Limitation of Use

When prescribing solely for the treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, first consider the use of topical vaginal products.

Stroke

The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported a statistically significant increased risk of stroke in women 50 to 79 years of age receiving daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) compared to women in the same age group receiving placebo (33 versus 25 strokes per 10,000 women years, respectively) [see Clinical Studies (14.4)]. The increase in risk was demonstrated after the first year and persisted.1 Immediately discontinue estrogen with or without progestogen therapy if a stroke occurs or is suspected.

The WHI estrogen-alone substudy reported a statistically significant increased risk of stroke in women 50 to 79 years of age receiving daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone compared to women in the same age group receiving placebo (45 versus 33 strokes per 10,000 women-years). The increase in risk was demonstrated in year one and persisted 1[see Clinical Studies (14.4)]. Immediately discontinue estrogen-alone therapy if a stroke occurs or is suspected.

Subgroup analyses of women 50 to 59 years of age suggest no increased risk of stroke for those women receiving CE (0.625 mg)-alone versus those receiving placebo (18 versus 21 per 10,000 women-years).1

Coronary Heart Disease

The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported an increased risk (not statistically significant) of coronary heart disease (CHD) events (defined as nonfatal MI, silent MI, or CHD death) in those women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) compared to women receiving placebo (41 versus 34 per 10,000 women-years).1 An increase in relative risk was demonstrated in year 1, and a trend toward decreasing relative risk was reported in years 2 through 5 [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].

The WHI estrogen-alone substudy reported no overall effect on CHD events in women receiving estrogen-alone compared to placebo2[see Clinical Studies (14.4)].

Subgroup analyses of women 50 to 59 years of age, who were less than 10 years since menopause, suggest a reduction (not statistically significant) in CHD events in those women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone compared to placebo (8 versus 16 per 10,000 women-years).1

In postmenopausal women with documented heart disease (n=2,763), average 66.7 years of age, in a controlled clinical trial of secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study; HERS), treatment with daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) demonstrated no cardiovascular benefit. During an average follow-up of 4.1 years, treatment with CE plus MPA did not reduce the overall rate of CHD events in postmenopausal women with established CHD. There were more CHD events in the CE plus MPA-treated group than in the placebo group in year 1, but not during the subsequent years. Two thousand, three hundred and twenty-one (2,321) women from the original HERS trial agreed to participate in an open label extension of HERS, HERS II. Average follow-up in HERS II was an additional 2.7 years, for a total of 6.8 years overall. Rates of CHD events were comparable among women in the CE plus MPA group and the placebo group in HERS, HERS II, and overall.

Venous Thromboembolism

The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported a statistically significant 2-fold greater rate of VTE (DVT and PE) in women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) compared to women receiving placebo (35 versus 17 per 10,000 women-years). Statistically significant increases in risk for both DVT (26 versus 13 per 10,000 women-years) and PE (18 versus 8 per 10,000 women-years) were also demonstrated. The increase in VTE risk was demonstrated during the first year and persisted3 [see Clinical Studies (14.4)]. Immediately discontinue estrogen plus progestogen therapy if a VTE occurs or is suspected.

In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy, the risk of VTE was increased for women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone compared to placebo (30 versus 22 per 10,000 women-years), although only the increased risk of DVT reached statistical significance (23 versus 15 per 10,000 women-years). The increase in VTE risk was demonstrated during the first 2 years4 [see Clinical Studies (14.4)]. Immediately discontinue estrogen-alone therapy if a VTE occurs or is suspected.

If feasible, discontinue estrogens at least 4 to 6 weeks before surgery of the type associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, or during periods of prolonged immobilization.

