Label: NATAZIA- estradiol valerate and estradiol valerate/dienogest kit
-
Contains inactivated NDC Code(s)
NDC Code(s): 54868-6183-0 - Packager: Physicians Total Care, Inc.
- This is a repackaged label.
- Source NDC Code(s): 50419-0409
- Category: HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABEL
- DEA Schedule: None
- Marketing Status: New Drug Application
Drug Label Information
Updated October 5, 2010
If you are a consumer or patient please visit this version.
- Download DRUG LABEL INFO: PDF XML
- Official Label (Printer Friendly)
-
HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use Natazia safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for Natazia. Natazia (estradiol valerate and estradiol valerate/dienogest) tablets for oral use Initial U.S. Approval: 2010
WARNING: CIGARETTE SMOKING AND
SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTSSee full prescribing information for complete boxed warning
- Women who are over 35 years old and smoke should not use Natazia.
- Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptive (COC) use.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
Natazia consists of 28 film-coated, unscored tablets in the following order:
- 2 dark yellow tablets each containing 3 mg estradiol valerate
- 5 medium red tablets each containing 2 mg estradiol valerate and 2 mg dienogest
- 17 light yellow tablets each containing 2 mg estradiol valerate and 3 mg dienogest
- 2 dark red tablets each containing 1 mg estradiol valerate
- 2 white tablets (inert) (3)
CONTRAINDICATIONS
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
- Vascular risks: Stop Natazia if a thrombotic event occurs. Stop Natazia at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery. Start Natazia no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breastfeeding. (5.1)
- Liver disease: Discontinue Natazia if jaundice occurs. (5.3)
- High blood pressure: Do not prescribe Natazia for women with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease. (5.4)
- Carbohydrate and lipid metabolic effects: Monitor prediabetic and diabetic women taking Natazia. Consider an alternate contraceptive method for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia. (5.6)
- Headache: Evaluate significant change in headaches and discontinue Natazia if indicated. (5.7)
- Uterine bleeding: Evaluate irregular bleeding or amenorrhea. (5.8)
- CYP3A4 induction: Women taking strong CYP3A4 inducers (for example, carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, and St. John’s wort) should not choose Natazia as their oral contraceptive due to the possibility of decreased contraceptive efficacy. (5.13)
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) in clinical trials for Natazia are headaches, irregular uterine bleeding, breast tenderness, nausea/vomiting, acne and increased weight. (6)
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-888-842-2937 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
DRUG INTERACTIONS
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 method or alternative method of contraception when enzyme inducers are used with COCs. (7.1)
Women taking strong CYP3A4 inducers (for example, carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, and St. John’s wort) should not choose Natazia as their oral contraceptive due to the possibility of decreased contraceptive efficacy. (7.1)
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and FDA-approved patient labeling.
Revised: 10/2010
-
Table of Contents
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1 How to take Natazia
2.2 How to start Natazia
2.3 Advice in case of Gastrointestinal Disturbances
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Thrombotic and Other Vascular Events
5.2 Carcinoma of the Breasts and Reproductive Organs
5.3 Liver Disease
5.4 High Blood Pressure
5.5 Gallbladder Disease
5.6 Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Effects
5.7 Headache
5.8 Bleeding Irregularities
5.9 COC Use Before or During Early Pregnancy
5.10 Emotional Disorders
5.11 Interference with Laboratory Tests
5.12 Monitoring
5.13 Drug Interactions
5.14 Other Conditions
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on Combined Hormonal Contraceptives
7.2 Effects of Combined Hormonal Contraceptives on Other Drugs
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1 Pregnancy
8.3 Nursing Mothers
8.4 Pediatric Use
8.5 Geriatric Use
8.6 Renal Impairment
8.7 Hepatic Impairment
8.8 Body Mass Index
10 OVERDOSAGE
11 DESCRIPTION
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1 Mechanism of Action
12.2 Pharmacodynamics
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
14.1 Oral Contraceptive Clinical Trials
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
16.1 How Supplied
16.2 Storage Conditions
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
17.1 Information for Patients
- *
- Sections or subsections omitted from the full prescribing information are not listed.
-
BOXED WARNING
(What is this?)
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 should not be used by women who are over 35 years of age and smoke. [See Contraindications (4).]
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
-
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Enter section text here
2.1 How to take Natazia
To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, Natazia must be taken exactly as directed. Take one tablet by mouth the same time every day. Tablets must be taken in the order directed on the blister pack. Tablets should not be skipped or intake delayed by more than 12 hours. For patient instructions for missed pills, see FDA-Approved Patient Labeling.
2.2 How to start Natazia
Instruct the patient to begin taking Natazia on Day 1 of her menstrual cycle (that is, the first day of her menstrual bleeding) [see FDA-Approved Patient Labeling]. Instruct the patient to use a non-hormonal contraceptive as back-up during the first 9 days.
For postpartum women who do not breastfeed or after a second trimester abortion, Natazia may be started no earlier than 4 weeks postpartum. Recommend use of a non-hormonal back-up method for the first 9 days. When combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are used during the postpartum period, the increased risk of thromboembolic disease associated with the postpartum period must be considered. The possibility of ovulation and conception before starting COCs should also be considered.
If the patient is switching from a combination hormonal method such as:
-
- Another pill
- Vaginal ring
- Patch
- Instruct her to take the first dark yellow pill on the first day of her withdrawal bleed. She should not continue taking the pills from her previous birth control pack. If she does not have a withdrawal bleed, rule out pregnancy before starting Natazia.
- If she previously used a vaginal ring or transdermal patch, she should start using Natazia on the day the ring or patch is removed.
- Instruct the patient to use a non-hormonal back-up method such as a condom or spermicide for the first 9 days.
If the patient is switching from a progestin-only method such as a:
-
- Progestin-only pill
- Implant
- Intrauterine system
- Injection
- Instruct her to take the first dark yellow pill on the day she would have taken her next progestin-only pill or on the day of removal of her implant or intrauterine system or on the day when she would have had her next injection.
- Instruct the patient to use a non-hormonal back-up method such as a condom or spermicide for the first 9 days.
2.3 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 3-4 hours after taking a colored tablet, this can be regarded as a missed tablet. [See FDA-Approved Patient Labeling.]
-
-
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
Natazia (estradiol valerate and estradiol valerate/dienogest) tablets are available in blister packs.
