia, 

dysgeusia, 

paraesthesia 

stroke, tremor  

Cardiac disorders    palpitations 

Vascular disorders    flushing 

Respiratory, 

thoracic and 

mediastinal 

disorder 

   dyspnoea 

Gastrointestinal 

disorders 

nausea vomiting diarrhoea  

Skin and 

subcutaneous tissue 

disorders 

  urticaria, rash pruritus, 

hyperhidrosis 



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Musculoskeletal 

and connective 

tissue disorder 

  neck pain, back 

pain 

arthralgia, myalgia 

General disorders 

and administration 

site conditions 

 fatigue, asthenia influenza like 

illness, pyrexia, 

chills,  feeling 

hot 

discomfort, pain, 

pruritus, rash and 

urticaria at the site of 

injection 

Investigations    TSH decreased 

 

Description of selected adverse reactions 

Very rare cases of hyperthyroidism or atrial fibrillation have been observed when Thyrogen 0.9 mg has 

been administered in patients with presence of either partial or entire thyroid gland.  

 

Manifestations of hypersensitivity have been reported uncommonly in both clinical and post-marketing 

settings. These reactions consisted of urticaria, rash, pruritus, flushing and respiratory signs and 

symptoms.  

 

In clinical trials involving 481 patients, no patients have developed antibodies to thyrotropin alfa either 

after single or repeated limited (27 patients) use of the product. It is not recommended to perform TSH 

assays after Thyrogen administration. The occurrence of antibodies which could interfere with 

endogenous TSH assays performed during regular follow-ups cannot be excluded. 

 

Enlargement of residual thyroid tissue or metastases can occur following treatment with Thyrogen. This 

may lead to acute symptoms, which depend on the anatomical location of the tissue. For example, 

hemiplegia, hemiparesis or loss of vision have occurred in patients with CNS metastases. Laryngeal 

oedema, respiratory distress requiring tracheotomy, and pain at the site of metastasis have also been 

reported after Thyrogen administration. It is recommended that pre-treatment with corticosteroids be 

considered for patients in whom local tumour expansion may compromise vital anatomic structures. 

 

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 national reporting system listed in Appendix V. 

 

4.9 Overdose 

 

Data on exposure above the recommended dose is limited to clinical studies and a special treatment 

program.  Three patients in clinical trials and one patient in the special treatment program experienced 

symptoms after receiving Thyrogen doses higher than those recommended. Two patients had nausea after 

2.7 mg IM dose, and in one of these patients nausea was also accompanied by weakness, dizziness and 

headache.  The third patient experienced nausea, vomiting and hot flushes after 3.6 mg IM dose.  In the 

special treatment program, a 77 year-old patient with metastatic thyroid cancer who had not been 

thyroidectomised received 4 doses of Thyrogen 0.9 mg over 6 days, developed atrial fibrillation, cardiac 

decompensation and terminal myocardial infarction 2 days later.   

 

One additional patient enrolled in a clinical trial experienced symptoms after receiving Thyrogen 

intravenously.  This patient received 0.3 mg of Thyrogen as a single intravenous (IV) bolus and, 15 

minutes later experienced severe nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, hypotension and tachycardia. 

 

A suggested treatment in case of overdose would be the reestablishment of fluid balance and 

administration of an antiemetic may also be considered. 

 

 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc
http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


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5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 

 

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties 

 

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Pituitary and Hypothalamic Hormones and Analogues, Anterior Pituitary 

Lobe Hormones and Analogues. ATC code for thyrotropin alfa: H01AB01 

 

Mechanism of action 

Thyrotropin alfa (recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone) is a heterodimeric glycoprotein 

produced by recombinant DNA technology. It is comprised of two non-covalently linked subunits. The 

cDNAs encode for an alpha subunit of 92 amino acid residues containing two N-linked glycosylation 

sites, and a beta subunit of 118 residues containing one N-linked glycosylation site. It has comparable 

biochemical properties to natural human Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). Binding of thyrotropin alfa 

to TSH receptors on thyroid epithelial cells stimulates iodine uptake and organification, and synthesis and 

release of thyroglobulin, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). 

