2.1 How to Start and Take Simpesse

Begin Simpesse on the first Sunday after the onset of menstruation. If menstruation begins on a Sunday, take the first white tablet that day.

For each 91-day course, take in the following order:

1.  Start the first white tablet on the first Sunday after onset of menstruation. Then take one white tablet daily for 84 consecutive days. Use a non-hormonal back-up method of contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) until a white tablet has been taken daily for 7 consecutive days.

2. Then take one light blue tablet for 7 consecutive days. Bleeding should occur during the 7 days that the light blue tablets are taken.

Begin the next and all subsequent 91-day cycles without interruption on the same day of the week (Sunday) on which the patient began her first dose of Simpesse, following the same schedule: 84 days taking a white tablet followed by 7 days taking a light blue tablet. If the patient does not immediately start her next pill pack, instruct her to protect herself from pregnancy by using a non-hormonal back-up method of contraception until she has taken a white tablet daily for 7 consecutive days.

Switching to Simpesse from another oral hormonal contraceptive or from another contraceptive method (transdermal patch, vaginal ring, injection, intrauterine contraceptive, implant)

Start on the Sunday after the patient’s next period starts. Use additional non-hormonal contraceptive (such as condoms and spermicide) until the patient has taken a white tablet for 7 consecutive days.

Starting Simpesse after Abortion or Miscarriage

First-trimester

Simpesse may be started on the Sunday after an abortion or miscarriage. The patient must use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) until the patient has taken a white tablet for 7 consecutive days.

Second-trimester

Do not start until 4 weeks after a second-trimester abortion or miscarriage, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start contraceptive therapy with Simpesse following the instructions for women not currently using hormonal contraception. Use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) until the patient has taken a white tablet for 7 consecutive days [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Starting Simpesse after Childbirth

Do not start until 4 weeks after delivery, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start contraceptive therapy with Simpesse following the instructions for women not currently using hormonal contraception. Use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) until the patient has taken a white tablet for 7 consecutive days [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

If the woman has not yet had a period postpartum, consider the possibility of ovulation and conception occurring prior to use of Simpesse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

2.2 Dosing Simpesse

Take one tablet by mouth at the same time every day. The dosage of Simpesse is one white tablet daily for 84 consecutive days, followed by one light blue tablet daily for 7 days. To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, Simpesse must be taken exactly as directed, in the order directed, and at intervals not exceeding 24 hours. The failure rate may increase when pills are missed or taken incorrectly.

2.3 Missed Doses

Table 1. Instructions for Missed Simpesse Tablets

2.4 Advice in Case of Gastrointestinal Disturbances

In case of prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, absorption may not be complete and additional contraceptive measures should be taken.

5.1 Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Conditions

• Stop Simpesse if an arterial or deep venous thrombotic/thrombembolic event occurs.
• Stop Simpesse if there is unexplained loss of vision, proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions and evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately.
• Discontinue Simpesse during prolonged immobilization. If feasible, stop Simpesse at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery, or other surgeries known to have an elevated risk of thromboembolism.
• Start Simpesse 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.
• Before starting Simpesse evaluate any past medical history or family history of thrombotic or thromboembolic disorders and consider whether the history suggests an inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathy. Simpesse is contraindicated in women with a high risk of arterial or venous/thromboembolic diseases [see Contraindications (4)].  

Arterial Events

COCs increase the risk of cardiovascular events and cerebrovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. The risk is greater among older women (> 35 years of age), smokers, and females with hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, or obesity.

Simpesse is contraindicated in women over 35 years of age who smoke [see Contraindications (4)]. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from COC use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked.

Venous Events

Use of COCs increases the risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs), such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Risk factors for VTEs include smoking, obesity, and family history of VTE, in addition to other factors that contraindicate use of CHCs [see Contraindications (4)]. While the increased risk of VTE associated with use of COCs is well-established, the rates of VTE are even greater during pregnancy, and especially during the postpartum period (see Figure 1). The rate of VTE in females using COCs has been estimated to be 3 to 9 cases per 10,000 woman years.  

The risk of VTE is highest during the first year of use of a COC and when restarting hormonal contraception after a break of four weeks or longer. The risk of thromboembolic disease due to COCs gradually disappears after COC use is discontinued.  

