WARNING: CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptive (COC) use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, COCs should not be used by women who are over 35 years of age and smoke. [See Contraindications ( 4 ).]
Indications and uses
Natazia™ is indicated for use by women to prevent pregnancy. The efficacy of Natazia in women with a body mass index (BMI) of > 30 kg/m 2 has not been evaluated.
Dosage and administration
Enter section text here To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, Natazia must be taken exactly as directed. Take one tablet by mouth the same time every day. Tablets must be taken in the order directed on the blister pack. Tablets should not be skipped or intake delayed by more than 12 hours. For patient instructions for missed pills, see FDA-Approved Patient Labeling. Instruct the patient to begin taking N...
Storage and handling
Enter section text here Natazia (estradiol valerate and estradiol valerate/dienogest) tablets are available in 28 tablets per blister packs (NDC 54868-6183-0). The active and inert film-coated tablets are rounded with biconvex faces, one side is embossed with a regular hexagon shape with the letters DD or DJ or DH or DN or DT. Each blister pack (28 film-coated tablets) contains in the following order: 2 round bico...
WARNING: CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious
cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptive (COC) use. This risk
increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the
number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, COCs should not be used by women
who are over 35 years of age and smoke. [See
Contraindications (4).]
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION
Natazia™ is indicated for use by women to prevent pregnancy.
The efficacy of Natazia in women with a body mass index (BMI) of > 30
kg/m2 has not been evaluated.
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION
Enter section text here
2.1 How to take Natazia
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, Natazia must be
taken exactly as directed. Take one tablet by mouth the same time every day.
Tablets must be taken in the order directed on the blister pack. Tablets should
not be skipped or intake delayed by more than 12 hours. For patient instructions
for missed pills, see FDA-Approved Patient Labeling.
2.2 How to start Natazia
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
Instruct the patient to begin taking Natazia on Day 1 of her
menstrual cycle (that is, the first day of her menstrual bleeding) [see FDA-Approved Patient Labeling]. Instruct the patient
to use a non-hormonal contraceptive as back-up during the first 9 days.
For postpartum women who do not breastfeed or after a second trimester
abortion, Natazia may be started no earlier than 4 weeks postpartum. Recommend
use of a non-hormonal back-up method for the first 9 days. When combined oral
contraceptives (COCs) are used during the postpartum period, the increased risk
of thromboembolic disease associated with the postpartum period must be
considered. The possibility of ovulation and conception before starting COCs
should also be considered.
If the patient is switching from a combination hormonal method such as:
Another pill
Vaginal ring
Patch
Instruct her to take the first dark yellow pill on the first day of her
withdrawal bleed. She should not continue taking the pills from her previous
birth control pack. If she does not have a withdrawal bleed, rule out pregnancy
before starting Natazia.
If she previously used a vaginal ring or transdermal patch, she should start
using Natazia on the day the ring or patch is removed.
Instruct the patient to use a non-hormonal back-up method such as a condom
or spermicide for the first 9 days.
If the patient is switching from a progestin-only method such as a:
Progestin-only pill
Implant
Intrauterine system
Injection
Instruct her to take the first dark yellow pill on the day she would have
taken her next progestin-only pill or on the day of removal of her implant or
intrauterine system or on the day when she would have had her next injection.
Instruct the patient to use a non-hormonal back-up method such as a condom
or spermicide for the first 9 days.
2.3 Advice in case of Gastrointestinal Disturbances
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
In case of severe vomiting or diarrhea, absorption may not be
complete and additional contraceptive measures should be taken. If vomiting or
diarrhea occurs within 3-4 hours after taking a colored tablet, this can be
regarded as a missed tablet. [See FDA-Approved Patient
Labeling.]
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
DOSAGE FORMS & STRENGTHS SECTION
Natazia (estradiol valerate and estradiol valerate/dienogest)
tablets are available in blister packs.
Each blister pack (28 film-coated tablets) contains in the following
order:
2 dark yellow tablets each containing 3 mg estradiol valerate
5 medium red tablets each containing 2 mg estradiol valerate and 2 mg
dienogest
17 light yellow tablets each containing 2 mg estradiol valerate and 3 mg
dienogest
2 dark red tablets each containing 1 mg estradiol valerate
2 white tablets (inert)
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION
Do not prescribe Natazia to women who are known to have the
following:
A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases. Examples include
women who are known to:
Smoke, if over age 35 [see Boxed Warning and Warnings
and Precautions (5.1)]
Have deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, now or in the past [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
Have cerebrovascular disease [see Warnings and
Precautions (5.1)]
Have coronary artery disease [see Warnings and
Precautions (5.1)]
Have thrombogenic valvular or thrombogenic rhythm diseases of the heart (for
example, subacute bacterial endocarditis with valvular disease, or atrial
fibrillation) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
Have inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathies [see
Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
Have uncontrolled hypertension [see Warnings and
Precautions (5.4)]
Have diabetes with vascular disease [see Warnings and
Precautions (5.6)]
Have headaches with focal neurological symptoms or have migraine headaches
with or without aura if over age 35 [see Warnings and
Precautions (5.7)]
Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding [see Warnings and
Precautions (5.8)]
Breast cancer or other estrogen- or progestin-sensitive cancer, now or in
the past [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
Liver tumors, benign or malignant, or liver disease [see
Warnings and Precautions (5.3),
Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and
Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Pregnancy, because there is no reason to use COCs during pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) and
Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS SECTION
Enter section text here
5.1 Thrombotic and Other Vascular Events
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
Stop COCs if an arterial or deep venous thrombotic (VTE) event
occurs. Although the use of COCs increases the risk of venous thromboembolism,
pregnancy increases the risk of venous thromboembolism as much or more than the
use of COCs. The risk of venous thromboembolism in women using COCs is 3 to 9
per 10,000 woman-years. The excess risk is highest during the first year of use
of a COC. Use of COCs also increases the risk of arterial thromboses such as
strokes and myocardial infarctions, especially in women with other risk factors
for these events. The risk of thromboembolic disease due to oral contraceptives
gradually disappears after COC use is discontinued.
If feasible, stop COCs at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after
major surgery or other surgeries known to have an elevated risk of
thromboembolism.
Start COCs no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not
breastfeeding. The risk of postpartum thromboembolism decreases after the third
postpartum week, whereas the risk of ovulation increases after the third
postpartum week.
COCs have been shown to increase both the relative and attributable risks of
cerebrovascular events (thrombotic and hemorrhagic strokes), although, in
general, the risk is greatest among older (>35 years of age), hypertensive
women who also smoke. COCs also increase the risk for stroke in women with other
underlying risk factors.