 

In patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer, a near total or total thyroidectomy is performed. For 

optimal diagnosis of thyroid remnants or cancer via either radioiodine imaging or thyroglobulin testing 

and for radioiodine therapy of thyroid remnants, a high serum level of TSH is needed to stimulate either 

radioiodine uptake and/or thyroglobulin release. The standard approach to achieve elevated TSH levels 

has been to withdraw patients from thyroid hormone suppression therapy (THST), which usually causes 

patients to experience the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. With the use of Thyrogen, the TSH 

stimulation necessary for radioiodine uptake and thyroglobulin release is achieved while patients are 

maintained euthyroid on THST, thus avoiding the morbidity associated with hypothyroidism. 

 

 

Clinical efficacy and safety 

Diagnostic use  

The efficacy and safety of Thyrogen for use with radioiodine imaging together with serum thyroglobulin 

testing for the diagnosis of thyroid remnants and cancer was demonstrated in two studies. In one of the 

studies, two dose regimens were examined: 0.9 mg intramuscular every 24 hours for two doses (0.9 mg x 

2) and 0.9 mg intramuscular every 72 hours for three doses (0.9 mg x 3). Both dose regimens were 

effective and not statistically different from thyroid hormone withdrawal in stimulating radioiodine uptake 

for diagnostic imaging. Both dose regimens improved the sensitivity, accuracy and negative predictive 

value of Thyrogen-stimulated thyroglobulin alone or in combination with radioiodine imaging as 

compared to testing performed while patients remained on thyroid hormones.  

 

In clinical trials, for the detection of thyroid remnants or cancer in ablated patients using a thyroglobulin 

assay with a lower limit of detection of 0.5 ng/ml, Thyrogen-stimulated thyroglobulin levels of 3 ng/ml, 

2 ng/ml and 1 ng/ml corresponded with thyroglobulin levels after withdrawal of thyroid hormone of 

10 ng/ml, 5 ng/ml and 2 ng/ml, respectively. In these studies the use of thyroglobulin testing on Thyrogen 

was found to be more sensitive than thyroglobulin testing on TSHT. Specifically in a Phase III study 

involving 164 patients the detection rate of tissue of thyroid origin after a Thyrogen thyroglobulin test 

ranged from 73-87%, whereas, by using thyroglobulin on TSHT it was 42-62% for the same cut-off values 

and comparable reference standards.  

 

Metastatic disease was confirmed by a post-treatment scan or by lymph node biopsy in 35 patients. 

Thyrogen-stimulated thyroglobulin levels were above 2 ng/ml in all 35 patients, whereas, thyroglobulin on 

THST was above 2 ng/ml in 79% of these patients. 

 

Pre-therapeutic stimulation  

In a comparator study involving 60 evaluable patients, the rates of successful ablation of thyroid remnants 

with 100 mCi/3.7 GBq (± 10%) radioiodine in post-thyroidectomy patients with thyroid cancer, were 



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comparable for patients treated after thyroid hormone withdrawal versus patients treated after Thyrogen 

administration. Patients studied were adults (>18 years), with newly diagnosed differentiated papillary or 

follicular thyroid carcinoma, including papillary-follicular variant, characterised, principally (54 of 60), as 

T1-T2, N0-N1, M0 (TNM classification). Success of remnant ablation was assessed with radioiodine 

imaging and with serum thyroglobulin testing at 8 ± 1 months after treatment. All 28 patients (100%) 

treated after withdrawal of THST and all 32 patients (100%) treated after Thyrogen administration had 

either no visible uptake of radioiodine in the thyroid bed or, if visible, thyroid bed uptake <0.1% of the 

administered activity of radioiodine. The success of thyroid remnant ablation also was assessed by the 

criterion of Thyrogen-stimulated serum Tg level < 2 ng/ml eight months after ablation, but only in patients 

who were negative for interfering anti-Tg antibodies. Using this Tg criterion, 18/21 patients (86%) and 

23/24 patients (96%) had thyroid remnants successfully ablated in the THST withdrawal group and the 

Thyrogen treatment group, respectively.  

 

Quality of life was significantly reduced following thyroid hormone withdrawal, but maintained following 

either dosage regimen of Thyrogen in both indications.  