Breast Cancer

After a mean follow-up of 5.6 years, the WHI substudy of daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) reported an increased risk of invasive breast cancer in women who took daily CE plus MPA compared to placebo. In this substudy, prior use of estrogen-alone or estrogen plus progestin therapy was reported by 26 percent of the women. The relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.24 and the absolute risk was 41 versus 33 cases per 10,000 women-years, for CE plus MPA compared with placebo. Among women who reported prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.86 and the absolute risk was 46 versus 25 cases per 10,000 women-years for CE plus MPA compared with placebo. Among women who reported no prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.09 and the absolute risk was 40 versus 36 cases per 10,000 women-years for CE plus MPA compared with placebo. In the same substudy, invasive breast cancers were larger, were more likely to be node positive, and were diagnosed at a more advanced stage in the CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) group compared with the placebo group. Metastatic disease was rare, with no apparent difference between the two groups. Other prognostic factors, such as histologic subtype, grade and hormone receptor status did not differ between the groups5 [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].

The WHI substudy of daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone provided information about breast cancer in estrogen-alone users. In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy, after an average follow-up of 7.1 years, daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone was not associated with an increased risk of invasive breast cancer [relative risk (RR) 0.80]6 compared to placebo [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].

Consistent with the WHI clinical trial, observational studies have also reported an increased risk of breast cancer with estrogen plus progestin therapy, and a smaller increase in the risk for breast cancer with estrogen-alone therapy, after several years of use. One large meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies reported increased risks that were dependent upon duration of use and could last up to >10 years after discontinuation of estrogen plus progestin therapy and estrogen-alone therapy. Extension of the WHI trials also demonstrated increased breast cancer risk associated with estrogen plus progestin therapy. Observational studies also suggest that the risk of breast cancer was greater, and became apparent earlier, with estrogen plus progestin therapy as compared to estrogen-alone therapy. These studies have not generally found significant variation in the risk of breast cancer among different estrogen plus progestin combinations, doses, or routes of administration.

The use of estrogen-alone and estrogen plus progestin has been reported to result in an increase in abnormal mammograms requiring further evaluation.

All women should receive yearly breast examinations by a healthcare provider and perform monthly breast self-examinations. In addition, mammography examinations should be scheduled based on patient age, risk factors, and prior mammogram results.

Endometrial Cancer

An increased risk of endometrial cancer has been reported with the use of unopposed estrogen therapy in a woman with a uterus. The reported endometrial cancer risk among unopposed estrogen users is about 2- to 12-fold greater than in non-users, and appears dependent on duration of treatment and on estrogen dose. Most studies show no significant increased risk associated with use of estrogens for less than 1 year. The greatest risk appears associated with prolonged use, with increased risks of 15- to 24-fold for 5 to 10 years or more. This risk has been shown to persist for at least 8 to 15 years after estrogen therapy is discontinued.

Clinical surveillance of all women using estrogen-alone or estrogen plus progestin therapy is important. Perform adequate diagnostic measures, including directed or random endometrial sampling when indicated, to rule out malignancy in postmenopausal women with undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal genital bleeding with unknown etiology.

There is no evidence that the use of natural estrogens results in a different endometrial risk profile than synthetic estrogens of equivalent estrogen dose. Adding a progestogen to estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women has been shown to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which may be a precursor to endometrial cancer.

Ovarian Cancer

The CE plus MPA substudy of WHI reported that estrogen plus progestin increased the risk of ovarian cancer. After an average follow-up of 5.6 years, the relative risk for ovarian cancer for CE plus MPA versus placebo was 1.58 (95 percent CI 0.77-3.24) but was not statistically significant. The absolute risk for CE plus MPA versus placebo was 4 versus 3 cases per 10,000 women-years.7

A meta-analysis of 17 prospective and 35 retrospective epidemiology studies found that women who used hormonal therapy for menopausal symptoms had an increased risk for ovarian cancer. The primary analysis, using case-control comparisons, included 12,110 cancer cases from the 17 prospective studies. The relative risks associated with current use of hormonal therapy was 1.41 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32 to 1.50); there was no difference in the risk estimates by duration of the exposure (less than 5 years [median of 3 years] vs. greater than 5 years [median of 10 years] of use before the cancer diagnosis). The relative risk associated with combined current and recent use (discontinued use within 5 years before cancer diagnosis) was 1.37 (95% CI 1.27 to 1.48), and the elevated risk was significant for both estrogen-alone and estrogen plus progestin products. The exact duration of hormone therapy use associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, however, is unknown.