Oral contraceptives must be used with caution in women with cardiovascular
disease risk factors. Stop COCs if there is unexplained loss of vision,
proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions. Evaluate for
retinal vein thrombosis immediately. [See Adverse Reactions
(6).]
5.2 Carcinoma of the Breasts and Reproductive Organs
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
Women who currently have or have had breast cancer should not use
COCs because breast cancer is a hormonally-sensitive tumor.
There is substantial evidence that COCs do not increase the incidence of
breast cancer. Although some past studies have suggested that COCs might
increase the incidence of breast cancer, more recent studies have not confirmed
such findings.
Some studies suggest that COCs are associated with an increase in the risk of
cervical cancer or intraepithelial neoplasia. However, there is controversy
about the extent to which these findings may be due to differences in sexual
behavior and other factors.
Endometrial biopsies performed in a subset of subjects in a Phase 3 Natazia
clinical trial did not reveal any unexpected or concerning findings for subjects
taking COCs. [See Adverse Reactions (6.1).]
5.3 Liver Disease
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
Discontinue COCs if jaundice develops. Steroid hormones may be
poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function. Acute or chronic
disturbances of liver function may necessitate the discontinuation of COC use
until markers of liver function return to normal and COC causation has been
excluded.
Hepatic adenomas are associated with COC use. An estimate of the attributable
risk is 3.3 cases/100,000 COC users. Rupture of hepatic adenomas may cause death
through intra-abdominal hemorrhage.
Studies have shown an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma
in long-term (> 8 years) COC users. However, the attributable risk of liver
cancers in COC users is less than one case per million users.
Oral contraceptive-related cholestasis may occur in women with a history of
pregnancy-related cholestasis. Women with a history of COC-related cholestasis
may have the condition recur with subsequent COC use.
5.4 High Blood Pressure
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
For women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood
pressure and stop COCs if blood pressure rises significantly. Women with
uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease should not use
COCs.
An increase in blood pressure has been reported in women taking COCs, and
this increase is more likely in older women and with extended duration of use.
The incidence of hypertension increases with increasing concentration of
progestin.
5.5 Gallbladder Disease
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
Studies suggest a small increased relative risk of developing
gallbladder disease among COC users.
5.6 Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Effects
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
Carefully monitor prediabetic and diabetic women who are taking
COCs. COCs may decrease glucose tolerance in a dose-related fashion.
Consider alternative contraception for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia.
A small proportion of women will have adverse lipid changes while on COCs.
Women with hypertriglyceridemia, or a family history thereof, may be at an
increased risk of pancreatitis when using COCs.
5.7 Headache
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
If a woman taking COCs develops new headaches that are recurrent,
persistent, or severe, evaluate the cause and discontinue COCs if indicated.
An increase in frequency or severity of migraine during COC use (which may be
prodromal of a cerebrovascular event) may be a reason for immediate
discontinuation of the COC. [See Adverse Reactions (6).]
5.8 Bleeding Irregularities
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
Breakthrough bleeding and spotting sometimes occur in patients on
COCs, especially during the first three months of use. If bleeding persists or
occurs after previously regular cycles, check for causes such as pregnancy or
malignancy. If pathology and pregnancy are excluded, bleeding irregularities may
resolve over time or with a change to a different COC.
Women who are not pregnant and use Natazia, may experience amenorrhea. Based
on patient diaries, amenorrhea occurs in approximately 16% of cycles in women
using Natazia. Pregnancy should be ruled out in the event of amenorrhea
occurring in two or more consecutive cycles. Some women may encounter amenorrhea
or oligomenorrhea after stopping COCs, especially when such a condition was
pre-existent.
Based on patient diaries from three clinical trials evaluating the safety and
efficacy of Natazia, 10-23% of women experienced intracyclic bleeding per cycle.
A total of 38 subjects out of 2,266 (1.7%) discontinued due to metrorrhagia or
irregular menstruation.
5.9 COC Use Before or During Early Pregnancy
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
Extensive epidemiological studies have revealed no increased risk
of birth defects in women who have used oral contraceptives prior to pregnancy.
Studies also do not suggest a teratogenic effect, particularly in so far as
cardiac anomalies and limb-reduction defects are concerned, when taken
inadvertently during early pregnancy. Oral contraceptive use should be
discontinued if pregnancy is confirmed.
The administration of oral contraceptives to induce withdrawal bleeding
should not be used as a test for pregnancy [see Use in
Specific Populations (8.1)].
5.10 Emotional Disorders
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
Women with a history of depression should be carefully observed
and the COC discontinued if depression recurs to a serious degree.
5.11 Interference with Laboratory Tests
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
The use of COCs may change the results of some laboratory tests,
such as coagulation factors, lipids, glucose tolerance, and binding proteins.
Women on thyroid hormone replacement therapy may need increased doses of thyroid
hormone because serum concentrations of thyroid-binding globulin increase with
use of COCs.
5.12 Monitoring
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
A woman who is taking COCs should have a yearly visit with her
healthcare provider for a blood pressure check and for other indicated
healthcare.
5.13 Drug Interactions
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
Women who take medications that are strong CYP3A4 inducers (for
example, carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, and St. John’s wort) should not
choose Natazia as their oral contraceptive while using these inducers and for at
least 28 days after discontinuation of these inducers due to the possibility of
decreased contraceptive efficacy. [See Drug Interactions (7.1) and
Clinical Pharmacology (12.3).]
5.14 Other Conditions
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
In women with hereditary angioedema, exogenous estrogens may
induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema. Chloasma may occasionally occur,
especially in women with a history of chloasma gravidarum. Women with a tendency
to chloasma should avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation while
taking COCs.
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION
The following serious adverse reactions with the use of COCs are
discussed elsewhere in the labeling:
Serious cardiovascular events and smoking [see Boxed
Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
Vascular events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
Liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
Adverse reactions commonly reported by COC users are:
Irregular uterine bleeding
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Headache
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying
conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug
cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and
may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Contraception Studies
Two multicenter phase 3 clinical trials evaluated the safety and
efficacy of Natazia for pregnancy prevention. Both were non-comparative,
open-labeled, single-arm studies with a treatment duration up to 28 cycles. A
total of 1,867 women aged 18–50 were enrolled and took at least one dose of
Natazia. [See Clinical Studies (14.1).]