Each blister pack (28 film-coated tablets) contains in the following order:
- 2 dark yellow tablets each containing 3 mg estradiol valerate
- 5 medium red tablets each containing 2 mg estradiol valerate and 2 mg dienogest
- 17 light yellow tablets each containing 2 mg estradiol valerate and 3 mg dienogest
- 2 dark red tablets each containing 1 mg estradiol valerate
- 2 white tablets (inert)
-
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
Do not prescribe Natazia to women who are known to have the following:
- 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 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 inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Have uncontrolled hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
- Have diabetes with vascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
- Have headaches with focal neurological symptoms or have migraine headaches with or without aura if over age 35 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
- Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
- Breast cancer or other estrogen- or progestin-sensitive cancer, now or in the past [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
- Liver tumors, benign or malignant, or liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
- Pregnancy, because there is no reason to use COCs during pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
- A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases. Examples include
women who are known to:
-
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Enter section text here
5.1 Thrombotic and Other Vascular Events
Stop COCs if an arterial or deep venous thrombotic (VTE) event occurs. Although the use of COCs increases the risk of venous thromboembolism, pregnancy increases the risk of venous thromboembolism as much or more than the use of COCs. The risk of venous thromboembolism in women using COCs is 3 to 9 per 10,000 woman-years. The excess risk is highest during the first year of use of a COC. 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. The risk of thromboembolic disease due to oral contraceptives gradually disappears after COC use is discontinued.
If feasible, stop COCs at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery or other surgeries known to have an elevated risk of thromboembolism.
Start COCs no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breastfeeding. The risk of postpartum thromboembolism decreases after the third postpartum week, whereas the risk of ovulation increases after the third postpartum week.
COCs have been shown to increase both the relative and attributable risks of cerebrovascular events (thrombotic and hemorrhagic strokes), although, in general, the risk is greatest among older (>35 years of age), hypertensive women who also smoke. COCs also increase the risk for stroke in women with other underlying risk factors.
Oral contraceptives must be used with caution in women with cardiovascular disease risk factors. Stop COCs if there is unexplained loss of vision, proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions. Evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately. [See Adverse Reactions (6).]
5.2 Carcinoma of the Breasts and Reproductive Organs
Women who currently have or have had breast cancer should not use COCs because breast cancer is a hormonally-sensitive tumor.
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 COCs are associated with an increase in the risk of cervical cancer or intraepithelial neoplasia. However, there is controversy about the extent to which these findings may be due to differences in sexual behavior and other factors.
Endometrial biopsies performed in a subset of subjects in a Phase 3 Natazia clinical trial did not reveal any unexpected or concerning findings for subjects taking COCs. [See Adverse Reactions (6.1).]
5.3 Liver Disease
Discontinue COCs if jaundice develops. Steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function. 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.
Hepatic adenomas are associated with COC use. An estimate of the attributable risk is 3.3 cases/100,000 COC users. Rupture of hepatic adenomas may cause death through intra-abdominal hemorrhage.
Studies have shown an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in long-term (> 8 years) COC users. However, the attributable risk of liver cancers in COC users is less than one case per million users.
Oral contraceptive-related cholestasis may occur in women with a history of pregnancy-related cholestasis. Women with a history of COC-related cholestasis may have the condition recur with subsequent COC use.
5.4 High Blood Pressure
For women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure and stop COCs if blood pressure rises significantly. Women with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease should not use COCs.
An increase in blood pressure has been reported in women taking COCs, and this increase is more likely in older women and with extended duration of use. The incidence of hypertension increases with increasing concentration of progestin.
5.5 Gallbladder Disease
Studies suggest a small increased relative risk of developing gallbladder disease among COC users.
5.6 Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Effects
Carefully monitor prediabetic and diabetic women who are taking COCs. COCs may decrease glucose tolerance in a dose-related fashion.
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 COCs develops new headaches that are recurrent, persistent, or severe, evaluate the cause and discontinue COCs if indicated.
An increase in frequency or severity of migraine during COC use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event) may be a reason for immediate discontinuation of the COC. [See Adverse Reactions (6).]
5.8 Bleeding Irregularities
Breakthrough 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 COC.
Women who are not pregnant and use Natazia, may experience amenorrhea. Based on patient diaries, amenorrhea occurs in approximately 16% of cycles in women using Natazia. Pregnancy should be ruled out in the event of amenorrhea occurring in two or more consecutive cycles. Some women may encounter amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea after stopping COCs, especially when such a condition was pre-existent.
Based on patient diaries from three clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of Natazia, 10-23% of women experienced intracyclic bleeding per cycle. A total of 38 subjects out of 2,266 (1.7%) discontinued due to metrorrhagia or irregular menstruation.
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 taken inadvertently during early pregnancy. Oral contraceptive use should be discontinued if pregnancy is confirmed.
The administration of oral contraceptives to induce withdrawal bleeding should not be used as a test for pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
5.10 Emotional Disorders
Women with a history of depression should be carefully observed and the COC discontinued if depression recurs to a serious degree.
5.11 Interference with Laboratory Tests
The use of COCs may change the results of some laboratory tests, such as coagulation factors, lipids, glucose tolerance, and binding proteins. Women on thyroid hormone replacement therapy may need increased doses of thyroid hormone because serum concentrations of thyroid-binding globulin increase with use of COCs.
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 Drug Interactions
Women who take medications that are strong CYP3A4 inducers (for example, carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, and St. John’s wort) should not choose Natazia as their oral contraceptive while using these inducers and for at least 28 days after discontinuation of these inducers due to the possibility of decreased contraceptive efficacy. [See Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3).]
5.14 Other Conditions
In women with hereditary angioedema, exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema. 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 COCs.
-
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
The following serious adverse reactions with the use of COCs are discussed elsewhere in the labeling:
- Serious cardiovascular events and smoking [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Vascular events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
Adverse reactions commonly reported by COC users are:
- Irregular uterine bleeding
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Headache
6.1 Clinical Trials 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 practice.
Contraception StudiesTwo multicenter phase 3 clinical trials evaluated the safety and efficacy of Natazia for pregnancy prevention. Both were non-comparative, open-labeled, single-arm studies with a treatment duration up to 28 cycles. A total of 1,867 women aged 18–50 were enrolled and took at least one dose of Natazia. [See Clinical Studies (14.1).]
Adverse Reactions Leading to Study Discontinuation: 11.5% of the women discontinued from the clinical trials due to an adverse reaction; the most frequent adverse reactions leading to discontinuation were metrorrhagia and irregular menstruation (1.9%), acne (1.2%), headache and migraine (1.0%), and weight increase (0.7 %).
Common Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions (≥ 2%): headache (including migraines) (13.2%), metrorrhagia and irregular menstruation (8.0%), breast pain, discomfort or tenderness (6.6%), nausea or vomiting (6.5%), acne (3.9%) and increased weight (2.8%).
Serious Adverse Reactions: deep vein thrombosis, myocardial infarction, focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver, uterine leiomyoma, and ruptured ovarian cyst.
-
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
Enter section text here
7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on Combined Hormonal Contraceptives
Interactions between oral contraceptives and other drugs may lead to breakthrough bleeding and/or contraceptive failure. The following interactions have been reported in the literature for COCs in general or were studied in clinical trials with Natazia.
