Drug Facts
Composition & Profile
Identifiers & Packaging
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Introvale tablets (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, USP) are available in extended-cycle blister cards (NDC 70700-117-87 ) , each containing a 13-week supply of tablets: 84 peach active tablets, each containing 0.15 mg of levonorgestrel and 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol, and 7 white inert tablets packaged in a unit carton. The active tablets are peach, round, film-coated, debossed “ SZ ” on one side and “ J4 ” on the other side. The inert tablets are white, round, film-coated, debossed with “ SZ ” on one side and “ J1 ” on the other side. 16.2 Storage Conditions Store at 20° to 25° C (68° to 77° F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light.; PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL Introvale (Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets, USP) 0.15 mg/0.03 mg - NDC 70700-117-87 - Carton Label image description
- 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Introvale tablets (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, USP) are available in extended-cycle blister cards (NDC 70700-117-87 ) , each containing a 13-week supply of tablets: 84 peach active tablets, each containing 0.15 mg of levonorgestrel and 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol, and 7 white inert tablets packaged in a unit carton. The active tablets are peach, round, film-coated, debossed “ SZ ” on one side and “ J4 ” on the other side. The inert tablets are white, round, film-coated, debossed with “ SZ ” on one side and “ J1 ” on the other side. 16.2 Storage Conditions Store at 20° to 25° C (68° to 77° F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light.
- PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL Introvale (Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets, USP) 0.15 mg/0.03 mg - NDC 70700-117-87 - Carton Label image description
Overview
Introvale (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets) is an extended-cycle combination oral contraceptive consisting of 84 peach active tablets each containing 0.15 mg of levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin and 0.03 mg of ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen, and 7 white inert tablets (without hormones). The structural formulas for the active components are: Levonorgestrel C 21 H 28 O 2 MW:312.4 Levonorgestrel is chemically 18,19-Dinorpregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one, 13-ethyl-17-hydroxy-, (17α)-, (-)-. Ethinyl Estradiol C 20 H 24 O 2 MW:296.4 Ethinyl Estradiol is 19-Norpregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-20-yne-3,17-diol, (17α)-. Each peach active tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: lactose anhydrous, magnesium stearate, povidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, talc, iron oxide yellow, iron oxide red and iron oxide black. Each white inert tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: lactose anhydrous, magnesium stearate, povidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, talc and titanium dioxide. structure1 structure2
Indications & Usage
Introvale ® (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets) is indicated for use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy. Introvale is an estrogen/progestin COC indicated for use by women to prevent pregnancy. ( 1 )
Dosage & Administration
• Take one tablet daily by mouth at the same time every day for 91 days. ( 2.1 ) • Take tablets in the order directed on the Extended-Cycle Blister Cards. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 How to Start Introvale Introvale is dispensed in an Extended-Cycle Blister Card [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling ( 16 )] . Introvale should be started on a Sunday ( see Table 1 ). For the first cycle of a Sunday Start regimen, an additional method of contraception should be used until after the first 7 consecutive days of administration. Instruct patients to take Introvale once a day by mouth at the same time every day for 91 days. To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, Introvale should be taken exactly as directed and at intervals not exceeding 24 hours. For patient instructions regarding missed pills, see FDA-approved patient labeling . 2.2 How to Take Introvale Table 1 Instructions for Administration of Introvale Starting COCs in women not currently using hormonal contraception (Sunday Start) Important: Consider the possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of this product. Tablet Color: Introvale active tablets are peach (Day 1 to Day 84). Introvale inactive tablets are white (Day 85 to Day 91). Sunday Start: For each 91-day course, take in the following order: Take the first peach tablet (0.15 mg of levonorgestrel and 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol) on the first Sunday after the onset of menstruation. If menstruation begins on a Sunday, take the tablet on that day. Due to the potential risk of becoming pregnant, use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms or spermicide) for the first 7 days of treatment. Take subsequent peach tablets once daily at the same time each day for a total of 84 days. Take one white tablet (inert) daily for the following 7 days and at the same time of day that active tablets were taken. A scheduled period should occur during the 7 days that the white tablets are taken. Begin the next and all subsequent 91-day courses of Introvale without interruption on the same day of the week (i.e., Sunday) on which the patient began her first dose. Follow the same schedule as the initial 91-day course: a peach tablet once a day for 84 days, and a white tablet once a day for 7 days. 