Adverse Reactions Leading to Study Discontinuation:
11.5% of the women discontinued from the clinical trials due to an adverse
reaction; the most frequent adverse reactions leading to discontinuation were
metrorrhagia and irregular menstruation (1.9%), acne (1.2%), headache and
migraine (1.0%), and weight increase (0.7 %).
Common Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions (≥ 2%):
headache (including migraines) (13.2%), metrorrhagia and irregular menstruation
(8.0%), breast pain, discomfort or tenderness (6.6%), nausea or vomiting (6.5%),
acne (3.9%) and increased weight (2.8%).
Serious Adverse Reactions: deep vein thrombosis,
myocardial infarction, focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver, uterine
leiomyoma, and ruptured ovarian cyst.
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION
Enter section text here
7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on Combined Hormonal Contraceptives
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
Interactions between oral contraceptives and other drugs may lead
to breakthrough bleeding and/or contraceptive failure. The following
interactions have been reported in the literature for COCs in general or were
studied in clinical trials with Natazia.
CYP3A4 Inducers: Drugs or
herbal products that induce certain enzymes, including CYP3A4, may decrease the
effectiveness of COCs or increase breakthrough bleeding. Some drugs or herbal
products that may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives include
barbiturates, bosentan, felbamate, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, and topiramate.
Counsel women to use an alternative method of contraception or a back-up method
when moderate or weak enzyme inducers are used with COCs, and to continue
back-up contraception for 28 days after discontinuing the enzyme inducer to
ensure contraceptive reliability.
Dienogest is a substrate of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4. Women who take
medications that are strong CYP3A4 inducers (for example, carbamazepine,
phenytoin, rifampicin, and St. John’s wort) should not choose Natazia as their
oral contraceptive while using these inducers and for at least 28 days after
discontinuation of these inducers due to the possibility of decreased
contraceptive efficacy.
The effect of the CYP3A4 inducer rifampicin was studied in healthy
postmenopausal women. Co-administration of rifampicin with estradiol
valerate/dienogest tablets led to a 52 % and 83% decrease in the mean Cmax and AUC(0 –24hr), respectively, for dienogest and a 25% and
44% decrease in Cmax and AUC(0–24hr), respectively, for
estradiol at steady state.
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors:
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole increased hormone serum
concentrations. In a study investigating the effect of ketoconazole on dienogest
and estradiol pharmacokinetics, co-administration with the strong CYP3A4
inhibitor ketoconazole resulted in a 186% increase of AUC (0 –24hr) at steady
state for dienogest and a 57% increase for estradiol. There was also a 94% and
65% increase of Cmax at steady state for dienogest and
estradiol when co-administered with ketoconazole.
Moderate CYP3A4
Inhibitors: The AUC (0–24hr) of dienogest and estradiol at steady
state were increased by 62% and 33%, respectively, when co-administered with a
moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, erythromycin. There was also a 33% and 51% increase
of Cmax at steady state for dienogest and estradiol, respectively, when
co-administered with erythromycin.
Other known CYP.3A4 inhibitors like azole antifungals, cimetidine, verapamil,
macrolides, diltiazem, antidepressants, and grapefruit juice may increase plasma
levels of dienogest.
HIV Protease Inhibitors:
Significant changes (increase or decrease) in the plasma levels of estrogen and
progestin have been noted in some cases of co-administration of HIV protease
inhibitors.
Antibiotics: There have
been reports of pregnancy while taking hormonal contraceptives and antibiotics,
but clinical pharmacokinetic studies have not shown consistent effects of
antibiotics on plasma concentrations of synthetic steroids.
Consult the labeling of all concurrently-used drugs to obtain further
information about interactions with hormonal contraceptives or the potential for
enzyme alterations.
7.2 Effects of Combined Hormonal Contraceptives on Other Drugs
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
COCs containing ethinyl estradiol (or mestranol), may inhibit the
metabolism of other compounds. COCs have been shown to significantly decrease
plasma concentrations of lamotrigine, likely due to induction of lamotrigine
glucuronidation. This may reduce seizure control; therefore, dosage adjustments
of lamotrigine may be necessary. Consult the labeling of the concurrently-used
drug to obtain further information about interactions with COCs or the potential
for enzyme alterations.
In vitro studies with human CYP enzymes did not
indicate an inhibitory potential of dienogest at clinically relevant
concentrations.
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS SECTION
Enter section text here
8.1 Pregnancy
PREGNANCY SECTION
Pregnancy category X. [See Contraindications
(4)
and Warnings and Precautions (5.9).]
8.3 Nursing Mothers
NURSING MOTHERS SECTION
When possible, advise the nursing mother to use other forms of
contraception until she has weaned her child. Estrogen-containing OCs can reduce
milk production in breastfeeding mothers. This is less likely to occur once
breastfeeding is well-established; however, it can occur at any time in some
women. Small amounts of oral contraceptive steroids and/or metabolites are
present in breast milk.
8.4 Pediatric Use
PEDIATRIC USE SECTION
Safety and efficacy of Natazia have been established in women of
reproductive age. Efficacy is expected to be the same for postpubertal
adolescents under the age of 18 as for users 18 years and older. Use of this
product before menarche is not indicated. [See Clinical
Pharmacology (12.3).]
8.5 Geriatric Use
GERIATRIC USE SECTION
Natazia has not been studied in postmenopausal women and is not
indicated in this population. [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3).]
8.6 Renal Impairment
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
The pharmacokinetics of Natazia has not been studied in subjects
with renal impairment, but an effect requiring dose adjustment is unlikely to be
present [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
8.7 Hepatic Impairment
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
The pharmacokinetics of Natazia has not been studied in subjects
with hepatic impairment. Steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients
with impaired liver function. Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function
may necessitate the discontinuation of COC use until markers of liver function
return to normal. [See Contraindications (4),
Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and
Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]
8.8 Body Mass Index
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
The safety and efficacy of Natazia in women with a BMI of > 30
kg/m2 has not been evaluated. [See
Clinical Pharmacology (12.3).]
10 OVERDOSAGE
OVERDOSAGE SECTION
There have been no reports of serious ill effects from overdose
of oral contraceptives, including ingestion by children. Overdosage may cause
nausea, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in females.
11 DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION SECTION
Natazia (estradiol valerate and estradiol valerate/dienogest)
tablets provide an oral contraceptive regimen consisting of 26 active
film-coated tablets that contain the active ingredients specified for each
tablet below, followed by two inert tablets:
2 dark yellow tablets each containing 3 mg estradiol valerate
5 medium red tablets each containing 2 mg estradiol valerate and 2 mg
dienogest
17 light yellow tablets each containing 2 mg estradiol valerate and 3 mg
dienogest
2 dark red tablets each containing 1 mg estradiol valerate
2 white tablets (inert)
Natazia also contains the excipients lactose monohydrate, maize starch, maize
starch pre-gelatinized, povidone 25, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, macrogol
6000, talc, titanium dioxide, and ferric oxide pigment, yellow, or ferric oxide
pigment, red.
