Balcoltra by is a Prescription medication manufactured, distributed, or labeled by Avion Pharmaceuticals, Novast Laboratories, Ltd.. Drug facts, warnings, and ingredients follow.
Balcoltra is a progestin/estrogen COC indicated for use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy. (1)
Balcoltra consists of 28 tablets in the following order (3):
Common adverse reactions (≥2% of women): headache (14%), metrorrhagia (8%), dysmenorrhea and nausea (7% each), abdominal pain and breast pain (4% each), emotional lability and acne (3% each), and depression, amenorrhea, and vaginal moniliasis (2% each) (6.1)
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Avion Pharmaceuticals, LLC at 1-888-612-8466 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Drugs or herbal products that induce certain enzymes, including CYP3A4, may decrease the effectiveness of COCs or increase breakthrough bleeding. Counsel patients to use a back-up method or alternative method of contraception when enzyme inducers are used with COCs (7.1)
Balcoltra can decrease milk production. (8.2)
See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and FDA-approved patient labeling.
Revised: 4/2018
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 are contraindicated in women who are over 35 years of age and smoke [see Contraindications (4)].
Balcoltra is dispensed in a blister card [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16)]. Balcoltra may be started using either a Day 1 start or a Sunday start (see Table 1). For the first cycle of a Sunday Start regimen, an additional method of contraception should be used until after the first 7 consecutive days of administration.
Balcoltra (orange active tablets and blue placebo tablets) is swallowed whole once a day
Complete instructions to facilitate patient counseling on proper tablet usage are located in the FDA-Approved Patient Labeling. | |
Starting COCs in women not currently using hormonal contraception (Day 1 Start or Sunday Start)
Important: Consider the possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of this product. Tablet Color:
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Day 1 Start:
Sunday Start:
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Switching to Balcoltra from another hormonal contraceptive |
Start on the same day that a new pack of the previous hormonal contraceptive would have started. |
Switching from another contraceptive method to Balcoltra |
Start Balcoltra: |
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Starting Balcoltra after Abortion or Miscarriage
First-trimester
Second-trimester
Starting Balcoltra after Childbirth
[See Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.1 and 8.2), and FDA-Approved Patient Labeling].
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Take the tablet as soon as possible. Continue taking one tablet a day until the pack is finished. |
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Take the two missed tablets as soon as possible and the next two active tablets the next day. Continue taking one tablet a day until the pack is finished. Additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms or spermicide) should be used as back-up if the patient has sex within 7 days after missing tablets. |
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Day 1 start: Throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack that same day. Sunday start: Continue taking one tablet a day until Sunday, then throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack that same day. Additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms or spermicide) should be used as back-up if the patient has sex within 7 days after missing tablets. |
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 to 4 hours after taking an active tablet, handle this as a missed tablet [see FDA-Approved Patient Labeling].
Balcoltra (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP, and ferrous bisglycinate tablets) is available in a 28-tablet compact blister card with:
The ferrous bisglycinate tablets do not serve any therapeutic purpose.
Do not prescribe Balcoltra to women who are known to have the following conditions:
Impaired Liver Function
Do not use Balcoltra in women with liver disease, such as 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 Balcoltra if jaundice develops.
Liver Tumors
Balcoltra 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/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 risk of liver cancers in COC users is less than one case per million users.
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 Balcoltra prior to starting therapy with the combination drug regimen ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir [see Contraindications (4)]. Balcoltra can be restarted approximately 2 weeks following completion of treatment with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen.
Balcoltra 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 Balcoltra 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.
Studies suggest a small increased relative risk of developing gallbladder disease among COC users. Use of COCs may 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.
Carefully monitor prediabetic and diabetic women who take Balcoltra. COCs may decrease glucose tolerance.
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.
If a woman taking Balcoltra develops new headaches that are recurrent, persistent, or severe, evaluate the cause and discontinue Balcoltra if indicated.
Consider discontinuation of Balcoltra in the case of increased frequency or severity of migraine during COC use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event).
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 contraceptive product.
