Tri-Sprintec NORGESTIMATE AND ETHINYL ESTRADIOL PROFICIENT RX LP FDA Approved Tri-Sprintec ® (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) is a combination oral contraceptive containing the progestational compound norgestimate, USP and the estrogenic compound ethinyl estradiol, USP. Each gray tablet contains 0.18 mg of the progestational compound, norgestimate, USP (18,19-Dinor-17-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one, 17-(acetyloxy)-13-ethyl-, oxime, (17α)-(+)-) and 0.035 mg of the estrogenic compound, ethinyl estradiol, USP (19-Nor-17α-pregna,1,3,5(10)-trien-20-yne-3, 17-diol), and the inactive ingredients include anhydrous lactose, lactose monohydrate, lake blend black LB 636 (ingredients include aluminum sulfate solution, aluminum-chloride solution, FD&C blue no. 2, FD&C red no. 40, FD&C yellow no. 6, sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate), magnesium stearate, and pregelatinized corn starch. Each light blue tablet contains 0.215 mg of the progestational compound norgestimate, USP (18,19-Dinor-17-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one,17-(acetyloxy)-13-ethyl-, oxime, (17α)-(+)-) and 0.035 mg of the estrogenic compound, ethinyl estradiol, USP (19-Nor-17α-pregna,1,3,5(10)-trien-20-yne-3, 17-diol), and the inactive ingredients include anhydrous lactose, FD&C blue no. 2 aluminum lake (ingredients include aluminum sulfate solution, aluminum-chloride solution, FD&C blue no. 2, sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate), lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and pregelatinized corn starch. Each blue tablet contains 0.25 mg of the progestational compound norgestimate, USP (18,19-Dinor-17-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one, 17-(acetyloxy)-13-ethyl-, oxime, (17α)-(+)-) and 0.035 mg of the estrogenic compound, ethinyl estradiol, USP (19-Nor-17α-pregna,1,3,5(10)-trien-20-yne-3, 17-diol), and the inactive ingredients include anhydrous lactose, FD&C blue no. 2 aluminum lake (ingredients include aluminum sulfate solution, aluminum-chloride solution, FD&C blue no. 2, sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate), lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and pregelatinized corn starch. Each white tablet contains only inert ingredients as follows: anhydrous lactose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose. The structural formulas are as follows: Norgestimate C23H31NO3 M.W. 369.50 C23H31NO3 M.W. 369.50 Ethinyl Estradiol C20H24O2 M.W. 296.40 C20H24O2 M.W. 296.40 Norgestimate Structure Ethinyl Estradiol Structure
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ANDA075808
Package NDC