Placebo-Controlled Trial:

In a placebo-controlled trial evaluating Angeliq 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2, 183 postmenopausal women received at least one dose of DRSP 0.25 mg/0.5 mg E2 and 180 received placebo. Study participants were treated for 3 cycles of 28 days each for a total of 12 weeks of treatment. The median age was 53 years (range: 40-77 years) and over 50% of women had a hysterectomy, 68% were Caucasian and 24% were Black. Table 1 summarizes adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of women receiving Angeliq 0.25 mg DRS/0.5 mg E2 and at a higher incidence than subjects receiving placebo.

Pooled data of clinical trials with different dose formulations of Angeliq:

Data from 13 clinical trials in postmenopausal women treated with different dose formulations of Angeliq containing 1 mg E2 (1 mg E2 + 0.5 mg – 3.0 mg DRSP; N=2842) were pooled to provide an overall estimate of adverse reactions. Similarly, data from 2 clinical trials with Angeliq containing 0.5 mg E2 (0.5 mg E2 + DRSP 0.25 mg – 0.5 mg; N=853) were pooled for the same purpose. Table 2 shows adverse reactions reported in at least 1% of women treated with Angeliq.

Adverse Reactions in clinical studies were coded using the MedDRA dictionary (version 13.0). Different MedDRA terms representing the same medical phenomenon have been grouped together as single adverse reactions to avoid diluting or obscuring the true effect.

Effect of Drospirenone on Other Drugs

The potential effect of DRSP on CYP2C19 activity was investigated in a clinical pharmacokinetic study using omeprazole as a marker substrate. No significant effect of DRSP on the systemic clearance of the CYP3A4 product omeprazole sulfone was found. These results demonstrated that DRSP did not inhibit CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 in vivo. Two further clinical drug-drug interaction studies using simvastatin and midazolam as marker substrates for CYP3A4, respectively, were performed and the results of these studies demonstrated that pharmacokinetics of the CYP3A4 substrates were not influenced by steady-state DRSP concentrations.

Co-administration of DRSP and drugs that may increase serum potassium: There is a potential for an increase in serum potassium in women taking DRSP with other drugs that may affect electrolytes, such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or NSAIDs, more pronounced in diabetic women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Electrolytes were studied in postmenopausal women with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus requiring an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker. After 28 days of exposure to 1 mg E2 and 3 mg DRSP (n=112) or placebo (n=118). The mean change from baseline in serum potassium was 0.11 mEq/L for the E2/DRSP group and 0.08 mEq/L for the placebo group. None of the subjects with serum potassium concentrations ≥5.5 mEq/L had cardiovascular adverse events.

A drug-drug interaction study of DRSP 3 mg/E2 1 mg versus placebo was performed in mildly hypertensive postmenopausal women taking enalapril maleate 10 mg twice daily. Potassium concentrations were obtained every other day for a total of 2 weeks in all subjects. Mean serum potassium concentrations in the DRSP/E2 treatment group relative to baseline were 0.22 mEq/L higher than those in the placebo group. On Day 14, the ratios for serum potassium Cmax and AUC in the DRSP/E2 group to those in the placebo group were 0.955 (90% CI: 0.914, 0.999) and 1.01 (90% CI: 0.944, 1.08), respectively. No woman in either treatment group developed hyperkalemia (serum potassium concentrations >5.5 mEq/L).

Of note, occasional or chronic use of NSAID medication was not restricted in any of the Angeliq clinical trials.