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 peach tablet daily for 7 consecutive days. Switching to Introvale from another oral contraceptive Start on the same day that a new pack of the previous oral contraceptive would have started. Switching from another contraceptive method to Introvale Start Introvale: Transdermal patch On the day when the next application would have been scheduled. Vaginal ring On the day when the next insertion would have been scheduled. Injection On the day when the next injection would have been scheduled. Intrauterine contraceptive (IUD) On the day of removal. If the IUD is not removed on first day of the patient’s menstrual cycle, additional non- hormonal contraception (such as condoms or spermicide) is needed for the first seven days of the first 91-day course. days of the first 91-day course. Implant On the day of removal. Complete instructions to facilitate patient counseling on proper tablet usage are located in the FDA-approved patient labeling. Starting Introvale after Abortion or Miscarriage First-trimester After a first-trimester abortion or miscarriage, Introvale may be started immediately. An additional method of contraception is not needed if Introvale is started immediately. If Introvale is not started within 5 days after termination of the pregnancy, the patient should use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms or spermicide) for the first seven days of her first 91-day course of Introvale. Second-trimester Do not start until 4 weeks after a second-trimester abortion or miscarriage, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start Introvale following the instructions in Table 1 for Sunday start. Use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms or spermicide) for the first seven days of the patient’s first 91-day course of Introvale [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), and FDA-approved Patient Labeling]. Starting Introvale after Childbirth Do not start until 4 weeks after delivery, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start contraceptive therapy with Introvale following the instructions in Table 1 for women not currently using hormonal contraception. Introvale is not recommended for use in lactating women [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.3 ) and FDA-Approved Patient Labeling]. If the woman has not yet had a period postpartum, consider the possibility of ovulation and conception occurring prior to use of Introvale [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 and 8.3 ), and FDA-approved Patient Labeling]. Tablet Dispenser Instructions: The Tablet Dispenser consists of a Tri-Fold Blister Card that holds 91 individually sealed pills (a 13-week, or 91-day, cycle). The 91 pills consist of 84 peach pills (active pills with hormones) and 7 white pills (inactive pills without hormone) arranged in 12 rows of 7 tablets each, labeled weeks “START” through “Week 12” (active pills with hormones) followed by 1 row of 7 white pills, labeled “Week 13” (inactive pills without hormone). Advise the patient to remove the first pill in the upper left corner by pushing down on the pill. The pill will come out through a hole in the back of the Tablet Dispenser. Advise the patient to wait 24 hours to take the next pill, and continue to take one pill each day until all the pills have been taken. Advise the patient, after taking the last white pill, to start taking the first peach pill from a new Tablet Dispenser the very next day, regardless of when their period started. image description 2.3 Missed Tablets Table 2 Instructions for Missed Introvale Tablets If one active tablet (peach) is missed in Days1 through 84 Take the tablet as soon as possible. Take the next tablet at the regular time and continue taking one tablet a day until the 91-day course is finished. If two consecutive active tablets (peach) are missed in Days 1 through 84 Take 2 tablets on the day remembered and 2 tablets the next day. Then continue taking one tablet a day until the 91-day course is finished. Additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms or spermicide) should be used as back-up if the patient has sex within 7 days after missing 2 tablets. If three or more consecutive active tablets (peach) are missed in Days 1 through 84 Do not take the missed tablets. Continue taking one tablet a day until the 91-day course is finished. Additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms or spermicide) must be used as back-up if the patient has sex within 7 days after missing 3 tablets. 2.4 Advice in Case of Gastrointestinal Disturbances In case of severe vomiting or diarrhea, absorption may not be complete and additional contraceptive measures should be taken. If vomiting or diarrhea occurs within 3 to 4 hours after taking a peach tablet, handle this as a missed tablet [see FDA-approved patient labeling].