Drug Facts

Composition & Profile

Strengths
0.18 mg/0.035 mg 0.215 mg/0.035 mg 0.25 mg/0.035 mg 0.18 mg 0.035 mg 0.215 mg 0.25 mg
Quantities
28 tablets
Treats Conditions
Indications And Usage Tri Sprintec Norgestimate And Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets Usp Is Indicated For The Prevention Of Pregnancy In Women Who Elect To Use Oral Contraceptives As A Method Of Contraception Tri Sprintec Norgestimate And Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets Usp Is Indicated For The Treatment Of Moderate Acne Vulgaris In Females At Least 15 Years Of Age Who Have No Known Contraindications To Oral Contraceptive Therapy And Have Achieved Menarche Tri Sprintec Norgestimate And Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets Usp Should Be Used For The Treatment Of Acne Only If The Patient Desires An Oral Contraceptive For Birth Control Oral Contraceptives Are Highly Effective For Pregnancy Prevention Table 2 Lists The Typical Accidental Pregnancy Rates For Users Of Combination Oral Contraceptives And Other Methods Of Contraception The Efficacy Of These Contraceptive Methods Except Sterilization The Iud And The Norplant System Depends Upon The Reliability With Which They Are Used Correct And Consistent Use Of Methods Can Result In Lower Failure Rates Table 2 Percentage Of Women Experiencing An Unintended Pregnancy During The First Year Of Typical Use And The First Year Of Perfect Use Of Contraception And The Percentage Continuing Use At The End Of The First Year United States Of Women Experiencing An Unintended Pregnancy Within The First Year Of Use Of Women Continuing Use At One Year Among Couples Attempting To Avoid Pregnancy The Percentage Who Continue To Use A Method For One Year Method Typical Use Among Typical Couples Who Initiate Use Of A Method Not Necessarily For The First Time The Percentage Who Experience An Accidental Pregnancy During The First Year If They Do Not Stop Use For Any Other Reason Perfect Use Among Couples Who Initiate Use Of A Method Not Necessarily For The First Time And Who Use It Perfectly Both Consistently And Correctly The Percentage Who Experience An Accidental Pregnancy During The First Year If They Do Not Stop Use For Any Other Reason 1 2 3 4 Chance The Percents Becoming Pregnant In Columns 2 And 3 Are Based On Data From Populations Where Contraception Is Not Used And From Women Who Cease Using Contraception In Order To Become Pregnant Among Such Populations About 89 Become Pregnant Within One Year This Estimate Was Lowered Slightly To 85 To Represent The Percent Who Would Become Pregnant Within One Year Among Women Now Relying On Reversible Methods Of Contraception If They Abandoned Contraception Altogether 85 85 Spermicides Foams Creams Gels Vaginal Suppositories And Vaginal Film 26 6 40 Periodic Abstinence 25 63 Calendar 9 Ovulation Method 3 Sympto Thermal Cervical Mucus Ovulation Method Supplemented By Calendar In The Pre Ovulatory And Basal Body Temperature In The Post Ovulatory Phases 2 Post Ovulation 1 Cap With Spermicidal Cream Or Jelly Parous Women 40 26 42 Nulliparous Women 20 9 56 Sponge Parous Women 40 20 42 Nulliparous Women 20 9 56 Diaphragm 20 6 56 Withdrawal 19 4 Condom Without Spermicides Female Reality 21 5 56 Male 14 3 61 Pill 5 71 Progestin Only 0 5 Combined 0 1 Iud Progesterone T 2 1 5 81 Copper T380a 0 8 0 6 78 Lng 20 0 1 0 1 81 Depo Provera 0 3 0 3 70 Norplant And Norplant 2 0 05 0 05 88 Female Sterilization 0 5 0 5 100 Male Sterilization 0 15 0 10 100 Hatcher Et Al 1998 Ref 1 Emergency Contraceptive Pills Treatment Initiated Within 72 Hours After Unprotected Intercourse Reduces The Risk Of Pregnancy By At Least 75 The Treatment Schedule Is One Dose Within 72 Hours After Unprotected Intercourse And A Second Dose 12 Hours After The First Dose The Food And Drug Administration Has Declared The Following Brands Of Oral Contraceptives To Be Safe And Effective For Emergency Contraception Ovral 1 Dose Is 2 White Pills Alesse 1 Dose Is 5 Pink Pills Nordette Or Levlen 1 Dose Is 2 Light Orange Pills Lo Ovral 1 Dose Is 4 White Pills Triphasil Or Tri Levlen 1 Dose Is 4 Yellow Pills Lactational Amenorrhea Method Lam Is A Highly Effective Temporary Method Of Contraception However To Maintain Effective Protection Against Pregnancy Another Method Of Contraception Must Be Used As Soon As Menstruation Resumes The Frequency Or Duration Of Breastfeeds Is Reduced Bottle Feeds Are Introduced Or The Baby Reaches Six Months Of Age Source Trussell J Contraceptive Efficacy In Hatcher Ra Trussell J Stewart F Cates W Stewart Gk Kowal D Guest F Contraceptive Technology Seventeenth Revised Edition New York Ny Irvington Publishers 1998 Tri Sprintec Norgestimate And Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets Usp Has Not Been Studied For And Is Not Indicated For Use In Emergency Contraception In Four Clinical Trials With Tri Sprintec Norgestimate And Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets Usp A Total Of 4 756 Subjects Completed 45 244 Cycles And The Use Efficacy Pregnancy Rate Was Approximately 1 Pregnancy Per 100 Women Years Tri Sprintec Norgestimate And Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets Usp Was Evaluated For The Treatment Of Acne Vulgaris In Two Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Multicenter Phase 3 Six 28 Day Cycle Studies 221 Patients Received Tri Sprintec Norgestimate And Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets Usp And 234 Patients Received Placebo Mean Age At Enrollment For Both Groups Was 28 Years At The End Of 6 Months The Mean Total Lesion Count Changes From 55 To 31 42 Reduction In Patients Treated With Tri Sprintec Norgestimate And Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets Usp And From 54 To 38 27 Reduction In Patients Similarly Treated With Placebo Table 3 Summarizes The Changes In Lesion Count For Each Type Of Lesion In The Itt Population Based On The Investigator S Global Assessment Conducted At The Final Visit Patients Treated With Tri Sprintec Norgestimate And Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets Usp Showed A Statistically Significant Improvement In Total Lesions Compared To Those Treated With Placebo Table 3 Acne Vulgaris Indication Combined Results Two Multicenter Placebo Controlled Trials Observed Means At Six Months Locf Locf Last Observation Carried Forward And At Baseline Intent To Treat Population Tri Sprintec N 221 Placebo N 234 Difference In Counts Between Tri Sprintec And Placebo At 6 Months Of Lesions Counts Reduction Counts Reduction Inflammatory Lesions Baseline Mean 19 19 Sixth Month Mean 10 48 13 30 3 95 Ci 1 2 5 1 Non Inflammatory Lesions Baseline Mean 36 35 Sixth Month Mean 22 34 25 21 3 95 Ci 0 2 7 8 Total Lesions Baseline Mean 55 54 Sixth Month Mean 31 42 38 27 7 95 Ci 2 11 9
Pill Appearance
Shape: round Color: gray Imprint: b;143

Identifiers & Packaging

Container Type BOX
All Product Codes
Packaging

HOW SUPPLIED Tri-Sprintec ® (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) 0.18 mg/0.035 mg are gray, round, flat-faced, beveled-edge, unscored tablets debossed with stylized b on one side and 985 on the other side; 0.215 mg/0.035 mg are light blue, round, flat-faced, beveled-edge, unscored tablets debossed with stylized b on one side and 986 on the other side; 0.25 mg/0.035 mg are blue, round, flat-faced, beveled-edge, unscored tablets debossed with stylized b on one side and 987 on the other side; placebo tablets are white, round, flat-faced, beveled-edge, unscored tablets, debossed with stylized b on one side and 143 on the other side. Tri-Sprintec ® (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) are packaged in cartons of six blister cards. Each card contains 28 tablets as follows: Each gray tablet contains 0.18 mg of the progestational compound, norgestimate, USP, together with 0.035 mg of the estrogenic compound, ethinyl estradiol, USP. Each light blue tablet contains 0.215 mg of the progestational compound, norgestimate, USP, together with 0.035 mg of the estrogenic compound, ethinyl estradiol, USP. Each blue tablet contains 0.25 mg of the progestational compound, norgestimate, USP, together with 0.035 mg of the estrogenic compound, ethinyl estradiol, USP, and the 7 white placebo tablets contain inert ingredients. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. PROTECT FROM LIGHT. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.; PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL Tri-Sprintec® 28 Day Regimen Carton Text NDC 0555- 9018 -58 6 Blister Cards, 28 Tablets Each 28 Day Tri-Sprintec ® (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) Contains 6 blister cards, each containing 28 tablets. Each gray tablet contains 0.18 mg norgestimate, USP and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol, USP. Each light blue tablet contains 0.215 mg norgestimate, USP and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol, USP. Each blue tablet contains 0.25 mg norgestimate, USP and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol, USP. Each white tablet contains inert ingredients. Rx only Shaping Women's Health® TEVA Tri-Sprintec® 28 Day Regimen Carton; Package/Label Display Panel 63187-458-28