CYP3A4 Inducers: Drugs or herbal products that induce certain enzymes, including CYP3A4, may decrease the effectiveness of COCs or increase breakthrough bleeding. Some drugs or herbal products that may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives include barbiturates, bosentan, felbamate, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, and topiramate. Counsel women to use an alternative method of contraception or a back-up method when moderate or weak enzyme inducers are used with COCs, and to continue back-up contraception for 28 days after discontinuing the enzyme inducer to ensure contraceptive reliability.
Dienogest is a substrate of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4. Women who take medications that are strong CYP3A4 inducers (for example, carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, and St. John’s wort) should not choose Natazia as their oral contraceptive while using these inducers and for at least 28 days after discontinuation of these inducers due to the possibility of decreased contraceptive efficacy.
The effect of the CYP3A4 inducer rifampicin was studied in healthy postmenopausal women. Co-administration of rifampicin with estradiol valerate/dienogest tablets led to a 52 % and 83% decrease in the mean Cmax and AUC(0 –24hr), respectively, for dienogest and a 25% and 44% decrease in Cmax and AUC(0–24hr), respectively, for estradiol at steady state.
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole increased hormone serum concentrations. In a study investigating the effect of ketoconazole on dienogest and estradiol pharmacokinetics, co-administration with the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole resulted in a 186% increase of AUC (0 –24hr) at steady state for dienogest and a 57% increase for estradiol. There was also a 94% and 65% increase of Cmax at steady state for dienogest and estradiol when co-administered with ketoconazole.
Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors: The AUC (0–24hr) of dienogest and estradiol at steady state were increased by 62% and 33%, respectively, when co-administered with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, erythromycin. There was also a 33% and 51% increase of Cmax at steady state for dienogest and estradiol, respectively, when co-administered with erythromycin.
Other known CYP.3A4 inhibitors like azole antifungals, cimetidine, verapamil, macrolides, diltiazem, antidepressants, and grapefruit juice may increase plasma levels of dienogest.
HIV Protease Inhibitors: Significant changes (increase or decrease) in the plasma levels of estrogen and progestin have been noted in some cases of co-administration of HIV protease inhibitors.
Antibiotics: There have been reports of pregnancy while taking hormonal contraceptives and antibiotics, but clinical pharmacokinetic studies have not shown consistent effects of antibiotics on plasma concentrations of synthetic steroids.
Consult the labeling of all concurrently-used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with hormonal contraceptives or the potential for enzyme alterations.
7.2 Effects of Combined Hormonal Contraceptives on Other Drugs
COCs containing ethinyl estradiol (or mestranol), may inhibit the metabolism of other compounds. COCs have been shown to significantly decrease plasma concentrations of lamotrigine, likely due to induction of lamotrigine glucuronidation. This may reduce seizure control; therefore, dosage adjustments of lamotrigine may be necessary. Consult the labeling of the concurrently-used drug to obtain further information about interactions with COCs or the potential for enzyme alterations.
In vitro studies with human CYP enzymes did not indicate an inhibitory potential of dienogest at clinically relevant concentrations.
-
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Enter section text here
8.3 Nursing Mothers
When possible, advise the nursing mother to use other forms of contraception until she has weaned her child. Estrogen-containing OCs 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 Natazia have been established in women of reproductive age. Efficacy is expected to be the same for postpubertal adolescents under the age of 18 as for users 18 years and older. Use of this product before menarche is not indicated. [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3).]
8.5 Geriatric Use
Natazia has not been studied in postmenopausal women and is not indicated in this population. [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3).]
8.6 Renal Impairment
The pharmacokinetics of Natazia has not been studied in subjects with renal impairment, but an effect requiring dose adjustment is unlikely to be present [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
8.7 Hepatic Impairment
The pharmacokinetics of Natazia has not been studied in subjects with hepatic impairment. Steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function. Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may necessitate the discontinuation of COC use until markers of liver function return to normal. [See Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]
8.8 Body Mass Index
The safety and efficacy of Natazia in women with a BMI of > 30 kg/m2 has not been evaluated. [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3).]
- 10 OVERDOSAGE
-
11 DESCRIPTION
Natazia (estradiol valerate and estradiol valerate/dienogest) tablets provide an oral contraceptive regimen consisting of 26 active film-coated tablets that contain the active ingredients specified for each tablet below, followed by two inert tablets:
- 2 dark yellow tablets each containing 3 mg estradiol valerate
- 5 medium red tablets each containing 2 mg estradiol valerate and 2 mg dienogest
- 17 light yellow tablets each containing 2 mg estradiol valerate and 3 mg dienogest
- 2 dark red tablets each containing 1 mg estradiol valerate
- 2 white tablets (inert)
Natazia also contains the excipients lactose monohydrate, maize starch, maize starch pre-gelatinized, povidone 25, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, macrogol 6000, talc, titanium dioxide, and ferric oxide pigment, yellow, or ferric oxide pigment, red.
The empirical formula of estradiol valerate is C23 H32 O3 and the chemical structure is:
Estradiol Valerate
The chemical name of estradiol valerate is Estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17-diol(17ß)-,17-pentanoate.
The empirical formula of dienogest is C20 H25 NO2 and the chemical structure is:
Dienogest
The chemical name of dienogest is (17α)-17-Hydroxy-3-oxo-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-21-nitrile.
-
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Enter section text here
12.1 Mechanism of Action
COCs 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
The contraceptive effect of COCs is based on the interaction of various factors, the most important of which are the inhibition of ovulation and the changes in the cervical secretion. The estrogen in Natazia is estradiol valerate, a synthetic prodrug of 17ß-estradiol.
The progestin in Natazia is dienogest (DNG). DNG displays properties of 19-nortestosterone derivatives as well as properties associated with progesterone derivatives. [See Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2).]
Cardiac ElectrophysiologyThe effect of Natazia on QT prolongation was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, positive (moxifloxacin 400 mg) and negative (placebo) controlled crossover study in healthy subjects. A total of 53 subjects were administered Natazia (containing 3 mg dienogest and 2 mg estradiol valerate), dienogest 10 mg, and placebo as once daily doses for 4 days, and moxifloxacin 400 mg as a single oral dose. The upper bound of the 90% confidence interval for the largest placebo-adjusted, baseline-corrected QTc based on Fridericia’s correction method (QTcF) was below 10 msec, the threshold for regulatory concern.
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
AbsorptionAfter oral administration of estradiol valerate, cleavage to 17β-estradiol and valeric acid takes place during absorption by the intestinal mucosa or in the course of the first liver passage. This gives rise to estradiol and its metabolites, estrone and other metabolites. Maximum serum estradiol concentrations of 73.3 pg/mL are reached at a median of approximately 6 hours (range: 1.5–12 hours) and the area under the estradiol concentration curve [AUC(0–24hr)] was 1301 pg·hr/mL after single ingestion of a tablet containing 3 mg estradiol valerate under fasted condition on Day 1 of the 28-day sequential regimen.