In the clinical trial with levonorgestrel 0.1 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg tablets breakthrough bleeding and spotting was reported in 4% and 12% of cycles, respectively. Breakthrough bleeding and spotting occurred together during 11% of the cycles.
Amenorrhea and Oligomenorrhea
Women who use Balcoltra may experience amenorrhea. In the clinical trial, 2.6% of the evaluable cycles were amenorrheic. Some women may experience amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea after discontinuation of COCs, 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 tablets 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.
This product contains FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) which may cause allergic-type reactions (including bronchial asthma) in certain susceptible persons. Although the overall incidence of FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) sensitivity in the general population is low, it is frequently seen in patients who also have aspirin hypersensitivity
Carefully observe women with a history of depression and discontinue Balcoltra if depression recurs to a serious degree.
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.
A woman who is taking COCs should have her blood pressure checked periodically with her healthcare provider.
The following serious adverse reactions with the use of COCs are discussed elsewhere in the labeling:
Adverse reactions commonly reported by COC users:
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 clinical practice.
In a clinical trial with levonorgestrel 0.1 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg tablets, a total of 1477 healthy women of child-bearing potential were enrolled and had 7870 cycles of exposure. Of these, 792 subjects had completed 6 cycles of treatment. The women ranged in age from 17 to 49 years and 87% were Caucasian.
Common Adverse Reactions (≥ 2% of women):
At the time of the report, 133 (9%) subjects had withdrawn from the study due to adverse events. The most frequent were due to headache and metrorrhagia (1% each). Other adverse events occurring in < 1% of those who discontinued included amenorrhea, depression, emotional lability, hypertension, acne, menorrhagia, nausea, hypercholesterolemia, weight gain, dysmenorrhea, and flatulence. All other reasons for discontinuation were reported by 3 or fewer subjects.
The following additional adverse drug reactions have been reported from worldwide postmarketing experience with levonorgestrel 0.1 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.02 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 establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Cardiac disorder: chest pain, dyspnea, palpitations
Gastrointestinal disorders: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
General disorders and administration site conditions: chest pain, fatigue, pain, malaise, injection site pain or erythema, feeling abnormal, pyrexia, condition aggravated, asthenia
Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity reactions, including pruritus, rash, urticaria, erythema
Injury, poisoning, and procedural complications: injury
Investigations: weight decreased
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: pain in extremity, arthralgia, back pain, muscle spasm
Nervous system disorders: headache, migraine, dizziness, hypoesthesia, paresthesia
Psychiatric disorders: depression, insomnia, anxiety
Reproductive system and breast disorders: metrorrhagia, menorrhagia, hot flush, vaginal hemorrhage
Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders: nasopharyngitis, cough
Sleep disorders and disturbances: somnolence
Vascular disorders: deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism
Consult the labeling of concurrently used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with hormonal contraceptives or the potential for enzyme alterations.
Substances decreasing the plasma concentrations of COCs and potentially diminishing the efficacy of COCs:
Drugs or herbal products that induce certain enzymes, including cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), may decrease the plasma concentrations of COCs and potentially diminish 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, rifabutin, rufinamide, aprepitant, and products containing St. John’s wort. Interactions between hormonal 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.
Colesevelam: Colesevelam, a bile acid sequestrant, given together with a COC, has been shown to significantly decrease the AUC of ethinyl estradiol (EE). The drug interaction between the contraceptive and colesevelam was decreased when the two drug products were given 4 hours apart.
Substances increasing the plasma concentrations of COCs:
Co-administration of atorvastatin or rosuvastatin and certain COCs containing EE increase AUC values for EE by approximately 20-25%. Ascorbic acid and acetaminophen may increase plasma EE concentrations, possibly by inhibition of conjugation. CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, grapefruit juice, 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/or progestin have been noted in some cases of co-administration with HIV/HCV protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (decrease [e.g., nelfinavir, ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, (fos)amprenavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, tipranavir/ritonavir, boceprevir, telaprevir, nevirapine and efavirenz] or increase [e.g., indinavir, atazanavir/ritonavir and etravirine]).