Package Descriptions
  • HOW SUPPLIED Tri-Sprintec ® (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) 0.18 mg/0.035 mg are gray, round, flat-faced, beveled-edge, unscored tablets debossed with stylized b on one side and 985 on the other side; 0.215 mg/0.035 mg are light blue, round, flat-faced, beveled-edge, unscored tablets debossed with stylized b on one side and 986 on the other side; 0.25 mg/0.035 mg are blue, round, flat-faced, beveled-edge, unscored tablets debossed with stylized b on one side and 987 on the other side; placebo tablets are white, round, flat-faced, beveled-edge, unscored tablets, debossed with stylized b on one side and 143 on the other side. Tri-Sprintec ® (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) are packaged in cartons of six blister cards. Each card contains 28 tablets as follows: Each gray tablet contains 0.18 mg of the progestational compound, norgestimate, USP, together with 0.035 mg of the estrogenic compound, ethinyl estradiol, USP. Each light blue tablet contains 0.215 mg of the progestational compound, norgestimate, USP, together with 0.035 mg of the estrogenic compound, ethinyl estradiol, USP. Each blue tablet contains 0.25 mg of the progestational compound, norgestimate, USP, together with 0.035 mg of the estrogenic compound, ethinyl estradiol, USP, and the 7 white placebo tablets contain inert ingredients. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. PROTECT FROM LIGHT. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
  • PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL Tri-Sprintec® 28 Day Regimen Carton Text NDC 0555- 9018 -58 6 Blister Cards, 28 Tablets Each 28 Day Tri-Sprintec ® (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) Contains 6 blister cards, each containing 28 tablets. Each gray tablet contains 0.18 mg norgestimate, USP and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol, USP. Each light blue tablet contains 0.215 mg norgestimate, USP and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol, USP. Each blue tablet contains 0.25 mg norgestimate, USP and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol, USP. Each white tablet contains inert ingredients. Rx only Shaping Women's Health® TEVA Tri-Sprintec® 28 Day Regimen Carton
  • Package/Label Display Panel 63187-458-28

Overview

Tri-Sprintec ® (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) is a combination oral contraceptive containing the progestational compound norgestimate, USP and the estrogenic compound ethinyl estradiol, USP. Each gray tablet contains 0.18 mg of the progestational compound, norgestimate, USP (18,19-Dinor-17-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one, 17-(acetyloxy)-13-ethyl-, oxime, (17α)-(+)-) and 0.035 mg of the estrogenic compound, ethinyl estradiol, USP (19-Nor-17α-pregna,1,3,5(10)-trien-20-yne-3, 17-diol), and the inactive ingredients include anhydrous lactose, lactose monohydrate, lake blend black LB 636 (ingredients include aluminum sulfate solution, aluminum-chloride solution, FD&C blue no. 2, FD&C red no. 40, FD&C yellow no. 6, sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate), magnesium stearate, and pregelatinized corn starch. Each light blue tablet contains 0.215 mg of the progestational compound norgestimate, USP (18,19-Dinor-17-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one,17-(acetyloxy)-13-ethyl-, oxime, (17α)-(+)-) and 0.035 mg of the estrogenic compound, ethinyl estradiol, USP (19-Nor-17α-pregna,1,3,5(10)-trien-20-yne-3, 17-diol), and the inactive ingredients include anhydrous lactose, FD&C blue no. 2 aluminum lake (ingredients include aluminum sulfate solution, aluminum-chloride solution, FD&C blue no. 2, sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate), lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and pregelatinized corn starch. Each blue tablet contains 0.25 mg of the progestational compound norgestimate, USP (18,19-Dinor-17-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one, 17-(acetyloxy)-13-ethyl-, oxime, (17α)-(+)-) and 0.035 mg of the estrogenic compound, ethinyl estradiol, USP (19-Nor-17α-pregna,1,3,5(10)-trien-20-yne-3, 17-diol), and the inactive ingredients include anhydrous lactose, FD&C blue no. 2 aluminum lake (ingredients include aluminum sulfate solution, aluminum-chloride solution, FD&C blue no. 2, sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate), lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and pregelatinized corn starch. Each white tablet contains only inert ingredients as follows: anhydrous lactose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose. The structural formulas are as follows: Norgestimate C23H31NO3 M.W. 369.50 C23H31NO3 M.W. 369.50 Ethinyl Estradiol C20H24O2 M.W. 296.40 C20H24O2 M.W. 296.40 Norgestimate Structure Ethinyl Estradiol Structure