 

A follow-up study was conducted on patients who previously completed the initial study, and data is 

available for 51 patients. The main objective of the follow-up study was to confirm the status of thyroid 

remnant ablation by using Thyrogen-stimulated radioiodine static neck imaging after a median follow-up 

of 3.7 years (range 3.4 to 4.4 years) following radioiodine ablation. Thyrogen-stimulated thyroglobulin 

testing was also performed.  

 

Patients were still considered to be successfully ablated if there was no visible thyroid bed uptake on the 

scan, or if visible, uptake was less than 0.1%. All patients considered ablated in the initial study were 

confirmed to be ablated in the follow-up study. In addition, no patient had a definitive recurrence during 

the 3.7 years of follow-up. Overall, 48/51 patients (94%) had no evidence of cancer recurrence, 1 patient 

had possible cancer recurrence (although it was not clear whether this patient had a true recurrence or 

persistent tumour from the regional disease noted at the start of the original study), and 2 patients could 

not be assessed. 

 

In summary, in the pivotal study and its follow-up study, Thyrogen was non-inferior to thyroid hormone 

withdrawal for elevation of TSH levels for pre-therapeutic stimulation in combination with radioiodine for 

post-surgical ablation of remnant thyroid tissue. 

 

Two large prospective randomised studies, the HiLo study (Mallick) and the ESTIMABL1 study 

(Schlumberger), compared methods of thyroid remnant ablation in patients with differentiated thyroid 

cancer who had been thyroidectomised. In both studies, patients were randomised to 1 of 4 treatment 

groups: Thyrogen + 30 mCi 131I, Thyrogen + 100 mCi 131I, thyroid hormone withdrawal + 30 mCi 131I, or 

thyroid hormone withdrawal + 100 mCi 131I, and patients were assessed about 8 months later. The HiLo 

study randomised 438 patients (tumour stages T1-T3, Nx, N0 and N1, M0) at 29 centres. As assessed by 

radioiodine imaging and stimulated Tg levels (n = 421), ablation success rates were approximately 86% in 

all four treatment groups. All 95% confidence intervals for the differences were within ±10 percentage 

points, indicating in particular non-inferiority of the low to the high radioiodineactivity. Analyses of T3 

patients and N1 patients showed that these subgroups had equally good ablation success rates as did 

lower-risk patients. The ESTIMABL1 study randomised 752 patients with low-risk thyroid cancer 

(tumour stages pT1 < 1 cm and N1 or Nx, pT1 >1-2 cm and any N stage, or pT2 N0, all patients M0) at 24 

centres. Based on 684 evaluable patients, the overall ablation success rate assessed by neck ultrasounds 

and stimulated Tg levels was 92%, without any statistically significant difference among the four groups.  

 

For the ESTIMABL1 study, 726 (97%) of the original 752 patients were followed up for disease 

recurrence. The median follow-up was 5.4 years (0.5 to 9.2 years). 

 

The tables below provide long term follow up information for the ESTIMABL1 and HiLo studies 



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Table 1. ESTIMABL1 study recurrence rates in patients who received low or high dose RAI and 

those who prepared with Thyrogen or THW 

 

 Thyrogen (N=374) THW (N=378) 

Total number of patients with recurrence (5.4 years) 7 (1,9%) 4 (1,1%) 

Low activity RAI (1.1 GBq) 5 (1,3%) 1 (0,3%) 

High activity RAI (3.7 GBq) 2 (0,5%) 3 (0,8%) 

 

For the HiLo study, 434 (99%) of the original 438 patients were followed up for disease recurrence. The 

median follow-up was 6.5 years (4.5 to 7.6 years). 

 

Table 2. HiLo study recurrence rates in patients who received low or high dose activity RAI 

 Low activity dose 

RAI (1.1 GBq) 

High activity dose RAI (3.7 GBq) 

Total number of patients with recurrence 11 10 

Recurrence rate (3 years) 1.5% 2.1% 

Recurrence rate (5 years) 2.1% 2.7% 

Recurrence rate (7 years) 5.9% 7.3% 
HR: 1.10 [95% CI 0.47 – 2.59]; p=0.83 

Table 3. HiLo study recurrence rates in patients who prepared for ablation with Thyrogen or 

Thyroid Hormone Withdrawal 

 Thyrogen Thyroid Hormone Withdrawal (THW) 

Total number of patients with 

recurrence 

13 8 

Recurrence rate (3 years) 1.5% 2.1% 

Recurrence rate (5 years) 2.1% 2.7% 

Recurrence rate (7 years) 8.3% 5.0% 
HR: 1.62 [95% CI 0.67 – 3.91], p=0.28 

 
The long term follow-up data in ESTIMABL1 and HiLo confirmed similar outcomes for patients in all 

four treatment groups. 