Combined oral contraceptives containing EE may inhibit the metabolism of other compounds (e.g., cyclosporine, prednisolone, theophylline, tizanidine, and voriconazole) and increase their plasma concentrations. Combined oral contraceptives have been shown to decrease plasma concentrations of acetaminophen, clofibric acid, morphine, salicylic acid, temazepam and lamotrigine. Significant decrease in plasma concentration of lamotrigine has been shown, 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 the serum concentration of thyroid-binding globulin increases with use of COCs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].
Do not co-administer Balcoltra with HCV drug combinations containing ombitasvir/ paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to potential for ALT elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Balcoltra is contraindicated in pregnancy because there is no reason to use combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) in pregnancy. Discontinue Balcoltra if pregnancy occurs. Based on epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses, there is little or no increased risk of birth defects in the children of females who inadvertently use COCs during early pregnancy (See Data).
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4 percent and 15 to 20 percent, respectively.
Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) and/or metabolites are present in human milk and in breast-fed infants. CHCs, including Balcoltra, 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. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Balcoltra and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from Balcoltra or from the underlying maternal condition.
Safety and efficacy of Balcoltra have been established in women of reproductive age. Efficacy is expected to be the same in post-pubertal adolescents under the age of 18 years as for users 18 years and older. Use of this product before menarche is not indicated.
Balcoltra has not been studied in postmenopausal women and is not indicated in this population.
The pharmacokinetics of Balcoltra has not been studied in women 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)].
Balcoltra (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP, and ferrous bisglycinate tablets) provides an oral contraceptive regimen consisting of 21 orange active tablets and 7 blue inactive tablets.
The inactive ingredients present in orange active tablet are FD&C Yellow #5 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Yellow #6 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red #40 Aluminum Lake, titanium dioxide, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, macrogol/polyethylene glycol 3350 NF, lecithin (soya), iron oxide black, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and pregelatinized starch.
Each inactive blue tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: ferrous bisglycinate, citric acid, glycine, water, maltodextrin , silica, microcrystalline cellulose NF, magnesium stearate NF, croscarmellose sodium NF, colloidal silicon dioxide NF, hypromellose type 2910, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol 400, FD&C Red #40 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Yellow #6 Aluminum Lake and FD&C Blue #1 Aluminum Lake.
Levonorgestrel has the empirical formula of C21H28O2 and the molecular weight of 312.4, and ethinyl estradiol has the empirical formula of C20H24O2 and the molecular weight of 296.4.
The molecular structures are provided below:
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.
Absorption
No specific investigation of the absolute bioavailability of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) in humans has been conducted. However, literature indicates that levonorgestrel is rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration (bioavailability about 100%) and is not subject to first-pass metabolism. Ethinyl estradiol is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract but, due to first-pass metabolism in gut mucosa and liver, the bioavailability of ethinyl estradiol is between 38% and 48%.
After a single dose of two levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets to 34 women under fasting conditions, the mean (± SD) plasma area under the concentration time curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of levonorgestrel were 41.7 ± 18.0 ng*hour/mL and 4.4 ± 1.8 ng/mL, respectively, with a median time to maximum concentration (Tmax) of 1.0 hours. The mean (±SD) plasma AUC and Cmax of ethinyl estradiol were 1167 ± 367 pg*hour/mL and 115 ± 37 pg/mL, respectively, with a median Tmax of 1.5 hours. The plasma levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol pharmacokinetic profiles following a single dose of two levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets are shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Mean (SD) Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Plasma Concentrations in 34 Subjects receiving two Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets (0.1 mg/0.02 mg) from Balcoltra™
Distribution
Levonorgestrel in serum is primarily bound to SHBG. Ethinyl estradiol is about 97% bound to plasma albumin. Ethinyl estradiol does not bind to SHBG, but induces SHBG synthesis.