Indications & Usage

Tri-Sprintec ® (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use oral contraceptives as a method of contraception. Tri-Sprintec (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) is indicated for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in females at least 15 years of age, who have no known contraindications to oral contraceptive therapy and have achieved menarche. Tri-Sprintec (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) should be used for the treatment of acne only if the patient desires an oral contraceptive for birth control. Oral contraceptives are highly effective for pregnancy prevention. Table 2 lists the typical accidental pregnancy rates for users of combination oral contraceptives and other methods of contraception. The efficacy of these contraceptive methods, except sterilization, the IUD, and the Norplant ® System, depends upon the reliability with which they are used. Correct and consistent use of methods can result in lower failure rates. Table 2: Percentage of Women Experiencing an Unintended Pregnancy During the First Year of Typical Use and the First Year of Perfect Use of Contraception and the Percentage Continuing Use at the End of the First Year. United States. % of Women Experiencing an Unintended Pregnancy within the First Year of Use % of Women Continuing Use at One Year Among couples attempting to avoid pregnancy, the percentage who continue to use a method for one year. Method Typical Use Among typical couples who initiate use of a method (not necessarily for the first time), the percentage who experience an accidental pregnancy during the first year if they do not stop use for any other reason. Perfect Use Among couples who initiate use of a method (not necessarily for the first time) and who use it perfectly (both consistently and correctly), the percentage who experience an accidental pregnancy during the first year if they do not stop use for any other reason. (1) (2) (3) (4) Chance The percents becoming pregnant in columns (2) and (3) are based on data from populations where contraception is not used and from women who cease using contraception in order to become pregnant. Among such populations, about 89% become pregnant within one year. This estimate was lowered slightly (to 85%) to represent the percent who would become pregnant within one year among women now relying on reversible methods of contraception if they abandoned contraception altogether. 85 85 Spermicides Foams, creams, gels, vaginal suppositories, and vaginal film. 26 6 40 Periodic abstinence 25 63 Calendar 9 Ovulation Method 3 Sympto-Thermal Cervical mucus (ovulation) method supplemented by calendar in the pre-ovulatory and basal body temperature in the post-ovulatory phases. 2 Post-Ovulation 1 Cap With spermicidal cream or jelly. Parous Women 40 26 42 Nulliparous Women 20 9 56 Sponge Parous Women 40 20 42 Nulliparous Women 20 9 56 Diaphragm 20 6 56 Withdrawal 19 4 Condom Without spermicides. Female (Reality ® ) 21 5 56 Male 14 3 61 Pill 5 71 Progestin Only 0.5 Combined 0.1 IUD Progesterone T 2 1.5 81 Copper T380A 0.8 0.6 78 LNg 20 0.1 0.1 81 Depo-Provera ® 0.3 0.3 70 Norplant ® and Norplant-2 ® 0.05 0.05 88 Female Sterilization 0.5 0.5 100 Male Sterilization 0.15 0.10 100 Hatcher et al., 1998 Ref. #1. Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Treatment initiated within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse reduces the risk of pregnancy by at least 75%. The treatment schedule is one dose within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, and a second dose 12 hours after the first dose. The Food and Drug Administration has declared the following brands of oral contraceptives to be safe and effective for emergency contraception: Ovral ® (1 dose is 2 white pills), Alesse ® (1 dose is 5 pink pills), Nordette ® or Levlen ® (1 dose is 2 light-orange pills), Lo/Ovral ® (1 dose is 4 white pills), Triphasil ® or Tri-Levlen ® (1 dose is 4 yellow pills). Lactational Amenorrhea Method: LAM is a highly effective, temporary method of contraception. However, to maintain effective protection against pregnancy, another method of contraception must be used as soon as menstruation resumes, the frequency or duration of breastfeeds is reduced, bottle feeds are introduced, or the baby reaches six months of age. Source: Trussell J, Contraceptive efficacy. In Hatcher RA, Trussell J, Stewart F, Cates W, Stewart GK, Kowal D, Guest F, Contraceptive Technology: Seventeenth Revised Edition. New York NY: Irvington Publishers, 1998. Tri-Sprintec (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) has not been studied for and is not indicated for use in emergency contraception. In four clinical trials with Tri-Sprintec (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP), a total of 4,756 subjects completed 45,244 cycles, and the use-efficacy pregnancy rate was approximately 1 pregnancy per 100 women-years. Tri-Sprintec (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) was evaluated for the treatment of acne vulgaris in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, Phase 3, six (28 day) cycle studies. 221 patients received Tri-Sprintec (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) and 234 patients received placebo. Mean age at enrollment for both groups was 28 years. At the end of 6 months, the mean total lesion count changes from 55 to 31 (42% reduction) in patients treated with Tri-Sprintec (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) and from 54 to 38 (27% reduction) in patients similarly treated with placebo. Table 3 summarizes the changes in lesion count for each type of lesion in the ITT population. Based on the investigator’s global assessment conducted at the final visit, patients treated with Tri-Sprintec (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) showed a statistically significant improvement in total lesions compared to those treated with placebo. Table 3: Acne Vulgaris Indication. Combined Results: Two Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled Trials. Observed Means at Six Months (LOCF) LOCF: Last Observation Carried Forward and at Baseline. Intent to Treat Population. Tri-Sprintec (N = 221) Placebo (N = 234) Difference in Counts Between Tri-Sprintec and Placebo at 6 Months # of Lesions Counts % Reduction Counts % Reduction INFLAMMATORY LESIONS Baseline Mean 19 19 Sixth Month Mean 10 48% 13 30% 3 (95% CI: -1.2, 5.1) NON-INFLAMMATORY LESIONS Baseline Mean 36 35 Sixth Month Mean 22 34% 25 21% 3 (95% CI: -0.2, 7.8) TOTAL LESIONS Baseline Mean 55 54 Sixth Month Mean 31 42% 38 27% 7 (95% CI: 2, 11.9)

Dosage & Administration

Oral Contraception To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, Tri-Sprintec ® tablets must be taken exactly as directed and at intervals not exceeding 24 hours. The possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of medication should be considered. Tri-Sprintec tablets are available in the Blister Pack Tablet Dispenser which is preset for a Sunday Start. Day 1 Start is also provided. Sunday Start When taking Tri-Sprintec ® the first tablet should be taken on the first Sunday after menstruation begins. If the period begins on Sunday, the first tablet should be taken that day. Take one active tablet daily for 21 days followed by one white inactive tablet daily for 7 days. After 28 tablets have been taken, a new course is started the next day (Sunday). For the first cycle of a Sunday Start regimen, another method of contraception should be used until after the first seven consecutive days of administration. If the patient misses one (1) active tablet in Weeks 1, 2, or 3, the tablet should be taken as soon as she remembers. If the patient misses two (2) active tablets in Week 1 or Week 2, the patient should take two (2) tablets the day she remembers and two (2) tablets the next day; and then continue taking one (1) tablet a day until she finishes the pack. The patient should be instructed to use a back-up method of birth control such as a condom or spermicide if she has sex in the seven (7) days after missing pills. If the patient misses two (2) active tablets in the third week or misses three (3) or more active tablets in a row, the patient should continue taking one tablet every day until Sunday. On Sunday the patient should throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack that same day. The patient should be instructed to use a back-up method of birth control if she has sex in the seven (7) days after missing pills. Complete instructions to facilitate patient counseling on proper pill usage may be found in the Detailed Patient Labeling (“ How to Take the Pill ” section). Day 1 Start The dosage of Tri-Sprintec ® tablets, for the initial cycle of therapy, is one active tablet administered daily from the 1st day through the 21st day of the menstrual cycle, counting the first day of menstrual flow as “Day 1” followed by one white inactive tablet daily for 7 days. Tablets are taken without interruption for 28 days. After 28 tablets have been taken, a new course is started the next day. If the patient misses one (1) active tablet in Weeks 1, 2, or 3, the tablet should be taken as soon as she remembers. If the patient misses two (2) active tablets in Week 1 or Week 2, the patient should take two (2) tablets the day she remembers and two (2) tablets the next day; and then continue taking one (1) tablet a day until she finishes the pack. The patient should be instructed to use a back-up method of birth control such as a condom or spermicide if she has sex in the seven (7) days after missing pills. If the patient misses two (2) active tablets in the third week or misses three (3) or more active tablets in a row, the patient should throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack that same day. The patient should be instructed to use a back-up method of birth control if she has sex in the seven (7) days after missing pills. Complete instructions to facilitate patient counseling on proper pill usage may be found in the Detailed Patient Labeling (“ How to Take the Pill ” section). The use of Tri-Sprintec ® tablets for contraception may be initiated 4 weeks postpartum in women who elect not to breastfeed. When the tablets are administered during the postpartum period, the increased risk of thromboembolic disease associated with the postpartum period must be considered. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS concerning thromboembolic disease. See also PRECAUTIONS , Nursing Mothers .) The possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of medication should be considered. (See Discussion of Dose-Related Risk of Vascular Disease from Oral Contraceptives .)