Figure 1 shows the risk of developing a VTE for women who are not pregnant and do not use oral contraceptives, for women who use oral contraceptives, and for women in the postpartum period. To put the risk of developing a VTE into perspective: If 10,000 women who are not pregnant and do not use oral contraceptives are followed for one year, between 1 and 5 of these women will develop a VTE.



Use of Simpesse provides women with more hormonal exposure on a yearly basis than conventional monthly oral contraceptives containing the same strength synthetic estrogens and progestins (an additional 9 and 13 weeks of exposure to progestin and estrogen, respectively, per year).

5.2 Liver Disease

Elevated Liver Enzymes

Simpesse is contraindicated in women with acute viral hepatitis or severe (decompensated) cirrhosis of the liver [see Contraindications (4)]. Acute liver test abnormalities may necessitate the discontinuation of Simpesse until the liver tests return to normal and Simpesse causation has been excluded.  Discontinue Simpesse if jaundice develops.

Liver Tumors

Simpesse is contraindicated in women with benign or malignant liver tumors [see Contraindications (4)]. COCs increase the risk of hepatic adenomas. An estimate of the attributable risk is 3.3 cases/100,000 COC users. Rupture of hepatic adenomas may cause death from abdominal hemorrhage. 

Studies have shown an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in long-term (> 8 years) COC users. The attributable risk of liver cancers in COC users is less than one case per million users.

5.3 Hypertension

Simpesse is contraindicated in women with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease [see Contraindications (4)]. For all women, including those with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure at routine visits and stop Simpesse if blood pressure rises significantly.

An increase in blood pressure has been reported in women taking COCs, and this increase is more likely in older women and with extended duration of use. The effect of COCs on blood pressure may vary according to the progestin in the COC.

5.4 Risk of Liver Enzyme Elevations with Concomitant Hepatitis C Treatment

During clinical trials with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen that contains obmitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, ALT elevations greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), including some cases greater than 20 times the ULN, were significantly more frequent in women using ethinyl estradiol-containing medications, such as Simpesse. Discontinue Simpesse prior to starting therapy with the combination drug regimen ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir [see Contraindications (4)]. Simpesse can be restarted approximately 2 weeks following completion of treatment with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen.

5.5 Age-related Considerations

The risk for cardiovascular disease and prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease increases with age. Certain conditions, such as smoking and migraine headache without aura, that do not contraindicate COC use in younger females, are contraindications to use in women over 35 years of age [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Consider the presence of underlying risk factors that may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease or VTE, particularly before initiating a COC for women over 35 years, such as:

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Dyslipidemia
• Obesity

5.6 Gallbladder Disease

Studies suggest a small increased relative risk of developing gallbladder disease among COC users. Use of COCs, including Simpesse, may also worsen existing gallbladder disease.

A past history of COC-related cholestasis predicts an increased risk with subsequent COC use. Females with a history of pregnancy-related cholestasis may be at an increased risk for COC-related cholestasis.

5.7 Adverse Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Effects

Hyperglycemia

Simpesse is contraindicated in diabetic women over age 35, or females who have diabetes with hypertension, nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, other vascular disease, or females with diabetes of > 20 years duration [see Contraindications (4)]. Simpesse may decrease glucose tolerance. Carefully monitor prediabetic and diabetic women who are taking Simpesse. 

Dyslipidemia

Consider alternative contraception for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia. Simpesse may cause adverse lipid changes.

Women with hypertriglyceridemia, or a family history thereof, may have an increase in serum triglyceride concentrations when using Simpesse, which may increase the risk of pancreatitis.

5.8 Headache

Simpesse is contraindicated in females who have headaches with focal neurological symptoms or have migraine headaches with aura, and in women over 35 years of age who have migraine headaches with or without aura [see Contraindications (4)].

If a woman taking Simpesse develops new headaches that are recurrent, persistent, or severe, evaluate the cause and discontinue Simpesse if indicated. Consider discontinuation of Simpesse if there is an increased frequency or severity of migraine during COC use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event).

5.9 Bleeding Irregularities and Amenorrhea

Unscheduled Bleeding and Spotting

Women using Simpesse may experience unscheduled (breakthrough or intracyclic) bleeding and spotting, especially during the first 3 months of use. Bleeding irregularities may resolve over time or by changing to a different contraceptive product. If unscheduled bleeding persists or occurs after previously regular cycles, evaluate for causes such as pregnancy or malignancy.