 

In summary, these studies support the efficacy of low activity radioiodine plus thyrotropin alpha (with 

reduced radiation exposure). Thyrotropin alfa was non-inferior to thyroid hormone withdrawal for pre-

therapeutic stimulation in combination with radioiodine for post-surgical ablation of thyroid remnant 

tissue.  

 

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 

 



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The pharmacokinetics of Thyrogen were studied in patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer 

following a single 0.9 mg intramuscular injection. After injection, the mean peak (Cmax) level obtained 

was 116 ± 38 mU/l and occurred approximately 13 ± 8 hours after administration. The elimination half-

life was 22 ± 9 hours. The major elimination route of thyrotropin alfa is believed to be renal and to a lesser 

extent hepatic. 

 

5.3 Preclinical safety data 

 

Non-clinical data are limited, but reveal no special hazard for humans from use of Thyrogen. 

 

 

6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 

 

6.1 List of excipients 

 

Mannitol 

Sodium phosphate monobasic, monohydrate 

Sodium phosphate dibasic, heptahydrate 

Sodium chloride 

 

6.2 Incompatibilities 

 

In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be administered as a mixture with 

other medicinal products in the same injection.  

 

6.3 Shelf-life 
 

Unopened vials 

3 years. 

 

Shelf-life after reconstitution 

It is recommended that the Thyrogen solution be injected within three hours. 

The reconstituted solution can be stored for up to 24 hours in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C) under protection 

from light, while avoiding microbial contamination. 

 

6.4 Special precautions for storage 

 

Store in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C). 

 

Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light. 

 

For storage conditions after reconstitution of the medicinal product, see section 6.3. 

 

6.5 Nature and contents of container 

 

Clear Type I glass 5 ml vials. The closure consists of a siliconised butyl stopper with a tamper proof 

flip-off cap. Each vial contains 1.1 mg thyrotropin alfa. After reconstitution with 1.2 ml water for 

injection, 1.0 ml of solution (equal to 0.9 mg Thyrogen) is withdrawn and administered to the patient.  

 

To provide sufficient volume to allow accurate dispensing, each vial of Thyrogen is formulated to contain 

an overfill of 0.2 ml. 

 

Package size: one or two vials per carton.  



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Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 

 

6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling 

 

The powder for solution for injection has to be reconstituted with water for injection. Only one vial of 

Thyrogen is required per injection. Each vial of Thyrogen is for single use only. 

 

Use aseptic technique 

 

Add 1.2 ml water for injection to the Thyrogen powder in the vial. Swirl the contents of the vial gently 

until all material is dissolved. Do not shake the solution. When the powder is dissolved the total volume in 

the vial is 1.2 ml. The pH of the Thyrogen solution is approximately 7.0. 

 

Visually inspect the Thyrogen solution in the vial for foreign particles and discoloration. The Thyrogen 

solution should be a clear, colourless solution. Do not use vials exhibiting foreign particles, cloudiness or 

discoloration. 

 

Withdraw 1.0 ml of the Thyrogen solution from the product vial. This equals 0.9 mg thyrotropin alfa to be 

injected. 

 

Thyrogen does not contain preservatives. Dispose of any unused solution immediately. No special 

requirements for disposal. 

 

The Thyrogen solution should be injected within three hours, however the Thyrogen solution will stay 

chemically stable for up to 24 hours, if kept in a refrigerator (between 2°C and 8°C). It is important to note 

that the microbiological safety depends on the aseptic conditions during the preparation of the solution. 

 

 

7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 

 

Genzyme Europe B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25, 1105 BP Amsterdam, The Netherlands 

 

8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBERS 

 

EU/1/99/122/001 

EU/1/99/122/002 

 

 

9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 

 

Date of first authorisation: 9 March 2000 

Date of last renewal: 9 March 2010 

 

 

10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 

 

 

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 

Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/
http://www.ema.europa.eu/


12 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANNEX II 

 

A. MANUFACTURER OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE 

SUBSTANCE AND MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE FOR 

BATCH RELEASE  

 

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY 

AND USE 

 

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE 

MARKETING AUTHORISATION 

 

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE 

SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL 

PRODUCT 

 

 



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A. MANUFACTURER OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE SUBSTANCE AND MANUFACTURERS 

RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE  

 

Name and address of the manufacturer of the biological active substance 

 

Genzyme Corporation. 