Effect of Other Drugs on Estrogens and Progestins

In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that estrogens and progestins are metabolized partially by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Therefore, inducers or inhibitors of CYP3A4 may affect estrogen drug metabolism. In a clinical drug-drug interaction study conducted in premenopausal women, once daily co-administration of DRSP 3 mg/E2 1.5 mg containing tablets with strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole 200 mg twice daily for 10 days resulted in a moderate increase of exposure and a mild increase of peak concentration for DRSP. The E2 exposure and peak concentration were unaffected by ketoconazole, although the exposure and peak concentration of estrone (E1) increased. Although no clinically relevant effects on any safety or laboratory parameters including serum potassium were observed, this study only assessed women for 10 days. The clinical impact for a woman taking a DRSP-containing combination hormone and chronic use of a CYP3A4/5 inhibitor is unknown.

Risk Summary

Angeliq is not indicated for use in pregnancy. There are no data with the use of Angeliq in pregnant women, however, epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses have not found an increased risk of genital or nongenital birth defects (including cardiac anomalies or limb-reduction defects) following exposure to combined hormonal contraceptives (estrogens and progestins) before conception or during early pregnancy.

In reproduction studies in rats, rabbits and monkeys with oral administration of DRSP either as single compound or in combination with EE, no non-genital teratogenicity was observed. Adverse developmental outcomes like an increase in fetal mortality and a retardation of fetal maturation were seen in rats and rabbits at exposures to DRSP exceeding the human exposure by a factor of >15 (in rats) or >60 (rabbits). Related to the antiandrogenic activity of drospirenone, a feminization of male fetuses and an impairment of male fertility was observed in rats (>150 times the human exposure to drospirenone) but not in monkeys (at up to more than 300 times the human exposure to drospirenone). Due to the large safety margins observed in the animal studies only a low likelihood of an increased risk for human pregnancy was concluded (see Data).

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Data

Risk Summary

Estrogens plus progestogens are present in human milk and can reduce milk production in breast-feeding women. This reduction can occur at any time but is less likely to occur once breast-feeding is well established. After administration of an oral contraceptive containing DRSP about 0.02% of the DRSP dose was excreted into the breast milk of postpartum women within 24 hours. This results in a maximal daily dose of about 3 mcg DRSP in an infant. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Angeliq and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Angeliq or from the underlying maternal condition.

The Women’s Health Initiative Studies

In the WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy (daily CE [0.625 mg] plus MPA [2.5 mg] versus placebo), there was a higher relative risk of nonfatal stroke and invasive breast cancer in women greater than 65 years of age [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3) and Clinical Studies (14.4)].

In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy (daily CE [0.625 mg] versus placebo), there was a higher relative risk of stroke in women greater than 65 years of age [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Studies (14.4)].

The Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study

In the WHIMS ancillary studies of postmenopausal women 65 to 79 years of age, there was an increased risk of developing probable dementia in women receiving estrogen plus progestin or estrogen-alone when compared to placebo [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4), and Clinical Studies (14.5)].

Since both ancillary studies were conducted in women 65 to 79 years of age, it is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women8 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4), and Clinical Studies (14.5)].

Absorption

Serum concentrations of DRSP reach peak concentrations approximately 1 hour after administration of Angeliq and mean absolute bioavailability of DRSP ranges from 76–85%. Following oral administration, the median Tmax of serum estradiol was approximately 2 hours after dosing with Angeliq and Tmax ranged between 0.3-10 hours.

The pharmacokinetics of DRSP are dose proportional within the dose range of 0.25–4 mg. Following daily dosing of Angeliq, steady state DRSP concentrations were observed after 10 days. Mean accumulation ratios for DRSP and estradiol were 2.3 and 2.0, respectively, following multiple doses of 0.5 mg DRSP/1 mg E2, and 2.6 and 1.6, respectively, following multiple doses of 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2. Mean concentrations at 2 hours for DRSP ranged between 5.9 and 6.7 ng/mL after treatment with Angeliq (0.5 mg DRSP/1 mg E2) for 365 days. Mean steady state serum DRSP and E2 concentrations are shown in Figure 1, and a summary of primary pharmacokinetic parameters following the administration of 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2 or 0.5 mg DRSP/1 mg E2 at steady state is presented in Table 3.

