2.1       How to Take Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Capsules and Ferrous Fumarate Capsules

To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules must be taken exactly as directed. Instruct patients to take one capsule by mouth at the same time every day. Capsules must be taken in the order directed on the blister pack. Capsules should not be skipped or taken at intervals exceeding 24 hours. For patient instructions for missed pills, see FDA-approved patient labeling.  Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules may be administered without regard to meals [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

2.2       How to Start Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Capsules and Ferrous Fumarate Capsules

Instruct the patient to begin taking norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules either on the first day of her menstrual period (Day 1 Start) or on the first Sunday after the onset of her menstrual period (Sunday Start).

Day 1 Start

During the first cycle of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules use, instruct the patient to take one pink capsule daily, beginning on Day one (1) of her menstrual cycle (the first day of menstruation is Day one). She should take one pink capsule daily for 24 consecutive days, followed by one maroon capsule daily on days 25 through 28. Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules should be taken in the order directed on the package at the same time each day. Instruct the patient to use a non-hormonal contraceptive as back-up during the first 7 days if she starts taking norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules on a day other than the first day of her menstrual cycle. The possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of medication should be considered. 

Sunday Start

During the first cycle of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules use, instruct the patient to take one pink capsule daily, beginning on the first Sunday after the onset of her menstrual period. She should take one pink capsules capsule daily for 24 consecutive days, followed by one maroon capsule daily on days 25 through 28. Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules should be taken in the order directed on the package at the same time each day. Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules should not be considered effective as a contraceptive until after the first 7 consecutive days of product administration. Instruct the patient to use a non-hormonal contraceptive as back-up during the first 7 days. The possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of medication should be considered. 

The patient should begin her next and all subsequent 28-day regimens of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules on the same day of the week that she began her first regimen, following the same schedule. She should begin taking her pink capsules on the next day after ingestion of the last maroon capsule, regardless of whether or not a menstrual period has occurred or is still in progress. Anytime a subsequent cycle of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules is started later than the day following administration of the last maroon capsule, the patient should use another method of contraception until she has taken a pink capsule daily for 7 consecutive days.

For postpartum women who do not breastfeed or after a second trimester abortion, start norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules no earlier than 4 weeks postpartum due to the increased risk of thromboembolism. If the patient starts norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules postpartum and has not yet had a period, evaluate for possible pregnancy, and instruct her to use an additional method of contraception until she has taken norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules for 7 consecutive days.

Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules may be initiated immediately after a first-trimester abortion or miscarriage; if the patient starts norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules immediately, additional contraceptive measures are not needed. 

Switching from another Hormonal Method of Contraception

If the patient is switching from a combination hormonal method such as:

• Another Pill

• Vaginal Ring

• Patch

Instruct her to take the first pink capsule on the day she would have taken her next COC pill. She should not continue taking the tablet from her previous birth control pack, and should not skip any days between packs. If she does not have a withdrawal pleed, rule out pregnancy before starting norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules.

If she previously used a vaginal ring or transdermal patch, and she should start using norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules on the day she would have resumed the previous product.

If the patient is switching from a progestin-only method such as a:

• Progestin-only pill

• Implant

• Intrauterine system

• Injection

She may switch any day from a progestin-only pill; instruct her to take the first pink capsule on the day she would have taken her next progestin-only pill. She shoudl use a non-hormonal method of contraception for 7 consecutive days.

If switching from an implant or injection, start the first pink capsule on the day her next injection would have been due or on the day of removal of her implant.

If switching from an IUD, depending on the timing of removal, back-up contraception may be needed.

2.3       Missed Doses

2.4       Advice in Case of Gastrointestinal Disturbances

If the patient vomits or has diarrhea (within 3 to 4 hours after she takes a pink capsule), she should follow the instructions in the “What to Do if You Miss Capsules” section [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ]. 

5.1       Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Problems

Stop norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules if an arterial or deep venous thrombotic event (VTE) occurs. Stop norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules if there is unexplained loss of vision, proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions. Evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately.

If feasible, stop norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery or other surgeries known to have an elevated risk of VTE.

Start norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breastfeeding. The risk of postpartum VTE decreases after the third postpartum week, whereas the risk of ovulation increases after the third postpartum week.

The use of COCs increases the risk of VTE. However, pregnancy increases the risk of VTE as much or more than the use of COCs. The risk of VTE in women using COCs is 3 to 9 per 10,000 woman-years. The risk of VTE is highest during the first year of use of a COC. The risk of thromboembolic disease due to oral contraceptives gradually disappears after COC use is discontinued.

Use of COCs also increases the risk of arterial thromboses such as strokes and myocardial infarctions, especially in women with other risk factors for these events. COCs have been shown to increase both the relative and attributable risks of cerebrovascular events (thrombotic and hemorrhagic strokes), although, in general, the risk is greatest in older (> 35 years of age), hypertensive women who also smoke. COCs also increase the risk for stroke in women with underlying risk factors. 

