Desogestrel And Ethinyl Estradiol - Desogestrel And Ethinyl Estradiol prescribing information
WARNING: 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 desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, should not be used by women who are over 35 years of age and smoke.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP are indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use oral contraceptives as a method of contraception.
Oral contraceptives are highly effective. Table I lists the typical accidental pregnancy rates for users of combined 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 these methods can result in lower failure rates.
In a clinical trial with desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets 1,195 subjects completed 11,656 cycles and a total of 10 pregnancies were reported. This represents an overall user-efficacy (typical user-efficacy) pregnancy rate of 1.12 per 100 women-years. This rate includes patients who did not take the drug correctly.
| TABLE I: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 3 | ||
| Method | Typical Use 1 | Perfect Use 2 | |
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) |
| Chance 4 | 85 | 85 | |
| Spermicides 5 | 26 | 6 | 40 |
| Periodic abstinence | 25 | 63 | |
| Calendar | 9 | ||
| Ovulation Method | 3 | ||
| Sympto-Thermal 6 | 2 | ||
| Post-Ovulation | 1 | ||
| Withdrawal | 19 | 4 | |
| Cap 7 | |||
| Parous Women | 40 | 26 | 42 |
| Nulliparous Women | 20 | 9 | 56 |
| Sponge | |||
| Parous Women | 40 | 20 | 42 |
| Nulliparous Women | 20 | 9 | 56 |
| Diaphragm 7 | 20 | 6 | 56 |
| Condom 8 | |||
| Female (Reality) ® | 21 | 5 | 56 |
| Male | 14 | 3 | 61 |
| Pill | 5 | 71 | |
| Progestin Only | 0.5 | ||
| Combined | 0.1 | ||
| IUD | |||
| Progesterone T | 2.0 | 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 |
Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Treatment initiated within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse reduces the risk of pregnancy by at least 75%. 9
Lactational Amenorrhea Method: LAM is highly effective, temporary method of contraception. 10
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.
1 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.
2 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.
3 Among couples attempting to avoid pregnancy, the percentage who continue to use a method for one year.
4 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.
5 Foams, creams, gels, vaginal suppositories, and vaginal film.
6 Cervical mucus (ovulation) method supplemented by calendar in the pre-ovulatory and basal body temperature in the post-ovulatory phases.
7 With spermicidal cream or jelly.
8 Without spermicides.
9 The treatment schedule is one dose within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, and a second dose 12 hours after the first dose. The FDA 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 4 yellow pills).
10 However, to maintain effective protection against pregnancy, another method of contraception must be used as soon as menstruation resumes, the frequency of duration of breastfeeds is reduced, bottle feeds are introduced, or the baby reaches 6 months of age.
Desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets have not been studied for and is not indicated for use in emergency contraception .
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets must be taken exactly as directed and at intervals not exceeding 24 hours. Desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets may be initiated using either a Sunday start or a Day 1 start.
NOTE: Each cycle pack dispenser is preprinted with the days of the week, starting with Sunday, to facilitate a Sunday start regimen. Six different “day label stickers” are provided with each cycle pack dispenser in order to accommodate a Day 1 start regimen. In this case, the patient should place the self-adhesive “day label sticker” that corresponds to her starting day over the preprinted days.
IMPORTANT: The possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of use of desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets should be considered.
DAY 1 START
The dosage of desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets for the initial cycle of therapy is one orange "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". Tablets are taken without interruption as follows: One orange "active" tablet daily for 21 days, then one white "reminder" tablet daily for 7 days. After 28 tablets have been taken, a new course is started and a orange "active" tablet is taken the next day.
The use of desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol 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 .) If the patient starts on desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets postpartum, and has not yet had a period, she should be instructed to use another method of contraception until a orange "active" tablet has been taken daily for 7 days. The possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of medication should be considered. If the patient misses one (1) orange "active" tablet in Weeks 1, 2, or 3, the orange "active" tablet should be taken as soon as she remembers. If the patient misses two (2) orange "active" tablets in Week 1 or Week 2, the patient should take two (2) orange "active" tablets the day she remembers and two (2) orange "active" tablets the next day; and then continue taking one (1) orange "active" tablet a day until she finishes the pack. The patient should be instructed to use a back-up method of birth control such as condoms or spermicide if she has sex in the seven (7) days after missing pills. If the patient misses two (2) orange "active" tablets in the third week or misses three (3) or more orange "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.
SUNDAY START
When taking desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, the first orange "active" tablet should be taken on the first Sunday after menstruation begins. If the period begins on Sunday, the first orange "active" tablet is taken on that day. If switching directly from another oral contraceptive, the first orange "active" tablet should be taken on the first Sunday after the last ACTIVE tablet of the previous product. Tablets are taken without interruption as follows: One orange "active" tablet daily for 21 days, then one white "reminder" tablet daily for 7 days. After 28 tablets have been taken, a new course is started and a orange "active" tablet is taken the next day (Sunday). When initiating a Sunday start regimen, another method of contraception should be used until after the first 7 consecutive days of administration.
The use of desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets for contraception may be initiated 4 weeks postpartum. 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 .) If the patient starts on desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets postpartum, and has not yet had a period, she should be instructed to use another method of contraception until a orange "active" tablet has been taken daily for 7 days. The possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of medication should be considered. If the patient misses one (1) orange active tablet in Weeks 1, 2, or 3, the orange "active" tablet should be taken as soon as she remembers. If the patient misses two (2) orange "active" tablets in Week 1 or Week 2, the patient should take two (2) orange "active" tablets the day she remembers and two (2) orange "active" tablets the next day; and then continue taking one (1) orange "active" 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) orange "active" tablets in the third week or misses three (3) or more orange "active" tablets in a row, the patient should continue taking one orange "active" 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.
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL DOSING REGIMENS
Breakthrough bleeding, spotting, and amenorrhea are frequent reasons for patients discontinuing oral contraceptives. In breakthrough bleeding, as in all cases of irregular bleeding from the vagina, nonfunctional causes should be borne in mind. In undiagnosed persistent or recurrent abnormal bleeding from the vagina, adequate diagnostic measures are indicated to rule out pregnancy or malignancy. If pathology has been excluded, time or a change to another formulation may solve the problem. Changing to an oral contraceptive with a higher estrogen content, while potentially useful in minimizing menstrual irregularity, should be done only if necessary since this may increase the risk of thromboembolic disease.
Use of oral contraceptives in the event of a missed menstrual period:
1. 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 and oral contraceptive use should be discontinued if pregnancy is confirmed.
2. If the patient has adhered to the prescribed regimen and misses two consecutive periods, pregnancy should be ruled out.
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 history)
● Valvular heart disease with complications
● Persistent blood pressure values of ≥160 mm Hg systolic or ≥100 mm 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
● Are receiving Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/ paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to the potential for ALT elevations (see section 5 in WARNINGS, Risk of Liver Enzyme Elevations with Concomitant Hepatitis C Treatment ).
ADVERSE REACTIONS
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mayne Pharma Toll-Free at 1-844-825-8500 or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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
DESCRIPTION
Desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP provide an oral contraceptive regimen of 21 orange tablets each containing 0.15 mg desogestrel (13-ethyl-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17 alpha-pregn-4-en-20-yn-17-ol), and 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol (19-nor-17 alpha-pregna-1,3,5 (10)-trien-20-yne-3,17, diol).
Each "active" orange tablet with "S3" debossed on one side contains the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, pregelatinized corn starch, povidone, stearic acid, vitamin E, HPMC/hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol/polyethylene glycol, D&C Yellow #10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Yellow #6 Aluminium Lake, Iron Oxide Yellow, FD&C Red #40 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue #2 Aluminum Lake. Each "inactive" reminder white, biconvex, round tablets with "P" debossed on one side and " N " on the other side contains the following inactive ingredients: titanium dioxide, polydextrose, hypromellose, triacetin, polyethylene glycol, lactose, magnesium stearate, and pregelatinized corn starch.
The 21 orange tablets meet USP Dissolution Test 2.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Pharmacodynamics
Combined oral contraceptives act by suppression of gonadotropins. Although the primary mechanism of this action is inhibition of ovulation, other alterations include changes in the cervical mucus which increase the difficulty of sperm entry into the uterus, and changes in the endometrium which reduce the likelihood of implantation.
Receptor binding studies, as well as studies in animals, have shown that 3-keto-desogestrel, the biologically active metabolite of desogestrel, combines high progestational activity with minimal intrinsic androgenicity. 91,92 The relevance of this latter finding in humans is unknown.
Pharmacokinetics
Desogestrel is rapidly and almost completely absorbed and converted into 3-ketodesogestrel, its biologically active metabolite. Following oral administration, the relative bioavailability of desogestrel, as measured by serum levels of 3-keto-desogestrel, is approximately 84%.
In the third cycle of use after a single dose of desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, maximum concentrations of 3-keto-desogestrel of 2,805 ± 1,203 pg/mL (mean ± SD) are reached at 1.4 ± 0.8 hours. The area under the curve (AUC 0 -∞) is 33,858 ± 11,043 pg/mL•hr after a single dose. At steady state, attained from at least day 19 onwards, maximum concentrations of 5,840 ± 1,667 pg/mL are reached at 1.4 ± 0.9 hours. The minimum plasma levels of 3-keto-desogestrel at steady state are 1,400 ± 560 pg/mL. The AUC 0-24 at steady state is 52,299 ± 17,878 pg/mL•hr. The mean AUC 0 -∞ for 3-keto-desogestrel at single dose is significantly lower than the mean AUC 0-24 at steady state. This indicates that the kinetics of 3-keto-desogestrel are non-linear due to an increase in binding of 3-keto-desogestrel to sex hormone-binding globulin in the cycle, attributed to increased sex hormone-binding globulin levels which are induced by the daily administration of ethinyl estradiol. Sex hormone-binding globulin levels increased significantly in the third treatment cycle from day 1 (150 ± 64 nmol/L) to day 21 (230 ± 59 nmol/L).
The elimination half-life for 3-keto-desogestrel is approximately 38 ± 20 hours at steady state. In addition to 3-keto-desogestrel, other phase I metabolites are 3α-OH-desogestrel, 3β-OH-desogestrel, and 3α-OH-5α-H-desogestrel. These other metabolites are not known to have any pharmacologic effects, and are further converted in part by conjugation (phase II metabolism) into polar metabolites, mainly sulfates and glucuronides.
Ethinyl estradiol is rapidly and almost completely absorbed. In the third cycle of use after a single dose of desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, the relative bioavailability is approximately 83%.
In the third cycle of use after a single dose of desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, maximum concentrations of ethinyl estradiol of 95 ± 34 pg/mL are reached at 1.5 ± 0.8 hours. The AUC 0 -∞ is 1,471 ± 268 pg/mL•hr after a single dose. At steady state, attained from at least day 19 onwards, maximum ethinyl estradiol concentrations of 141 ± 48 pg/mL are reached at about 1.4 ± 0.7 hours. The minimum serum levels of ethinyl estradiol at steady state are 24 ± 8.3 pg/mL. The AUC 0-24 at steady state is 1,117 ± 302 pg/mL•hr. The mean AUC 0 -∞ for ethinyl estradiol following a single dose during treatment cycle 3 does not significantly differ from the mean AUC 0-24 at steady state. This finding indicates linear kinetics for ethinyl estradiol.
The elimination half-life is 26 ± 6.8 hours at steady state. Ethinyl estradiol is subject to a significant degree of presystemic conjugation (phase II metabolism). Ethinyl estradiol escaping gut wall conjugation undergoes phase I metabolism and hepatic conjugation (phase II metabolism). Major phase I metabolites are 2-OH-ethinyl estradiol and 2-methoxy-ethinyl estradiol. Sulfate and glucuronide conjugates of both ethinyl estradiol and phase I metabolites, which are excreted in bile, can undergo enterohepatic circulation.
HOW SUPPLIED
Desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP contain 21 round orange tablets, and 7 round white tablets in a blister card (NDC 51862-514-01). Each orange tablet (debossed with "S3" on one side) contains 0.15 mg desogestrel and 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol. Each white tablet (debossed with "P" on one side and " N " on the other side) contains inert ingredients.
Desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP are available in the following configurations:
Carton of 1 NDC 51862-514-02
Carton of 3 NDC 51862-514-03
Carton of 6 NDC 51862-514-06
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)[See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
