Drug Facts
Composition & Profile
Identifiers & Packaging
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Femynor™ (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP) is available in a blister pack (NDC 69238-1551-6) Each blister pack (28 tablets) contains in the following order: 21 red, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets debossed with "E3" on one side, containing 0.25 mg norgestimate and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol 7 white, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets (non-hormonal placebo) debossed with "C2" on one side containing inert ingredients Keep out of reach of children. 16.2 Storage Conditions Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light.; PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL carton; blister card
- 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Femynor™ (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP) is available in a blister pack (NDC 69238-1551-6) Each blister pack (28 tablets) contains in the following order: 21 red, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets debossed with "E3" on one side, containing 0.25 mg norgestimate and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol 7 white, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets (non-hormonal placebo) debossed with "C2" on one side containing inert ingredients Keep out of reach of children. 16.2 Storage Conditions Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light.
- PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL carton
- blister card
Overview
Femynor™ (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP) is a combination oral contraceptive containing the progestational compound norgestimate and the estrogenic compound ethinyl estradiol. Norgestimate is designated as (18,19-Dinor-17-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one,17-(acetyloxy)-13-ethyl-, oxime,(17α)-(+)-) and ethinyl estradiol is designated as (19-nor-17α-pregna,1,3,5(10)-trien-20-yne-3,17-diol). Each red “active” tablet contains 0.25 mg of norgestimate and 0.035 mg of ethinyl estradiol. Inactive ingredients include croscarmellose sodium, ferric oxide red, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose, lactose anhydrous, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, talc, and titanium dioxide. Each white placebo tablet contains only inert ingredients, as follows: hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polacrilin potassium, talc and titanium dioxide. norgestimate formula ethinyl estradiol
Indications & Usage
Femynor Tablets are indicated for use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy [ see Clinical Studies (14) ]. Femynor are estrogen/progestin COCs, indicated for use by women to prevent pregnancy. ( 1 )
Dosage & Administration
Take one tablet daily by mouth at the same time every day. ( 2.2 ) Take tablets in the order directed on the blister pack. ( 2.2 ) Do not skip or delay tablet intake. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 How to Start Femynor Femynor is dispensed in a blister pack [ see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16) ]. Femynor may be started using either a Day 1 start or a Sunday start (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. 2.2 How to Take Femynor Table 1: Instructions for Administration of Femynor Starting COCs in women not currently using hormonal contraception (Day 1 Start or Sunday Start) Important: Consider the possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of this product. Tablet Color: Femynor active tablets are red (Day 1 to Day 21). Femynor has white inactive tablets (Day 22 to Day 28). Day 1 Start: Take first red “active” tablet without regard to meals on the first day of menses. Take subsequent red “active” tablets once daily at the same time each day for a total of 21 days. Take one white “inactive” tablet daily for 7 days and at the same time of day that red “active” tablets were taken. Begin each subsequent pack on the same day of the week as the first cycle pack (i.e., on the day after taking the last white “inactive” tablet) Sunday Start: Take first red “active” tablet without regard to meals on the first Sunday after the onset of menses. Due to the potential risk of becoming pregnant, use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) for the first seven days of the patient's first cycle pack of Femynor . Take subsequent red “active” tablets once daily at the same time each day for a total of 21 days. Take one white “inactive” tablet daily for the following 7 days and at the same time of day that red “active” tablets were taken. Begin each subsequent pack on the same day of the week as the first cycle pack (i.e., on the Sunday after taking the last white “inactive” tablet) and additional non-hormonal contraceptive is not needed. Switching to Femynor 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 Femynor Start Femynor : Transdermal patch On the day when next application would have been scheduled Vaginal ring On the day when next insertion would have been scheduled Injection On the day when next injection would have been scheduled Intrauterine contraceptive On the day of removal If the IUD is not removed on first day of the patient's menstrual cycle, additional non-hormonal contraceptive (such as condoms and spermicide) is needed for the first seven days of the first cycle pack. 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 Femynor after Abortion or Miscarriage First-trimester After a first-trimester abortion or miscarriage, Femynor may be started immediately. An additional method of contraception is not needed if Femynor is started immediately. If Femynor is not started within 5 days after termination of the pregnancy, the patient should use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) for the first seven days of her first cycle pack of Femynor. Second-trimester Do not start until 4 weeks after a second-trimester abortion or miscarriage, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start Femynor, following the instructions in Table 1 for Day 1 or Sunday start, as desired. If using Sunday start, use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) for the first seven days of the patient's first cycle pack of Femynor. [ See Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , and FDA-Approved Patient Labeling .] Starting Femynor after Childbirth Do not start until 4 weeks after delivery, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start contraceptive therapy with Femynor following the instructions in Table 1 for women not currently using hormonal contraception. Femynor is not recommended for use in lactating women [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ]. If the woman has not yet had a period postpartum, consider the possibility of ovulation and conception occurring prior to use of Femynor. [ See Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1 and 8.3 ), and FDA-Approved Patient Labeling ]. SET THE DAY: □ Day 1 Start: Take the first pill of the first blister pack during the first 24 hours of your period. □ Sunday Start: Take the first pill of the first blister pack on the Sunday after your period starts, even if you are still bleeding. If your period begins on Sunday, start the blister pack that same day. blister for inserts 2.3 Missed Tablets Table 2: Instructions for Missed Femynor Tablets If one red “active” tablet is missed in Weeks 1, 2, or 3 Take the tablet as soon as possible. Continue taking one tablet a day until the pack is finished. If two red “active” tablets are missed in Week 1 or Week 2 Take the two missed tablets as soon as possible and the next two red “active” tablets the next day. Continue taking one tablet a day until the pack is finished. Additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) should be used as back-up if the patient has sex within 7 days after missing tablets. If two red “active” tablets are missed in the third week or three or more red “active” tablets are missed in a row in Weeks 1, 2, or 3 Day 1 start : Throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack that same day. Sunday start : Continue taking one tablet a day until Sunday, then throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack that same day. Additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) should be used as back-up if the patient has sex within 7 days after missing 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 red “active” tablet, handle this as a missed tablet [ see FDA-approved Patient Labeling ].