Use COCs with caution in women with cardiovascular disease risk factors.

5.2       Liver Disease

Impaired Liver Function

Do not use norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules in women with acute viral hepatitis or severe (decompensated) cirrhosis of liver [see Contraindications (4)]. Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may necessitate the discontinuation of COC use until markers of liver function return to normal and COC causation has been excluded. Discontinue norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules if jaundice develops.

Liver Tumors

Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules is contraindicated in women with benign and malignant liver tumors [see Contraindications (4)]. Hepatic adenomas are associated with COC use. An estimate of the attributable risk is 3.3 cases per 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.

5.3       Risk of Liver Enzyme Elevations with Concomitant Hepatitis C Treatment

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

5.4       High Blood Pressure

Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules is contraindicated in women with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease [see Contraindications (4)]. For women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure and stop norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules if blood pressure rises significantly.

An increase in blood pressure has been reported in women taking COCs, and this increase is more likely in older women with extended duration of use. The incidence of hypertension increases with increasing concentrations of progestin.

5.5       Gallbladder Disease

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

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

5.6       Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Effects

Carefully monitor prediabetic and diabetic women who are taking norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules. COCs may decrease glucose tolerance in a dose-related fashion.

Consider alternative contraception for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemias. 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 norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules develops new headaches that are recurrent, persistent, or severe, evaluate the cause and discontinue norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules if indicated.

Consider discontinuation of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules in the case of increased frequency or severity of migraine during COC use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event) [see Contraindications (4)].

5.8       Bleeding Irregularities and Amenorrhea

Unscheduled Bleeding and Spotting

Unscheduled (breakthrough or intracyclic) bleeding and spotting sometimes occur in patients on COCs, especially during the first three months of use. If bleeding persists or occurs after previously regular cycles, check for causes such as pregnancy or malignancy. If pathology and pregnancy are excluded, bleeding irregularities may resolve over time or with a change to a different COC.

Based on patient diaries from a clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of a 24-day regimen of norethindrone acetate 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.020 mg tablets, 24-35% of women experienced unscheduled bleeding per cycle. A total of 10 subjects out of 743 (1.3%) discontinued due to bleeding or spotting. 

Amenorrhea and Oligomenorrhea

Women who are not pregnant and use norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules may experience amenorrhea. In the clinical trial with a 24-day regimen of norethindrone acetate 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.020 mg tablets, 22 to 36% of the women using norethindrone acetate 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.020 mg tablets experienced amenorrhea in at least one of 6 cycles of use. Some women may experience post-pill amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, especially when such a condition was preexistent.

If scheduled (withdrawal) bleeding does not occur, consider the possibility of pregnancy. If the patient has not adhered to the prescribed dosing schedule (missed one or more active capsules or started taking them on a day later than she should have), consider the possibility of pregnancy at the time of the first missed period and take appropriate diagnostic measures. If the patient has adhered to the prescribed regimen and misses two consecutive periods, rule out pregnancy.

5.9       COC Use before or during Early Pregnancy

Extensive epidemiologic studies have revealed no increased risk of birth defects in women who have used oral contraceptives prior to pregnancy. Studies also do not suggest a teratogenic effect, particularly in so far as cardiac anomalies and limb reduction defects are concerned, when oral contraceptives are taken inadvertently during early pregnancy. Discontinue norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules if pregnancy is confirmed.

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       Depression

Carefully observe women with a history of depression and discontinue norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules if depression recurs to a serious degree.

5.11       Malignant Neoplasms

Breast Cancer

Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules are 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 Adverse Reactions (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 may be due to differences in sexual behavior and other factors.

5.12       Effect on Binding Globulins

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

5.13       Monitoring

A woman who is taking COCs should have a yearly visit with her healthcare provider for a blood pressure check and for other indicated healthcare.

5.14       Hereditary Angioedema

In women with hereditary angioedema, exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema.

5.15       Chloasma

Chloasma may occasionally occur, especially in women with a history of chloasma gravidarum. Women with a tendency to chloasma should avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation while taking norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules.

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 data presented in Section 6.1 are from a clinical trial conducted with a 24-day regimen of norethindrone acetate 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.020 mg tablets. Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules is bioequivalent to these norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablets.

Common Adverse Reactions (≥ 2% of all Treated Subjects): The most common adverse reactions reported by at least 2% of the 743 women using norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablets were the following, in order of decreasing incidence: headache (6.3%), vaginal candidiasis (6.1%), nausea (4.6%), menstrual cramps (4.4%), breast tenderness (3.4%), bacterial vaginitis (3.1%), abnormal cervical smear (3.1%), acne (2.7%), mood swings (2.2%), and weight gain (2.0%).