Warnings & Precautions
• Thrombotic disorders and other vascular problems: Stop levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol if a thrombotic 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. ( 5.1 ) • Liver disease: Discontinue levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol if jaundice occurs. ( 5.2 ) • High blood pressure: If used in women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure and stop levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol if blood pressure rises significantly. ( 5.4 ) • Carbohydrate and lipid metabolic effects: Monitor prediabetic and diabetic women taking levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. Consider an alternate contraceptive method for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia. ( 5.6 ) • Headache: Evaluate significant change in headaches and discontinue levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol if indicated. ( 5.7 ) • Bleeding irregularities and amenorrhea: Evaluate irregular bleeding or amenorrhea. ( 5.8 ) 5.1 Thrombotic Disorders and Other Vascular Problems Stop levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol if an arterial thrombotic event or venous thromboembolic (VTE) event occurs. Stop levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol if there is unexplained loss of vision, proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions. Evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately. If feasible, stop levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery or other surgeries known to have an elevated risk of VTE as well as during and following prolonged immobilization. Start levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breastfeeding. The risk of postpartum VTE decreases after the third postpartum week, whereas the risk of ovulation increases after the third postpartum week. The use of COCs increases the risk of VTE. However, pregnancy increases the risk of VTE as much or more than the use of COCs. The risk of VTE in women using COCs is 3 to 9 cases per 10,000 woman- years. The risk of VTE is highest during the first year of use of COCs and when restarting hormonal contraception after a break of 4 weeks or longer. The risk of thromboembolic disease due to COCs gradually disappears after use is discontinued. Use of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol provides women with more hormonal exposure on a yearly basis than conventional monthly COCs containing the same strength synthetic estrogens and progestins (an additional 9 weeks of exposure per year). In the clinical trial, one case of pulmonary embolism was reported. Postmarketing adverse reactions of VTE have been reported in women who used levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. Use of COCs also increases the risk of arterial thromboses such as strokes and myocardial infarctions, especially in women with other risk factors for these events. Stroke has been reported in women associated with the use of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. COCs have been shown to increase both the relative and attributable risks of cerebrovascular events (thrombotic and hemorrhagic strokes). This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age who smoke. Use COCs with caution in women with cardiovascular disease risk factors. 5.2 Liver Disease Impaired Liver Function Do not use levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol in women with liver disease, such as acute viral hepatitis or severe (decompensated) cirrhosis of the liver [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may necessitate the discontinuation of COC use until markers of liver function return to normal and COC causation has been excluded. Discontinue levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol if jaundice develops. Liver Tumors Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol is contraindicated in women with benign and malignant liver tumors [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Hepatic adenomas are associated with COC use. An estimate of the attributable risk is 3.3 cases/100,000 COC users. Rupture of hepatic adenomas may cause death through intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Studies have shown an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in long-term (>8 years) COC users. However, the attributable risk of liver cancers in COC users is less than one case per million users. 5.3 Risk of Liver Enzyme Elevations with Concomitant Hepatitis C Treatment During clinical trial with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen that contains ombitasvir/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 streadiol-containing medications, such as COCs. Discontinue Introvale prior to starting therapy with the combination drug regimen ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir. Introvale can be restarted approximately 2 weeks following completion of treatment with Hepatitis C combination drug regimen. 5.4 High Blood Pressure Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol is contraindicated in women with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. For women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure and stop levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol if blood pressure rises significantly. An increase in blood pressure has been reported in women taking COCs, and this increase is more likely in older women and with extended duration of use. The incidence of hypertension increases with increasing concentration of progestin. 5.5 Gallbladder Disease Studies suggest a small increased relative risk of developing gallbladder disease among COC users. Use of COCs may worsen existing gallbladder disease. A past history of COC-related cholestasis predicts an increased risk with subsequent COC use. Women with a history of pregnancy-related cholestasis may be at an increased risk for COC-related cholestasis. 5.6 Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Effects Carefully monitor prediabetic and diabetic women who are taking levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. COCs may decrease glucose tolerance. Consider alternative contraception for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia. A small proportion of women will have adverse lipid changes while on COCs. Women with hypertriglyceridemia, or a family history thereof, may be at an increased risk of pancreatitis when using COCs. 5.7 Headache If a woman taking levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol develops new headaches that are recurrent, persistent, or severe, evaluate the cause and discontinue levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol if indicated. Consider discontinuation of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol in the case of increased frequency or severity of migraine during COC use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event) [see Contraindications ( 4) ]. 