Metabolism
Levonorgestrel: The most important metabolic pathway occurs in the reduction of the Δ4-3-oxo group and hydroxylation at positions 2α, 1β, and 16β, followed by conjugation. Most of the metabolites that circulate in the blood are sulfates of 3α, 5β-tetrahydro-levonorgestrel, while excretion occurs predominantly in the form of glucuronides. Some of the parent levonorgestrel also circulates as 17β-sulfate. Metabolic clearance rates may differ among individuals by several-fold, and this may account in part for the wide variation observed in levonorgestrel concentrations among users.
Ethinyl estradiol: Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP3A4) in the liver are responsible for the 2‑hydroxylation that is the major oxidative reaction. The 2-hydroxy metabolite is further transformed by methylation and glucuronidation prior to urinary and fecal excretion. Levels of Cytochrome P450 (CYP3A) vary widely among individuals and can explain the variation in rates of ethinyl estradiol 2-hydroxylation. Ethinyl estradiol is excreted in the urine and feces as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates, and undergoes enterohepatic circulation.
Excretion
The elimination half-life for levonorgestrel is approximately 34 ± 14 hours following a single dose. Levonorgestrel and its metabolites are primarily excreted in the urine (40% to 68%) and about 16% to 48% are excreted in feces. The elimination half-life of ethinyl estradiol is 17 ± 5.7 hours.
In a clinical trial with levonorgestrel 0.1 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg tablets, 1,477 women aged 17-49 years, had 7,720 cycles of use. Eighty-seven percent (87%) of the women were Caucasian. The average weight was 66.4 kg with a range of 38.0-154.2 kg. Among the women in the trial, 5.3% had never used COCs.
A total of 5 pregnancies were reported. This represents an overall pregnancy rate of approximately 1 pregnancy per 100 woman-years.
Balcoltra is available in a blister pack containing 28 tablets arranged in 3 rows of 7 active tablets and 1 row of inactive tablets, as follows:
Balcoltra is available in the following configurations:
Carton of one 1-cycle blister pack (NDC: 75854-602-28)
Carton of two 1-cycle blister packs (NDC: 75854-602-02)
Carton of three 1-cycle blister packs (NDC: 75854-602-03)
See FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Use).
Counsel patients on the following information:
Manufactured for:
Avion Pharmaceuticals, LLC.,
1880 McFarland Pkwy.,
Alpharetta, GA 30005.
1-888-612-8466
Manufactured by:
Novast Laboratories, Ltd.,
Nantong, China 226009
Date: 02/2018
I0090 Rev. A
PATIENT INFORMATION
Balcoltra (BALL-coll-TRAA)
(levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ferrous bisglycinate tablets)
for oral administration
What is the most important information I should know about Balcoltra?
Do not use Balcoltra 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.
What is Balcoltra?
Balcoltra is a birth control pill (oral contraceptive) used by women to prevent pregnancy.
Balcoltra does not protect against HIV infections (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections.
How does Balcoltra work for contraception?
Your chance of getting pregnant depends on how well you follow the directions for taking your birth control pills. The better you follow the directions, the less chance you have of getting pregnant.
Based on the results of one clinical study of a 28-day regimen of levonorgestrel 0.1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg tablets, about 1 out of 100 women may get pregnant within the first year they use Balcoltra.
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.
Do not take Balcoltra if you:
If any of these conditions happen while you are taking Balcoltra, stop taking Balcoltra right away and talk to your healthcare provider. Use non-hormonal contraception when you stop taking Balcoltra.
Before you take Balcoltra, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Balcoltra may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how well Balcoltra works.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I take Balcoltra?
What are the possible serious side effects of Balcoltra?
Serious blood clots can happen especially if you smoke, are obese, or are older than 35 years of age.
Serious blood clots are more likely to happen when you:
Call your healthcare provider or go to a hospital emergency room right away if you have:
Other serious side effects include:
Call your healthcare provider if you have a swollen face, lips, mouth tongue or throat, which may lead to difficulty swallowing or breathing. Your chance of having angioedema is higher if you have a history of angioedema.
Women who tend to get chloasma should avoid spending a long time in sunlight, tanning booths, and under sun lamps while taking Balcoltra. Use sunscreen if you have to be in the sunlight.
What are the most common side effects of Balcoltra?