Adverse Reactions Leading to Study Discontinuation: Among the 743 women using norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablets, 46 women (6.2%) withdrew because of an adverse event. Adverse events occurring in 3 or more subjects leading to discontinuation of treatment were, in decreasing order: abnormal or irregular bleeding (1.3%), nausea (0.8%), menstrual cramps (0.5%), and increased blood pressure (0.4%). 

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 - 1.12 (Figure 1).

Three studies compared breast cancer risk between current or recent COC users (<6 months since last use) and never users of COCs (Figure 1). One of these studies reported no association between breast cancer risk and COC use. The other two studies found an increased relative risk of 1.19 - 1.33 with current or recent use. Both of these studies found an increased risk of breast cancer with current use of longer duration, with relative risks ranging from 1.03 with less than one year of COC use to approximately 1.4 with more than 8-10 years of COC use.

Figure 1.

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 a 24-day regimen of norethindrone acetate 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.020 mg tablets. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or evaluate a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Vascular disorders: thrombosis/embolism (coronary artery, pulmonary, cerebral, deep vein).

Hepatobiliary disorders: cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, hepatic adenoma, hemangioma of liver.

Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity reaction.

Skin and subcutaneous disorders: alopecia, rash (generalized and allergic), pruritus, skin discoloration.

GI disorders: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: myalgia.

Eye disorders: blurred vision, visual impairment, corneal thinning, change in corneal curvature (steepening). 

Infections and infestations: fungal infection, vaginal infection.

Investigations: change in weight or appetite (increase or decrease), fatigue, malaise, peripheral edema, blood pressure increased.

Nervous system disorders: headache, dizziness, migraine, loss of consciousness.

Psychiatric disorders: mood swings, depression, insomnia, anxiety, suicidal ideation, panic attack, changes in libido.

Renal and urinary disorders: cystitis-like syndrome.

Reproductive system and breast disorders: breast changes (tenderness, pain, enlargement, and secretion), premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea.  

Cardiovascular: chest pain, palpitations, tachycardia, myocardial infarction. 

7.1       Effects of Other Drugs on Combined Oral Contraceptives

Substances diminishing the efficacy of COCs: Drugs or herbal products that induce certain enzymes, including cytochrome P450 3A4 (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 phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, bosentan, felbamate, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, rifampicin, topiramate and products containing St. John’s wort. Interactions between oral contraceptives and other drugs may lead to breakthrough bleeding and/or contraceptive failure. Counsel women to use an alternative method of contraception or a back-up method when enzyme inducers are used with COCs, and to continue back-up contraception for 28 days after discontinuing the enzyme inducer to ensure contraceptive reliability.

Substances increasing the plasma concentrations of COCs: Co-administration of atorvastatin and certain COCs containing ethinyl estradiol increase AUC values for ethinyl estradiol by approximately 20%. Ascorbic acid and acetaminophen may increase plasma ethinyl estradiol concentrations, possibly by inhibition of conjugation. CYP3A4 inhibitors such as itraconazole or ketoconazole may increase plasma hormone concentrations.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ Hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors: Significant changes (increase or decrease) in the plasma concentrations of estrogen and progestin have been noted in some cases of co-administration with HIV/HCV protease inhibitors or with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase 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.

7.2       Effects of Combined Oral Contraceptives on Other Drugs

COCs containing ethinyl estradiol 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.

Women on thyroid hormone replacement therapy may need increased doses of thyroid hormone because serum concentration of thyroid-binding globulin increases with use of COCs.

7.3       Concomitant Use with HCV Combination Therapy – Liver Enzyme Elevation

Do not co-administer norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules with HCV drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to potential for ALT elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

7.4       Interference with Laboratory Tests

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

8.1       Pregnancy

Risk Summary

There is no use for contraception in pregnancy; therefore, norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules should be discontinued during pregnancy. Epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses have not found an increased risk of genital or nongenital 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 breast-feeding females. This reduction can occur at any time but is less likely to occur once breast-feeding is well-established. When possible, advise the nursing female to use other methods of contraception until she discontinues breast-feeding [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. The developmental and health benefits of breast-feeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.4       Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules have been established in women of reproductive age. Efficacy is expected to be the same in postpubertal adolescents under the age of 18 years as for users 18 years and older. Use of this product before menarche is not indicated.

8.5       Geriatric Use

Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules has not been studied in postmenopausal women and is not indicated in this population.

8.6       Renal Impairment

The pharmacokinetics of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules has not been studied in subjects with renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. 

8.7       Hepatic Impairment

The pharmacokinetics of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules has not been studied in subjects with hepatic impairment. However, steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with hepatic impairment. Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may necessitate the discontinuation of COC use until markers of liver function return to normal and COC causation has been excluded [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

8.8       Body Mass Index

The safety and efficacy of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules in women with a body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m2 has not been evaluated [see Clinical Studies (14)].