Warnings & Precautions
Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Problems : Stop Femynor 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 Femynor if jaundice occurs. ( 5.2 ) High blood pressure : If used in women with well-controlled hypertension monitor blood pressure and stop Femynor if blood pressure rises significantly. ( 5.3 ) Carbohydrate and lipid metabolic effects : Monitor prediabetic and diabetic women taking Femynor. Consider an alternate contraceptive method for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia. ( 5.5 ) Headache : Evaluate significant change in headaches and discontinue Femynor if indicated. ( 5.6 ) Bleeding Irregularities and Amenorrhea : Evaluate irregular bleeding or amenorrhea. ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Problems Stop Femynor if an arterial thrombotic event or venous thromboembolic (VTE) event occurs. Stop Femynor if there is unexplained loss of vision, proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions. Evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately [ see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. If feasible, stop Femynor 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 Femynor 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 COCs also increases the risk of arterial thromboses such as strokes and myocardial infarctions, especially in women with other risk factors for these events. 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 Femynor in women with liver disease, such as acute viral hepatitis or severe (decompensated) cirrhosis of 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 Femynor if jaundice develops. Liver Tumors Femynor 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 risk of liver cancers in COC users is less than one case per million users. 5.3 High Blood Pressure Femynor 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 Femynor 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 with extended duration of use. The incidence of hypertension increases with increasing concentrations of progestin. 5.4 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. 5.5 Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Effects Carefully monitor prediabetic and diabetic women who take Femynor. 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. 5.6 Headache If a woman taking Femynor develops new headaches that are recurrent, persistent, or severe, evaluate the cause and discontinue Femynor if indicated. Consider discontinuation of Femynor in the case of increased frequency or severity of migraine during COC use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event). 5.7 Bleeding Irregularities and Amenorrhea Unscheduled Bleeding and Spotting Unscheduled (breakthrough or intracyclic) bleeding and spotting sometimes occur in patients on COCs, especially during the first three months of use. If bleeding persists or occurs after previously regular cycles, 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 contraceptive product. In clinical trials of Femynor, the frequency and duration of breakthrough bleeding and/or spotting was assessed in 1,647 patients (21,275 evaluable cycles). A total of 100 (7.5%) women discontinued Femynor, at least in part, due to bleeding or spotting. Based on data from the clinical trials, 14 to 34% of women experienced unscheduled bleeding per cycle in the first year. The percent of women who experienced breakthrough/unscheduled bleeding tended to decrease over time. Amenorrhea and Oligomenorrhea Women who use Femynor may experience amenorrhea. Some women may experience amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea after discontinuation of COCs, especially when such a condition was pre-existent. If scheduled (withdrawal) bleeding does not occur, consider the possibility of pregnancy. If the patient has not adhered to the prescribed dosing schedule (missed one or more red “active” tablets or started taking them on a day later than she should have), consider the possibility of pregnancy at the time of the first missed period and take appropriate diagnostic measures. If the patient has adhered to the prescribed regimen and misses two consecutive periods, rule out pregnancy. 5.8 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 Femynor use if pregnancy is confirmed. Administration of COCs to induce withdrawal bleeding should not be used as a test for pregnancy [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]. 5.9 Depression Carefully observe women with a history of depression and discontinue Femynor if depression recurs to a serious degree. 5.10 Carcinoma of Breast and Cervix Femynor is contraindicated in women who currently have or have had breast cancer because breast cancer may be hormonally sensitive [ see Contraindications (4) ]. There is substantial evidence that COCs do not increase the incidence of breast cancer. Although some past studies have suggested that COCs might increase the incidence of breast cancer, more recent studies have not confirmed such findings. 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. 5.11 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. 5.12 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 healthcare. 5.13 Hereditary Angioedema In women with hereditary angioedema, exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema. 5.14 Chloasma Chloasma may occasionally occur, especially in women with a history of chloasma gravidarum. Women with a tendency to chloasma should avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation while taking Femynor.
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 . Femynor is contraindicated in women over 35 years old who smoke. ( 4 ) Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptives (COC) use. ( 4 )
Contraindications
Do not prescribe Femynor to women who are known to have 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 (5.3) ] Have diabetes mellitus with vascular disease [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Have headaches with focal neurological symptoms or migraine headaches with aura [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Women over age 35 with any migraine headaches [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Liver tumors, benign or malignant, or liver disease [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Pregnancy, because there is no reason to use COCs during pregnancy [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] Breast cancer or other estrogen- or progestin-sensitive cancer, now or in the past [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] 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 )
Adverse Reactions
The following serious adverse reactions with the use of COCs are discussed elsewhere in 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 reported during clinical trials (≥2%) were: headache/migraine, abdominal/gastrointestinal pain, vaginal infection, genital discharge, breast issues (including breast pain, discharge, and enlargement), mood disorders (including depression and mood altered), flatulence, nervousness, rash. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC at 1-877-835-5472 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 rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The safety of Femynor was evaluated in 1,647 healthy women of child-bearing potential who participated in 3 clinical trials and received at least 1 dose of Femynor for contraception. Two trials were randomized active-controlled trials and 1 was an uncontrolled open-label trial. In all 3 trials, subjects were followed for up to 24 cycles. Common Adverse Reactions (≥ 2% of subjects) : The most common adverse reactions reported by at least 2% of the 1,647 women were the following in order of decreasing incidence: headache/migraine (32.9%), abdominal/gastrointestinal pain (7.8%), vaginal infection (8.4%), genital discharge (6.8%), breast issues (including breast pain, discharge, and enlargement) (6.3%), mood disorders (including depression and mood altered) (5.0%), flatulence (3.2%), nervousness (2.9%), and rash (2.6%). Adverse Reactions Leading to Study Discontinuation : Over the three trials, between 11 to 21% of subjects discontinued the trial due to an adverse reaction. The most common adverse reactions (≥1%) leading to discontinuation were: metrorrhagia (6.9%), nausea/vomiting (5.0%), headache (4.1%), mood disorders (including depression and mood altered) (2.4%), premenstrual syndrome (1.7%), hypertension (1.4%), breast pain (1.4%), nervousness (1.3%), amenorrhea (1.1%), dysmenorrhea (1.1%), weight increased (1.1%), and flatulence (1.1%). Serious Adverse Reactions : breast cancer (1 subject), mood disorders including depression, irritability, and mood swings (1 subject), myocardial infarction (1 subject), and venous thromboembolic events including pulmonary embolism (1 subject) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (1 subject). 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following additional adverse drug reactions have been reported from worldwide postmarketing experience with norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Infections and Infestations : Urinary tract infection; Neoplasms Benign, Malignant and Unspecified (Incl. Cysts and Polyps) : Breast cancer, benign breast neoplasm, hepatic adenoma, focal nodular hyperplasia, breast cyst; Immune System Disorders : Hypersensitivity; Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders : Dyslipidemia; Psychiatric Disorders : Anxiety, insomnia; Nervous System Disorders : Syncope, convulsion, paresthesia, dizziness; Eye Disorders : Visual impairment, dry eye, contact lens intolerance; Ear and Labyrinth Disorders : Vertigo; Cardiac Disorders : Tachycardia, palpitations; Vascular Events : Deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, retinal vascular thrombosis, hot flush; Arterial Events : Arterial thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident; Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders : Dyspnea; Gastrointestinal Disorders : Pancreatitis, abdominal distension, diarrhea, constipation; Hepatobiliary Disorders : Hepatitis; Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders : Angioedema, erythema nodosum, hirsutism, night sweats, hyperhidrosis, photosensitivity reaction, urticaria, pruritus, acne; Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue, and Bone Disorders : Muscle spasms, pain in extremity, myalgia, back pain; R eproductive System and Breast Disorders : Ovarian cyst, suppressed lactation, vulvovaginal dryness; 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. No drug-drug interaction studies were conducted with Femynor. Drugs or herbal products that induce certain enzymes including 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 : 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 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 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., boceprevir and telaprevir]) or with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase 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. 7.3 Interference 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.
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