45, 51, 68, 74, 76 and 80 New York Avenue 

Framingham, MA 01701- 

United States 

Name and address of the manufacturers responsible for batch release 

 

 

Genzyme Ireland Limited 

IDA Industrial Park 

Old Kilmeaden Road 

Waterford 

Ireland 

 

 

 

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE 

 

Medicinal product subject to restricted medical prescription (See Annex I: Summary of Product Characteristics, 

section 4.2). 

 

 

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION 

 

• Periodic safety update reports (PSURs) 
 

The requirements for submission of periodic safety update reports for this medicinal product are set out in 

the list of Union reference dates (EURD list) provided for under Article 107c(7) of Directive 2001/83/EC 

and any subsequent updates published on the European medicines web-portal. 

 

 

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE 

OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT   

 

• Risk management plan (RMP) 
 

The marketing authorisation holder (MAH) shall perform the required pharmacovigilance activities and 

interventions detailed in the agreed RMP presented in Module 1.8.2 of the marketing authorisation and any 

agreed subsequent updates of the RMP. 

 

An updated RMP should be submitted: 

• At the request of the European Medicines Agency; 

• Whenever the risk management system is modified, especially as the result of new information being 

received that may lead to a significant change to the benefit/risk profile or as the result of an important 

(pharmacovigilance or risk minimisation) milestone being reached. 

 

  



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ANNEX III 

 

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET 



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A. LABELLING 



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PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING  

 

OUTER CARTON - PACK OF 1 VIAL  

OUTER CARTON - PACK OF 2 VIALS 

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

THYROGEN 0.9 mg powder for solution for injection. 

Thyrotropin alfa  

 

 

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 

 

Each vial contains 0.9 mg/ml of thyrotropin alfa when reconstituted with 1.2 ml water for injection. 

 

 

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 

 

Excipients: 

Mannitol 

Sodium phosphate monobasic, monohydrate 

Sodium phosphate dibasic, heptahydrate 

Sodium chloride 

See leaflet for further information. 

 

 

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 

 

1 vial of powder for solution for injection.  

2 vials of powder for solution for injection equal to 2 doses to be administered at a 24-hour interval. 

 

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 

 

Intramuscular injection only. 

Only 1 ml should be withdrawn equal to 0.9 mg of thyrotropin alfa. 

Administration within 3 hours after reconstitution. 

Read the package leaflet before use. 

 

 

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 

 

Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 

 

 

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 

 

 



17 

8. EXPIRY DATE 

 

EXP  

 

 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 

 

Store in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C). 

Keep the vial in the outer carton. 

 

 

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 

APPROPRIATE 

 

For single use only.  

Any unused solution should be discarded. 

 

 

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 

 

Genzyme Europe B.V. 

Paasheuvelweg 25 

1105 BP Amsterdam 

The Netherlands 

 

 

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

 

EU/1/99/122/001 

EU/1/99/122/002 

 

 

13. BATCH NUMBER 

 

Lot 

 

 

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 

 

 

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 

 

 

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE  

 

Justification for not including Braille accepted.  



18 

 

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 

 

  

2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 

 

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 

 

<PC: 

SN: 

NN:>



19 

 

 

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS 

 

VIAL  

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 

 

THYROGEN 0.9 mg powder for solution for injection. 

thyrotropin alfa 

Intramuscular use. 

 

 

2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION 

 

 

3. EXPIRY DATE 

 

EXP  

 

 

4. BATCH NUMBER 

 

Lot  

 

 

5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT 

 

 

6. OTHER 

 

Store in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C). 

 

Genzyme Europe B.V.- NL 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



20 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. PACKAGE LEAFLET 

 



21 

Package leaflet: Information for the user 

 

Thyrogen 0.9 mg powder for solution for injection 

Thyrotropin alfa 

 

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important 

information for you. 

- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
- If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side 

effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4. 