The most common side effects of Balcoltra include:
These are not all the possible side effects of Balcoltra. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What else should I know about taking Balcoltra?
How should I store Balcoltra?
General information about the safe and effective use of Balcoltra.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet.
Do not use Balcoltra for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Balcoltra to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Balcoltra that is written for health professionals.
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 if I want to become pregnant?
You may stop taking the pill whenever you wish. Consider a visit with your healthcare provider for a pre-pregnancy checkup before you stop taking the pill.
What should I know about my period when taking Balcoltra?
Some women may miss a period. Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting may happen while you are taking Balcoltra, especially during the first few months of use. This usually is not a serious problem. If the irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting continues or happens again after you have had regular menstrual cycles call your healthcare provider. It is important to continue taking your pills on a regular schedule to prevent a pregnancy.
What if I miss my scheduled period when using Balcoltra?
Some women miss periods on hormonal birth control, even when they are not pregnant. However, if you go 2 or more months in a row without a period, or you miss your period after a month where you did not use all of your Balcoltra correctly, call your healthcare provider because you may be pregnant. Also call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of pregnancy such as morning sickness or unusual breast tenderness. Stop taking Balcoltra if you are pregnant.
What are the ingredients in Balcoltra?
Active ingredients: Orange tablets: levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol.
Inactive ingredients: Orange tablets: FD&C Yellow #5 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Yellow #6 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red #40 Aluminum Lake, titanium dioxide, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, macrogol/polyethylene glycol 3350 NF, lecithin (soya), iron oxide black, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and pregelatinized starch.
Inactive ingredients: Blue tablets: ferrous bisglycinate), citric acid NF, glycine, water, maltodextrin NF, silica, microcrystalline cellulose NF, magnesium stearate NF, croscarmellose sodium NF, colloidal silicon dioxide NF, hypromellose type 2910, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol 400, FD&C Red #40 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Yellow #6 Aluminum Lake and FD&C Blue #1 Aluminum Lake.
For more information, go to www.avionrx.com or call 1-888-612-8466.
Instructions For Use
Balcoltra (BALL-coll-TRAA)
(levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ferrous biglycinate tablets)
for oral administration
Important Information about taking Balcoltra
Before you start taking Balcoltra
When should I start taking Balcoltra?
If you start taking Balcoltra and you have not used a hormonal birth control method before:
Your healthcare provider should tell you when to start taking your birth control pill.
If you use the Sunday Start, use non-hormonal back-up contraception such as condoms or spermicide for the first 7 days that you take Balcoltra. You do not need back-up contraception if you use the Day 1 Start.
If you start taking Balcoltra and you are switching from another birth control pill:
If you start taking Balcoltra and previously used a vaginal ring or transdermal patch:
If you start taking Balcoltra and you are switching from a progestin-only method such as an implant or injection:
If you start taking Balcoltra and you are switching from an intrauterine device or system (IUD or IUS):
Keep a calendar to track your period:
If this is the first time you are taking birth control pills, read, “When should I start taking Balcoltra?” above. Follow these instructions for either a Sunday Start or a Day 1 Start.
Sunday Start:
You will use a Sunday Start if your healthcare provider told you to take your first pill on a Sunday.
Use non-hormonal back-up contraception such as condoms or spermicide for the first 7 days of the first cycle that you take Balcoltra.
Instructions for using your pill pack
Day 1 Start:
You will use a Day 1 Start if your healthcare provider told you to take your first pill (Day 1) on the first day of your period.
Instructions for using your pill pack:
Step 1.
Look at your Balcoltra pill pack. See Figure A.
The Balcoltra pill pack has:
Step 2.
Find what day of the week you are to start taking pills. If your period begins on a day other than Sunday, place the day label strip that starts with the first day of your period. For example, if your period begins on Monday, place the day label strip with Monday as the first day. See Figure B.
Step 3
Remove the orange pill by pressing the pill through the foil in the bottom of the pill pack. Continue taking the orange pills for 21 days.
Step 4.
On the first day of Week 4 start taking the blue pills. Take the blue pill for 7 days. Your period should start during this time.