Bioavailability of dienogest is about 91%. Maximum serum dienogest concentrations of 91.7 ng/mL are reached at a median of approximately 1 hour (range: 0.5–1.5 hour) and the area under the dienogest concentration curve [AUC(0–24hr)] was 964 ng/mL after single oral administration of Natazia tablet containing 2 mg estradiol valerate/3 mg dienogest under fasted condition. The pharmacokinetics of dienogest are dose-proportional within the dose range of 1–8 mg. Steady state is reached after 4 days of the same dosage of 2 mg dienogest. The mean accumulation ratio for AUC (0–24hr) is approximately 1.24.
The mean plasma pharmacokinetic parameters at steady state following repeated oral doses of a 2 mg estradiol valerate/3 mg dienogest combination tablet in fertile women under fasted condition are reported in Table 1.
*Cmax = Maximum serum concentration†Tmax = Time to reach maximum concentration‡Median (range) for Tmax§AUC(0-24hr) = Area under the concentration-time curve from 0 hr data point up to 48 hr post-administration¶NA: Data not availableTable 1: Arithmetic Mean (SD) Serum Pharmacokinetic Parameters at Steady-state (on Day 24) following Repeated Oral Doses of 2 mg EV/3 mg DNG on Days 8-24 of the 28 day Regimen in Fertile Women under Fasted Condition (N=15) Parameter Dienogest Estradiol Estrone Cmax* 85.2 (19.7) ng/ml 70.5 (25.9) pg/ml 483 (198) pg/ml Tmax† (hr)‡ 1.5 (1–2) 3 (1.5–12) 4 (3–12) AUC§(0–24hr) 828 (187) ng·hr/ml 1323 (480) pg·hr/ml 7562 (3403) pg·hr/ml t½ (hr) 12.3 (1.4) NA¶ NA
Food EffectConcomitant food intake in women resulted in a 28% decrease for dienogest Cmax and 23% increase of estradiol Cmax while the exposure (AUC) of both dienogest and estradiol did not change.
DistributionIn serum, 38% of estradiol is bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), 60% to albumin and 2–3% circulates in free form. An apparent volume of distribution of approximately 1.2 L/kg was determined after intravenous (IV) administration.
A relatively high fraction (10%) of circulating dienogest is present in the free form, with approximately 90% being bound non-specifically to albumin. Dienogest does not bind to SHBG and corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG). The volume of distribution at steady state (Vd,ss) of dienogest is 46 L after the IV administration of 85 mcg 3H-dienogest.
MetabolismAfter oral administration of estradiol valerate, approximately 3% of the dose is directly bioavailable as estradiol. Estradiol undergoes an extensive first-pass effect and a considerable part of the dose administered is already metabolized in the gastrointestinal mucosa. The CYP 3A family is known to play the most important role in human estradiol metabolism. Together with the pre-systemic metabolism in the liver, about 95% of the orally administered dose becomes metabolized before entering the systemic circulation. The main metabolites are estrone and its sulfate or glucuronide conjugates.
Dienogest is extensively metabolized by the known pathways of steroid metabolism (hydroxylation, conjugation), with the formation of endocrinologically mostly inactive metabolites. CYP3A4 was identified as a predominant enzyme catalyzing the metabolism of dienogest.
ExcretionEstradiol and its metabolites are mainly excreted in urine, with about 10% being excreted in the feces. The terminal half-life of estradiol is approximately 14 hours.
Dienogest is mainly excreted renally in the form of metabolites and unchanged dienogest is the dominating fraction in plasma. The terminal half-life of dienogest is approximately 11 hours.
Specific PopulationsPediatric Use: Safety and efficacy of Natazia has been established in women of reproductive age. Efficacy is expected to be the same for postpubertal adolescents under the age of 18 as for users 18 years and older. Use of this product before menarche is not indicated. [See Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]
Geriatric Use: Natazia has not been studied in postmenopausal women and is not indicated in this population. [See Use in Specific Populations (8.5).]
Renal Impairment: The pharmacokinetics of Natazia has not been studied in subjects with renal impairment. [See Use in Specific Populations (8.6).]
Hepatic Impairment: The pharmacokinetics of Natazia has not been studied in subjects with hepatic impairment. Steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function. Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may necessitate the discontinuation of COC use until markers of liver function return to normal. [See Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.7).]
Body Mass Index: The efficacy of Natazia in women with a BMI of > 30 kg/m2 has not been evaluated. [See Use in Specific Populations (8.8).]
Drug InteractionsCYP3A4 Inducers: Drugs or herbal products that induce certain enzymes, including CYP3A4, may decrease the effectiveness of COCs or increase breakthrough bleeding. Some drugs or herbal products that may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives include barbiturates, bosentan, felbamate, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, and topiramate. Counsel women to use an alternative method of contraception or a back-up method when moderate or weak enzyme inducers are used with COCs, and to continue back-up contraception for 28 days after discontinuing the enzyme inducer to ensure contraceptive reliability.
Dienogest is a substrate of CYP3A4. Women who take medications that are strong CYP3A4 inducers (for example, carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, and St. John’s wort) should not choose Natazia as their oral contraceptive while using these inducers and for at least 28 days after discontinuation of these inducers due to the possibility of decreased contraceptive efficacy.
The effect of the CYP3A4 inducer rifampicin was studied in an open-label, non-randomized, single center study in 16 healthy postmenopausal women. All volunteers received a treatment regimen of 2 mg estradiol valerate and 3 mg dienogest combination tablets, dosed once daily over 17 days, and of rifampicin, which was administered once daily in an oral dose of 600 mg on Days 12 to 16. 24–hr pharmacokinetics of estradiol and dienogest on Days 11 and 17 were compared. Co-administration of rifampicin with estradiol valerate/dienogest tablets led to a 52 % and 83% decrease in the mean Cmax and AUC(0–24hr), respectively, for dienogest and a 25% and 44% decrease in Cmax and AUC(0–24hr), respectively, for estradiol at steady state. [See Drug Interactions (7.1).]
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole increase hormone serum levels. The effect of a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole, on dienogest and estradiol pharmacokinetics was studied in an open-label, two parallel-groups, one-sequence, one-way crossover study in healthy postmenopausal Caucasian women. One tablet of 2 mg estradiol valerate and 3 mg dienogest was administered orally once a day for 14 days. Twelve volunteers received an oral dose of 400 mg ketoconazole (that is, 2 tablets containing 200 mg ketoconazole) once daily for 7 days (Days 8–14). Twenty-four hour pharmacokinetics of estradiol and dienogest on Days 7 and 14 were compared. Co-administration with the strong inhibitor ketoconazole resulted in a 186% and 57% increase of AUC (0–24hr) at steady state for dienogest and estradiol. There was also a 94% and 65% increase of Cmax at steady state for dienogest and estradiol when co-administered with ketoconazole. [See Drug Interactions (7.1).]
Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors such as erythromycin increase hormone serum levels. The effect of a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, erythromycin on dienogest and estradiol pharmacokinetics was studied in an open-label, two parallel-groups, one-sequence, one-way crossover study in healthy postmenopausal Caucasian women. One tablet of 2 mg estradiol valerate and 3 mg dienogest was administered orally once a day for 14 days. Twelve volunteers received an oral dose of 500 mg erythromycin three times a day for 7 days (Days 8–14). Twenty-four hour pharmacokinetics of estradiol and dienogest on Days 7 and 14 were compared. When co-administered with the moderate inhibitor erythromycin, the AUC (0–24hr) of dienogest and estradiol at steady state were increased by 62% and 33%, respectively. There was also a 33% and 51% increase of Cmax at steady state for dienogest and estradiol when co-administered with erythromycin. [See Drug Interactions (7.1).]
Other known CYP3A4 inhibitors such as azole antifungals, cimetidine, verapamil, macrolides, diltiazem, antidepressants, and grapefruit juice may increase plasma levels of dienogest and estradiol. [See Drug Interactions (7.1).]
HIV Protease Inhibitors: Significant changes (increase or decrease) in the plasma levels of the estrogen and progestin have been noted in some cases of co-administration of HIV protease inhibitors.
Antibiotics: There have been reports of pregnancy while taking hormonal contraceptives and antibiotics, but clinical pharmacokinetic studies have not shown consistent effects of antibiotics on plasma concentrations of synthetic steroids.
Consult the labeling of all concurrently-used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with hormonal contraceptives or the potential for enzyme alterations.
Effects of Combined Hormonal Contraceptives on Other Drugs: COCs containing ethinyl estradiol (or mestranol), may inhibit the metabolism of other compounds. COCs have been shown to significantly decrease plasma concentrations of lamotrigine, likely due to induction of lamotrigine glucuronidation. This may reduce seizure control; therefore, dosage adjustments of lamotrigine may be necessary. Consult the labeling of the concurrently-used drug to obtain further information about interactions with COCs or the potential for enzyme alterations.
In vitro studies with human CYP enzymes did not indicate an inhibitory potential of dienogest at clinically relevant concentrations.
-
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
Enter section text here
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
In a 24 month carcinogenicity study in mice dosed orally with dienogest by gavage with doses of 5, 15 and 50 mg/kg/day (males) and 10, 30 and 100 mg/kg/day (females), the systemic exposures in the females were 1.1, 3.5, and 10.6 times the exposure (AUC of dienogest) of women taking a 3 mg dose. A statistically significantly higher incidence of stromal polyps of the uterus was observed in females given 100 mg/kg. In a similar study in rats given 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg for 104 weeks, 0.2, 1.4, and 6.1 times the exposure of women taking a 3 mg dose, there were no statistically significant drug-related neoplasms.
Dienogest was not mutagenic in in vitro reverse mutation tests in bacteria, in chromosome aberration tests in human peripheral lymphocytes, mouse lymphoma cells, and Chinese hamster lung cells, and tests of unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) in rat and human liver cells. Dienogest was also negative in an in vivo mouse micronucleus test, a rat liver initiation-promotion model, and an in vitro/in vivo UDS test in female rats.
-
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
Enter section text here
14.1 Oral Contraceptive Clinical Trials
The study conducted in North America (U.S. and Canada) was a multicenter, open-label, single-arm, unintended pregnancy study. There were 490 healthy subjects between 18 and 35 years of age (mean age: 25.1 years) who were treated for up to 28 cycles of 28 days each. The racial demographic of enrolled women was: Caucasian (76%), Hispanic (13%), African-American (7%), Asian (3%), and Other (1%). The weight range for treated women was 40 to 100 kg (mean weight: 62.5 kg) and the BMI range was 14 to 30 kg/m2 (mean BMI: 23.3 kg/m2). Of treated women, 15% discontinued the study treatment due to an adverse event, 13% were lost to follow up, 10% withdrew their consent, 8% discontinued due to other reason, 1% discontinued due to protocol deviation, and 1% discontinued due to pregnancy.
The study conducted in Europe (Germany, Austria and Spain) was a multicenter, open-label, single-arm contraceptive reliability study. There were 1,377 healthy subjects between 18 and 50 years of age (mean age: 30.3 years) who were treated for 20 cycles of 28 days each. The racial demographic of enrolled women was predominantly Caucasian (99.2%). The weight range for treated women was 38 to 98 kg (mean weight: 63.8 kg) and the BMI range was 15 to 31.8 kg/m2 (mean BMI: 22.8 kg/m2). Of treated women, 10% discontinued the study treatment due to an adverse event, 5% discontinued due to other reason, 2% were lost to follow up, 2% discontinued due to protocol deviation, 2% withdrew their consent, and 1% discontinued due to pregnancy.
The Pearl Index (PI) was the primary efficacy endpoint used to assess contraceptive reliability and was assessed in each of the two studies, assuming all subjects were at risk of pregnancy in all medication cycles unless back-up contraception was documented. The PI is based on pregnancies that occurred after the onset of treatment and within 7 days after the last pill intake. Cycles in which conception did not occur, but which included the use of back-up contraception, were not included in the calculation of the PI. The PI also includes patients who did not take the drug correctly. The estimated PI for the North American study is 1.64 and the estimated PI for the European study is 1.04. The Kaplan-Meier method was also used to calculate the contraceptive failure rate.
The summary of the Pearl Indexes and cumulative contraceptive failure rates are provided in Table 2:
Table 2: Summary of the Pearl Indexes and the Cumulative Contraceptive Failure Rates Study Age Group Relative Treatment Exposure Cycles* Number of Pregnancies within 13 Cycles and 7 Days after Last Treatment Pearl Index Upper Limit of 95% CI Contraceptive Failure Rate at the End of First Year North America 18–35 3,969 5 1.64 3.82 0.016 Europe 18–35 11,275 9 1.04 1.97 0.010
*Total treatment exposure time without back-up contraception -
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
Enter section text here
16.1 How Supplied
Natazia (estradiol valerate and estradiol valerate/dienogest) tablets are available in 28 tablets per blister packs (NDC 54868-6183-0).
The active and inert film-coated tablets are rounded with biconvex faces, one side is embossed with a regular hexagon shape with the letters DD or DJ or DH or DN or DT.
Each blister pack (28 film-coated tablets) contains in the following order:
- 2 round biconvex dark yellow film-coated tablets with embossed “DD” in a regular hexagon on one side each containing 3 mg estradiol valerate
- 5 round biconvex medium red film-coated tablets with embossed “DJ” in a regular hexagon on one side each containing 2 mg estradiol valerate and 2 mg dienogest
- 17 round biconvex light yellow film-coated tablets with embossed “DH” in a regular hexagon on one side each containing 2 mg estradiol valerate and 3 mg dienogest
- 2 round biconvex dark red film-coated tablets with embossed “DN” in a regular hexagon on one side each containing 1 mg estradiol valerate
- 2 white round biconvex white film-coated tablets with embossed “DT” in a regular hexagon on one side (inert)
Keep out of reach of children.
-
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
See FDA-Approved Patient Labeling.