The empirical formula of estradiol valerate is C23
H32 O3 and the chemical structure
is:
image of estradiol valerate chemical structure
Estradiol Valerate
The chemical name of estradiol valerate is
Estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17-diol(17ß)-,17-pentanoate.
The empirical formula of dienogest is C20 H25 NO2 and the chemical structure
is:
image of dienogest chemical structure
Dienogest
The chemical name of dienogest is
(17α)-17-Hydroxy-3-oxo-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-21-nitrile.
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION
Enter section text here
12.1 Mechanism of Action
MECHANISM OF ACTION SECTION
COCs lower the risk of becoming pregnant primarily by suppressing
ovulation. Other possible mechanisms may include cervical mucus changes that
inhibit sperm penetration and endometrial changes that reduce the likelihood of
implantation.
12.2 Pharmacodynamics
PHARMACODYNAMICS SECTION
The contraceptive effect of COCs is based on the interaction of
various factors, the most important of which are the inhibition of ovulation and
the changes in the cervical secretion. The estrogen in Natazia is estradiol
valerate, a synthetic prodrug of 17ß-estradiol.
The progestin in Natazia is dienogest (DNG). DNG displays properties of
19-nortestosterone derivatives as well as properties associated with
progesterone derivatives. [See Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2).]
Cardiac Electrophysiology
The effect of Natazia on QT prolongation was evaluated in a
randomized, double-blind, positive (moxifloxacin 400 mg) and negative (placebo)
controlled crossover study in healthy subjects. A total of 53 subjects were
administered Natazia (containing 3 mg dienogest and 2 mg estradiol valerate),
dienogest 10 mg, and placebo as once daily doses for 4 days, and moxifloxacin
400 mg as a single oral dose. The upper bound of the 90% confidence interval for
the largest placebo-adjusted, baseline-corrected QTc based on Fridericia’s
correction method (QTcF) was below 10 msec, the threshold for regulatory
concern.
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
PHARMACOKINETICS SECTION
Absorption
After oral administration of estradiol valerate, cleavage to
17β-estradiol and valeric acid takes place during absorption by the intestinal
mucosa or in the course of the first liver passage. This gives rise to estradiol
and its metabolites, estrone and other metabolites. Maximum serum estradiol
concentrations of 73.3 pg/mL are reached at a median of approximately 6 hours
(range: 1.5–12 hours) and the area under the estradiol concentration curve
[AUC(0–24hr)] was 1301 pg·hr/mL after single ingestion of a tablet containing 3
mg estradiol valerate under fasted condition on Day 1 of the 28-day sequential
regimen.
Bioavailability of dienogest is about 91%. Maximum serum dienogest
concentrations of 91.7 ng/mL are reached at a median of approximately 1 hour
(range: 0.5–1.5 hour) and the area under the dienogest concentration curve
[AUC(0–24hr)] was 964 ng/mL after single oral administration of Natazia tablet
containing 2 mg estradiol valerate/3 mg dienogest under fasted condition. The
pharmacokinetics of dienogest are dose-proportional within the dose range of 1–8
mg. Steady state is reached after 4 days of the same dosage of 2 mg dienogest.
The mean accumulation ratio for AUC (0–24hr) is approximately 1.24.
The mean plasma pharmacokinetic parameters at steady state following repeated
oral doses of a 2 mg estradiol valerate/3 mg dienogest combination tablet in
fertile women under fasted condition are reported in Table 1.
Table 1: Arithmetic Mean (SD) Serum Pharmacokinetic Parameters at
Steady-state (on Day 24) following Repeated Oral Doses of 2 mg EV/3 mg DNG on
Days 8-24 of the 28 day Regimen in Fertile Women under Fasted Condition
(N=15)
*Cmax = Maximum serum concentration†Tmax = Time to reach maximum concentration‡Median (range) for Tmax§AUC(0-24hr) = Area under the concentration-time curve from 0 hr data point
up to 48 hr post-administration¶NA: Data not available Food Effect
Concomitant food intake in women resulted in a 28% decrease for
dienogest Cmax and 23% increase of estradiol Cmax while the exposure (AUC) of both dienogest and estradiol
did not change.
Distribution
In serum, 38% of estradiol is bound to sex hormone-binding
globulin (SHBG), 60% to albumin and 2–3% circulates in free form. An apparent
volume of distribution of approximately 1.2 L/kg was determined after
intravenous (IV) administration.
A relatively high fraction (10%) of circulating dienogest is present in the
free form, with approximately 90% being bound non-specifically to albumin.
Dienogest does not bind to SHBG and corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG). The
volume of distribution at steady state (Vd,ss) of
dienogest is 46 L after the IV administration of 85 mcg 3H-dienogest.
Metabolism
After oral administration of estradiol valerate, approximately 3%
of the dose is directly bioavailable as estradiol. Estradiol undergoes an
extensive first-pass effect and a considerable part of the dose administered is
already metabolized in the gastrointestinal mucosa. The CYP 3A family is known
to play the most important role in human estradiol metabolism. Together with the
pre-systemic metabolism in the liver, about 95% of the orally administered dose
becomes metabolized before entering the systemic circulation. The main
metabolites are estrone and its sulfate or glucuronide conjugates.
Dienogest is extensively metabolized by the known pathways of steroid
metabolism (hydroxylation, conjugation), with the formation of
endocrinologically mostly inactive metabolites. CYP3A4 was identified as a
predominant enzyme catalyzing the metabolism of dienogest.
Excretion
Estradiol and its metabolites are mainly excreted in urine, with
about 10% being excreted in the feces. The terminal half-life of estradiol is
approximately 14 hours.
Dienogest is mainly excreted renally in the form of metabolites and unchanged
dienogest is the dominating fraction in plasma. The terminal half-life of
dienogest is approximately 11 hours.
Specific Populations
Pediatric Use:
Safety and efficacy of Natazia has been established in women of reproductive
age. Efficacy is expected to be the same for postpubertal adolescents under the
age of 18 as for users 18 years and older. Use of this product before menarche
is not indicated. [See Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]
Geriatric Use: Natazia has
not been studied in postmenopausal women and is not indicated in this
population. [See Use in Specific Populations (8.5).]
