Drug Facts
Composition & Profile
Identifiers & Packaging
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied Lo Simpesse (Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP 0.1 mg/0.02 mg and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP 0.01 mg) are available in an Extended-Cycle Wallets, that contains 84 round, light pink tablets and 7 round, light blue tablets. Each light pink tablet (biconvex, beveled-edge debossed with “S” on one side and “46” on other side) contains 0.1 mg levonorgestrel USP and 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol USP. Each light blue tablet (mottled, biconvex, beveled-edge debossed with “S” on one side and “45” on other side) contains 0.01 mg ethinyl estradiol USP. They are supplied as follows: Lo Simpesse (Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP 0.1 mg/0.02 mg and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP 0.01 mg) are available in an Extended-Cycle Wallet of 91 tablets which is packed in a pouch (NDC 65862-866-94). Such two pouches are packed in a carton (NDC 65862-866-95). Storage and Handling Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. The tablets should not be removed from the protective blister packaging and outer wallet to avoid damage to the product. The wallet should be kept in the foil pouch until dispensed to the patient.; PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 0.1 mg/0.02 mg and 0.01 mg (91 Tablets Pouch) NDC 65862-866-94 Lo Simpesse TM (Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP 0.1 mg/0.02 mg and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP 0.01 mg) Rx only 1 Extended-Cycle Wallet, Containing 91 Tablets Contains 1 Extended-Cycle Wallet, containing 91 tablets: 84 light pink tablets, each containing 0.1 mg levonorgestrel USP with 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol USP, and 7 light blue tablets, each containing 0.01 mg ethinyl estradiol USP. AUROBINDO PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 0.1 mg/0.02 mg and 0.01 mg (91 Tablets Pouch); PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 0.1 mg/0.02 mg and 0.01 mg (91 Tablets Carton) NDC 65862-866-95 Lo Simpesse TM (Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP 0.1 mg/0.02 mg and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP 0.01 mg) Rx only 2 Extended-Cycle Wallets, 91 Tablets each Contains 2 Extended-Cycle Wallets, each containing 91 tablets: 84 light pink tablets, each containing 0.1 mg levonorgestrel USP with 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol USP, and 7 light blue tablets, each containing 0.01 mg ethinyl estradiol USP. AUROBINDO PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 0.1 mg/0.02 mg and 0.01 mg (91 Tablets Carton)
- 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied Lo Simpesse (Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP 0.1 mg/0.02 mg and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP 0.01 mg) are available in an Extended-Cycle Wallets, that contains 84 round, light pink tablets and 7 round, light blue tablets. Each light pink tablet (biconvex, beveled-edge debossed with “S” on one side and “46” on other side) contains 0.1 mg levonorgestrel USP and 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol USP. Each light blue tablet (mottled, biconvex, beveled-edge debossed with “S” on one side and “45” on other side) contains 0.01 mg ethinyl estradiol USP. They are supplied as follows: Lo Simpesse (Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP 0.1 mg/0.02 mg and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP 0.01 mg) are available in an Extended-Cycle Wallet of 91 tablets which is packed in a pouch (NDC 65862-866-94). Such two pouches are packed in a carton (NDC 65862-866-95). Storage and Handling Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. The tablets should not be removed from the protective blister packaging and outer wallet to avoid damage to the product. The wallet should be kept in the foil pouch until dispensed to the patient.
- PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 0.1 mg/0.02 mg and 0.01 mg (91 Tablets Pouch) NDC 65862-866-94 Lo Simpesse TM (Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP 0.1 mg/0.02 mg and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP 0.01 mg) Rx only 1 Extended-Cycle Wallet, Containing 91 Tablets Contains 1 Extended-Cycle Wallet, containing 91 tablets: 84 light pink tablets, each containing 0.1 mg levonorgestrel USP with 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol USP, and 7 light blue tablets, each containing 0.01 mg ethinyl estradiol USP. AUROBINDO PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 0.1 mg/0.02 mg and 0.01 mg (91 Tablets Pouch)
- PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 0.1 mg/0.02 mg and 0.01 mg (91 Tablets Carton) NDC 65862-866-95 Lo Simpesse TM (Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP 0.1 mg/0.02 mg and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP 0.01 mg) Rx only 2 Extended-Cycle Wallets, 91 Tablets each Contains 2 Extended-Cycle Wallets, each containing 91 tablets: 84 light pink tablets, each containing 0.1 mg levonorgestrel USP with 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol USP, and 7 light blue tablets, each containing 0.01 mg ethinyl estradiol USP. AUROBINDO PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 0.1 mg/0.02 mg and 0.01 mg (91 Tablets Carton)
Overview
Lo Simpesse (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) is an extended-cycle oral contraceptive regimen of 84 light pink tablets each containing 0.1 mg levonorgestrel USP and 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol USP, followed by 7 light blue tablets each containing 0.01 mg ethinyl estradiol USP. The structural formulas for the active components are: Levonorgestrel is chemically 18,19-Dinorpregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one, 13-ethyl-17-hydroxy-, (17α)-, (-)-. Ethinyl Estradiol is 19-Norpregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-20-yne-3,17-diol, (17α)-. Inactive ingredients for the light pink tablets include croscarmellose sodium, FD&C Red #40, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and povidone. Inactive ingredients for the light blue tablets include colloidal silicon dioxide, FD&C Blue No. 1, lactose monohydrate, povidone, pregelatinized starch (maize), stearic acid, and vitamin E. Levonorgestrel Chemical Structure Ethinyl Estradiol Chemical Structure
Indications & Usage
Lo Simpesse TM (Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ethinyl estradiol tablets) is indicated for use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy. Lo Simpesse is a combination of levonorgestrel, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen, indicated for use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy. ( 1 )
Dosage & Administration
Take one tablet daily by mouth at the same time every day for 91 days in the order directed on the blister pack. ( 2 ) 2.1 How to Start and Take Lo Simpesse Begin Lo Simpesse on the first Sunday after the onset of menstruation. If menstruation begins on a Sunday, take the first light pink tablet that day. For each 91-day course, take in the following order: Take one light pink tablet daily for 84 consecutive days. Use a non-hormonal back-up method of contraception (such as condoms or spermicide) until a light pink tablet has been taken daily for 7 consecutive days. Then take one light blue tablet for 7 consecutive days. A scheduled period should occur during the 7 days that the light blue tablets are taken. Begin the next and all subsequent 91-day cycles without interruption on the same day of the week (Sunday) on which the patient began her first dose of Lo Simpesse, following the same schedule: 84 days taking a light pink tablet followed by 7 days taking a light blue tablet. If the patient does not immediately start her next pill pack, instruct her to protect herself from pregnancy by using a non-hormonal back-up method of contraception until she has taken a light pink tablet daily for 7 consecutive days. Switching to Lo Simpesse from another oral hormonal contraceptive or from another contraceptive method (transdermal patch, vaginal ring, injection, intrauterine contraceptive, implant) Start on the Sunday after the patient’s next period starts. Use additional non-hormonal contraceptive (such as condoms and spermicide) until the patient has taken a light pink tablet for 7 consecutive days. Starting Lo Simpesse after Abortion or Miscarriage First-trimester Lo Simpesse may be started on the Sunday after an abortion or miscarriage. The patient must use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) until the patient has taken a light pink tablet for 7 consecutive days. Second-trimester Do not start until 4 weeks after a second-trimester abortion or miscarriage, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start contraceptive therapy with Lo Simpesse following the instructions for women not currently using hormonal contraception. Use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) until the patient has taken a light pink tablet for 7 consecutive days [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Starting Lo Simpesse after Childbirth Do not start until 4 weeks after delivery, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start contraceptive therapy with Lo Simpesse following the instructions for women not currently using hormonal contraception. Use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) until the patient has taken a light pink tablet for 7 consecutive days [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. If the woman has not yet had a period postpartum, consider the possibility of ovulation and conception occurring prior to use of Lo Simpesse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]. 2.2 Dosing Lo Simpesse Take one tablet by mouth at the same time every day. The dosage of Lo Simpesse is one light pink tablet daily for 84 consecutive days, followed by one light blue tablet daily for 7 days. To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, Lo Simpesse must be taken exactly as directed, in the order directed, and at intervals not exceeding 24 hours. The failure rate may increase when pills are missed or taken incorrectly. 2.3 Missed Doses Table 1. Instructions for Missed Lo Simpesse Tablets If one light pink tablet is missed Take the missed tablet as soon as possible. Take the next tablet at the regular time. Continue taking one tablet a day until the pack is finished. A back-up birth control method is not required if the patient has sex. If two light pink tablets in a row are missed Take the two missed tablets as soon as possible, and the next two tablets the next day. Continue taking one tablet a day until the pack is finished. Use additional nonhormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) until tablets have been taken for 7 days after missing tablets. If three or more light pink tablets in a row are missed Throw away the missed pills. Continue taking one tablet every day as indicated on the pack until the pack is finished. Bleeding may occur during the week following the missed tablets. Additional nonhormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) until tablets have been taken for 7 days after missing tablets. If any of the seven light blue tablets are missed Throw away the missed tablets. Continue taking the remaining tablets until the pack is finished. A backup birth control method is not needed. 2.4 Advice in Case of Gastrointestinal Disturbances In case of prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, absorption may not be complete and additional contraceptive measures should be taken.