 

 

What is in this leaflet 

 

1. What Thyrogen is and what it is used for 

2. What you need to know before you use Thyrogen 

3. How to use Thyrogen 

4. Possible side effects 

5. How to store Thyrogen 

6. Contents of the pack and other information 

 

 

1. What Thyrogen is and what it is used for 

 

Thyrogen contains the active substance thyrotropin alfa. Thyrogen is a human thyroid stimulating hormone 

(TSH) manufactured using biotechnology processes. 

 

Thyrogen is used to detect certain types of thyroid cancer in patients who have had their thyroid gland removed 

and who are taking thyroid hormones. One of the effects is that it stimulates any remaining thyroid tissue to take 

up iodine which is important for radioiodine imaging. It also stimulates the production of thyroglobulin and 

thyroid hormones if there is any thyroid tissue left. These hormones can be measured in your blood. 

 

Thyrogen is also used with radioiodine treatment to eliminate (ablate) the thyroid tissue left over after surgical 

removal of the thyroid gland (remnant) in patients who do not have secondary cancer growths (metastases) and 

who are taking thyroid hormone. 

 

 

2. What you need to know before you use Thyrogen 

 

Do not use Thyrogen: 

• if you are allergic to bovine or human thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) or any of the other 
ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). 

• if you are pregnant. 
 

Warnings and precautions 

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Thyrogen 

• if you have kidney disease that requires dialysis and he will decide how much Thyrogen to give to you 
as you may have more chance of experiencing headache and nausea. 

• if you have reduced kidney function and he will decide how much radioiodine to give you. 



22 

• if you have reduced liver function; you should still be able to receive Thyrogen. 
 

Effect on tumour growth 

In patients with thyroid cancer, tumour growth has been reported during withdrawal of thyroid hormones for 

diagnostic procedures. This was thought to be related to the elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels 

over a longer period. It is possible that Thyrogen may also cause tumour growth. In clinical trials this was not 

seen. 

 

Due to elevation of TSH levels after Thyrogen, patients with secondary cancer growths (metastases) can 

experience local swelling or bleeding at the site of these metastases which may become bigger. If the metastases 

are present in narrow spaces e.g. intracerebral (in the brain) or in the spinal cord, patients could experience 

symptoms which can occur quickly such as partial paralysis affecting one side of the body (hemiparesis), 

breathing problems or loss of vision.  

 

Your doctor will decide if you belong to a specific group of patients for which pre-treatment with 

corticosteroids is to be considered (for example, if you have secondary cancer growths in your brain or spinal 

cord). Please talk to your doctor about this if you have concerns. 

 

Children  

Due to a lack of data on the use of Thyrogen in children, Thyrogen should be given to children only in 

exceptional circumstances. 

 

 Elderly  

No special precautions for elderly patients are necessary. However if your thyroid gland has not been removed 

completely and you are also suffering from heart disease, your doctor will help you decide if Thyrogen should 

be given to you. 

 

Other medicines and Thyrogen 

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. 

 

There are no known drug interactions with Thyrogen and the thyroid hormones you may be taking. 

 

Your doctor will determine the exact activity of radioiodine to use for radioiodine imaging, taking into 

consideration the fact that you continue to take thyroid hormones.  

 

Pregnancy and breast-feeding 

Do not take Thyrogen if you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or 

are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. 

 

Thyrogen should not be given to breast-feeding women. Breast-feeding should only be resumed following 

advice from your doctor. 

 

Driving and using machines 

Some patients may feel dizzy or have headaches after administration of Thyrogen which may affect the ability 

to drive and use machines. 

 

Thyrogen contains sodium 

This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per vial, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’. 

 



23 

3. How to use Thyrogen 
 

Your medicine will be injected by a doctor or a nurse.  

 

Your treatment should be supervised by a doctor who has expertise in thyroid cancer. Thyrogen powder must be 

dissolved in water for injection. Only one vial of Thyrogen is required per injection. Thyrogen should only be 

administered into the buttock muscle. This solution should never be injected into a vein. Thyrogen must not be 

mixed with other medicines in the same injection.  

 

The recommended dose of Thyrogen is two doses administered 24 hours apart. Your doctor or nurse will inject 

1.0 ml of the Thyrogen solution. 