Renal Impairment: The
pharmacokinetics of Natazia has not been studied in subjects with renal
impairment. [See Use in Specific Populations (8.6).]
Hepatic Impairment: The
pharmacokinetics of Natazia has not been studied in subjects with hepatic
impairment. Steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with
impaired liver function. Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may
necessitate the discontinuation of COC use until markers of liver function
return to normal. [See Contraindications (4),
Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and
Use in Specific Populations (8.7).]
Body Mass Index: The efficacy of Natazia in women with a BMI of > 30
kg/m2 has not been evaluated. [See
Use in Specific Populations (8.8).]
Drug Interactions
CYP3A4 Inducers:
Drugs or herbal products that induce certain enzymes, including CYP3A4,
may decrease the effectiveness of COCs or increase breakthrough bleeding. Some
drugs or herbal products that may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal
contraceptives include barbiturates, bosentan, felbamate, griseofulvin,
oxcarbazepine, and topiramate. Counsel women to use an alternative method of
contraception or a back-up method when moderate or weak enzyme inducers are used
with COCs, and to continue back-up contraception for 28 days after discontinuing
the enzyme inducer to ensure contraceptive reliability.
Dienogest is a substrate of CYP3A4. Women who take medications that are
strong CYP3A4 inducers (for example, carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, and
St. John’s wort) should not choose Natazia as their oral contraceptive while
using these inducers and for at least 28 days after discontinuation of these
inducers due to the possibility of decreased contraceptive efficacy.
The effect of the CYP3A4 inducer rifampicin was studied in an open-label,
non-randomized, single center study in 16 healthy postmenopausal women. All
volunteers received a treatment regimen of 2 mg estradiol valerate and 3 mg
dienogest combination tablets, dosed once daily over 17 days, and of rifampicin,
which was administered once daily in an oral dose of 600 mg on Days 12 to 16.
24–hr pharmacokinetics of estradiol and dienogest on Days 11 and 17 were
compared. Co-administration of rifampicin with estradiol valerate/dienogest
tablets led to a 52 % and 83% decrease in the mean Cmax
and AUC(0–24hr), respectively, for dienogest and a 25% and 44% decrease in
Cmax and AUC(0–24hr), respectively, for estradiol at
steady state. [See Drug Interactions (7.1).]
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors:
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole increase hormone serum levels. The
effect of a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole, on dienogest and estradiol
pharmacokinetics was studied in an open-label, two parallel-groups,
one-sequence, one-way crossover study in healthy postmenopausal Caucasian women.
One tablet of 2 mg estradiol valerate and 3 mg dienogest was administered orally
once a day for 14 days. Twelve volunteers received an oral dose of 400 mg
ketoconazole (that is, 2 tablets containing 200 mg ketoconazole) once daily for
7 days (Days 8–14). Twenty-four hour pharmacokinetics of estradiol and dienogest
on Days 7 and 14 were compared. Co-administration with the strong inhibitor
ketoconazole resulted in a 186% and 57% increase of AUC (0–24hr) at steady state
for dienogest and estradiol. There was also a 94% and 65% increase of Cmax at steady state for dienogest and estradiol when
co-administered with ketoconazole. [See Drug Interactions
(7.1).]
Moderate CYP3A4
Inhibitors: Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors such as erythromycin
increase hormone serum levels. The effect of a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor,
erythromycin on dienogest and estradiol pharmacokinetics was studied in an
open-label, two parallel-groups, one-sequence, one-way crossover study in
healthy postmenopausal Caucasian women. One tablet of 2 mg estradiol valerate
and 3 mg dienogest was administered orally once a day for 14 days. Twelve
volunteers received an oral dose of 500 mg erythromycin three times a day for 7
days (Days 8–14). Twenty-four hour pharmacokinetics of estradiol and dienogest
on Days 7 and 14 were compared. When co-administered with the moderate inhibitor
erythromycin, the AUC (0–24hr) of dienogest and estradiol at steady state were
increased by 62% and 33%, respectively. There was also a 33% and 51% increase of
Cmax at steady state for dienogest and estradiol when
co-administered with erythromycin. [See Drug Interactions
(7.1).]
Other known CYP3A4 inhibitors such as azole antifungals, cimetidine,
verapamil, macrolides, diltiazem, antidepressants, and grapefruit juice may
increase plasma levels of dienogest and estradiol. [See Drug
Interactions (7.1).]
HIV Protease Inhibitors:
Significant changes (increase or decrease) in the plasma levels of the estrogen
and progestin have been noted in some cases of co-administration of HIV protease
inhibitors.
Antibiotics: There have
been reports of pregnancy while taking hormonal contraceptives and antibiotics,
but clinical pharmacokinetic studies have not shown consistent effects of
antibiotics on plasma concentrations of synthetic steroids.
Consult the labeling of all concurrently-used drugs to obtain further
information about interactions with hormonal contraceptives or the potential for
enzyme alterations.
Effects of Combined Hormonal
Contraceptives on Other Drugs: COCs containing ethinyl estradiol
(or mestranol), may inhibit the metabolism of other compounds. COCs have been
shown to significantly decrease plasma concentrations of lamotrigine, likely due
to induction of lamotrigine glucuronidation. This may reduce seizure control;
therefore, dosage adjustments of lamotrigine may be necessary. Consult the
labeling of the concurrently-used drug to obtain further information about
interactions with COCs or the potential for enzyme alterations.
In vitro studies with human CYP enzymes did not
indicate an inhibitory potential of dienogest at clinically relevant
concentrations.
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY SECTION
Enter section text here
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
CARCINOGENESIS & MUTAGENESIS & IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY SECTION
In a 24 month carcinogenicity study in mice dosed orally with
dienogest by gavage with doses of 5, 15 and 50 mg/kg/day (males) and 10, 30 and
100 mg/kg/day (females), the systemic exposures in the females were 1.1, 3.5,
and 10.6 times the exposure (AUC of dienogest) of women taking a 3 mg dose. A
statistically significantly higher incidence of stromal polyps of the uterus was
observed in females given 100 mg/kg. In a similar study in rats given 1, 3, and
10 mg/kg for 104 weeks, 0.2, 1.4, and 6.1 times the exposure of women taking a
3 mg dose, there were no statistically significant drug-related neoplasms.
Dienogest was not mutagenic in in vitro reverse
mutation tests in bacteria, in chromosome aberration tests in human peripheral
lymphocytes, mouse lymphoma cells, and Chinese hamster lung cells, and tests of
unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) in rat and human liver cells. Dienogest was also
negative in an in vivo mouse micronucleus test, a rat
liver initiation-promotion model, and an in vitro/in
vivo UDS test in female rats.