17.1 Information for Patients
- Counsel patients that 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.
- Counsel patients that this product does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
- Counsel patients on Warnings and Precautions associated with COCs.
- Counsel patients to take one tablet daily by mouth at the same time every day in the exact order noted on the blister. Instruct patients what to do in the event pills are missed. See What Should I Do if I Miss any Pills section or FDA-Approved Patient Labeling.
- Counsel women who are taking strong CYP3A4 inducers (for example, carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, and St. John’s wort) not to choose Natazia as their oral contraceptive due to the possibility of decreased contraceptive efficacy.
- Counsel patients to use a back-up or alternative method of contraception when weak or moderate enzyme inducers are used with Natazia.
- Counsel patients who are breastfeeding or who desire to breastfeed that COCs may reduce breast milk production. This is less likely to occur if breastfeeding is well established.
- Counsel any patient who starts COCs postpartum, and who has not yet had a period, to use an additional method of contraception until she has taken Natazia for 9 consecutive days.
- Counsel patients that amenorrhea may occur. Pregnancy should be ruled out in the event of amenorrhea in two or more consecutive cycles.
-
PATIENT PACKAGE INSERT
FDA-Approved Patient Labeling
Guide for Using Natazia
WARNING TO WOMEN WHO SMOKE
Do not use Natazia if you smoke cigarettes and are over 35 years old. Smoking increases your risk of serious cardiovascular side effects (heart and blood vessel problems) from birth control pills, including death from heart attack, blood clots or stroke. This risk increases with age and the number of cigarettes you smoke.
Birth control pills help to lower the chances of becoming pregnant when taken as directed. They do not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
What Is Natazia?
Natazia is a birth control pill. It contains two female hormones, an estrogen called estradiol valerate and a progestin called dienogest. Estradiol valerate is a synthetic estrogen that is converted to estradiol in your body.
How Well Does Natazia Work?
Your chance of getting pregnant depends on how well you follow the directions for taking your birth control pills. The more carefully you follow the directions, the less chance you have of getting pregnant.
Based on the results of two clinical studies, 1 to 2 women out of 100 women, may get pregnant during the first year they use Natazia.
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.
How Do I Take Natazia?
- Take one pill every day at the same time. Take the pills in the order directed on the blister pack.
- Do not skip pills or delay taking your pill by more than 12 hours. If you miss pills (including starting the pack late), you could get pregnant. The more pills you miss, the more likely you are to get pregnant.
- If you have trouble remembering to take Natazia, talk to your healthcare provider about how to make pill-taking easier, or about using another method of birth control.
- You may have spotting or light bleeding when you first take Natazia. Spotting or light bleeding is normal at first.
- You may feel sick to your stomach (nauseous), especially during the first few months that you take Natazia. If you feel sick to your stomach, do not stop taking the pill. The problem will usually go away. If your nausea doesn't go away, call your healthcare provider.
- If you vomit or have diarrhea within 4 hours of taking your pill, follow the instructions for “What Should I Do if I Miss any Pills.”
- Missing pills can also cause spotting or light bleeding, even when you take the missed pills later. On the days you take 2 pills to make up for missed pills, you could also feel a little sick to your stomach.
Before you start taking Natazia
- Decide what time of day you want to take your pill. It is important to take it at the same time every day and in the order as directed on the blister pack.
- Look at your Natazia blister pack. The blister pack has four rows of 7 pills
each, for a total of 28 pills. Find:
- where on the pack to start taking your pills
- in what order to take the pills
Each NATAZIA blister pack has 28 pills
-
- 2 dark yellow pills with hormones, for Days 1 and 2
- 5 medium red pills with hormones for Days 3–7
- 17 light yellow pills with hormones for Days 8–24
- 2 dark red pills with hormones for Days 25 and 26
- 2 white pills without hormones for Days 27 and 28
- After taking the last white pill (day 28) of the blister pack, start taking the first dark yellow pill from a new blister pack the very next day whether or not you are having your period.
- Be sure to have ready at all times another kind of birth control (such as condoms or spermicides) to use as a back-up in case you miss pills.
- It is not uncommon to miss a period. However, if you miss 2 periods in a row
or feel like you may be pregnant, call your healthcare provider. If you are
pregnant, you should stop taking Natazia.
When to Start Natazia
If you start taking Natazia and you did not use a hormonal birth control method before:
- Take the first dark yellow pill on the first day (Day 1) of your natural menstrual cycle. The first day of your menstrual cycle is the first day you start spotting or bleeding.
- Use non-hormonal back-up contraception such as a condom or spermicide for the first 9 days that you take Natazia.
If you start taking Natazia and you are switching from a combination hormonal method such as:
-
- another pill
- vaginal ring
- patch
- Take the first dark yellow pill on the first day of your period. Do not continue taking the pills from your previous birth control pack. If you do not have a period, contact your healthcare provider before you start Natazia.
- If you previously used a vaginal ring or transdermal patch, you should start using Natazia on the day the ring or patch is removed.
- Use a non-hormonal back-up method such as a condom or spermicide for the first 9 days you take Natazia.
If you start taking Natazia and you are switching from a progestin-only method such as a:
-
- progestin-only pill
- implant
- intrauterine system
- injection
- Take the first dark yellow pill on the day you would have taken your next progestin-only pill or on the day of removal of your implant or intrauterine system or on the day when you would have had your next injection.
- Use a non-hormonal back-up method such as a condom or spermicide for the first 9 days you take Natazia.
What Should I Do if I Miss any Pills
If you forgot to start a new blister pack, you may already be pregnant. Use back-up contraception (such as condoms and spermicides) anytime you have sex. Call your healthcare provider if you are unsure whether you are pregnant.
- Do not take more than 2 pills in one day. On the days you take 2 pills to make up for missed pills, you may feel a little sick to your stomach (nauseous).
- If you start vomiting or have diarrhea within 4 hours of taking your pill, take another pill of the same color from your extra blister pack.
If you are less than 12 hours late taking your pill
- Take your pill as soon as you remember
- Take the next pill at the usual time
- You do not need to use back-up contraception
If you miss ONE PILL for more than 12 hours
Days 1–17
- Take your missed pill immediately
- Take your next pill at the usual time (you may have to take two pills that day)
- Use back-up contraception for the next 9 days
- Continue taking one pill each day at the same time for the rest of your cycle
Days 18–24
- Do not take any pills from your current blister pack and throw the pack away
- Take Day 1 pill from a new blister pack
- Use back-up contraception for the next 9 days
- Continue taking one pill from the new blister pack at the same time each day
Days 25–28
- Take your missed pill immediately
- Take your next pill at the usual time (you may have to take two pills that day)
- No back-up contraception is needed
- Continue taking one pill each day at the same time for the rest of your cycle
If you miss TWO PILLS in a row
Days 1–17
(if you miss the pills for Days 17 and 18, follow the instructions for Days 17–25 instead)- Do not take the missed pills. Instead, take the pill for the day on which you first noticed you had missed pills.