Figure 1: Mean (± SD) steady state serum drospirenone and estradiol concentrations following daily oral administration of 0.25 or 0.5 mg Drospirenone and 0.5 or 1 mg Estradiol

Except for Tmax, the mean PK results of DRSP, E2, and E1 are displayed as the arithmetic mean and standard deviation (SD, in parentheses). For Tmax the median and range are provided.

Cmax=Maximum observed serum concentration

Tmax=time to reach Cmax

AUC (0-24)=area under the serum concentration-time curve from 0 h up to 24 h after daily multiple administration

t1/2=half-life

N/A=Not available

Effect of Food

The effect of food on the absorption and bioavailability of DRSP and E2 have not been investigated following the administration of Angeliq. However, clinical studies with different formulations containing DRSP or E2 have shown that the bioavailability of both drugs is not affected by concomitant food intake.

Distribution

The mean volume of distribution of DRSP is 4.2 L/kg. DRSP does not bind to SHBG or CBG but binds about 97% to other serum proteins. The distribution of exogenous estrogens is similar to that of endogenous estrogens. Estrogens are widely distributed in the body and are generally found in higher concentrations in the sex hormone target organs. Estradiol circulates in the blood bound to SHBG (37%) and to albumin (61%), while only approximately 1%–2% is unbound.

Metabolism

Mean clearance of DRSP is 1.2 mL/min/kg. DRSP is extensively metabolized after oral administration. The two main metabolites of DRSP found in human plasma were identified to be the acid form of DRSP generated by opening of the lactone ring and the 4,5-dihydrodrospirenone-3-sulfate, formed by reduction and subsequent sulfation. These metabolites were shown not to be pharmacologically active. DRSP is also subject to oxidative metabolism catalyzed by CYP3A4.

Exogenous estrogens are metabolized in the same manner as endogenous estrogens. Circulating estrogens exist in a dynamic equilibrium of metabolic interconversions. These transformations take place mainly in the liver. Estradiol is converted reversibly to estrone, and both can be converted to estriol, which is a major urinary metabolite. Estrogens also undergo enterohepatic recirculation via sulfate and glucuronide conjugation in the liver, biliary secretion of conjugates into the intestine, and hydrolysis in the gut followed by reabsorption. In postmenopausal women, a significant proportion of the circulating estrogens exist as sulfate conjugates, especially estrone sulfate, which serves as a circulating reservoir for the formation of more active estrogens.

Excretion

DRSP serum concentrations are characterized by a terminal elimination half-life of approximately 36–42 hours. Excretion of DRSP was nearly complete after 10 days and amounts excreted were slightly higher in feces compared to urine. DRSP was extensively metabolized and only trace amounts of unchanged DRSP were excreted in urine and feces. At least 20 different metabolites were observed in urine and feces. About 38% to 47% of the metabolites in urine were glucuronide and sulfate conjugates. In feces, about 17% to 20% of the metabolites were excreted as glucuronides and sulfates. Estradiol, estrone, and estriol are excreted in the urine along with glucuronide and sulfate conjugates.

Renal Impairment

Angeliq is contraindicated in patients with renal impairment [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

The effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of DRSP (3 mg daily for 14 days) and the effects of DRSP on serum potassium concentrations were investigated in female subjects (n=28, age 30-65 years) with creatinine clearance (CLcr) ≥ 80 mL/min (11 patients), and CLcr of 50-79 mL/min (10 patients) and CLcr of 30-49 mL/min (7 patients). All subjects were on a low potassium diet. During the study 7 subjects continued the use of potassium-sparing drugs for the treatment of the underlying illness. On the 14th day (steady-state) of DRSP treatment, the serum DRSP concentrations were on average 37% higher in the group with CLcr of 30-49 mL/min compared to those in the group with normal renal function (CLcr ≥ 80 mL/min). Serum DRSP concentrations in the group with CLcr of 50-79 mL/min were comparable to those in the group with CLcr ≥ 80 mL/min. DRSP treatment was well tolerated by all groups. DRSP treatment did not show any clinically significant effect on serum potassium concentration. Although hyperkalemia was not observed in the study, in 5 of the 7 subjects who continued use of potassium sparing drugs during the study, individual mean serum potassium concentrations increased by up to 0.33 mEq/L. Therefore, potential exists for hyperkalemia to occur in subjects with renal impairment whose serum potassium is in the upper reference range, and who are concomitantly using potassium sparing drugs.

Hepatic Impairment

Angeliq is contraindicated in patients with hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]. The mean exposure to DRSP in women with moderate liver impairment is approximately three times the exposure in women with normal liver function.

Effects of Drospirenone on Other Drugs:

Metabolism of DRSP and potential effects of DRSP on hepatic CYP enzymes have been investigated in in vitro and in vivo studies. In in vitro studies, DRSP did not affect turnover of model substrates of CYP1A2 and CYP2D6, but had an inhibitory influence on the turnover of model substrates of CYP1A1, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 with CYP2C19 being the most sensitive enzyme.

The potential effect of DRSP on CYP2C19 activity was investigated in a clinical pharmacokinetic study using omeprazole as a marker substrate. In the study with 24 postmenopausal women [including 12 women with homozygous (wild type) CYP2C19 genotype and 12 women with heterozygous CYP2C19 genotype] the daily oral administration of 3 mg DRSP for 14 days did not affect the systemic clearance of the CYP2C19 substrate omeprazole (40 mg) and the CYP2C19 product 5-hydroxy-omeprazole. Furthermore, no significant effect of DRSP on the systemic clearance of the CYP3A4 product omeprazole sulfone was found. These results demonstrated that DRSP did not inhibit CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 in vivo.

Two further clinical drug-drug interaction studies using simvastatin and midazolam as marker substrates for CYP3A4 were each performed in 24 healthy, postmenopausal women. The results of these studies demonstrated that pharmacokinetics of the CYP3A4 substrates were not influenced by steady-state DRSP concentrations achieved after administration of 3 mg DRSP/day.

Based on the available results of in vivo and in vitro studies, it can be concluded that, at clinical dose concentration, DRSP is unlikely to inhibit significantly CYP enzymes.

There is a potential for an increase in serum potassium in women taking drospirenone with other drugs that may affect electrolytes, such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or NSAIDs.

Electrolytes were studied in 230 postmenopausal women with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus requiring an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker. Of these, 26 patients had a creatinine clearance >50 mL/min to <80 mL/min. Patients were given 1 mg E2 and 3 mg DRSP (n=112) or placebo (n=118) over 28 days. Non-diabetic patients also received ibuprofen 1200 mg/day for 5 days during the study. There was a single case of serum potassium >6 mEq/L and a single case of serum sodium <130 mEq/L on treatment, both occurring following five days of ibuprofen therapy in two women taking E2/DRSP. Serum potassium concentrations ≥5.5 mEq/L were observed in 8 (7.3%) E2/DRSP-treated women (3 diabetic and 5 non-diabetic) and in 3 (2.6%) placebo-treated subjects (2 diabetic and 1 non-diabetic). After 28 days of exposure, the mean change from baseline in serum potassium was 0.11 mEq/L for the E2/DRSP group and 0.08 mEq/L for the placebo group. None of the subjects with serum potassium concentrations ≥5.5 mEq/L had cardiovascular adverse events.