12.1       Mechanism of Action

CHCs lower the risk of becoming pregnant primarily by suppressing ovulation.

12.2       Pharmacodynamics

No specific pharmacodynamic studies were conducted with norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules.

12.3       Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

In a single-dose, crossover clinical study conducted in 39 healthy, non-smoking premenopausal women under fasting condition, norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules were bioequivalent to norethindrone acetate 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.020 mg tablets (24-day regimen tablets) based on the exposure (AUC) and peak concentration (Cmax) of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol.

Norethindrone acetate appears to be completely and rapidly deacetylated to norethindrone after oral administration, because the disposition of norethindrone acetate is indistinguishable from that of orally administered norethindrone. Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol are rapidly absorbed from norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablets, with maximum plasma concentrations of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol occurring 1 to 4 hours post-dose. Both are subject to first-pass metabolism after oral dosing, resulting in an absolute bioavailability of approximately 64% for norethindrone and 43% for ethinyl estradiol.

The plasma norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol pharmacokinetics following single- and multiple-dose administrations of norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablets in 17 healthy female volunteers are provided in Figures 2 and 3, and Table 1.

Following multiple-dose administration of norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablets, mean maximum concentrations of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol were increased by 95% and 27%, respectively, as compared to single-dose administration. Mean norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol exposures (AUC values) were increased by 164% and 51% respectively, as compared to single-dose administration of norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablets.

Steady-state with respect to norethindrone was reached by Day 17 and steady-state with respect to ethinyl estradiol was reached by Day 13.

Mean SHBG concentrations were increased by 150% from baseline (57.5 nmol/L) to 144 nmol/L at steady-state.

Figure 2. Mean Plasma Norethindrone Concentration-Time Profiles Following Single- and Multiple-Dose Oral Administration of Norethindrone Acetate/Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets to Healthy Female Volunteers under Fasting Condition (n = 17)

Figure 3. Mean Plasma Ethinyl Estradiol Concentration-Time Profiles Following Single- and Multiple-Dose Oral Administration of Norethindrone Acetate/Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets to Healthy Female Volunteers Under Fasting Condition (n = 17)

Food Effect

Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules may be administered without regard to meals.

A single-dose administration of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules with food in 38 healthy, non-smoking premenopausal women decreased the maximum concentration of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol by 38% and 33%, respectively. Food intake did not affect the extent of ethinyl estradiol absorption, but increased the extent of norethindrone absorption by 19%.

Distribution

Volume of distribution of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol ranges from 2 to 4 L/kg. Plasma protein binding of both steroids is extensive (>95%); norethindrone binds to both albumin and SHBG, whereas ethinyl estradiol binds only to albumin. Although ethinyl estradiol does not bind to SHBG, it induces SHBG synthesis.

Metabolism

Norethindrone undergoes extensive biotransformation, primarily via reduction, followed by sulfate and glucuronide conjugation. The majority of metabolites in the circulation are sulfates, with glucuronides accounting for most of the urinary metabolites.

Ethinyl estradiol is also extensively metabolized, both by oxidation and by conjugation with sulfate and glucuronide. Sulfates are the major circulating conjugates of ethinyl estradiol and glucuronides predominate in urine. The primary oxidative metabolite is 2-hydroxy ethinyl estradiol, formed by the CYP3A4 isoform of cytochrome P450. Part of the first-pass metabolism of ethinyl estradiol is believed to occur in gastrointestinal mucosa. Ethinyl estradiol may undergo enterohepatic circulation.

Excretion

Norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol are excreted in both urine and feces, primarily as metabolites. Plasma clearance values for norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol are similar (approximately 0.4 L/hr/kg). Steady-state elimination half-lives of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol following administration of norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablets are approximately 8 hours and 14 hours, respectively.

Drug Interactions

No drug-drug interaction studies were conducted with norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules.

13.1       Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

[See Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.11) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1).]

16.1       How Supplied

Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules is available in blister cards (dispensers) containing 28 soft gelatin capsules:

Each blister card contains 28 capsules in the following order:

• 24 oval, opaque, pale pink (active) soft gelatin capsule with "XI" printed on the outer shell in white and each containing 1 mg norethindrone acetate and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol.
  
• 4 oval, opaque, maroon, (non-hormonal placebo) capsules imprinted with “LF” on one side and each containing 75 mg ferrous fumarate. The ferrous fumarate capsules do not serve any therapeutic purpose.

Each blister card is packed in a carton (NDC 16714-155-01).

Cartons of 3 blister cards packed individually in 3 cartons are provided for dispensing (NDC 16714-155-03).
3 cartons - each carton contains 1 blister card (28): NDC 16714-155-01      

16.2       Storage Conditions

Store at 20° to 25ºC (68° to 77ºF); excursions permitted to 15 to 30ºC (59 to 86ºF) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].