13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology
ANIMAL PHARMACOLOGY & OR TOXICOLOGY SECTION
Nonclinical studies in animals and in
vitro, have shown that besides progestogenic activities, DNG is devoid of
estrogenic, androgenic, glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activities.
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
CLINICAL STUDIES SECTION
Enter section text here
14.1 Oral Contraceptive Clinical Trials
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION
The study conducted in North America (U.S. and Canada) was a
multicenter, open-label, single-arm, unintended pregnancy study. There were 490
healthy subjects between 18 and 35 years of age (mean age: 25.1 years) who were
treated for up to 28 cycles of 28 days each. The racial demographic of enrolled
women was: Caucasian (76%), Hispanic (13%), African-American (7%), Asian (3%),
and Other (1%). The weight range for treated women was 40 to 100 kg (mean
weight: 62.5 kg) and the BMI range was 14 to 30 kg/m2
(mean BMI: 23.3 kg/m2). Of treated women, 15%
discontinued the study treatment due to an adverse event, 13% were lost to
follow up, 10% withdrew their consent, 8% discontinued due to other reason, 1%
discontinued due to protocol deviation, and 1% discontinued due to
pregnancy.
The study conducted in Europe (Germany, Austria and Spain) was a multicenter,
open-label, single-arm contraceptive reliability study. There were 1,377 healthy
subjects between 18 and 50 years of age (mean age: 30.3 years) who were treated
for 20 cycles of 28 days each. The racial demographic of enrolled women was
predominantly Caucasian (99.2%). The weight range for treated women was 38 to 98
kg (mean weight: 63.8 kg) and the BMI range was 15 to 31.8 kg/m2 (mean BMI: 22.8 kg/m2). Of treated
women, 10% discontinued the study treatment due to an adverse event, 5%
discontinued due to other reason, 2% were lost to follow up, 2% discontinued due
to protocol deviation, 2% withdrew their consent, and 1% discontinued due to
pregnancy.
The Pearl Index (PI) was the primary efficacy endpoint used to assess
contraceptive reliability and was assessed in each of the two studies, assuming
all subjects were at risk of pregnancy in all medication cycles unless back-up
contraception was documented. The PI is based on pregnancies that occurred after
the onset of treatment and within 7 days after the last pill intake. Cycles in
which conception did not occur, but which included the use of back-up
contraception, were not included in the calculation of the PI. The PI also
includes patients who did not take the drug correctly. The estimated PI for the
North American study is 1.64 and the estimated PI for the European study is
1.04. The Kaplan-Meier method was also used to calculate the contraceptive
failure rate.
The summary of the Pearl Indexes and cumulative contraceptive failure rates
are provided in Table 2:
Table 2: Summary of the Pearl Indexes and the Cumulative Contraceptive
Failure Rates
Number of Pregnancies within 13
Cycles and 7 Days after Last Treatment
Pearl Index
Upper Limit of 95% CI
Contraceptive Failure Rate at
the End of First Year
North America
18–35
3,969
5
1.64
3.82
0.016
Europe
18–35
11,275
9
1.04
1.97
0.010
*Total treatment exposure time without back-up contraception
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
HOW SUPPLIED SECTION
Enter section text here
16.1 How Supplied
HOW SUPPLIED SECTION
Natazia (estradiol valerate and estradiol valerate/dienogest)
tablets are available in 28 tablets per blister packs (NDC 54868-6183-0).
The active and inert film-coated tablets are rounded with biconvex faces, one
side is embossed with a regular hexagon shape with the letters DD or DJ or DH or
DN or DT.
Each blister pack (28 film-coated tablets) contains in the following
order:
2 round biconvex dark yellow film-coated tablets with embossed “DD” in a
regular hexagon on one side each containing 3 mg estradiol valerate
5 round biconvex medium red film-coated tablets with embossed “DJ” in a
regular hexagon on one side each containing 2 mg estradiol valerate and 2 mg
dienogest
17 round biconvex light yellow film-coated tablets with embossed “DH” in a
regular hexagon on one side each containing 2 mg estradiol valerate and 3 mg
dienogest
2 round biconvex dark red film-coated tablets with embossed “DN” in a
regular hexagon on one side each containing 1 mg estradiol valerate
2 white round biconvex white film-coated tablets with embossed “DT” in a
regular hexagon on one side (inert)
Keep out of reach of children.
16.2 Storage Conditions
STORAGE AND HANDLING SECTION
Store at 25º C (77º F); excursions permitted to 15–30oC (59–86oF) [see
USP Controlled Room Temperature].
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION
See FDA-Approved Patient Labeling.
17.1 Information for Patients
INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION
Counsel patients that cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious
cardiovascular events from COC use, and that women who are over 35 years old and
smoke should not use COCs.
Counsel patients that this product does not protect against HIV infection
(AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Counsel patients on Warnings and Precautions associated with COCs.
Counsel patients to take one tablet daily by mouth at the same time every
day in the exact order noted on the blister. Instruct patients what to do in the
event pills are missed. See What Should I
Do if I Miss any Pills section or FDA-Approved Patient
Labeling.
Counsel women who are taking strong CYP3A4 inducers (for example,
carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, and St. John’s wort) not to choose Natazia
as their oral contraceptive due to the possibility of decreased contraceptive
efficacy.
Counsel patients to use a back-up or alternative method of contraception
when weak or moderate enzyme inducers are used with Natazia.
Counsel patients who are breastfeeding or who desire to breastfeed that COCs
may reduce breast milk production. This is less likely to occur if breastfeeding
is well established.
Counsel any patient who starts COCs postpartum, and who has not yet had a
period, to use an additional method of contraception until she has taken Natazia
for 9 consecutive days.
Counsel patients that amenorrhea may occur. Pregnancy should be ruled out in
the event of amenorrhea in two or more consecutive cycles.
SPL PATIENT PACKAGE INSERT SECTION
FDA-Approved Patient Labeling
Guide for Using Natazia
WARNING TO WOMEN WHO SMOKE
Do not use Natazia if you smoke cigarettes and are over 35 years old. Smoking
increases your risk of serious cardiovascular side effects (heart and blood
vessel problems) from birth control pills, including death from heart attack,
blood clots or stroke. This risk increases with age and the number of cigarettes
you smoke.
Birth control pills help to lower the chances of becoming pregnant when taken
as directed. They do not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually
transmitted diseases.
What Is Natazia?