A drug-drug interaction study of DRSP 3 mg/E2 1 mg versus placebo was performed in 24 mildly hypertensive postmenopausal women taking enalapril maleate 10 mg twice daily. Potassium concentrations were obtained every other day for a total of 2 weeks in all subjects. Mean serum potassium concentrations in the DRSP/E2 treatment group relative to baseline were 0.22 mEq/L higher than those in the placebo group. Serum potassium concentrations also were measured at multiple timepoints over 24 hours at baseline and on Day 14. On Day 14, the ratios for serum potassium Cmax and AUC in the DRSP/E2 group to those in the placebo group were 0.955 (90% CI: 0.914, 0.999) and 1.01 (90% CI: 0.944, 1.08), respectively. No patient in either treatment group developed hyperkalemia (serum potassium concentrations >5.5 mEq/L).

Of note, occasional or chronic use of NSAID medication was not restricted in any of the Angeliq clinical trials.

Effects of Other Drugs on Estrogens and Progestins:

In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that estrogens and progestins are metabolized partially by CYP3A4. Therefore, inducers or inhibitors of CYP3A4 may affect estrogen and progestin drug metabolism [see Drug Interactions (7.1)]. In a clinical drug-drug interaction study conducted in 18 premenopausal women, once daily co-administration of DRSP 3 mg/E2 1.5 mg combination tablets with strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole 200 mg twice daily for 10 days resulted in a 2.30-fold (90% CI: 2.08-2.54) increase of the AUC (0-24) and a 1.66-fold (90% CI: 1.50-1.84) increase of Cmax for DRSP. The E2 exposure [that is, AUC (0-24) and Cmax] was unaffected by ketoconazole, although the AUC(0-24) and Cmax for E1 increased 1.39-fold (90% CI: 1.27-1.52) and 1.32-fold (90% CI: 1.23-1.42), respectively.

Angeliq 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2

The efficacy of Angeliq 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2 for reducing the frequency and severity of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 735 postmenopausal women ≥ 40 years of age with a minimum of 7 to 8 moderate to severe hot flashes daily or 50 to 60 moderate to severe hot flashes weekly were randomized to one of the two doses of Angeliq, including DRSP 0.25 mg/0.5 mg E2, estrogen monotherapy, or placebo. The median age of study participants was 53 years and 68% were Caucasian. Efficacy for vasomotor symptoms was assessed during the 12 weeks of treatment. Compared to placebo, women receiving Angeliq 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2 achieved statistically significant reduction in the frequency and severity of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms at Week 4 and at Week 12. The mean difference in daily reduction of frequency of hot flushes between Angeliq 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2 and placebo were approximately -2 episodes at Week 4 and -3 episodes at Week 12. Table 4 shows the mean number of hot flushes in the Angeliq 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2 and placebo groups and the treatment difference between Angeliq 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2 and placebo treatment at Week 4 and at Week 12.

Angeliq 0.5 mg DRSP/1 mg E2

Support for treatment of vasomotor symptoms and vaginal and vulvar atrophy was shown through bioequivalence of the E2 component of the Angeliq combination product with a currently marketed 1 mg E2 product. The multiple-dose bioequivalence study evaluated the bioequivalence of E2 from a tablet containing DRSP (2 mg) and E2 (1 mg) relative to E2 1 mg tablet. Angeliq 0.5 mg DRSP/1 mg E2 tablets met the criteria for bioequivalence to the E2 1 mg comparator.

Angeliq 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2

In a one year clinical trial, 661 postmenopausal women were treated with Angeliq 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2 (N=489) or a comparator drug (N=172). Endometrial biopsies were performed on 407 (83.2%) women in the Angeliq group during the treatment period. No endometrial hyperplasias occurred during or after one year of treatment. See Table 5.

Angeliq 0.5 mg DRSP/1 mg E2

In a one year clinical trial of 1,142 postmenopausal women treated with 1 mg E2 alone or 1 mg E2 + 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 mg DRSP, endometrial biopsies were performed on 966 (84.6%) women during the treatment period. Eight women in the E2 monotherapy group developed endometrial hyperplasia (4 simple hyperplasia with no cytological atypia, 3 complex hyperplasia with no cytological atypia, and 1 complex hyperplasia with cytological atypia), and one woman in the 1 mg E2+2 mg DRSP group developed simple hyperplasia with no cytological atypia. Table 5 shows that there were no diagnoses of endometrial hyperplasia in the Angeliq group.