Warnings & Precautions
WARNINGS Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptive use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, combination oral contraceptives, including Tri-Sprintec ® , should not be used by women who are over 35 years of age and smoke. The use of oral contraceptives is associated with increased risks of several serious conditions including myocardial infarction, thromboembolism, stroke, hepatic neoplasia, and gallbladder disease, although the risk of serious morbidity or mortality is very small in healthy women without underlying risk factors. The risk of morbidity and mortality increases significantly in the presence of other underlying risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemias, obesity and diabetes. Practitioners prescribing oral contraceptives should be familiar with the following information relating to these risks. The information contained in this package insert is principally based on studies carried out in patients who used oral contraceptives with higher formulations of estrogens and progestogens than those in common use today. The effect of long-term use of the oral contraceptives with lower formulations of both estrogens and progestogens remains to be determined. Throughout this labeling, epidemiological studies reported are of two types: retrospective or case control studies and prospective or cohort studies. Case control studies provide a measure of the relative risk of a disease, namely, a ratio of the incidence of a disease among oral contraceptive users to that among nonusers. The relative risk does not provide information on the actual clinical occurrence of a disease. Cohort studies provide a measure of attributable risk, which is the difference in the incidence of disease between oral contraceptive users and nonusers. The attributable risk does provide information about the actual occurrence of a disease in the population (adapted from refs. 2 and 3 with the author's permission). For further information, the reader is referred to a text on epidemiological methods. 1. Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Problems a. Myocardial Infarction An increased risk of myocardial infarction has been attributed to oral contraceptive use. This risk is primarily in smokers or women with other underlying risk factors for coronary artery disease such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, morbid obesity, and diabetes. The relative risk of heart attack for current oral contraceptive users has been estimated to be two to six. 4-10 The risk is very low under the age of 30. Smoking in combination with oral contraceptive use has been shown to contribute substantially to the incidence of myocardial infarctions in women in their mid-thirties or older with smoking accounting for the majority of excess cases. 11 Mortality rates associated with circulatory disease have been shown to increase substantially in smokers, especially in those 35 years of age and older, and in nonsmokers over the age of 40 among women who use oral contraceptives. (See Figure 1 .) Figure 1: Circulatory Disease Mortality Rates per 100,000 Women-Years by Age, Smoking Status and Oral Contraceptive Use Oral contraceptives may compound the effects of well-known risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemias, age and obesity. 13 In particular, some progestogens are known to decrease HDL cholesterol and cause glucose intolerance, while estrogens may create a state of hyperinsulinism. 14-18 Oral contraceptives have been shown to increase blood pressure among users (see Section 9 in WARNINGS ). Similar effects on risk factors have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Oral contraceptives must be used with caution in women with cardiovascular disease risk factors. Norgestimate has minimal androgenic activity (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ), and there is some evidence that the risk of myocardial infarction associated with oral contraceptives is lower when the progestogen has minimal androgenic activity than when the activity is greater. 97 b. Thromboembolism An increased risk of thromboembolic and thrombotic disease associated with the use of oral contraceptives is well established. Case control studies have found the relative risk of users compared to nonusers to be 3 for the first episode of superficial venous thrombosis, 4 to 11 for deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and 1.5 to 6 for women with predisposing conditions for venous thromboembolic disease. 2,3,19-24 Cohort studies have shown the relative risk to be somewhat lower, about 3 for new cases and about 4.5 for new cases requiring hospitalization. 25 The risk of thromboembolic disease associated with oral contraceptives is not related to length of use and disappears after pill use is stopped. 2 A two- to four-fold increase in relative risk of post-operative thromboembolic complications has been reported with the use of oral contraceptives. 9 The relative risk of venous thrombosis in women who have predisposing conditions is twice that of women without such medical conditions. 26 If feasible, oral contraceptives should be discontinued at least four weeks prior to and for two weeks after elective surgery of a type associated with an increase in risk of thromboembolism and during and following prolonged immobilization. Since the immediate postpartum period is also associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, oral contraceptives should be started no earlier than four weeks after delivery in women who elect not to breastfeed. c. Cerebrovascular Diseases Oral contraceptives have been shown to increase both the relative and attributable risks of cerebrovascular events (thrombotic and hemorrhagic strokes), although, in general, the risk is greatest among older (> 35 years), hypertensive women who also smoke. Hypertension was found to be a risk factor for both users and nonusers, for both types of strokes, and smoking interacted to increase the risk of stroke. 27-29 In a large study, the relative risk of thrombotic strokes has been shown to range from 3 for normotensive users to 14 for users with severe hypertension. 30 The relative risk of hemorrhagic stroke is reported to be 1.2 for nonsmokers who used oral contraceptives, 2.6 for smokers who did not use oral contraceptives, 7.6 for smokers who used oral contraceptives, 1.8 for normotensive users and 25.7 for users with severe hypertension. 30 The attributable risk is also greater in older women. 3 d. Dose-Related Risk of Vascular Disease from Oral Contraceptives A positive association has been observed between the amount of estrogen and progestogen in oral contraceptives and the risk of vascular disease. 31-33 A decline in serum high density lipoproteins (HDL) has been reported with many progestational agents. 