Natazia is a birth control pill. It contains two female hormones, an estrogen
called estradiol valerate and a progestin called dienogest. Estradiol valerate
is a synthetic estrogen that is converted to estradiol in your body.
How Well Does Natazia Work?
Your chance of getting pregnant depends on how well you follow the directions
for taking your birth control pills. The more carefully you follow the
directions, the less chance you have of getting pregnant.
Based on the results of two clinical studies, 1 to 2 women out of 100 women,
may get pregnant during the first year they use Natazia.
The following chart shows the chance of getting pregnant for women who use
different methods of birth control. Each box on the chart contains a list of
birth control methods that are similar in effectiveness. The most effective
methods are at the top of the chart. The box on the bottom of the chart shows
the chance of getting pregnant for women who do not use birth control and are
trying to get pregnant.
image of chart
How Do I Take Natazia?
Take one pill every day at the same time. Take the pills in the order
directed on the blister pack.
Do not skip pills or delay taking your pill by more than 12 hours. If you
miss pills (including starting the pack late), you could get pregnant. The more
pills you miss, the more likely you are to get pregnant.
If you have trouble remembering to take Natazia, talk to your healthcare
provider about how to make pill-taking easier, or about using another method of
birth control.
You may have spotting or light bleeding when you first take Natazia.
Spotting or light bleeding is normal at first.
You may feel sick to your stomach (nauseous), especially during the first
few months that you take Natazia. If you feel sick to your stomach, do not stop
taking the pill. The problem will usually go away. If your nausea doesn't go
away, call your healthcare provider.
If you vomit or have diarrhea within 4 hours of taking your pill, follow the
instructions for “What Should I Do if I Miss any Pills.”
Missing pills can also cause spotting or light bleeding, even when you take
the missed pills later. On the days you take 2 pills to make up for missed
pills, you could also feel a little sick to your stomach.
Before you start taking Natazia
Decide what time of day you want to take your pill. It is important to take
it at the same time every day and in the order as directed on the blister
pack.
image of blister pack
Look at your Natazia blister pack. The blister pack has four rows of 7 pills
each, for a total of 28 pills. Find:
where on the pack to start taking your pills
in what order to take the pills
Each NATAZIA blister pack has 28 pills
2 dark yellow pills with hormones, for Days 1 and 2
5 medium red pills with hormones for Days 3–7
17 light yellow pills with hormones for Days 8–24
2 dark red pills with hormones for Days 25 and 26
2 white pills without hormones for Days 27 and 28
After taking the last white pill (day 28) of the blister pack, start taking
the first dark yellow pill from a new blister pack the very next day whether or
not you are having your period.
Be sure to have ready at all times another kind of birth control (such as
condoms or spermicides) to use as a back-up in case you miss pills.
It is not uncommon to miss a period. However, if you miss 2 periods in a row
or feel like you may be pregnant, call your healthcare provider. If you are
pregnant, you should stop taking Natazia.
When to Start Natazia
If you start taking Natazia and you did not use a hormonal
birth control method before:
Take the first dark yellow pill on the first day (Day 1) of your natural
menstrual cycle. The first day of your menstrual cycle is the first day you
start spotting or bleeding.
Use non-hormonal back-up contraception such as a condom or spermicide for
the first 9 days that you take Natazia.
If you start taking Natazia and you are switching from a
combination hormonal method such as:
another pill
vaginal ring
patch
Take the first dark yellow pill on the first day of your period. Do not
continue taking the pills from your previous birth control pack. If you do not
have a period, contact your healthcare provider before you start Natazia.
If you previously used a vaginal ring or transdermal patch, you should start
using Natazia on the day the ring or patch is removed.
Use a non-hormonal back-up method such as a condom or spermicide for the
first 9 days you take Natazia.
If you start taking Natazia and you are switching from a
progestin-only method such as a:
progestin-only pill
implant
intrauterine system
injection
Take the first dark yellow pill on the day you would have taken your next
progestin-only pill or on the day of removal of your implant or intrauterine
system or on the day when you would have had your next injection.
Use a non-hormonal back-up method such as a condom or spermicide for the
first 9 days you take Natazia.
What Should I Do if I Miss any Pills
If you forgot to start a new blister pack, you may already
be pregnant. Use back-up contraception (such as condoms and spermicides)
anytime you have sex. Call your healthcare provider if you are unsure whether
you are pregnant.
Do not take more than 2 pills in one day. On the days you take 2 pills to
make up for missed pills, you may feel a little sick to your stomach
(nauseous).
If you start vomiting or have diarrhea within 4 hours of taking your pill,
take another pill of the same color from your extra blister pack.
If you are less than 12 hours late taking your pill
Take your pill as soon as you remember
Take the next pill at the usual time
You do not need to use back-up contraception
If you miss ONE PILL for more than 12 hours
Days 1–17
Take your missed pill immediately
Take your next pill at the usual time (you may have to take two pills that
day)
Use back-up contraception for the next 9 days
Continue taking one pill each day at the same time for the rest of your
cycle
Days 18–24
Do not take any pills from your current blister pack and throw the pack
away
Take Day 1 pill from a new blister pack
Use back-up contraception for the next 9 days
Continue taking one pill from the new blister pack at the same time each day
Days 25–28
Take your missed pill immediately
Take your next pill at the usual time (you may have to take two pills that
day)
No back-up contraception is needed
Continue taking one pill each day at the same time for the rest of your
cycle
If you miss TWO PILLS in a row
Days 1–17 (if you miss the
pills for Days 17 and 18, follow the instructions for Days 17–25 instead)
Do not take the missed pills. Instead, take the pill for the day on which
you first noticed you had missed pills.
Use back-up contraception for the next 9 days
Continue taking one pill each day at the same time for the rest of your
cycle
Days 17–25 (if you miss the
pills for Days 25 and 26, follow the instructions for Days 25–28 instead)
Do not take any pills from your current blister pack and throw the pack
away
Take Day 3 pill from a new blister pack
Use back-up contraception for the next 9 days
Continue taking one pill from the new blister pack at the same time each day
Days 25–28
Do not take any pills from your current blister pack and throw the pack
away
Start a new pack on the same day or start a new pack on the day you usually
start a new pack
No back-up contraception is needed
Continue taking one pill from the new pack at the same time each day, for
the rest of your cycle
You may already be pregnant or COULD BECOME
PREGNANT if you had sex on the days after the pills were missed. The more pills
missed and the closer they are to the end of the cycle, the higher the risk of a
pregnancy. You should call your doctor or healthcare provider if you are unsure
whether you are already pregnant.