- Use back-up contraception for the next 9 days
- Continue taking one pill each day at the same time for the rest of your cycle
Days 17–25
(if you miss the pills for Days 25 and 26, follow the instructions for Days 25–28 instead)- Do not take any pills from your current blister pack and throw the pack away
- Take Day 3 pill from a new blister pack
- Use back-up contraception for the next 9 days
- Continue taking one pill from the new blister pack at the same time each day
Days 25–28
- Do not take any pills from your current blister pack and throw the pack away
- Start a new pack on the same day or start a new pack on the day you usually start a new pack
- No back-up contraception is needed
- Continue taking one pill from the new pack at the same time each day, for the rest of your cycle
You may already be pregnant or COULD BECOME PREGNANT if you had sex on the days after the pills were missed. The more pills missed and the closer they are to the end of the cycle, the higher the risk of a pregnancy. You should call your doctor or healthcare provider if you are unsure whether you are already pregnant.
If you are still not sure of what to do about the pills you have missed:
- Call your healthcare provider
- Use back-up contraception (such as condoms and spermicides) anytime you have sex and keep taking 1 pill each day
Who Should Not Take Natazia?
Your healthcare provider will not give you Natazia if you have:
- Ever had breast cancer or any cancer that is sensitive to female hormones
- Liver disease, including liver tumors
- Ever had blood clots in your arms, legs, or lungs
- Ever had a stroke
- Ever had a heart attack
- Certain heart valve problems or heart rhythm abnormalities that can cause blood clots to form in the heart
- An inherited problem with your blood that makes it clot more than normal
- High blood pressure that medicine can't control
- Diabetes with kidney, eye, or blood vessel damage
- Certain kinds of severe migraine headaches with aura, numbness, weakness or changes in vision
Also, do not take birth control pills if you:
- Smoke and are over 35 years old
- Are pregnant
Birth control pills may not be a good choice for you if you have ever had jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) caused by pregnancy (also called cholestasis of pregnancy).
What Else Should I Know about Taking Natazia?
Birth control pills do not protect you against any sexually transmitted disease, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Do not skip any pills, even if you do not have sex often.
If you miss a period, you could be pregnant. However, some women miss periods or have light periods on birth control pills, even when they are not pregnant. Contact your healthcare provider for advice if you:
- Think you are pregnant
- Miss one period and have not taken your birth control pills according to directions
- Miss two periods in a row
Birth control pills should not be taken during pregnancy. However, birth control pills taken by accident during pregnancy are not known to cause birth defects.
If you are breastfeeding, consider another birth control method until you are ready to stop breastfeeding. Birth control pills that contain estrogen, like Natazia, may decrease the amount of milk you make. A small amount of the pill's hormones pass into breast milk.
Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and herbal products that you take. You should not choose Natazia as your birth control pill if you take carbemazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin or St. John's wort, because these medicines may make Natazia ineffective. Some other medicines and herbal products may make birth control pills less effective, including:
- Barbiturates
- Bosentan
- Felbamate
- Griseofulvin
- Oxcarbazepine
- Topiramate
Consider using another birth control method when you take medicines that may make birth control pills less effective.
Birth control pills may interact with lamotrigine, an anticonvulsant used for epilepsy. This may increase the risk of seizures, so your healthcare provider may need to adjust the dose of lamotrigine.
If you have vomiting or diarrhea, your birth control pills may not work as well. Use another birth control method, like condoms and a spermicide, until you check with your healthcare provider.
What are the Most Serious Risks of Taking Birth Control Pills?
Like pregnancy, birth control pills increase the risk of serious blood clots, especially in women who have other risk factors, such as smoking, obesity, or age greater than 35. It is possible to die from a problem caused by a blood clot, such as a heart attack or a stroke. Some examples of serious blood clots are blood clots in the:
- Legs (thrombophlebitis)
- Lungs (pulmonary embolus)
- Eyes (loss of eyesight)
- Heart (heart attack)
- Brain (stroke)
A few women who take birth control pills may get:
- High blood pressure
- Gallbladder problems
- Rare cancerous or noncancerous liver tumors
All of these events are uncommon in healthy women.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have:
- Persistent leg pain
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Sudden blindness, partial or complete
- Severe pain in your chest
- Sudden, severe headache unlike your usual headaches
- Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, or trouble speaking
- Yellowing of the skin or eyeballs
What are the Common Side Effects of Birth Control Pills?
The most common side effects of birth control pills are:
- Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Headache
These side effects are usually mild and usually disappear with time.
Less common side effects are:
- Acne
- Less sexual desire
- Bloating or fluid retention
- Blotchy darkening of the skin, especially on the face
- High blood sugar, especially in women who already have diabetes
- High fat levels in the blood
- Depression, especially if you have had depression in the past.
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have any thoughts of harming yourself.
- Problems tolerating contact lenses
- Weight changes
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you develop any side effects that concern you. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
No serious problems have been reported from a birth control pill overdose, even when accidentally taken by children.
Do Birth Control Pills Cause Cancer?
Birth control pills do not seem to cause breast cancer. However, if you have breast cancer now, or have had it in the past, do not use birth control pills 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 Should I Know about My Period when Taking Natazia?
Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting may occur while you are taking Natazia. Irregular bleeding may vary from slight staining between menstrual periods to breakthrough bleeding, which is a flow much like a regular period. Irregular bleeding occurs most often during the first few months of oral contraceptive use, but may also occur after you have been taking the pill for some time. Such bleeding may be temporary and usually does not indicate any serious problems. It is important to continue taking your pills on schedule. If the bleeding occurs in more than one cycle, is unusually heavy, or lasts for more than a few days, call your healthcare provider.
Also, your menstrual period while using oral contraceptives may be shorter and lighter than usual. Some women may not have a menstrual period but this should not be cause for alarm as long has you have taken the pills according to direction.
What if I Miss My Scheduled Period when Taking Natazia?
It is not uncommon to miss your period. However, if you miss more than two periods in a row or miss one period when you have not taken your birth control pills according to directions, call your healthcare provider. Also notify your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of pregnancy such as morning sickness or unusual breast tenderness. It is important that your healthcare provider checks you to find out if you are pregnant. Stop taking Natazia if you are pregnant.
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.
General Advice about Natazia
Your healthcare provider prescribed Natazia for you. Please do not share Natazia with anyone else. Keep Natazia out of the reach of children.
If you have concerns or questions, ask your healthcare provider. You may also ask your healthcare provider for a more detailed label written for medical professionals.
