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News Release: For Medical Media
Embargoed: 00:01 Monday, 17 March 2014
NEW IN-HOME INJECTION SERVICE IN ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER
SIMPLIFIES CARE PATHWAY FOR PATIENTS AND CLINICIANS
Eligard® NurseCARE flagship initiative launched by new specialist
uro-oncology entry, Tolmar Australia
17 March 2014 – The increasing numbers of Australian men living in the community with advanced
prostate cancer will now have access to a unique in-home injection service. Eligard® NurseCARE is a
national program providing the administration of Eligard® (leuprorelin acetate) and health checks in
line with existing treatment plans performed by a qualified nurse, at a time and location that suits
the patient. The service, run by AESIR Health on behalf of Tolmar Australia, is provided entirely freeof-charge to both patients and prescribers and underscores Tolmar’s commitment to improving
quality of life in prostate cancer.
The incidence of prostate cancer has increased over time, due to increasing numbers of men
presenting for testing, changes in diagnostic practices and the ageing of the population.1
“Eligard® NurseCARE program is unique in Australia and was designed to integrate with existing
treatment plans to simplify patients’ journey of care,” said Dieter Torheiden, General Manager of
Tolmar Australia. “The service offers 24-hour telephone support for patients and regular reporting
back to the supervising clinician. It is one of several important initiatives we are pleased to be able to
provide to the urology and oncology communities.”
Tolmar Australia is a new, specialist uro-oncology company that is focused on working
collaboratively with healthcare professionals to improve outcomes for men with advanced prostate
cancer. A member of the international Tecnofarma group, with access to other members’ support
and resources, Tolmar Australia comprises a dedicated team of highly-trained people with extensive
experience in urology and oncology, motivated and resourced to work directly with the local sector.
Tolmar manufactures Eligard®, an established treatment for prostate cancer symptoms that has a
ten-year history of safety and efficacy data in Australia.2
The company is also offering funding for research into the advancement of outcomes and palliation
in prostate cancer, which, despite high survival rates compared to other cancers, still claims more
than 3,000 lives a year.1
“We welcome the arrival of Tolmar in Australia – any additional support to help patients is
welcome,” commented Associate Professor Anthony Lowe, Chief Executive Officer, Prostate Cancer
Foundation of Australia.
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“With improved diagnosis and treatment, more and more men are surviving longer with prostate
cancer than in the past, and initiatives such as the NurseCARE program will help reduce the burden
on specialist services that are often overloaded,” he said.
Tolmar Australia is exhibiting at the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) Annual
Scientific Meeting in Brisbane, from 16-19 March 2014 (stand 44-46).
About Eligard®
Eligard® is indicated for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer.2
Eligard® is a luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) designed to reduce the amount of
testosterone in the body; to help manage the symptoms of advanced prostate cancer.2 Reducing the
amount of testosterone inhibits the growth of prostate cancers, which rely on testosterone to grow.
Eligard® is an injectable subcutaneous gel that is available in four dose options – one, three, four or
six monthly – providing flexibility to tailor a treatment regimen to suit men’s individual needs.2
Eligard® is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to GnRH, GnRH agonist analogues or any
of the components of Eligard®. Anaphylactic reactions to synthetic GnRH or GnRH agonist analogues
have been reported in the literature.2
Eligard® is contraindicated in women who are breastfeeding, pregnant or intending to become
pregnant and in paediatric patients. Eligard® was not studied in women or children.2
Eligard®, like other LH-RH agonists, causes a transient increase in serum concentrations of
testosterone during the first week of treatment. Patients may experience worsening of symptoms or
onset of new signs and symptoms during the first few weeks of treatment, including bone pain,
neuropathy, haematuria, or bladder outlet obstruction. Isolated cases of ureteral obstruction and/or
spinal cord compression, which may contribute to paralysis with or without fatal complications, have
been observed in the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer using LH-RH agonists.2
The most common side effects include: transient burning/stinging, skin reactions; pain, fatigue,
dizziness, alopecia, pruritis, bruising, atrophy or pain of testes, decreased libido, ulceration, and
induration.2
Tolmar Australia offers a dedicated toll-free number (1800-TOLMAR) to access medical information
on Eligard® (including dosage and administration.)
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About Tolmar Australia
Tolmar Australia aims to be the country’s premier urology company, providing locally informed
support to men with advanced prostate cancer as well as specialists and nurses working in urology
and oncology. Headquarted in Pymble, Sydney, Tolmar operates in parallel with Tolmar Inc, the
global entity that invented, developed and manufactures Eligard®. Tolmar has access to the global
company’s resources and expertise to support the community in Australia. Both Tolmar Inc, US and
Tolmar Australia are members of the Tecnofarma group. For more information about Tolmar
Australia, visit www.tolmaraustralia.com.au
PBS Information: Authority required (STREAMLINED)
Locally advanced (equivalent to stage C) or
or metastatic (equivalent to stage D) carcinoma of the prostate.
Please review full Product Information before prescribing - available on request. Call: 1800 TOLMAR
(865 627) or visit www.ebs.tga.gov.au
Minimum Product Information: INDICATIONS: Palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer. DOSAGE: One
subcutaneous injection of Eligard® every one/three/four/six months. Do not inject in the arm.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hypersensitivity to GnRH, GnRH agonist analogues or any excipients. Pregnancy
(Category D) and lactation. Paediatric patients. PRECAUTIONS: Increase in serum testosterone causing bone
pain, neuropathy, haematuria, urinary tract obstruction, spinal cord compression or renal impairment,
metastatic vertebral lesions, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, QT interval, convulsions.
INTERACTIONS: No reports. ADVERSE EFFECTS: Flare phenomenon, skin reactions; malaise, fatigue, dizziness,
alopecia, pruritis, myalgia, arthralgia, atrophy, or pain of testes, decreased libido, gynaecomastia; nervous
system disturbances, depression, hot flashes/sweats; haematologic disorders; urinary disorders;
gastrointestinal disorders; decreased bone density, cardiovascular disorders, pituitary apoplexy. REFERENCE: 1.
Eligard® Product Information. Eligard® is a registered trademark of Tolmar Therapeutics, Inc. Full Product
Information is available from: Tolmar Australia Pty Ltd. ABN 53 162 640 708. Level 2/20 Bridge St, Pymble,
NSW 2073. Ph: 1800 TOLMAR(865 627). February 2014. AM4989.
Media enquiries:
Rachel Harris
02 8345 4521, 0498 140 433
[email protected]
Kayleigh Moore
02 8345 4520, 0481 281 689
[email protected]
References
1. AIHW 2013. Prostate cancer in Australia. Cancer series 79. Cat. no. CAN 76. Canberra: AIHW. Accessed at
https://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=60129545133
2. ELIGARD® Product Information, https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP2014-PI-01463-2
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