Step 5.
When you have taken all of the blue pills in your pill pack, get a new pill pack and start taking the orange pills.
What should I do if I miss any Balcoltra pills?
If you miss 1 pill in Weeks 1, 2, or 3, follow these steps:
If you miss 2 pills in Week 1 or Week 2 of your pack, follow these steps:
If you miss 2 pills in a row in Week 3, or you miss 3 or more pills in a row during Weeks 1, 2, or 3 of the pack, follow these steps:
If you have any questions or are unsure about the information in this leaflet, call your healthcare provider. They have a more technical leaflet called the Professional Labeling which you may wish to read.
This Patient Information and Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Manufactured for:
Avion Pharmaceuticals, LLC.,
1880 McFarland Pkwy.,
Alpharetta, GA 30005.
1-888-612-8466
Manufactured by:
Novast Laboratories, Ltd.,
Nantong, China 226009
Date: 02/2018
Rev. A
1 Blister Pack,
28 tablets.
NDC: 75854-602-28
28-day regimen
Balcoltra™
(levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP,
and ferrous bisglycinate tablets)
0.1mg/0.02mg and 36.5mg
This product is intended
to prevent pregnancy. It
does not protect against
HIV infection (AIDS) and
other sexually transmitted
diseases.
Rx Only
The inactive ingredients present in orange active tablet are FD&C Yellow #5 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Yellow #6 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red #40 Aluminum Lake, titanium dioxide, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, macrogol/polyethylene glycol 3350 NF, lecithin (soya), iron oxide black, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and pregelatinized starch.
Each inactive blue tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: ferrous bisglycinate, citric acid, glycine, water, maltodextrin , silica, microcrystalline cellulose NF, magnesium stearate NF, croscarmellose sodium NF, colloidal silicon dioxide NF, hypromellose type 2910, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol 400, FD&C Red #40 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Yellow #6 Aluminum Lake and FD&C Blue #1 Aluminum Lake.
1 Blister Pack, 28 tablets
Balcoltra™
(Levonorgestrel and ethinyl
estradiol tablets and
ferrous bisglycinate tablets)
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 are contraindicated
in women who are over 35 years of age and smoke.
NDC: 75854-602-28
28-day regimen
1 Blister Pack,
28 tablets
NDC: 75854-602-28
28-day regimen
Balcoltra™
Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP,
and ferrous bisglycinate tablets)
0.1mg/0.02mg and 36.5mg.
IMPORTANT: Note to Dispensing Pharmacist: Each compact dispenser
contains a combination Patient Information and Instructions For Use Insert with Day
Label Stickers. This should be included with each package dispensed to the patient.
Each active orange tablet (21) contains levonorgestrel 0.1 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg.
Each inactive blue tablet (7) contains ferrous bisglycinate 36.5 mg.
Contains color additives including FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine).
Usual Dosage: One orange tablet daily for 21 consecutive days followed by
one blue placebo tablet for 7 consecutive days according to prescribed schedule.
See enclosed prescribing information.
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); Excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C
(59° to 86°F). [See USP controlled room temperature.]
Protect from light.
Keep out of the reach of children.
WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of
fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children.
In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.
Avion
Pharmaceuticals
Manufactured for:
Avion Pharmaceuticals, LLC., Alpharetta, GA 30005
1-888-61-AVION
Manufactured by:
Novast Laboratories, Ltd., Nantong, China 226009
Rx Only
Iss. 02/2018 Rev A
C0154
BALCOLTRA
levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol kit |
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Labeler - Avion Pharmaceuticals (040348516) |
Registrant - Avion Pharmaceuticals (040348516) |
Establishment | |||
Name | Address | ID/FEI | Business Operations |
---|---|---|---|
Novast Laboratories, Ltd. | 527695995 | analysis(75854-602) , label(75854-602) , manufacture(75854-602) , pack(75854-602) |
Mark Image Registration | Serial | Company Trademark Application Date |
---|---|
BALCOLTRA 87779690 5547579 Live/Registered |
Avion Pharmaceuticals, LLC 2018-02-01 |