When prescribing Simpesse, the occurrence of fewer planned menses (4 per year instead of 13 per year) should be weighed against the occurrence of increased unscheduled bleeding and/or spotting. The primary clinical trial (PSE-301) that evaluated the efficacy of Simpesse also assessed unscheduled bleeding. The participants in the 12-month clinical trial  (N=1,006) completed the equivalent of 8,681 28-day cycles of exposure and were composed primarily of women who had used oral contraceptives previously (89%) as opposed to new users (11%). A total of 82 (8.2%) of the women discontinued Simpesse, at least in part, due to bleeding or spotting.

Scheduled (withdrawal) bleeding and/or spotting remained fairly constant over time, with an average of 3 days of bleeding and/or spotting per each 91-day cycle. Unscheduled bleeding and unscheduled spotting decreased over successive 91-day cycles. Table 1 below presents the number of days with unscheduled bleeding in treatment cycles 1 and 4. Table 2 presents the number of days with unscheduled spotting in treatment cycles 1 and 4. 

Figure 2 shows the percentage of Simpesse subjects participating in trial PSE-301 with ≥ 7 days or ≥ 20 days of unscheduled bleeding and/or spotting, or only unscheduled bleeding, during each 91-day treatment cycle.

If unscheduled spotting or bleeding occurs, instruct the patient to continue on the same regimen. If the bleeding is persistent or prolonged, advise the patient to consult her healthcare provider.

Amenorrhea and Oligomenorrhea

Women who use Simpesse may experience absence of scheduled (withdrawal) bleeding, even if they are not pregnant.

If scheduled bleeding does not occur, consider the possibility of pregnancy.

After discontinuation of Simpesse, amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea may occur, especially if these conditions were pre-existent.

5.10 Depression

Carefully observe women with a history of depression and discontinue Simpesse if depression recurs to a serious degree. Data on the association of COCs with the onset of depression or exacerbation of existing depression are limited.

5.11 Malignant Neoplasms

Breast Cancer

Simpesse is contraindicated in females who currently have or have had breast cancer because breast cancer may be hormonally sensitive [see Contraindications (4)].

Epidemiology studies have not found a consistent association between use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and breast cancer risk. Studies do not show an association between ever (current or past) use of COCs and risk of breast cancer. However, some studies report a small increase in the risk of breast cancer among current or recent users (<6 months since last use) and current users with longer duration of COC use [see Postmarketing Experience (6.2)].

Cervical Cancer

Some studies suggest that 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 are due to differences in sexual behavior and other factors.

5.12 Effect on Binding Globulins

The estrogen component of Simpesse may raise the serum concentrations of thyroxine-binding globulin, sex hormone-binding globulin, and cortisol-binding globulin. The dose of replacement thyroid hormone or cortisol therapy may need to be increased.

5.13 Hereditary Angioedema

In females with hereditary angioedema, exogenous estrogens, including Simpesse, may induce or exacerbate symptoms of hereditary angioedema.

5.14 Chloasma

Chloasma may occur with Simpesse use, especially in women with a history of chloasma gravidarum. Advise women with a history of chloasma to avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation while using Simpesse.

6.1 Clinical Trial Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to the rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The clinical trial that evaluated the safety and efficacy of Simpesse was a 12-month, randomized, multicenter, open-label study, which enrolled women aged 18 to 40, of whom 1,006 took at least one dose of Simpesse.

Adverse Reactions Leading to Study Discontinuation: 16.3% of the women discontinued from the clinical trial due to an adverse reaction; the most common adverse reactions (≥ 1% of women) leading to discontinuation were irregular and/or heavy uterine bleeding (5.9%), weight gain (2.4%), mood changes (1.5%), and acne (1.0%).

Common Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions (≥ 5% of women): irregular and/or heavy uterine bleeding (17%), weight gain (5%), acne (5%).

Serious Adverse Reactions: migraine, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis, abdominal pain, and major depressive disorder.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Five studies that compared breast cancer risk between ever-users (current or past use) of COCs and never-users of COCs reported no association between ever use of COCs and breast cancer risk, with effect estimates ranging from 0.90 to 1.12 (Figure 3).

Three studies compared breast cancer risk between current or recent COC users (<6 months since last use) and never users of COCs (Figure 3). One of these studies reported no association between breast cancer risk and COC use. The other two studies found an increased relative risk of 1.19 to 1.33 with current or recent use. Both of these studies found an increased risk of breast cancer with current use of longer duration, with relative risks ranging from 1.03 with less than one year of COC use to approximately 1.4 with more than 8 to 10 years of COC use.