Manufactured for:
Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Wayne, NJ 07470Manufactured in Germany
© 2010, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
All Rights Reserved.Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
6704300
5/06/2010
-
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
Natazia™
estradiol valerate 3 mg, 1 mg tablets
estradiol valerate/dienogest 2 mg/2 mg, 2mg/3 mg tablets28 tablets
oralNDC 54868-6183-0
1 UnitRx only
This product (like all oral contraceptives) is intended to prevent pregnancy. It does not protect
against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases. -
INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE
NATAZIA
estradiol valerate and estradiol valerate/dienogest kitProduct Information Product Type HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG Item Code (Source) NDC:54868-6183(NDC:50419-0409) Packaging # Item Code Package Description Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date 1 NDC:54868-6183-0 1 in 1 POUCH 1 1 in 1 BLISTER PACK Quantity of Parts Part # Package Quantity Total Product Quantity Part 1 2 Part 2 5 Part 3 17 Part 4 2 Part 5 2 Part 1 of 5 NATAZIA
estradiol velerate tablet, film coatedProduct Information Route of Administration ORAL Active Ingredient/Active Moiety Ingredient Name Basis of Strength Strength ESTRADIOL VALERATE (UNII: OKG364O896) (ESTRADIOL VALERATE - UNII:OKG364O896) ESTRADIOL VALERATE 3 mg Inactive Ingredients Ingredient Name Strength FERRIC OXIDE YELLOW (UNII: EX438O2MRT) LACTOSE MONOHYDRATE (UNII: EWQ57Q8I5X) POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 6000 (UNII: 30IQX730WE) MAGNESIUM STEARATE (UNII: 70097M6I30) STARCH, CORN (UNII: O8232NY3SJ) POVIDONE K25 (UNII: K0KQV10C35) TALC (UNII: 7SEV7J4R1U) TITANIUM DIOXIDE (UNII: 15FIX9V2JP) HYPROMELLOSES (UNII: 3NXW29V3WO) Product Characteristics Color yellow (dark) Score no score Shape ROUND (biconvex) Size 6mm Flavor Imprint Code DD Contains Marketing Information Marketing Category Application Number or Monograph Citation Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date NDA NDA022252 09/29/2010 Part 2 of 5 NATAZIA
estradiol valerate and dienogest tablet, film coatedProduct Information Route of Administration ORAL Active Ingredient/Active Moiety Ingredient Name Basis of Strength Strength ESTRADIOL VALERATE (UNII: OKG364O896) (ESTRADIOL VALERATE - UNII:OKG364O896) ESTRADIOL VALERATE 2 mg DIENOGEST (UNII: 46M3EV8HHE) (DIENOGEST - UNII:46M3EV8HHE) DIENOGEST 2 mg Inactive Ingredients Ingredient Name Strength FERRIC OXIDE RED (UNII: 1K09F3G675) HYPROMELLOSES (UNII: 3NXW29V3WO) LACTOSE MONOHYDRATE (UNII: EWQ57Q8I5X) POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 6000 (UNII: 30IQX730WE) MAGNESIUM STEARATE (UNII: 70097M6I30) STARCH, CORN (UNII: O8232NY3SJ) POVIDONE K25 (UNII: K0KQV10C35) TALC (UNII: 7SEV7J4R1U) TITANIUM DIOXIDE (UNII: 15FIX9V2JP) Product Characteristics Color red (medium) Score no score Shape ROUND (biconvex) Size 6mm Flavor Imprint Code DJ Contains Marketing Information Marketing Category Application Number or Monograph Citation Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date NDA NDA022252 09/29/2010 Part 3 of 5 NATAZIA
estradiol valerate and dienogest tablet, film coatedProduct Information Route of Administration ORAL Active Ingredient/Active Moiety Ingredient Name Basis of Strength Strength ESTRADIOL VALERATE (UNII: OKG364O896) (ESTRADIOL VALERATE - UNII:OKG364O896) ESTRADIOL VALERATE 2 mg DIENOGEST (UNII: 46M3EV8HHE) (DIENOGEST - UNII:46M3EV8HHE) DIENOGEST 3 mg Inactive Ingredients Ingredient Name Strength FERRIC OXIDE YELLOW (UNII: EX438O2MRT) HYPROMELLOSES (UNII: 3NXW29V3WO) LACTOSE MONOHYDRATE (UNII: EWQ57Q8I5X) POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 6000 (UNII: 30IQX730WE) MAGNESIUM STEARATE (UNII: 70097M6I30) STARCH, CORN (UNII: O8232NY3SJ) POVIDONE K25 (UNII: K0KQV10C35) TALC (UNII: 7SEV7J4R1U) TITANIUM DIOXIDE (UNII: 15FIX9V2JP) Product Characteristics Color yellow (light) Score no score Shape ROUND (biconvex) Size 6mm Flavor Imprint Code DH Contains Marketing Information Marketing Category Application Number or Monograph Citation Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date NDA NDA022252 09/29/2010 Part 4 of 5 NATAZIA
estradiol valerate tablet, film coatedProduct Information Route of Administration ORAL Active Ingredient/Active Moiety Ingredient Name Basis of Strength Strength ESTRADIOL VALERATE (UNII: OKG364O896) (ESTRADIOL VALERATE - UNII:OKG364O896) ESTRADIOL VALERATE 1 mg Inactive Ingredients Ingredient Name Strength HYPROMELLOSES (UNII: 3NXW29V3WO) LACTOSE MONOHYDRATE (UNII: EWQ57Q8I5X) POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 6000 (UNII: 30IQX730WE) MAGNESIUM STEARATE (UNII: 70097M6I30) STARCH, CORN (UNII: O8232NY3SJ) TALC (UNII: 7SEV7J4R1U) TITANIUM DIOXIDE (UNII: 15FIX9V2JP) POVIDONE K25 (UNII: K0KQV10C35) FERRIC OXIDE RED (UNII: 1K09F3G675) Product Characteristics Color red (dark) Score no score Shape ROUND (biconvex) Size 6mm Flavor Imprint Code DN Contains Marketing Information Marketing Category Application Number or Monograph Citation Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date NDA NDA022252 09/29/2010 Part 5 of 5 INERT
inert tablet, film coatedProduct Information Route of Administration ORAL Inactive Ingredients Ingredient Name Strength HYPROMELLOSES (UNII: 3NXW29V3WO) LACTOSE MONOHYDRATE (UNII: EWQ57Q8I5X) POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 6000 (UNII: 30IQX730WE) MAGNESIUM STEARATE (UNII: 70097M6I30) STARCH, CORN (UNII: O8232NY3SJ) POVIDONE K25 (UNII: K0KQV10C35) TALC (UNII: 7SEV7J4R1U) TITANIUM DIOXIDE (UNII: 15FIX9V2JP) Product Characteristics Color white Score no score Shape ROUND (biconvex) Size 6mm Flavor Imprint Code DT Contains Marketing Information Marketing Category Application Number or Monograph Citation Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date NDA NDA022252 09/29/2010 Marketing Information Marketing Category Application Number or Monograph Citation Marketing Start Date Marketing End Date NDA NDA022252 09/29/2010 Labeler - Physicians Total Care, Inc. (194123980) Establishment Name Address ID/FEI Business Operations Physicians Total Care, Inc. 194123980 relabel