Warnings & Precautions
Vascular risks: Stop if a thrombotic or thromboembolic event occurs. Stop at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery. Start no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breastfeeding. Consider cardiovascular risk factors before initiating in all females, particularly those over 35 years. ( 5.1 , 5.5 ) Liver disease: Discontinue if jaundice occurs. ( 5.2 ) Hypertension: If used in females with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure and stop if blood pressure rises significantly. ( 5.3 ) Gallbladder disease: May cause or worsen gallbladder disease. ( 5.6 ) Adverse carbohydrate and lipid metabolic effects: Monitor glucose in prediabetic and diabetic women taking Lo Simpesse. Consider an alternate contraceptive method for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemias. ( 5.7) Headache: Evaluate significant change in headaches and discontinue if indicated. ( 5.8) Uterine bleeding: May cause irregular bleeding or amenorrhea. Evaluate for other causes if symptoms persist. ( 5.9 ) 5.1 Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Conditions Stop Lo Simpesse if an arterial or deep venous thrombotic/thromboembolic event occurs. Stop Lo Simpesse if there is unexplained loss of vision, proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions and evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately. Discontinue Lo Simpesse during prolonged immobilization. If feasible, stop Lo Simpesse at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery, or other surgeries known to have an elevated risk of thromboembolism. Start Lo Simpesse no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in females who are not breastfeeding. The risk of postpartum thromboembolism decreases after the third postpartum week, whereas the risk of ovulation increases after the third postpartum week. Before starting Lo Simpesse evaluate any past medical history or family history of thrombotic or thromboembolic disorders and consider whether the history suggests an inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathy. Lo Simpesse is contraindicated in females with a high risk of arterial or venous/thromboembolic diseases [see Contraindications (4) ] . Arterial Events COCs increase the risk of cardiovascular events and cerebrovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. The risk is greater among older women (>35 years of age), smokers, and females with hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, or obesity. Lo Simpesse is contraindicated in women over 35 years of age who smoke [see Contraindications (4) ] . Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from COC use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. Venous Events Use of COCs increases the risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs), such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Risk factors for VTEs include smoking, obesity, and family history of VTE, in addition to other factors that contraindicate use of COCs [see Contraindications (4) ] . While the increased risk of VTE associated with use of COCs is well-established, the rates of VTE are even greater during pregnancy, and especially during the postpartum period (see Figure 1). The rate of VTE in females using COCs has been estimated to be 3 to 9 cases per 10,000 woman years. The risk of VTE is highest during the first year of use of a COC and when restarting hormonal contraception after a break of four weeks or longer. The risk of thromboembolic disease due to COCs gradually disappears after COC use is discontinued. Figure 1 shows the risk of developing a VTE for females who are not pregnant and do not use oral contraceptives, for females who use oral contraceptives, and for females in the postpartum period. To put the risk of developing a VTE into perspective: If 10,000 females who are not pregnant and do not use oral contraceptives are followed for one year, between 1 and 5 of these females will develop a VTE. Use of Lo Simpesse provides females with more hormonal exposure on a yearly basis than conventional monthly oral contraceptives containing the same strength synthetic estrogens and progestins (an additional 9 and 13 weeks of exposure to progestin and estrogen, respectively, per year). Figure 1 5.2 Liver Disease Elevated Liver Enzymes Lo Simpesse is contraindicated in females with acute viral hepatitis or severe (decompensated) cirrhosis of the liver [see Contraindications (4) ] . Acute liver test abnormalities may necessitate the discontinuation of Lo Simpesse until the liver tests return to normal and Lo Simpesse causation has been excluded. Discontinue Lo Simpesse if jaundice develops. Liver Tumors Lo Simpesse is contraindicated in females with benign or malignant liver tumors [see Contraindications (4) ] . COCs increase the risk of hepatic adenomas. An estimate of the attributable risk is 3.3 cases/100,000 COC users. Rupture of hepatic adenomas may cause death from abdominal hemorrhage. Studies have shown an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in long-term (> 8 years) COC users. The attributable risk of liver cancers in COC users is less than one case per million users. 