14-16 A decline in serum high density lipoproteins has been associated with an increased incidence of ischemic heart disease. Because estrogens increase HDL cholesterol, the net effect of an oral contraceptive depends on a balance achieved between doses of estrogen and progestogen and the activity of the progestogen used in the contraceptives. The activity and amount of both hormones should be considered in the choice of an oral contraceptive. Minimizing exposure to estrogen and progestogen is in keeping with good principles of therapeutics. For any particular estrogen/progestogen combination, the dosage regimen prescribed should be one which contains the least amount of estrogen and progestogen that is compatible with a low failure rate and the needs of the individual patient. New acceptors of oral contraceptive agents should be started on preparations containing the lowest estrogen content which is judged appropriate for the individual patient. e. Persistence of Risk of Vascular Disease There are two studies which have shown persistence of risk of vascular disease for ever-users of oral contraceptives. In a study in the United States, the risk of developing myocardial infarction after discontinuing oral contraceptives persists for at least 9 years for women 40 to 49 years who had used oral contraceptives for five or more years, but this increased risk was not demonstrated in other age groups. 8 In another study in Great Britain, the risk of developing cerebrovascular disease persisted for at least 6 years after discontinuation of oral contraceptives, although excess risk was very small. 34 However, both studies were performed with oral contraceptive formulations containing 50 micrograms or higher of estrogens. 2. Estimates of Mortality from Contraceptive Use One study gathered data from a variety of sources which have estimated the mortality rate associated with different methods of contraception at different ages ( Table 4 ). These estimates include the combined risk of death associated with contraceptive methods plus the risk attributable to pregnancy in the event of method failure. Each method of contraception has its specific benefits and risks. The study concluded that with the exception of oral contraceptive users 35 and older who smoke, and 40 and older who do not smoke, mortality associated with all methods of birth control is low and below that associated with childbirth. The observation of an increase in risk of mortality with age for oral contraceptive users is based on data gathered in the 1970's. 35 Current clinical recommendation involves the use of lower estrogen dose formulations and a careful consideration of risk factors. In 1989, the Fertility and Maternal Health Drugs Advisory Committee was asked to review the use of oral contraceptives in women 40 years of age and over. The Committee concluded that although cardiovascular disease risks may be increased with oral contraceptive use after age 40 in healthy nonsmoking women (even with the newer low-dose formulations), there are also greater potential health risks associated with pregnancy in older women and with the alternative surgical and medical procedures which may be necessary if such women do not have access to effective and acceptable means of contraception. The Committee recommended that the benefits of low-dose oral contraceptive use by healthy nonsmoking women over 40 may outweigh the possible risks. Of course, older women, as all women, who take oral contraceptives, should take an oral contraceptive which contains the least amount of estrogen and progestogen that is compatible with a low failure rate and individual patient needs. Table 4: Annual Number of Birth-Related or Method-Related Deaths Associated With Control of Fertility per 100,000 Nonsterile Women, by Fertility Control Method According to Age Method of control and outcome 15 to 19 20 to 24 25 to 29 30 to 34 35 to 39 40 to 44 No fertility 7 7.4 9.1 14.8 25.7 28.2 control methods Deaths are birth-related Oral contraceptives 0.3 0.5 0.9 1.9 13.8 31.6 nonsmoker Deaths are method-related Oral contraceptives 2.2 3.4 6.6 13.5 51.1 117.2 smoker IUD 0.8 0.8 1 1 1.4 1.4 Condom 1.1 1.6 0.7 0.2 0.3 0.4 Diaphragm/ 1.9 1.2 1.2 1.3 2.2 2.8 spermicide Periodic 2.5 1.6 1.6 1.7 2.9 3.6 abstinence Adapted from H.W. Ory, ref. #35. 3. Carcinoma of the Reproductive Organs and Breasts Numerous epidemiological studies have been performed on the incidence of breast, endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancer in women using oral contraceptives. The risk of having breast cancer diagnosed may be slightly increased among current and recent users of combination oral contraceptives (COCs). However, this excess risk appears to decrease over time after COC discontinuation and by 10 years after cessation the increased risk disappears. Some studies report an increased risk with duration of use while other studies do not and no consistent relationships have been found with dose or type of steroid. Some studies have found a small increase in risk for women who first use COCs before age 20. Most studies show a similar pattern of risk with COC use regardless of a woman’s reproductive history or her family breast cancer history. Breast cancers diagnosed in current or previous oral contraceptive users tend to be less clinically advanced than in nonusers. Women who currently have or have had breast cancer should not use oral contraceptives because breast cancer is usually a hormonally-sensitive tumor. Some studies suggest that oral contraceptive use has been associated with an increase in the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in some populations of women. 45-48 However, there continues to be controversy about the extent to which such findings may be due to differences in sexual behavior and other factors. In spite of many studies of the relationship between oral contraceptive use and breast and cervical cancers, a cause-and-effect relationship has not been established. 4. Hepatic Neoplasia Benign hepatic adenomas are associated with oral contraceptive use, although the incidence of benign tumors is rare in the United States. Indirect calculations have estimated the attributable risk to be in the range of 3.3 cases/100,000 for users, a risk that increases after four or more years of use especially with oral contraceptives of higher dose. 49 Rupture of benign, hepatic adenomas may cause death through intra-abdominal hemorrhage. 50,51 Studies from Britain have shown an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in long-term (> 8 years) oral contraceptive users. However, these cancers are extremely rare in the U.S. and the attributable risk (the excess incidence) of liver cancers in oral contraceptive users approaches less than one per million users. 