Figure 3: Relevant Studies of Risk of Breast Cancer with Combined Oral Contraceptives

RR = relative risk; OR = odds ratio; HR = hazard ratio. “ever COC” are females with current or past COC use; “never COC use” are females that never used COCs.

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Simpesse. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their frequency of establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Gastrointestinal disorders: abdominal distension, vomiting

General disorders and administration site conditions: chest pain, fatigue, malaise, edema peripheral, pain

Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity reaction

Investigations: blood pressure increased

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: muscle spasms, pain in extremity

Nervous system disorders: dizziness, loss of consciousness

Psychiatric disorders: insomnia

Reproductive and breast disorders: dysmenorrhea

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: pulmonary embolism, pulmonary thrombosis

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: alopecia

Vascular disorders: thrombosis

7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on Combined Oral Contraceptives

Substances Decreasing the Plasma Concentrations of COCs and Potentially Diminishing the Efficacy of COCs: 

Table 4 includes substances that demonstrated an important drug interaction with Simpesse.

 Table 4: Significant Drug Interactions Involving Substances That Affect COCs

a  Induction potency of St. John’s wort may vary widely based on preparation.

Substances increasing the systemic exposure of COCs:

Co-administration of atorvastatin or rosuvastatin and COCs containing ethinyl estradiol increase systemic exposure of ethinyl estradiol by approximately 20 to 25 percent. Ascorbic acid and acetaminophen may increase systemic exposure of ethinyl estradiol, possibly by inhibition of conjugation. CYP3A inhibitors such as itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, grapefruit juice, or ketoconazole may increase systemic exposure of the estrogen and/or progestin component of COCs.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitors and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors:

Significant decreases in systemic exposure of the estrogen and/or progestin have been noted when COCs are co-administered with some HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., nelfinavir, ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, (fos)amprenavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, and tipranavir/ritonavir), some HCV protease inhibitors (e.g., boceprevir and telaprevir), and some non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., nevirapine).

In contrast, significant increases in systemic exposure of the estrogen and/or progestin have been noted when COCs are co-administered with certain other HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir and atazanavir/ritonavir) and with other non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., etravirine).

7.2 Effects of Combined Oral Contraceptives on Other Drugs

Table 5 provides significant drug interaction information for drugs co-administered with Simpesse.

Table 5: Significant Drug Interaction Information for Drugs Co-Administered With COCs

7.3 Concomitant Use with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Combination Therapy – Liver Enzyme Elevation

Co-administration of Simpesse with HCV drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir is contraindicated due to potential for ALT elevations [see Warning and Precautions (5.4)]. Co-administration of Simpesse and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir is not recommended due to potential for ALT elevations.

7.4 Effect on Laboratory Tests

The use of COCs may influence the results of certain laboratory tests, such as coagulation factors, lipids, glucose tolerance, and binding proteins.

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

There is no use for contraception in pregnancy; therefore, Simpesse should be discontinued during pregnancy. Epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses have not found an increased risk of genital or non-genital birth defects (including cardiac anomalies and limb- reduction defects) following exposure to COCs before conception or during early pregnancy. 

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

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

Contraceptive hormones and/or metabolites are present in human milk. COCs can reduce milk production in breastfeeding females. This reduction can occur at any time but is less likely to occur once breastfeeding is well-established. When possible, advise the nursing woman to use other methods of contraception until she discontinues breastfeeding [See Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Simpesse and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Simpesse or the underlying maternal condition.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy of Simpesse have been established in women of reproductive age. Safety and efficacy are expected to be the same for postpubertal adolescents under the age of 18 as for users 18 years and older. Use of Simpesse before menarche is not indicated.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Simpesse has not been studied in postmenopausal women and is not indicated in this population.

8.6 Hepatic Impairment

No studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of hepatic disease on the disposition of Simpesse. However, steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function. Simpesse is contraindicated in females with acute hepatitis or severe decompensated cirrhosis [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

12.1 Mechanism of Action

COCs prevent pregnancy primarily by suppressing ovulation.  

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel are absorbed with maximum plasma concentrations occurring within 2 hours after Simpesse administration. Levonorgestrel is completely absorbed after oral administration (bioavailability nearly 100%) and is not subject to first-pass metabolism. Ethinyl estradiol is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract but, due to first-pass metabolism in gut mucosa and liver, the bioavailability of ethinyl estradiol is approximately 43%.