5.3 Hypertension Lo Simpesse is contraindicated in females with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease [see Contraindications (4)] . For all females, including those with wellcontrolled hypertension, monitor blood pressure at routine visits and stop Lo Simpesse if blood pressure rises significantly. An increase in blood pressure has been reported in females taking COCs, and this increase is more likely in older women and with extended duration of use. The effect of COCs on blood pressure may vary according to the progestin in the COC. 5.4 Risk of Liver Enzyme Elevations with Concomitant Hepatitis C Treatment During clinical trials with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen that contains obmitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, ALT elevations greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), including some cases greater than 20 times the ULN, were significantly more frequent in women using ethinyl estradiol-containing medications, such as COCs. Discontinue Lo Simpesse prior to starting therapy with the combination drug regimen ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, [see Contraindications (4) ] . Lo Simpesse can be restarted approximately 2 weeks following completion of treatment with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen. 5.5 Age-related Considerations The risk for cardiovascular disease and prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease increases with age. Certain conditions, such as smoking and migraine headache without aura, that do not contraindicate COC use in younger females, are contraindications to use in women over 35 years of age [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Consider the presence of underlying risk factors that may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease or VTE, particularly before initiating a COC for women over 35 years, such as: Hypertension Diabetes Dyslipidemia Obesity 5.6 Gallbladder Disease Studies suggest a small increased relative risk of developing gallbladder disease among COC users. Use of COCs, including Lo Simpesse, may also worsen existing gallbladder disease. A past history of COC-related cholestasis predicts an increased risk with subsequent COC use. Females with a history of pregnancy-related cholestasis may be at an increased risk for COC-related cholestasis. 5.7 Adverse Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Effects Hyperglycemia Lo Simpesse is contraindicated in diabetic women over age 35, or females who have diabetes with hypertension, nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, other vascular disease, or females with diabetes of > 20 years duration [see Contraindications (4) ] . Lo Simpesse may decrease glucose tolerance. Carefully monitor prediabetic and diabetic females who are taking COCs. Dyslipidemia Consider alternative contraception for females with uncontrolled dyslipidemias. Lo Simpesse may cause adverse lipid changes. Females with hypertriglyceridemia, or a family history thereof, may have an increase in serum triglyceride concentrations when using Lo Simpesse, which may increase the risk of pancreatitis. 5.8 Headache Lo Simpesse is contraindicated in females who have headaches with focal neurological symptoms or have migraine headaches with aura, and in women over 35 years of age who have migraine headaches with or without aura [see Contraindications (4) ] . If a woman taking Lo Simpesse develops new headaches that are recurrent, persistent, or severe, evaluate the cause and discontinue Lo Simpesse if indicated. Consider discontinuation of Lo Simpesse if there is an increased frequency or severity of migraine during COC use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event). 