5. Ocular Lesions There have been clinical case reports of retinal thrombosis associated with the use of oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives should be discontinued if there is unexplained partial or complete loss of vision; onset of proptosis or diplopia; papilledema; or retinal vascular lesions. Appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures should be undertaken immediately. 6. Oral Contraceptive Use Before or During Early Pregnancy Extensive epidemiological studies have revealed no increased risk of birth defects in women who have used oral contraceptives prior to pregnancy. 56,57 The majority of recent studies also do not indicate a teratogenic effect, particularly in so far as cardiac anomalies and limb reduction defects are concerned 55,56,58,59 when taken inadvertently during early pregnancy. The administration of oral contraceptives to induce withdrawal bleeding should not be used as a test for pregnancy. Oral contraceptives should not be used during pregnancy to treat threatened or habitual abortion. It is recommended that for any patient who has missed two consecutive periods, pregnancy should be ruled out. If the patient has not adhered to the prescribed schedule, the possibility of pregnancy should be considered at the time of the first missed period. Oral contraceptive use should be discontinued if pregnancy is confirmed. 7. Gallbladder Disease Earlier studies have reported an increased lifetime relative risk of gallbladder surgery in users of oral contraceptives and estrogens. 60,61 More recent studies, however, have shown that the relative risk of developing gallbladder disease among oral contraceptive users may be minimal. 62-64 The recent findings of minimal risk may be related to the use of oral contraceptive formulations containing lower hormonal doses of estrogens and progestogens. 8. Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Effects Oral contraceptives have been shown to cause a decrease in glucose tolerance in a significant percentage of users. 17 This effect has been shown to be directly related to estrogen dose. 65 Progestogens increase insulin secretion and create insulin resistance, this effect varying with different progestational agents. 17,66 However, in the nondiabetic woman, oral contraceptives appear to have no effect on fasting blood glucose. 67 Because of these demonstrated effects, prediabetic and diabetic women in particular should be carefully monitored while taking oral contraceptives. A small proportion of women will have persistent hypertriglyceridemia while on the pill. As discussed earlier (see WARNINGS , 1a and 1d), changes in serum triglycerides and lipoprotein levels have been reported in oral contraceptive users. In clinical studies with norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol there were no clinically significant changes in fasting blood glucose levels. Minimal statistically significant changes were noted in glucose levels over 24 cycles of use. Glucose tolerance tests showed no clinically significant changes from baseline to cycles 3, 12, and 24. 9. Elevated Blood Pressure Women with significant hypertension should not be started on hormonal contraception. 98 An increase in blood pressure has been reported in women taking oral contraceptives 68 and this increase is more likely in older oral contraceptive users 69 and with extended duration of use. 61 Data from the Royal College of General Practitioners 12 and subsequent randomized trials have shown that the incidence of hypertension increases with increasing progestational activity. Women with a history of hypertension or hypertension-related diseases, or renal disease 70 should be encouraged to use another method of contraception. If these women elect to use oral contraceptives, they should be monitored closely and if a clinically significant persistent elevation of blood pressure (BP) occurs (≥ 160 mm Hg systolic or ≥ 100 mm Hg diastolic) and cannot be adequately controlled, oral contraceptives should be discontinued. In general, women who develop hypertension during hormonal contraceptive therapy should be switched to a non-hormonal contraceptive. If other contraceptive methods are not suitable, hormonal contraceptive therapy may continue combined with antihypertensive therapy. Regular monitoring of BP throughout hormonal contraceptive therapy is recommended. 102 For most women, elevated blood pressure will return to normal after stopping oral contraceptives, and there is no difference in the occurrence of hypertension between former and never users. 68-71 10. Headache The onset or exacerbation of migraine or development of headache with a new pattern which is recurrent, persistent or severe requires discontinuation of oral contraceptives and evaluation of the cause. 11. Bleeding Irregularities Breakthrough bleeding and spotting are sometimes encountered in patients on oral contraceptives, especially during the first three months of use. Nonhormonal causes should be considered and adequate diagnostic measures taken to rule out malignancy or pregnancy in the event of breakthrough bleeding, as in the case of any abnormal vaginal bleeding. If pathology has been excluded, time or a change to another formulation may solve the problem. In the event of amenorrhea, pregnancy should be ruled out. Some women may encounter post-pill amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, especially when such a condition was preexistent. 12. Ectopic Pregnancy Ectopic as well as intrauterine pregnancy may occur in contraceptive failures. figure 1
Boxed Warning
WARNINGS: CARDIOVASCULAR RISK ASSOCIATED WITH SMOKING Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptive use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, combination oral contraceptives, including Tri-Sprintec ® , should not be used by women who are over 35 years of age and smoke. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptive use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, combination oral contraceptives, including Tri-Sprintec ® , should not be used by women who are over 35 years of age and smoke. Do not use Tri-Sprintec ® if you smoke cigarettes and are over 35 years old. Smoking increases your risk of serious cardiovascular side effects (heart and blood vessel problems) from combination oral contraceptives, including death from heart attack, blood clots or stroke. This risk increases with age and the number of cigarettes you smoke. Do not use Tri-Sprintec ® if you smoke cigarettes and are over 35 years old. Smoking increases your risk of serious cardiovascular side effects (heart and blood vessel problems) from combination oral contraceptives, including death from heart attack, blood clots or stroke. This risk increases with age and the number of cigarettes you smoke.
Contraindications