The daily exposure to levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol on Day 21, corresponding to the end of a typical 3-week contraceptive regimen, and on Day 84, at the end of an extended cycle regimen, were similar. There was no additional accumulation of ethinyl estradiol after dosing a 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol tablet during Days 84 to 91. The mean plasma pharmacokinetic parameters of Simpesse following a single dose of one levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol combination tablet, for 84 days, in normal healthy women are reported in Table 6.

The effect of food on the rate and the extent of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol absorption following oral administration of Simpesse has not been evaluated.

Distribution

The apparent volume of distribution of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol are reported to be approximately 1.8 L/kg and 4.3 L/kg, respectively. Levonorgestrel is about 97.5 to 99% protein-bound, principally to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and, to a lesser extent, serum albumin. Ethinyl estradiol is about 95 to 97% bound to serum albumin. Ethinyl estradiol does not bind to SHBG, but induces SHBG synthesis, which leads to decreased levonorgestrel clearance. Following repeated daily dosing of levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol oral contraceptives, levonorgestrel plasma concentrations accumulate more than predicted based on single-dose pharmacokinetics, due in part, to increased SHBG levels that are induced by ethinyl estradiol, and a possible reduction in hepatic metabolic capacity.

Metabolism

Following absorption, levonorgestrel is conjugated at the 17β-OH position to form sulfate and to a lesser extent, glucuronide conjugates in plasma. Significant amounts of conjugated and unconjugated 3α,5β-tetrahydrolevonorgestrel are also present in plasma, along with much smaller amounts of 3α,5α-tetrahydrolevonorgestrel and 16β-hydroxylevonorgestrel. Levonorgestrel and its phase I metabolites are excreted primarily as glucuronide conjugates. Metabolic clearance rates may differ among individuals by several-fold, and this may account in part for the wide variation observed in levonorgestrel concentrations among users.

First-pass metabolism of ethinyl estradiol involves formation of ethinyl estradiol-3-sulfate in the gut wall, followed by 2-hydroxylation of a portion of the remaining untransformed ethinyl estradiol by hepatic cytochrome P-­450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Levels of CYP3A4 vary widely among individuals and can explain the variation in rates of ethinyl estradiol hydroxylation. Hydroxylation at the 4-, 6-, and 16- positions may also occur, although to a much lesser extent than 2-hydroxylation. The various hydroxylated metabolites are subject to further methylation and/or conjugation.

Excretion

About 45% of levonorgestrel and its metabolites are excreted in the urine and about 32% are excreted in feces, mostly as glucuronide conjugates. The terminal elimination half-life for levonorgestrel after a single dose of Simpesse was about 34 hours.

Ethinyl estradiol is excreted in the urine and feces as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates, and it undergoes enterohepatic recirculation. The terminal elimination half-life of ethinyl estradiol after a single dose of Simpesse was found to be about 18 hours.

Race

The effect of race on the pharmacokinetics of Simpesse has not been evaluated.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

[See Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.11)].

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

Do not use Simpesse if you smoke cigarettes and are over 35 years old. Smoking increases your risk of serious cardiovascular side effects 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.

What is Simpesse?

Simpesse is a birth control pill (hormonal contraceptive) used by women to prevent pregnancy. It contains two female hormones, an estrogen called ethinyl estradiol, and a progestin called levonorgestrel.

Simpesse does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections.

How Does Simpesse Work for contraception?

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 a single clinical study lasting 12 months, 1 to 3 women, out of 100 women, may get pregnant during the first year they use

Simpesse.

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

Who Should Not Take Simpesse?

Do not take Simpesse if you:

• smoke and are over 35 years of age
• have or had blood clots in your arms, legs, eyes or lungs  
• had a stroke
• had a heart attack
• have certain heart valve problems or heart rhythm abnormalities that can cause blood clots to form in the heart
• have or had a problem with your blood that makes it clot more than normal
• have high blood pressure that cannot be controlled by medicine or have high blood pressure with blood vessel problems
• have diabetes and are over the age of 35; have diabetes with high blood pressure; kidney, eye, nerve, or blood vessel damage; or for more than 20 years
• have certain kinds of severe migraine headaches with aura, numbness, weakness or changes in vision, or any migraine headaches if you are over the age of 35
• have or had breast cancer
• have liver disease, including liver tumors
• have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• take any Hepatitis C drug combination containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir. This may increase levels of the liver enzyme “alanine aminotransferase” (ALT) in the blood.