5.9 Bleeding Irregularities and Amenorrhea Unscheduled Bleeding and Spotting Females using Lo Simpesse may experience unscheduled (breakthrough or intracyclic) bleeding and spotting, especially during the first 3 months of use. Bleeding irregularities may resolve over time or by changing to a different contraceptive product. If bleeding persists or occurs after previously regular cycles, evaluate for causes such as pregnancy or malignancy. When prescribing Lo Simpesse, the occurrence of fewer planned menses (4 per year instead of 13 per year) should be weighed against the occurrence of increased unscheduled bleeding and/or spotting. The clinical trial that evaluated the efficacy of Lo Simpesse also assessed unscheduled bleeding. The participants in this 12-month clinical trial (N=2,185) completed the equivalent of over 20,000 28-day cycles of exposure and were composed primarily of women who had used OCs previously (89%), as opposed to new users (11%). A total of 209 subjects (9.6%) discontinued Lo Simpesse, at least in part, due to bleeding and/or spotting. Scheduled (withdrawal) bleeding and/or spotting remained fairly constant over time, with an average of 2 to 3 days of bleeding and/or spotting per each 91-day cycle. Unscheduled bleeding and unscheduled spotting decreased over successive 91-day cycles. Table 2 below presents the number of days with unscheduled bleeding in treatment cycles 1 and 4. Table 3 presents the number of days with unscheduled spotting in treatment cycles 1 and 4. Table 2: Total Number of Days with Unscheduled Bleeding Q1=Quartile 1: 25% of women had this number of days of unscheduled bleeding Median: 50% of women had ≤ this number of days of unscheduled bleeding Q3=Quartile 3: 75% of women had ≤ this number of days of unscheduled bleeding 91-Day Treatment Cycle Days per 84-Day Interval Days per 28-Day Interval Q1 Median Q3 Mean Mean 1st 0 5 11 7.5 2.5 4th 0 0 5 3.5 1.2 Table 3: Total Number of Days with Unscheduled Spotting Q1=Quartile 1: 25% of women had ≤ this number of days of unscheduled spotting Median: 50% of women had ≤ this number of days of unscheduled spotting Q3=Quartile 3: 75% of women had ≤ this number of days of unscheduled spotting 91-Day Treatment Cycle Days per 84-Day Interval Days per 28-Day Interval Q1 Median Q3 Mean Mean 1st 3 10 19 14 4.7 4th 0 3 10 6.5 2.2 Figure 2 shows the percentage of Lo Simpesse subjects participating in the primary clinical trial with ≥7 days or ≥20 days of unscheduled bleeding and/or spotting, or just unscheduled bleeding, during each 91-day treatment cycle. Figure 2: Percent of Women Taking Lo Simpesse who Reported Unscheduled Bleeding and/or Spotting (Based on Daily Diaries) If unscheduled spotting or bleeding occurs, instruct the patient to continue on the same regimen. If the bleeding is persistent or prolonged, advise the patient to consult her healthcare provider. Amenorrhea and Oligomenorrhea Females who use Lo Simpesse may experience absence of scheduled (withdrawal) bleeding, even if they are not pregnant. If scheduled bleeding does not occur, consider the possibility of pregnancy. After discontinuation of Lo Simpesse, amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea may occur, especially if these conditions were pre-existent. Figure 2 5.10 Depression Carefully observe females with a history of depression and discontinue Lo Simpesse if depression recurs to a serious degree. Data on the association of COCs with the onset of depression or exacerbation of existing depression are limited. 5.11 Malignant Neoplasms Breast Cancer Lo Simpesse is contraindicated in females who currently have or have had breast cancer because breast cancer may be hormonally sensitive [see Contraindications (4) ]. Epidemiology studies have not found a consistent association between use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and breast cancer risk. Studies do not show an association between ever (current or past) use of COCs and risk of breast cancer. However, some studies report a small increase in the risk of breast cancer among current or recent users (<6 months since last use) and current users with longer duration of COC use [see Postmarketing Experience (6.2) ] . Cervical Cancer Some studies suggest that COCs are associated with an increase in the risk of cervical cancer or intraepithelial neoplasia. However, there is controversy about the extent to which these findings are due to differences in sexual behavior and other factors. 5.12 Effect on Binding Globulins The estrogen component of Lo Simpesse may raise the serum concentrations of thyroxine binding globulin, sex hormone-binding globulin, and cortisol-binding globulin. The dose of replacement thyroid hormone or cortisol therapy may need to be increased. 5.13 Hereditary Angioedema In females with hereditary angioedema, exogenous estrogens, including Lo Simpesse, may induce or exacerbate symptoms of hereditary angioedema. 5.14 Chloasma Chloasma may occur with Lo Simpesse use, especially in females with a history of chloasma gravidarum. Advise females with a history of chloasma to avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation while using Lo Simpesse.