Oral contraceptives should not be used in women who currently have the following conditions: • Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders • A past history of deep vein thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders • Known thrombophilic conditions • Cerebral vascular or coronary artery disease (current or past history) • Valvular heart disease with complications • Persistent blood pressure values of ≥ 160 mm Hg systolic or ≥ 100 mg Hg diastolic 102 • Diabetes with vascular involvement • Headaches with focal neurological symptoms • Major surgery with prolonged immobilization • Known or suspected carcinoma of the breast or personal history of breast cancer • Carcinoma of the endometrium or other known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia • Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding • Cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy or jaundice with prior pill use • Acute or chronic hepatocellular disease with abnormal liver function • Hepatic adenomas or carcinomas • Known or suspected pregnancy • Hypersensitivity to any component of this product

Adverse Reactions

An increased risk of the following serious adverse reactions has been associated with the use of oral contraceptives (see WARNINGS ). • Thrombophlebitis and venous thrombosis with or without embolism • Arterial thromboembolism • Pulmonary embolism • Myocardial infarction • Cerebral hemorrhage • Cerebral thrombosis • Hypertension • Gallbladder disease • Hepatic adenomas or benign liver tumors There is evidence of an association between the following conditions and the use of oral contraceptives: • Mesenteric thrombosis • Retinal thrombosis The following adverse reactions have been reported in patients receiving oral contraceptives and are believed to be drug-related: • Nausea • Vomiting • Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal cramps and bloating) • Breakthrough bleeding • Spotting • Change in menstrual flow • Amenorrhea • Temporary infertility after discontinuation of treatment • Edema • Melasma which may persist • Breast changes: tenderness, enlargement, secretion • Change in weight (increase or decrease) • Change in cervical erosion and secretion • Diminution in lactation when given immediately postpartum • Cholestatic jaundice • Migraine • Allergic reaction, including rash, urticaria, angioedema • Mental depression • Reduced tolerance to carbohydrates • Vaginal candidiasis • Change in corneal curvature (steepening) • Intolerance to contact lenses The following adverse reactions have been reported in users of oral contraceptives and a causal association has been neither confirmed nor refuted: • Pre-menstrual syndrome • Cataracts • Changes in appetite • Cystitis-like syndrome • Headache • Nervousness • Dizziness • Hirsutism • Loss of scalp hair • Erythema multiforme • Erythema nodosum • Hemorrhagic eruption • Vaginitis • Porphyria • Impaired renal function • Hemolytic uremic syndrome • Acne • Changes in libido • Colitis • Budd-Chiari Syndrome The following adverse reactions were also reported in clinical trials or during post-marketing experience: Infections and Infestations: vaginal infection, urinary tract infection; Psychiatric Disorders: mood altered, anxiety, insomnia; Gastrointestinal Disorders: flatulence, pancreatitis, diarrhea, constipation; Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: dysmenorrhea; ovarian cyst, vulvovaginal dryness; Neoplasms Benign, Malignant and Unspecified (Including Cysts and Polyps): benign breast neoplasm, fibroadenoma of breast, breast cyst; Nervous System Disorders: syncope, convulsion, paraesthesia; Eye Disorders: visual impairment, dry eye; Ear and Labyrinth Disorders: vertigo; Cardiac Disorders: tachycardia, palpitations; Vascular Disorders : hot flush; Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: dyspnoea; Hepatobiliary Disorders: hepatitis; Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: night sweats, hyperhidrosis, photosensitivity reaction, pruritus; Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue, and Bone Disorders: muscle spasms, pain in extremity, myalgia, back pain; General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: chest pain, asthenic conditions.

Drug Interactions

Consult the labeling of concurrently-used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with hormonal contraceptives or the potential for enzyme alterations. Effects of Other Drugs on Combined Hormonal Contraceptives Substances Decreasing the Plasma Concentrations of COCs and Potentially Diminishing the Efficacy of COCs Drugs or herbal products that induce certain enzymes, including cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), may decrease the plasma concentrations of COCs and potentially diminish the effectiveness of CHCs or increase breakthrough bleeding. Some drugs or herbal products that may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives include phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, bosentan, felbamate, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, rifampicin, topiramate, rifabutin, rufinamide, aprepitant, and products containing St. John’s wort. Interactions between hormonal contraceptives and other drugs may lead to breakthrough bleeding and/or contraceptive failure. Counsel women to use an alternative method of contraception or a back-up method when enzyme inducers are used with CHCs, and to continue back-up contraception for 28 days after discontinuing the enzyme inducer to ensure contraceptive reliability. Substances Increasing the Plasma Concentrations of COCs Coadministration of atorvastatin or rosuvastatin and certain COCs containing EE increase AUC values for EE by approximately 20 to 25%. Ascorbic acid and acetaminophen may increase plasma EE concentrations, possibly by inhibition of conjugation. CYP3A4 inhibitors such as itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, grapefruit juice, or ketoconazole may increase plasma hormone concentrations. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Hepatitis C virus (HCV) Protease Inhibitors and Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors Significant changes (increase or decrease) in the plasma concentrations of estrogen and/or progestin have been noted in some cases of coadministration with HIV protease inhibitors (decrease [e.g., nelfinavir, ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, (fos)amprenavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, and tipranavir/ritonavir] or increase [e.g., indinavir and atazanavir/ritonavir]) /HCV protease inhibitors (decrease [e.g., boceprevir and telaprevir]) or with nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (decrease [e.g., nevirapine] or increase [e.g., etravirine]). Colesevelam Colesevelam, a bile acid sequestrant, given together with a combination oral hormonal contraceptive, has been shown to significantly decrease the AUC of EE. A drug interaction between the contraceptive and colesevelam was decreased when the two drug products were given 4 hours apart. Effects of Combined Hormonal Contraceptives on Other Drugs COCs containing EE may inhibit the metabolism of other compounds (e.g., cyclosporine, prednisolone, theophylline, tizanidine, and voriconazole) and increase their plasma concentrations. COCs have been shown to decrease plasma concentrations of acetaminophen, clofibric acid, morphine, salicylic acid, temazepam and lamotrigine. Significant decrease in plasma concentration of lamotrigine has been shown, likely due to induction of lamotrigine glucuronidation. This may reduce seizure control; therefore, dosage adjustments of lamotrigine may be necessary. Women on thyroid hormone replacement therapy may need increased doses of thyroid hormone because serum concentrations of thyroid-binding globulin increases with use of COCs. 9. Interactions with Laboratory Tests Certain endocrine and liver function tests and blood components may be affected by oral contraceptives: a. Increased prothrombin and factors VII, VIII, IX, and X; decreased antithrombin 3; increased norepinephrine-induced platelet aggregability. b. Increased thyroid binding globulin (TBG) leading to increased circulating total thyroid hormone, as measured by protein-bound iodine (PBI), T4 by column or by radioimmunoassay. Free T3 resin uptake is decreased, reflecting the elevated TBG, free T4 concentration is unaltered. c. Other binding proteins may be elevated in serum. d. Sex hormone binding globulins are increased and result in elevated levels of total circulating sex steroids; however, free or biologically active levels either decrease or remain unchanged. e. Triglycerides may be increased and levels of various other lipids and lipoproteins may be affected. f. Glucose tolerance may be decreased. g. Serum folate levels may be depressed by oral contraceptive therapy. This may be of clinical significance if a woman becomes pregnant shortly after discontinuing oral contraceptives.


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