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.

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

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Simpesse?

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

• are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
• are scheduled for surgery. Simpesse may increase your risk of blood clots after surgery. You should stop taking Simpesse at least 4 weeks before you have surgery and not restart Simpesse until at least 2 weeks after your surgery.
• are depressed now or have been depressed in the past
• had yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice) caused by pregnancy (cholestasis of pregnancy)
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Simpesse may decrease the amount of breast milk you make. A small amount of the hormones in Simpesse may pass into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best birth control method for you while breastfeeding.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any of the conditions listed in, “Who should not take Simpesse” above. Your healthcare provider may recommend another method of birth control.

Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and herbal products that you take. Some medicines and herbal products may make birth control pills less effective, including:

• barbiturates
• bosentan
• carbamazepine 
• felbamate 
• griseofulvin
• oxcarbazepine
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• St. John’s wort
• topiramate

Use a back-up or alternative 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 physician may need to adjust the dose of lamotrigine.

Women on thyroid hormone replacement therapy may need increased doses of thyroid hormone.

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

How should I take Simpesse?

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

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 over 35 years old. 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)

Women who take birth control pills may get:

• High blood pressure. You should see your healthcare provider to check your blood pressure regularly.
• 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 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.

What else should I know about taking Simpesse?

• If you are scheduled for any lab tests, tell your healthcare provider you are taking Simpesse. Certain blood tests may be affected by Simpesse.
• Do not skip any pills, even if you do not have sex often.
• 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.
• You should stop Simpesse at least four weeks before you have major surgery and not restart it for at least two weeks after the surgery, due to an increased risk of blood clots.
• If you are breastfeeding, consider another birth control method until you are ready to stop breastfeeding. Birth control pills that contain estrogen, like Simpesse, may decrease the amount of milk you make. A small amount of the pill's hormones pass into breast milk.
• If you have vomiting or diarrhea, your birth control pills may not work as well. Use another birth control method, like condoms or a spermicide, until you check with your healthcare provider.

How should I store Simpesse?

• Store Simpesse at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
• Keep Simpesse and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about Simpesse

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use Simpesse for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Simpesse to anyone else.

This Patient Information summarizes the most important information about Simpesse. If you have concerns or questions, ask your healthcare provider. You may also ask your healthcare providers for a more detailed label written for medical professionals.

Do birth control pills cause cancer?

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

If you have breast cancer now, or have had it in the past, do not use hormonal birth control because some breast cancers are sensitive to hormones. Women who use birth control pills may have a slightly higher chance of getting cervical cancer. However, this may be due to other reasons such as having more sexual partners.

What if I want to become pregnant?

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

What should I know about my period when taking Simpesse?

When you take Simpesse, which has a 91-day extended dosing cycle, you should expect to have 4 scheduled periods per year (bleeding when you are taking the 7 light blue pills). Each period is likely to last about 3 days. However, you will probably have more bleeding or spotting between your scheduled periods than if you were using a birth control pill with a 28 -day dosing cycle. During the first Simpesse 91-day treatment cycle, about 3 in 10 women may have 20 or more days of unplanned bleeding or spotting. This bleeding or spotting tends to decrease with time. Do not stop taking Simpesse because of this bleeding or spotting. If the spotting continues for more than 7 consecutive days or if the bleeding is heavy, call your healthcare provider.

What if I miss my scheduled period when taking Simpesse?

You should consider the possibility that you are pregnant if you miss your scheduled period (no bleeding on the days that you are taking light blue tablets). Since scheduled periods are less frequent when you are taking Simpesse, notify your healthcare provider that you have missed your period and that you are taking Simpesse. 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 evaluates you to determine if you are pregnant. Stop taking Simpesse if it is determined that you are pregnant.

What are the ingredients in Simpesse?

Active ingredients:

White tablets: levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol                                                                                      

Light blue tablets: ethinyl estradiol

Inactive ingredients:

White tablets: croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and povidone

Light blue tablets: colloidal silicon dioxide, FD&C Blue No. 1, lactose monohydrate, povidone, pregelatinized starch (maize), stearic acid, and vitamin E.

Distributed by:
Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc.
279 Princeton-Hightstown Road
East Windsor, NJ 08520

Manufactured by:
Aurobindo Pharma Limited
Hyderabad-500 032, India

Revised: 04/2023