Boxed Warning
CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptives (COC) use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, COCs, including Lo Simpesse, are contraindicated in women who are over 35 years of age and smoke [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. WARNING: CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Lo Simpesse is contraindicated in women over 35 years old who smoke. ( 4 ) Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptive (COC) use. ( 4 )
Contraindications
Lo Simpesse is contraindicated in females who are known to have or develop the following conditions: A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases. Examples include females who are known to: Smoke, if over age 35 [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have current or history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have cerebrovascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have coronary artery disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have thrombogenic valvular or thrombogenic rhythm diseases of the heart (for example, subacute bacterial endocarditis with valvular disease, or atrial fibrillation) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Have diabetes mellitus and are over age 35, diabetes mellitus with hypertension or with vascular disease or other end-organ damage, or diabetes mellitus of > 20 years duration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Have headaches with focal neurological symptoms, migraine headaches with aura, or over age 35 with any migraine headaches [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Current diagnosis of, or history of, breast cancer, which may be hormone sensitive [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] Liver tumors, acute viral hepatitis, or severe (decompensated) cirrhosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Use of Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to the potential for ALT elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases ( 4 ) Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding ( 4 ) Breast cancer ( 4 ) Liver tumors or liver disease, acute viral hepatitis or decompensated cirrhosis ( 4 ) Co-administration with Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, ( 4 )
Adverse Reactions
The following serious adverse reactions with the use of COCs are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Serious cardiovascular events and stroke [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Vascular events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] The most common adverse reactions in clinical trials for Lo Simpesse were headaches, irregular and/or heavy uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, nausea and/or vomiting and back pain. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. at 1-866-850-2876 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trial 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 the rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The clinical trial that evaluated the safety and efficacy of Lo Simpesse was a 12-month, multicenter, non-comparative open-label study, which enrolled women aged 18 to 41, of whom 2,185 took at least one dose of Lo Simpesse. Adverse Reactions Leading to Study Discontinuation: 11% of the women discontinued from the clinical trial due to an adverse reaction; the most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation were irregular and/or heavy uterine bleeding, headache, mood changes, nausea, acne, and weight gain. Common Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions (≥5% of women): headaches (33%); irregular and/or heavy uterine bleeding (13%), dysmenorrhea (11%), nausea and/or vomiting (11%), back pain (8%). 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Five studies that compared breast cancer risk between ever-users (current or past use) of COCs and never-users of COCs reported no association between ever use of COCs and breast cancer risk, with effect estimates ranging from 0.90 to 1.12 (Figure 3). Three studies compared breast cancer risk between current or recent COC users (<6 months since last use) and never users of COCs (Figure 2). One of these studies reported no association between breast cancer risk and COC use. The other two studies found an increased relative risk of 1.19 to 1.33 with current or recent use. Both of these studies found an increased risk of breast cancer with current use of longer duration, with relative risks ranging from 1.03 with less than one year of COC use to approximately 1.4 with more than 8 to 10 years of COC use. Figure 3: Relevant Studies of Risk of Breast Cancer with Combined Oral Contraceptives RR = relative risk; OR = odds ratio; HR = hazard ratio. “ever COC” are females with current or past COC use; “never COC use” are females that never used COCs. Figure 3
Drug Interactions