 

When you undergo radioiodine imaging or elimination (ablation), your doctor will give you radioiodine 

24 hours after your final Thyrogen injection.  

Diagnostic scanning should be performed 48 to 72 hours after the radioiodine administration (72 to 96 hours 

after the final injection of Thyrogen). 

Post-treatment scanning may be delayed a few days to allow background radioactivity to decline. 

 

For thyroglobulin (Tg) testing, your doctor or nurse will take a serum sample 72 hours after the last injection of 

Thyrogen. 

Use in children 

Your child’s doctor will help you decide if Thyrogen should be given to your child. 

 

If you are given more Thyrogen than you should receive 

Patients who accidentally received too much Thyrogen have reported nausea, weakness, dizziness, headache, 

vomiting and hot flashes.  

A suggested treatment in case of overdose would be the reestablishment of fluid balance and administration of 

an antiemetic may also be considered. 

 

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor. 

 

 

4. Possible side effects 

 

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.  

 

The following effects have been reported with Thyrogen:  

 

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): 

• nausea 
 

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): 

• vomiting 

• fatigue 

• dizziness 

• headache 

• weakness 
 

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): 

• feeling hot 



24 

• hives (urticaria) 

• rash 

• flu symptoms  

• fever 

• chills 

• back pain 

• diarrhoea 

• prickling or tingling sensation (paraesthesia),  

• neck pain 

• inability to taste (ageusia) 

• impaired sense of taste (dysgeusia) 

• influenza 
 

Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data): 

• swelling of the tumour  

• pain (including pain at the site of metastases (secondary cancer growths))  

• tremor 

• stroke 

• palpitations 

• flushing 

• shortness of breath  

• itching (pruritus) 

• excessive sweating 

• muscle or joint pain 

• injection site reactions (including: redness, discomfort, itching, local pain or stinging, and an itchy rash) 

• low TSH 

• hypersensitivity (allergic reactions), these reactions include hives (urticaria), itching, flushing, difficulty 
in breathing and rash. 

 

Very rare cases of hyperthyroidism (increased activity of the thyroid gland) or atrial fibrillation have been 

reported when Thyrogen was administered to patients who had not undergone total or partial removal of the 

thyroid gland. 

 

Reporting of side effects 

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in 

this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V. By 

reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 

 

 

5. How to store Thyrogen 

 

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. 

 

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label after “EXP”. The expiry date refers to 

the last day of that month. 

 

Store in a refrigerator (2C - 8C). 

 

Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light. 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc
http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


25 

 

It is recommended that the Thyrogen solution be injected within three hours after reconstitution. 

The reconstituted solution can be stored for up to 24 hours in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C) under protection from 

light, while avoiding microbial contamination. 

 

Do not use this medicine if you notice foreign particles, cloudiness or discoloration. 

 

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away 

medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 

 

 

6. Contents of the pack and other information 

 

What Thyrogen contains 

 

- The active substance is thyrotropin alfa.  
Each vial contains 0.9 mg/ml of thyrotropin alfa when reconstituted with 1.2 ml water for injection. Only 1 ml 

should be withdrawn equal to 0.9 mg of thyrotropin alfa. 

 

- The other ingredients are:  
Mannitol 

Sodium phosphate monobasic, monohydrate 

Sodium phosphate dibasic, heptahydrate 

Sodium chloride. 

 

Thyrogen contains sodium, see section 2. 

 

What Thyrogen looks like and contents of the pack 

 

Powder for solution for injection. White to off-white lyophilised powder. 

 

Pack sizes: one or two vials of Thyrogen per carton.  

Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 

 

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer 

 

Marketing Authorisation Holder: 

Genzyme Europe B.V. 

Paasheuvelweg 25 

1105 BP Amsterdam 

The Netherlands 

 

Manufacturer:  

 

 

Genzyme Ireland Limited 

IDA Industrial Park 

Old Kilmeaden Road 

Waterford 

Ireland 

 



26 

For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing Authorisation 

Holder:  

 

België/Belgique/Belgien/ 

Luxembourg/Luxemburg 

Sanofi Belgium 

Tél/Tel: + 32 (0)2 710 54 00 

 

Magyarország 

SANOFI-AVENTIS Zrt. 