If you are still not sure of what to do about the pills you
have missed:
Call your healthcare provider
Use back-up contraception (such as condoms and spermicides) anytime you have
sex and keep taking 1 pill each day
Who Should Not Take Natazia?
Your healthcare provider will not give you Natazia if you have:
Ever had breast cancer or any cancer that is sensitive to female
hormones
Liver disease, including liver tumors
Ever had blood clots in your arms, legs, or lungs
Ever had a stroke
Ever had a heart attack
Certain heart valve problems or heart rhythm abnormalities that can cause
blood clots to form in the heart
An inherited problem with your blood that makes it clot more than
normal
High blood pressure that medicine can't control
Diabetes with kidney, eye, or blood vessel damage
Certain kinds of severe migraine headaches with aura, numbness, weakness or
changes in vision
Also, do not take birth control pills if you:
Smoke and are over 35 years old
Are pregnant
Birth control pills may not be a good choice for you if you have ever had
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) caused by pregnancy (also called
cholestasis of pregnancy).
What Else Should I Know about Taking Natazia?
Birth control pills do notprotect you against any
sexually transmitted disease, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Do not skip any pills, even if you do not have sex often.
If you miss a period, you could be pregnant. However, some women miss periods
or have light periods on birth control pills, even when they are not pregnant.
Contact your healthcare provider for advice if you:
Think you are pregnant
Miss one period and have not taken your birth control pills according to
directions
Miss two periods in a row
Birth control pills should not be taken during pregnancy. However, birth
control pills taken by accident during pregnancy are not known to cause birth
defects.
If you are breastfeeding, consider another birth control method until you are
ready to stop breastfeeding. Birth control pills that contain estrogen, like
Natazia, may decrease the amount of milk you make. A small amount of the pill's
hormones pass into breast milk.
Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and herbal products that
you take. You should not choose Natazia as your birth control pill if you take
carbemazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin or St. John's wort, because these medicines
may make Natazia ineffective. Some other medicines and herbal products may make
birth control pills less effective, including:
Barbiturates
Bosentan
Felbamate
Griseofulvin
Oxcarbazepine
Topiramate
Consider using another birth control method when you take medicines that may
make birth control pills less effective.
Birth control pills may interact with lamotrigine, an anticonvulsant used for
epilepsy. This may increase the risk of seizures, so your healthcare provider
may need to adjust the dose of lamotrigine.
If you have vomiting or diarrhea, your birth control pills may not work as
well. Use another birth control method, like condoms and a spermicide, until you
check with your healthcare provider.
What are the Most Serious Risks of Taking Birth Control
Pills?
Like pregnancy, birth control pills increase the risk of serious blood clots,
especially in women who have other risk factors, such as smoking, obesity, or
age greater than 35. It is possible to die from a problem caused by a blood
clot, such as a heart attack or a stroke. Some examples of serious blood clots
are blood clots in the:
Legs (thrombophlebitis)
Lungs (pulmonary embolus)
Eyes (loss of eyesight)
Heart (heart attack)
Brain (stroke)
A few women who take birth control pills may get:
High blood pressure
Gallbladder problems
Rare cancerous or noncancerous liver tumors
All of these events are uncommon in healthy women.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have:
Persistent leg pain
Sudden shortness of breath
Sudden blindness, partial or complete
Severe pain in your chest
Sudden, severe headache unlike your usual headaches
Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, or trouble speaking
Yellowing of the skin or eyeballs
What are the Common Side Effects of Birth
Control Pills?
The most common side effects of birth control pills are:
Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Headache
These side effects are usually mild and usually disappear with time.
Less common side effects are:
Acne
Less sexual desire
Bloating or fluid retention
Blotchy darkening of the skin, especially on the face
High blood sugar, especially in women who already have diabetes
High fat levels in the blood
Depression, especially if you have had depression in the past.
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have any thoughts of harming
yourself.
Problems tolerating contact lenses
Weight changes
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Talk to your healthcare
provider if you develop any side effects that concern you. You may report side
effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
No serious problems have been reported from a birth control pill overdose,
even when accidentally taken by children.
Do Birth Control Pills Cause Cancer?
Birth control pills do not seem to cause breast cancer. However, if you have
breast cancer now, or have had it in the past, do not use birth control pills
because some breast cancers are sensitive to hormones.
Women who use birth control pills may have a slightly higher chance of
getting cervical cancer. However, this may be due to other reasons such as
having more sexual partners.
What Should I Know about My Period when Taking
Natazia?
Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting may occur while you are taking
Natazia. Irregular bleeding may vary from slight staining between menstrual
periods to breakthrough bleeding, which is a flow much like a regular period.
Irregular bleeding occurs most often during the first few months of oral
contraceptive use, but may also occur after you have been taking the pill for
some time. Such bleeding may be temporary and usually does not indicate any
serious problems. It is important to continue taking your pills on schedule. If
the bleeding occurs in more than one cycle, is unusually heavy, or lasts for
more than a few days, call your healthcare provider.
Also, your menstrual period while using oral contraceptives may be shorter
and lighter than usual. Some women may not have a menstrual period but this
should not be cause for alarm as long has you have taken the pills according to
direction.
What if I Miss My Scheduled Period when Taking
Natazia?
It is not uncommon to miss your period. However, if you miss more than two
periods in a row or miss one period when you have not taken your birth control
pills according to directions, call your healthcare provider. Also notify your
healthcare provider if you have symptoms of pregnancy such as morning sickness
or unusual breast tenderness. It is important that your healthcare provider
checks you to find out if you are pregnant. Stop taking Natazia if you are
pregnant.
What If I Want to Become Pregnant?
You may stop taking the pill whenever you wish. Consider a visit with your
healthcare provider for a pre-pregnancy checkup before you stop taking the
pill.
General Advice about Natazia
Your healthcare provider prescribed Natazia for you. Please do not share
Natazia with anyone else. Keep Natazia out of the reach of children.
If you have concerns or questions, ask your healthcare provider. You may also
ask your healthcare provider for a more detailed label written for medical
professionals.
Manufactured for:
Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. Wayne, NJ 07470
This product (like all oral contraceptives) is intended to prevent
pregnancy. It does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other
sexually transmitted diseases.
Inactive Ingredient Database values describe FDA-listed use contexts. The match method and ambiguity count are shown because ingredient names, routes, and dosage forms are not always unique. Browse recovered IID releases and source provenance.
OpenFDA label data provides additional search and identifier links. DailyMed’s Structured Product Label is the canonical label on FDA.report. Matching records are deduplicated before they are shown below.