The sections below provide information on substances for which data on drug interactions with COCs are available. There is little information available about the clinical effect of most drug interactions that may affect COCs. However, based on the known pharmacokinetic effects of these drugs, clinical strategies to minimize any potential adverse effect on contraceptive effectiveness or safety are suggested. Consult the approved product labeling of all concurrently used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with COCs or the potential for metabolic enzyme or transporter system alterations. No formal drug-drug interaction studies were conducted with Lo Simpesse. Enzyme inducers (e.g., CYP3A4): May decrease the effectiveness of Lo Simpesse or increase breakthrough bleeding. Counsel patients to use a back-up method or alternative method of contraception when enzyme inducers are used with Lo Simpesse. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on Combined Oral Contraceptives Substances Decreasing the Plasma Concentrations of COCs and Potentially Diminishing the Efficacy of COCs: Table 4 includes substances that demonstrated an important drug interaction with Lo Simpesse. Table 4: Significant Drug Interactions Involving Substances That Affect COCs Metabolic Enzyme Inducers Clinical effect Concomitant use of COCs with metabolic enzyme inducers may decrease the plasma concentrations of the estrogen and/or progestin component of COCs. Decreased exposure of the estrogen and/or progestin component of COCs may potentially diminish the effectiveness of COCs and may lead to contraceptive failure or an increase in breakthrough bleeding. Prevention or management Counsel females to use an alternative method of contraception or a backup method when enzyme inducers are used with COCs. Continue backup contraception for 28 days after discontinuing the enzyme inducer to maintain contraceptive reliability. Examples Aprepitant, barbiturates, bosentan, carbamazepine, efavirenz, felbamate, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, rifabutin, rufinamide, topiramate, products containing St. John’s wort a , and certain protease inhibitors (see separate section on protease inhibitors below). Colesevelam Clinical effect Concomitant use of COCs with colesevelam significantly decreases systemic exposure of ethinyl estradiol. Decreased exposure of the estrogen component of COCs may potentially reduce contraceptive efficacy or result in an increase in breakthrough bleeding, depending on the strength of ethinyl estradiol in the COC. Prevention or management Administer 4 or more hours apart to attenuate this drug interaction. a Induction potency of St. John’s wort may vary widely based on preparation. Substances increasing the systemic exposure of COCs: Co-administration of atorvastatin or rosuvastatin and COCs containing ethinyl estradiol increase systemic exposure of ethinyl estradiol by approximately 20 to 25 percent. Ascorbic acid and acetaminophen may increase systemic exposure of ethinyl estradiol, possibly by inhibition of conjugation. CYP3A inhibitors such as itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, grapefruit juice, or ketoconazole may increase systemic exposure of the estrogen and/or progestin component of COCs. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors: Significant decreases in systemic exposure of the estrogen and/or progestin have been noted when COCs are co-administered with some HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., nelfinavir, ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, (fos)amprenavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, and tipranavir/ritonavir), some HCV protease inhibitors (e.g., boceprevir and telaprevir), and some non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., nevirapine). In contrast, significant increases in systemic exposure of the estrogen and/or progestin have been noted when COCs are co-administered with certain other HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir and atazanavir/ritonavir) and with other non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., etravirine). 7.2 Effects of Combined Oral Contraceptives on Other Drugs Table 5 provides significant drug interaction information for drugs co-administered with Lo Simpesse. Table 5: Significant Drug Interaction Information for Drugs Co-Administered With COCs Lamotrigine Clinical effect Concomitant use of COCs with lamotrigine may significantly decrease systemic exposure of lamotrigine due to induction of lamotrigine glucuronidation. Decreased systemic exposure of lamotrigine may reduce seizure control. Prevention or management Dose adjustment may be necessary. Consult the approved product labeling for lamotrigine. Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy or Corticosteroid Replacement Therapy Clinical effect Concomitant use of COCs with thyroid hormone replacement therapy or corticosteroid replacement therapy may increase systemic exposure of thyroid-binding and cortisol-binding globulin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] . Prevention or management The dose of replacement thyroid hormone or cortisol therapy may need to be increased. Consult the approved product labeling for the therapy in use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] . Other Drugs Clinical effect Concomitant use of COCs may decrease systemic exposure of acetaminophen, morphine, salicylic acid, and temazepam. Concomitant use with ethinyl estradiol-containing COCs may increase systemic exposure of other drugs (e.g., cyclosporine, prednisolone, theophylline, tizanidine, and voriconazole). Prevention or management The dosage of drugs that can be affected by this interaction may need to be increased. Consult the approved product labeling for the concomitantly used drug. 7.3 Concomitant Use with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Combination Therapy - Liver Enzyme Elevation Co-administration of Lo Simpesse with HCV drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir is contraindicated due to potential for ALT elevations [see Warning and Precautions (5.4) ] . Co-administration of Lo Simpesse and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir is not recommended due to potential for ALT elevations. 7.4 Effect on Laboratory Tests The use of COCs may influence the results of certain laboratory tests, such as coagulation factors, lipids, glucose tolerance, and binding proteins.
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