5.8 Bleeding Irregularities and Amenorrhea Bleeding and/or spotting that occurs at any time while taking the first 84 tablets of each extended-cycle regimen is considered “unscheduled” bleeding/spotting. Bleeding that occurs during the time a woman takes the seven white inert tablets is considered “scheduled” bleeding. Unscheduled and Scheduled Bleeding and Spotting Unscheduled (breakthrough) bleeding and spotting sometimes occur in patients on COCs, especially during the first 3 months of use. If unscheduled bleeding persists or occurs after previously regular cycles on levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, check for causes such as pregnancy or malignancy. If pathology and pregnancy are excluded, bleeding irregularities may resolve over time or with a change to a different COC. Before prescribing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, advise the woman to weigh the convenience of fewer scheduled menses (4 per year instead of 13 per year) against the inconvenience of increased unscheduled bleeding and/or spotting. The clinical trial of the efficacy of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol (91-day cycles) in preventing pregnancy also assessed scheduled and unscheduled bleeding. The participants in the study were composed primarily of women who had used oral contraceptives previously as opposed to new users. Women with a history of breakthrough bleeding/spotting ≥ 10 consecutive days on oral contraceptives were excluded from the study. More levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol subjects, compared to subjects on the comparator 28-day cycle regimen, discontinued prematurely for unacceptable bleeding (7.7% [levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol] vs. 1.8% [28-day cycle regimen]). Unscheduled bleeding and unscheduled spotting decreased over successive 91-day cycles. Table 3 below presents the number of days with unscheduled bleeding and/or spotting for each respective 91-day cycle. Table 3 Number of Unscheduled Bleeding and/or Spotting Days per 91-day Cycle Cycle (N) Days of Unscheduled Bleeding and/or Spotting per 84-Day Interval Median Days Per Subject- Month Mean Q1 Median Q3 1 (446) 15.1 3 12 23 3 2 (368) 11.6 2 6 17.5 1.5 3 (309) 10.6 1 6 15 1.5 4 (282) 8.8 1 4 14 1 Q1=Quartile 1: 25% of women had ≤ this number of days of unscheduled bleeding/spotting Median: 50% of women had ≤ this number of days of unscheduled bleeding/spotting Q3=Quartile 3: 75% of women had ≤ this number of days of unscheduled bleeding/spotting Table 4 shows the percentages of women with ≥7 days and ≥20 days of unscheduled spotting and/or bleeding in the levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol and the 28-day cycle treatment groups. Table 4 Percentage of Subjects with Unscheduled Bleeding and/or Spotting Days of unscheduled bleeding and/or spotting Percentage of Subjects a Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Cycle 1 (N=385) Cycle 4 (N=261) ≥7 days 65% 42% ≥20 days 35% 15% 28-day regimen Cycle 1-4 (N=194) Cycle 10-13 (N=158) ≥7 days 38% 39% ≥20 days 6% 4% a Based on spotting and/or bleeding on days 1 to 84 of a 91 day cycle in the levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol subjects and days 1 to 21 of a 28 day cycle over 4 cycles in the 28-day dosing regimen. Total days of bleeding and/or spotting (scheduled plus unscheduled) were similar over one year of treatment for levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol subjects and subjects on the 28-day cycle regimen. Amenorrhea and Oligomenorrhea Women who are not pregnant and use levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol may experience amenorrhea. Based on data from the clinical trial, amenorrhea occurred in approximately 0.8% of women during Cycle 1, 1.2% of women during Cycle 2, 3.7% of women during Cycle 3, and 3.4% of women during Cycle 4. Because women using levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol will likely have scheduled bleeding only 4 times per year, rule out pregnancy at the time of any missed menstrual period. Some women may experience amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea after stopping COCs, especially when such a condition was pre-existent. 5.9 COC 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. Studies also do not suggest a teratogenic effect, particularly in so far as cardiac anomalies and limb-reduction defects are concerned, when oral contraceptives are taken inadvertently during early pregnancy. Discontinue levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol use if pregnancy is confirmed. Administration of oral contraceptives to induce withdrawal bleeding should not be used as a test for pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )]. 5.10 Depression Depression associated with the use of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol has been reported. Carefully observe women with a history of depression and discontinue levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol if severe depression recurs. 5.11 Malignant Neoplasms Breast Cancer Introvale 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 COC use has been associated with an increase in the risk of cervical cancer or intraepithelial neoplasia. However, there continues to be controversy about the extent to which such findings may be due to differences in sexual behavior and other factors. 5.12 Effect on Binding Globulins The estrogen component of COCs 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 Monitoring A woman who is taking COCs should have a yearly visit with her healthcare provider for a blood pressure check and for other indicated health care. 5.14 Hereditary Angioedema In women with hereditary angioedema, exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema. 5.15 Chloasma Chloasma may occasionally occur, especially in women with a history of chloasma gravidarum. Women with a tendency to develop chloasma should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation while taking levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. 5.3 Risk of Liver Enzyme Elevations with Concomitant Hepatitis C Treatment During clinical trial with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen that contains ombitasvir/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 streadiol-containing medications, such as COCs. Discontinue Introvale prior to starting therapy with the combination drug regimen ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir. Introvale can be restarted approximately 2 weeks following completion of treatment with Hepatitis C combination drug regimen.