WHI Estrogen plus Progestin Substudy

The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy was stopped early. According to the predefined stopping rule, after an average follow-up of 5.6 years of treatment, the increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular events exceeded the specified benefits included in the "global index." The absolute excess risk of events included in the “global index” was 19 per 10,000 women-years.

For those outcomes included in the WHI “global index” that reached statistical significance after 5.6 years of follow-up, the absolute excess risks per 10,000 women-years in the group treated with CE plus MPA were 7 more CHD events, 8 more strokes, 10 more PEs, and 8 more invasive breast cancers, while the absolute risk reductions per 10,000 women-years were 6 fewer colorectal cancers and 5 fewer hip fractures.

Results of the CE plus MPA substudy, which included 16,608 women (average 63 years of age, range 50 to 79; 83.9 percent White, 6.8 percent Black, 5.4 percent Hispanic, 3.9 percent Other) are presented in Table 6. These results reflect centrally adjudicated data after an average follow-up of 5.6 years.

Timing of the initiation of estrogen therapy relative to the start of menopause may affect the overall risk benefit profile. The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy stratified by age showed in women 50-59 years of age, a non-significant trend toward reduced risk for overall mortality [HR 0.69 (95 percent CT 0.44-1.07)].

WHI Estrogen-Alone Substudy

The WHI estrogen-alone substudy was stopped early because an increased risk of stroke was observed, and it was deemed that no further information would be obtained regarding the risks and benefits of estrogen alone in predetermined primary endpoints.

Results of the estrogen-alone substudy, which included 10,739 women (average age of 63 years, range 50 to 79; 75.3 percent White, 15.1 percent Black, 6.1 percent Hispanic, 3.6 percent Other), after an average follow-up of 7.1 years are presented in Table 7.

For those outcomes included in the WHI "global index" that reached statistical significance, the absolute excess risk per 10,000 women-years in the group treated with CE-alone was 12 more strokes, while the absolute risk reduction per 10,000 women-years was 7 fewer hip fractures.9 The absolute excess risk of events included in the "global index" was a non-significant 5 events per 10,000 women-years. There was no difference between the groups in terms of all-cause mortality.

No overall difference for primary CHD events (nonfatal MI, silent MI and CHD death) and invasive breast cancer incidence in women receiving CE-alone compared with placebo was reported in final centrally adjudicated results from the estrogen-alone substudy, after an average follow-up of 7.1 years.

Centrally adjudicated results for stroke events from the estrogen-alone substudy, after an average follow-up of 7.1 years, reported no significant difference in distribution of stroke subtype or severity, including fatal strokes, in women receiving CE-alone compared to placebo. Estrogen-alone increased the risk for ischemic stroke, and this excess risk was present in all subgroups of women examined.10

Timing of the initiation of estrogen therapy relative to the start of menopause may affect the overall risk benefit profile. The WHI estrogen-alone substudy stratified by age showed in women 50 to 59 years of age, a non-significant trend toward reduced risk for CHD [HR 0.63 (95 percent CI 0.36-1.09)] and overall mortality [HR 0.71 (95 percent CT 0.46-1.11)].

Angeliq 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2

Angeliq 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2 tablets are available as round, biconvex yellow film-coated tablets embossed with "EL" inside a hexagon.

3 blisters of 28 tablets NDC 50419-482-03

Angeliq 0.5 mg DRSP/1 mg E2

Angeliq 0.5 mg DRSP/1 mg E2 tablets are available as round, biconvex pink film-coated tablets embossed with "CK" inside a hexagon.

3 blisters of 28 tablets NDC 50419-483-03