Tel: +36 1 505 0050 

България 

SANOFI BULGARIA EOOD 

Tел: +359 (0) 2 9705300 

 

Malta 

Sanofi S.p.A 

Tel: +39 02 39394275 

 

Česká republika 

sanofi-aventis, s.r.o. 

Tel: +420 233 086 111 

 

Nederland 

Genzyme Europe B.V. 

Tel: +31 20 245 4000 

Danmark 

Sanofi A/S  

Tlf: +45 45 16 70 00 

 

Norge 

sanofi-aventis Norge AS 

Tlf: + 47 67 10 71 00 

 

Deutschland 

Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH 

Tel.: 0800 04 36 996 

Tel: aus dem Ausland:+49 69 305 70 13 

 

Österreich 

sanofi-aventis GmbH 

Tel: + 43 1 80 185 - 0 

Eesti 

sanofi-aventis Estonia OÜ 

Tel. +372 627 34 88 

 

Polska 

sanofi-aventis Sp. z o.o. 

Tel.: +48 22 280 00 00 

 

Ελλάδα 

sanofi-aventis AEBE 

Τηλ: +30 210 900 16 00 

Portugal 

Sanofi – Produtos Farmacêuticos, Lda. 

Tel: +351 21 35 89 400 

 

España 

sanofi-aventis, S.A. 

Tel: +34 93 485 94 00 

 

România 

Sanofi Romania SRL 

Tel: +40 (0) 21 317 31 36 

 

France 

Sanofi-aventis France 

Tél: 0 800 222 555 

Appel depuis l’étranger: +33 1 57 63 23 23 

 

Slovenija 

sanofi-aventis d.o.o. 

Tel: +386 1 560 48 00  

 



27 

Hrvatska 

sanofi-aventis Croatia d.o.o. 

Tel: +385 1 600 3 4 00 

 

Ireland 

sanofi-aventis Ireland Ltd. T/A SANOFI 

Tel: +353 (0) 1 403 56 00 

 

Slovenská republika 

sanofi-aventis Pharma Slovakia s.r.o. 

Tel.:  +421 2 33 100 100 

 

Ísland 

Vistor hf. 

Sími: +354 535 7000 

 

Suomi/Finland 

Sanofi Oy 

Puh/Tel: + 358 (0) 201 200 300 

 

Italia 

Sanofi S.p.A. 

Tel: +800536389 

 

Κύπρος 

sanofi-aventis Cyprus Ltd. 

Τηλ: +357 22 871600 

 

Sverige 

Sanofi AB 

Tel: +46 (0)8 634 50 00 

 

 

Latvija 

sanofi-aventis Latvia SIA 

Tel: +371 67 33 24 51 

 

United Kingdom 

Sanofi 

Tel: +44 (0)845 372 7101 

Lietuva 

UAB „SANOFI-AVENTIS LIETUVA“ 

Tel. +370 5 275 5224 

 

 

 

This leaflet was last revised in  

 

Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 

http://www.ema.europa.eu. 

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 

The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only: 

 

The recommended dose regimen of Thyrogen is two intramuscular injections of 0.9 mg thyrotropin alfa 

administered at a 24-hour interval. 

 

Use aseptic technique. 

 

Add 1.2 ml water for injection to the Thyrogen powder in the vial. Swirl the contents of the vial gently until all 

material is dissolved.  Do not shake the solution.  When the powder is dissolved the total volume in the vial is 

1.2 ml.  The pH of the Thyrogen solution is approximately 7.0. 

 

Visually inspect the Thyrogen solution in the vial for foreign particles and discoloration. The Thyrogen solution 

should be a clear, colourless solution.  Do not use vials exhibiting foreign particles, cloudiness or discoloration. 

 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/
http://www.ema.europa.eu/


28 

Withdraw 1.0 ml of the Thyrogen solution from the product vial. This equals 0.9 mg thyrotropin alfa to be 

injected. 

 

Thyrogen does not contain preservatives. Dispose of any unused solution immediately. No special requirements 

for disposal. 

 

After reconstitution, the solution should be injected within three hours. The reconstituted solution can be 

stored for up to 24 hours in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C) under protection from light, while avoiding microbial 

contamination. It is important to note that the microbiological safety depends on the aseptic conditions 

during the preparation of the solution. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


	ANNEX 1 SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURER OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE SUBSTANCE AND MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
	C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION
	D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET