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These highlights do not include all the information needed to use Estarylla safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for Estarylla.Estarylla® (NORGESTIMATE and ETHINYL ESTRADIOL tablets) for oral useInitial U.S. Approval: 1989


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)].


Recent Major Changes


1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE


1.1 Oral Contraceptive

Estarylla (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets) are indicated for use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy [see CLINICAL STUDIES (14)].


2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION


2.1 How to Start Estarylla?

Estarylla (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets), dispensed in a blister pack [see HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING (16)]. Estarylla 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 Estarylla?

Starting Estaryllaafter Abortion or Miscarriage

First-trimester

Second-trimester

Starting Estaryllaafter Childbirth

BEFORE YOU START TAKING YOUR PILLS

The pill blister pack has 21 active pills (with hormones) to take for 3 weeks. This is followed by 1 week of reminder green pills (without hormones).

There are 21 blue active pills, and 7 green reminder pills.

3. ALSO FIND:

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:•Estarylla active tablets are blue (Day 1 to Day 21).•Estarylla has green inactive tablets (Day 22 to Day 28)Day 1 Start:•Take first active tablet without regard to meals on the first day of menses.•Take subsequent active tablets once daily at the same time each day for a total of 21 days.•Take one green inactive tablet daily for 7 days and at the same time of day that active tablets were taken.•Begin each subsequent blister pack on the same day of Estarylla™ the week as the first cycle blister pack (i.e., on the day after taking the last inactive tablet)
Sunday Start:•Take first 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 blister pack of Estarylla.•Take subsequent active tablets once daily at the same time each day for a total of 21 days.•Take one green inactive tablet daily for the following 7 days and at the same time of day that active tablets were taken.•Begin each subsequent blister pack on the same day of the week as the first cycle blister pack (i.e., on the Sunday after taking the last inactive tablet) and additional non-hormonal contraceptive is not needed.
Switching to Estaryllafrom another oral contraceptive Start on the same day that a new blister pack of the previous oral contraceptive would have started.
Switching from another contraceptive method to EstaryllaStart Estarylla:
•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 blister pack.
•Implant•On the day of removal
  • •After a first-trimester abortion or miscarriage, Estarylla may be started immediately. An additional method of contraception is not needed if Estarylla is started immediately.
  • •If Estarylla 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 blister pack of Estarylla.

2.3 Missed Tablets

Table 2: Instructions for Missed EstaryllaTablets

If one 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 blister pack is finished.
If two active tablets are missed in Week 1 or Week 2 Take the two missed tablets as soon as possible and the next two active tablets the next day. Continue taking one tablet a day until the blister 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 active tablets are missed in the third week or three or more active tablets are missed in a row in Weeks 1, 2, or 3Day 1 start:Throw out the rest of the blister 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 blister pack and start a new blister 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 an active tablet, handle this as a missed tablet [see FDA-Approved Patient Labeling].


3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

  • •Estarylla is available in blister cards. Each blister pack contains 28 tablets in the following order:
  • •21 active tablets are blue, round, debossed with SZ on one side and T4 on the other side.
  • •7 inert tablets are green, round, debossed with SZ on one side and J1 on the other side.

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

Estarylla 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)]
  • •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 (5.8) 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)]

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS


5.1 Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Problems

  • •Stop norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol if an arterial thrombotic event or venous thromboembolic (VTE) event occurs.
  • •Stop norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol 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 norgestimate 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 norgestimate 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 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 norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol 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 norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol if jaundice develops.

Liver Tumors

Norgestimate 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 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 trials 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 estradiol-containing medications, such as COCs. Discontinue norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol prior to starting therapy with the combination drug regimen ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir [see CONTRAINDICATIONS (4)]. Norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol can be restarted approximately 2 weeks following completion of treatment with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen.


5.4 High Blood Pressure

Norgestimate 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 norgestimate 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 with extended duration of use. The incidence of hypertension increases with increasing concentrations 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 take norgestimate 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 norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol develops new headaches that are recurrent, persistent, or severe, evaluate the cause and discontinue norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol if indicated.

Consider discontinuation of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol in the case of increased frequency or severity of migraine during COC use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event).


5.8 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 norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol, the frequency and duration of breakthrough bleeding and/or spotting was assessed in 1,647 patients (21,275 evaluable cycles) and 4,826 patients (35,546 evaluable cycles), respectively. A total of 100 (7.5%) women discontinued norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol, at least in part, due to bleeding or spotting. Based on data from the clinical trials, 14 to 34% of women using norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol 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 norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol 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 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.


5.9 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 norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol 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)].


5.10 Depression

Carefully observe women with a history of depression and discontinue norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol if depression recurs to a serious degree.


5.11 Malignant Neoplasms

Breast Cancer

Estarylla 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 smallincrease 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 healthcare.


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 chloasma should avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation while taking norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol.


6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

The following serious adverse reactions with the use of COCs are discussed elsewhere in labeling:

Adverse reactions commonly reported by COC users are:

  • •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)]

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 norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol was evaluated in 1,647 healthy women of child-bearing potential who participated in 3 clinical trials and received at least 1 dose of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol 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%), 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%), 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

Post Marketing 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 2). Three studies compared breast cancer risk between current or recent COC users (<6 months since last use) and never users of COCs (Figure 2). One of these studies reported no association between breast cancer risk and COC use. The other two studies found an increased relative risk of 1.19 - 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 2: Risk of Breast Cancer with Combined Oral Contraceptive Use

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 additional adverse drug reactions have been reported from worldwide postmarketing experience with norgestimate and 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;

Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: Ovarian cyst, suppressed lactation, vulvovaginal dryness;

General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Chest pain, asthenic conditions.


7 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 norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol.


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

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.

  • •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.

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.


7.4 Concomitant Use with HCV Combination Therapy - Liver Enzyme Elevation

Do not co-administer norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol with HCV drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to potential for ALT elevations [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.3)].


8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS


8.1 Pregnancy

There is little or no increased risk of birth defects in women who inadvertently use COCs during early pregnancy. Epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses have not found an increased risk of genital or non-genital birth defects (including cardiac anomalies and limb reduction defects) following exposure to low dose COCs prior to conception or during early pregnancy.

Do not administer COCs to induce withdrawal bleeding as a test for pregnancy. Do not use COCs during pregnancy to treat threatened or habitual abortion.


8.3 Nursing Mothers

Advise the nursing mother to use other forms of contraception, when possible, until she has weaned her child. COCs can reduce milk production in breastfeeding mothers. This is less likely to occur once breastfeeding is well-established; however, it can occur at any time in some women. Small amounts of oral contraceptive steroids and/or metabolites are present in breast milk.


8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets have been established in women of reproductive age. Efficacy is expected to be the same for post-pubertal adolescents under the age of 18 and for users 18 years and older. Use of this product before menarche is not indicated.


8.5 Geriatric Use

Norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol have not been studied in postmenopausal women and are not indicated in this population.


8.6 Hepatic Impairment

The pharmacokinetics of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol has not been studied in subjects with hepatic impairment. However, steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with hepatic impairment. 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. [See CONTRAINDICATIONS (4) and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2).]


8.7 Renal Impairment

The pharmacokinetics of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol has not been studied in women with renal impairment.


10 OVERDOSAGE

There have been no reports of serious ill effects from overdosage of oral contraceptives, including ingestion by children. Overdosage may cause withdrawal bleeding in females and nausea.


11 DESCRIPTION

Each of the following products 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 active blue tablet contains 0.25 mg of norgestimate and 0.035 mg of the ethinyl estradiol. Inactive ingredients include crospovidone, FD & C Blue No.2 Aluminum Lake, lactose anhydrous, magnesium stearate, and pregelatinized starch.
  • •Each green placebo tablet containing only inert ingredients, as follows: crospovidone, D & C Yellow No.10 Aluminum Lake, FD & C Blue No.2 Aluminum Lake, lactose anhydrous, magnesium stearate, and pregelatinized starch.

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY


12.1 Mechanism of Action

  • •Oral ContraceptionCOCs lower the risk of becoming pregnant primarily by suppressing ovulation. Other possible mechanisms may include cervical mucus changes that inhibit sperm penetration and endometrial changes that reduce the likelihood of implantation.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

No specific pharmacodynamic studies were conducted with norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol.


12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Norgestimate (NGM) and EE are rapidly absorbed following oral administration. NGM is rapidly and completely metabolized by first pass (intestinal and/or hepatic) mechanisms to norelgestromin (NGMN) and norgestrel (NG), which are the major active metabolites of norgestimate.

Peak serum concentrations of NGMN and EE are generally reached by 2 hours after administration of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. Accumulation following multiple dosing of the 250 mcg NGM / 35 mcg EE dose is approximately 2-fold for NGMN and EE compared with single dose administration. The pharmacokinetics of NGMN is dose-proportional following NGM doses of 180 mcg to 250 mcg. Steady-state concentration of EE is achieved by Day 7 of each dosing cycle. Steady-state concentrations of NGMN and NG are achieved by Day 21. Non-linear accumulation (approximately 8 fold) of NG is observed as a result of high-affinity binding to SHBG, which limits its biological activity (Table 3).

Food Effect

The effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol has not been studied.

Distribution

NGMN and NG are highly bound (>97%) to serum proteins. NGMN is bound to albumin and not to SHBG, while NG is bound primarily to SHBG. EE is extensively bound (>97%) to serum albumin and induces an increase in the serum concentrations of SHBG.

Metabolism

NGM is extensively metabolized by first-pass mechanisms in the gastrointestinal tract and/or liver. NGM's primary active metabolite is NGMN. Subsequent hepatic metabolism of NGMN occurs and metabolites include NG, which is also active, and various hydroxylated and conjugated metabolites. Although NGMN and its metabolites inhibit a variety of P450 enzymes in human liver microsomes, under the recommended dosing regimen, the in vivo concentrations of NGMN and its metabolites, even at the peak serum levels, are relatively low compared to the inhibitory constant (Ki). EE is also metabolized to various hydroxylated products and their glucuronide and sulfate conjugates.

Excretion

The metabolites of NGMN and EE are eliminated by renal and fecal pathways. Following administration of 14C-norgestimate, 47% (45 to 49%) and 37% (16 to 49%) of the administered radioactivity was eliminated in the urine and feces, respectively. Unchanged NGM was not detected in the urine. In addition to 17-deacetyl norgestimate, a number of metabolites of NGM have been identified in human urine following administration of radiolabeled NGM. These include 18, 19-Dinor-17-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one,17-hydroxy-13-ethyl,(17α)-(-);18,19-Dinor-5β-17-pregnan-20-yn,3α,17β-dihydroxy-13-ethyl,(17α), various hydroxylated metabolites and conjugates of these metabolites.

Mean (SD) Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol During a Three Cycle Study
AnalyteCycleDayCmaxtmax(h)AUC0–24ht1/2 (h)
NGMN111.78 (0.397)1.19 (0.250)9.90 (3.25)18.4 (5.91)
3212.19 (0.655)1.43 (0.680)18.1 (5.53)24.9 (9.04)
NG110.649 (0.49)1.42 (0.69)6.22 (2.46)37.8 (14)
3212.65 (1.11)1.67 (1.32)48.2 (20.5)45 (20.4)
EE1192.2 (24.5)1.2 (0.26)629 (138)10.1 (1.90)
321147 (41.5)1.13 (0.23)1210 (294)15 (2.36)

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY


13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

[See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2, 5.11) and USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS (8.1).]


14 CLINICAL STUDIES


14.1 Contraception

In three US clinical trials with norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol, 1,651 women aged 18 to 38 years were studied for up to 24 cycles, proving a total of 24,272 cycles of exposure. The racial demographic was about 73 to 86% Caucasian, 8 to 13% African-American, 6 to 14% Hispanic with the remainder Asian or Other (≤1%). There were no exclusions on the basis of weight; the weight range for women treated was 82 to 303 lbs, with a mean weight of about 135 lbs. The pregnancy rate was approximately 1 pregnancy per 100 women-years.


16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING


16.1 How Supplied

Estarylla (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP) are available in blisters containing 28 tablets as follows:

Each blister card contains 21 active tablets and 7 inactive tablets. The 21 active tablets are blue, round, debossed with SZ on one side and T4 on the other side. The 7 inert tablets are green, round, debossed with SZ on one side and J1 on the other side.

  •  NDC 70700-119-85, one carton containing 3 blister cards

16.2 Storage Conditions

Keep out of reach of children

  • •Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
  • •Protect from light.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

See FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Use).

Counsel patients about the following information:

ESTARYLLA is a registered trademark of Xiromed Pharma España, S.L.

Manufactured by Laboratorios Leon Farma S.A., Spain

for Xiromed, LLC., Florham Park, NJ 07932

Product of Spain

PI-119-02

Rev. 02/2023

Patient InformationEstarylla®(norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP)

(nor-JES-ti-mate, ETH-i-nil es-tra-DYE-ol)

What is the most important information I should know about Estarylla?

Do not use Estaryllaif you smoke cigarettes and are over 35 years old. Smoking increases your risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from hormonal birth control pills, including death from heart attack, blood clots or stroke. This risk increases with age and the number of cigarettes you smoke.

What is Estarylla?

Estarylla is a birth control pill (oral contraceptive) used by women to prevent pregnancy.

How does Estaryllawork for contraception?

Your chance of getting pregnant depends on how well you follow the directions for taking your birth control pills. The better you follow the directions, the less chance you have of getting pregnant.

Based on the results of clinical studies, about 1 out of 100 women may get pregnant during the first year they use Estarylla.

The following chart shows the chance of getting pregnant for women who use different methods of birth control. Each box on the chart contains a list of birth control methods that are similar in effectiveness. The most effective methods are at the top of the chart. The box on the bottom of the chart shows the chance of getting pregnant for women who do not use birth control and are trying to get pregnant.

Who should not take Estarylla?

Do not take Estaryllaif you:

If any of these conditions happen while you are taking Estarylla, stop taking Estaryllaright away and talk to your healthcare provider. Use non-hormonal contraception when you stop taking Estarylla.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Estarylla?

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.

Estarylla may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how well Estarylla works.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I take Estarylla?

Read the Instructions for Use at the end of this Patient Information.

What are the possible serious side effects of Estarylla?

Serious blood clots can happen especially if you smoke, are obese, or are older than 35 years of age. Serious blood clots are more likely to happen when you:

Call your healthcare provider or go to a hospital emergency room right away if you have:

Other serious side effects include:

What are the most common side effects of Estarylla?

These are not all the possible side effects of Estarylla. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

You may report side effects to Xiromed, LLC. at 1-844-XIROMED (844-947-6633) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What else should I know about taking Estarylla?

How should I store Estarylla?

General information about the safe and effective use of Estarylla.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use Estarylla for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Estarylla to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have.

This Patient Information summarizes the most important information about Estarylla . You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Estarylla that is written for health professionals.

For more information, call Xiromed, LLC. at 1-844-XIROMED (844-947-6633).

Does hormonal birth control cause cancer?

It is not known if hormonal birth control pills causes breast cancer. Some studies, but not all, suggest that there could be a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer among current users with longer duration of use.

If you have breast cancer now, or have had it in the past, do not use hormonal birth control because some breast cancers are sensitive to hormones.

Women who use birth control pills may have a slightly higher chance of getting cervical cancer. However, this may be due to other reasons such as having more sexual partners.

What if I want to become pregnant?

You may stop taking the pill whenever you wish. Consider a visit with your healthcare provider for a pre-pregnancy checkup before you stop taking the pill.

What should I know about my period when taking Estarylla?

Your periods may be lighter and shorter than usual. Some women may miss a period. Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting may happen while you are taking Estarylla, especially during the first few months of use. This usually is not a serious problem. It is important to continue taking your pills on a regular schedule to prevent a pregnancy.

What are the ingredients in Estarylla?

Active ingredients: Each blue pill contains norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol.

Inactive ingredients:

Blue pills: crospovidone, FD & C Blue No.2 Aluminum Lake, lactose anhydrous, magnesium stearate, and pregelatinized starch.

Green pills: crospovidone, D & C Yellow No.10 Aluminum Lake, FD & C Blue No.2 Aluminum Lake, lactose anhydrous, magnesium stearate, and pregelatinized starch.

Instructions For UseEstarylla(norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP)

Important Information about taking Estarylla

Before you start taking Estarylla:

When should I start taking Estarylla?

If you start taking Estaryllaand you have not used a hormonal birth control method before:

If you start taking Estarylla and you are switching from another birth control pill:

If you start taking Estarylla and previously used a vaginal ring or transdermal patch:

If you start taking Estarylla and you are switching from a progestin-only method such as an implant or injection:

If you start taking Estarylla and you are switching from an intrauterine device or system (IUD or IUS):

Keep a calendar to track your period:If this is the first time you are taking birth control pills, read, "When should I start taking Estarylla?" above. Follow these instructions for either a Sunday Start or a Day 1 Start.

Sunday Start:You will use a Sunday Start if your healthcare provider told you to take your first pill on a Sunday.

Day 1 Start:You will use a Day 1 Start if your doctor told you to take your first pill (Day 1) on the first day of your period.

Estarylla comes in a blister pack. Read the instructions below for using your blister pack.