Boxed Warning
CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptive (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 are contraindicated in women who are over 35 years of age and smoke [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. WARNING: CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Introvale (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets) 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
Introvale 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 women who are known to: Smoke, if over age 35 [ see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ]. Have deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, now or in the past [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ]. Have inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathies [ 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 uncontrolled hypertension [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ]. Have diabetes mellitus with vascular disease [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ]. Have headaches with focal neurological symptoms or migraine headaches with aura [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ]. Women over age 35 with any migraine headaches [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ]. Liver tumors, benign or malignant, or liver disease [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 ) ]. Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 ) ]. Pregnancy, because there is no reason to use COCs during pregnancy [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 ) ]. Current diagnosis of, or history of, breast cancer, which may be hormone-sensitive [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )]. Use of Hepatitis C drug combination containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to the potential for ALT elevations [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases ( 4 ) Liver tumors or liver disease ( 4 ) Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding ( 4 ) Pregnancy ( 4 ) Breast cancer or other estrogen- or progestin-sensitive cancer ( 4 ) Use of Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to the potential for ALT elevations ( 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 )] Adverse reactions commonly reported by COC users are: • Irregular uterine bleeding • Nausea • Breast tenderness • Headache The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) reported during clinical trials were headache, menorrhagia, nausea, dysmenorrhea, acne, migraine, breast tenderness, weight increased, and depression. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Xiromed, LLC at 1-844-XIROMED (1-844-947-6633) 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 clinical practice. The clinical trial that evaluated the safety and efficacy of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol was a 12-month, randomized, multicenter, open-label study, which enrolled women aged 18 to 40, of whom 456 took at least one dose of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol (345.14 woman-years of exposure) [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Adverse Reactions Leading to Study Discontinuation: 14.9% of the women discontinued from the clinical trial due to an adverse reaction; the most common adverse reactions (≥1% of women) leading to discontinuation in the levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol group were menorrhagia (5.7%), mood swings (1.9%), weight/appetite increase (1.5%), and acne (1.3%). Common Adverse Reactions (≥2% of women): headache (20.6%), menorrhagia (11.6%), nausea (7.5%), dysmenorrhea (5.7%), acne (4.6%), migraine (4.4%), breast tenderness (3.5%), weight increased (3.1%), and depression (2.1%). Serious Adverse Reactions: pulmonary embolus, cholecystitis. 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 - 1.12 (Figure A). Three studies compared breast cancer risk between current or recent COC users (<6 months since last use) and never users of COCs (Figure A). 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 - 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 8-10 years of COC use. Figure A: 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. The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Gastrointestinal disorders: abdominal distension, vomiting General disorders and administration site conditions: chest pain, fatigue, malaise, edema peripheral, pain Immune system disorder: hypersensitivity reactions, including itching, rash, and angioedema Investigations: blood pressure increased Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: muscle spasms, pain in extremity Nervous system disorders: dizziness, loss of consciousness Psychiatric disorders: insomnia Reproductive and breast disorders: dysmenorrhea Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: alopecia Vascular disorders: thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary thrombosis image description
Drug Interactions
Consult the labeling of concurrently used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with hormonal contraceptives or the potential for enzyme alterations. Drugs or herbal products that induce certain enzymes (for example CYP3A4) may decrease the effectiveness of COCs or increase breakthrough bleeding. Counsel patients to use a back-up or alternative method of contraception when enzyme inducers are used with COCs. ( 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 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 COCs 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 oral 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 COCs, and to continue back-up contraception for 28 days after discontinuing the enzyme inducer to ensure contraceptive reliability. Colesevelam Colesevelam, a bile acid sequestrant, given together with a COC, has been shown to significantly decrease the AUC of EE. The drug interaction between the contraceptive and colesevelam was decreased when the two drug products were given 4 hours apart. Substances increasing the plasma concentrations of COCs Co-administration of atorvastatin or rosuvastatin and certain COCs containing ethinyl estradiol (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 co-administration 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., nevirapine] or increase [e.g., etravirine]). 7.2 Effects of Combined Oral 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 the serum concentration of thyroid-binding globulin increases with use of COCs [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )]. 7.3 Concomitant Use with Hepatitis C Vaccine (HCV) Combination Therapy - Liver Enzyme Elevation Do not administer Introvale with HCV drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to potential for ALT elevations. 7.4 Interactions with Laboratory Tests The use of contraceptive steroids may influence the results of certain laboratory tests, such as coagulation factors, lipids, glucose tolerance, and binding proteins. 7.3 Concomitant Use with Hepatitis C Vaccine (HCV) Combination Therapy - Liver Enzyme Elevation Do not administer Introvale with HCV drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to potential for ALT elevations.
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