BEFORE YOU START TAKING YOUR PILLS:

1. BE SURE TO READ THESE DIRECTIONS:

Before you start taking your pills.

Anytime you are not sure what to do.

2. THE RIGHT WAY TO TAKE THE PILL IS TO TAKE ONE PILL EVERY DAY AT THE SAME TIME.  If you miss pills you could get pregnant. This includes starting the pack late.

The more pills you miss, the more likely you are to get pregnant.

3. MANY WOMEN HAVE SPOTTING OR LIGHT BLEEDING, OR MAY FEEL SICK TO THEIR STOMACH DURING THE FIRST 1 to 3 PACKS OF PILLS. If you feel sick to your stomach or have spotting or light bleeding, do not stop taking the pill. The problem will usually go away. If it doesn't go away, check with your healthcare professional.

4. MISSING PILLS CAN ALSO CAUSE SPOTTING OR LIGHT BLEEDING, even when you make up these missed pills.

On the days you take 2 pills to make up for missed pills, you could also feel a little sick to your stomach.

5. IF YOU HAVE VOMITING OR DIARRHEA, OR IF YOU TAKE SOME MEDICINES, your pills may not work as well.

Use a back-up method (such as a condom or spermicide) until you check with your healthcare professional.

6. IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING TO TAKE THE PILL, talk to your healthcare professional about how to make pill-taking easier or about using another method of birth control.

7. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR ARE UNSURE ABOUT THE INFORMATION IN THIS LEAFLET, call your healthcare professional.

BEFORE YOU START TAKING YOUR PILLS

1.DECIDE WHAT TIME OF DAY YOU WANT TO TAKE YOUR PILL. 

It is important to take it at about the same time every day.

2.LOOK AT YOUR PILL PACK

The pill pack has 21 active pills (with hormones) to take for 3 weeks. This is followed by 1 week of reminder green pills (without hormones).

There are 21 blue active pills, and 7 green reminder pills.

3. ALSO FIND:

1) where on the pack to start taking pills,

2) in what order to take the pills (follow the arrows)

3) the week numbers as shown in the diagram below.

4.BE SURE YOU HAVE READY AT ALL TIMES:

ANOTHER KIND OF BIRTH CONTROL (such as a condom or spermicide) to use as a back-up method in case you miss pills.

AN EXTRA, FULL PILL PACK.

What should I do if I miss any Estarylla pills?

If you miss 1 pill in Weeks 1, 2, or 3, follow these steps:

If you miss 2 pills in Week 1 or Week 2 of your pack, follow these steps:

If you miss 2 pills in a row in Week 3, or you miss 3 or more pills in a row during Weeks 1, 2, or 3 of the pack, follow these steps:

If you have any questions or are unsure about the information in this leaflet, call your healthcare provider.

This Patient Information and Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of Xiromed, LLC.

ESTARYLLA is a registered trademark of Xiromed Pharma España, S.L.

Manufactured by Laboratorios Leon Farma S.A., Spain

for Xiromed, LLC. Florham Park, NJ 07932

Product of Spain

PIL-119-02

Rev. 02/2023

•leg pain that will not go away•sudden severe shortness of breath•sudden change in vision or blindness•chest pain•a sudden, severe headache unlike your usual headaches•weakness or numbness in your arm or leg•trouble speaking
  • •Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from COC use, and that women who are over 35 years old and smoke should not use COCs [see Boxed Warning].
  • •Increased risk of VTE compared to non-users of COCs is greatest after initially starting a COC or restarting (following a 4-week or greater pill-free interval) the same or a different COC [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)].
  • •Estarylla does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections.
  • •Estarylla is not to be used during pregnancy; if pregnancy occurs during use of Estarylla instruct the patient to stop further use [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.9)].
  • •Take one tablet daily by mouth at the same time every day. Instruct patients what to do in the event tablets are missed [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.2)].
  • •Use a back-up or alternative method of contraception when enzyme inducers are used with Estarylla [see DRUG INTERACTIONS (7.1)].
  • •COCs may reduce breast milk production; this is less likely to occur if breastfeeding is well established [see USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS (8.3)].
  • •Women who start COCs postpartum, and who have not yet had a period, should use an additional method of contraception until they have taken an active tablet for 7 consecutive days [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.2)].
  • •Amenorrhea may occur. Consider pregnancy in the event of amenorrhea at the time of the first missed period. Rule out pregnancy in the event of amenorrhea in two or more consecutive cycles [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.8)].