Lessina by is a Prescription medication manufactured, distributed, or labeled by Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.. Drug facts, warnings, and ingredients follow.
Each cycle of Lessina® 28 (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) consists of 21 pink active tablets each containing 0.1 mg levonorgestrel, USP and 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol, USP; and seven white inert tablets. The inactive ingredients include anhydrous lactose, FD&C red no. 40 aluminum lake, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, corn starch, and titanium dioxide. Each white tablet contains only inert ingredients as follows: anhydrous lactose, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate.
The structural formulas are as follows:
Levonorgestrel, USP
C21H28O2 Molecular Weight: 312.4
Ethinyl Estradiol, USP
C20H24O2 Molecular Weight: 296.4
Combination oral contraceptives act by suppression of gonadotropins. Although the primary mechanism of this action is inhibition of ovulation, other alterations include changes in the cervical mucus (which increase the difficulty of sperm entry into the uterus) and the endometrium (which reduce the likelihood of implantation).
No specific investigation of the absolute bioavailability of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets in humans has been conducted. However, literature indicates that levonorgestrel is rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration 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 absolute bioavailability of ethinyl estradiol is about 40%. After a single dose of three levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets to 17 women under fasting conditions, the extents of absorption of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol were 98.6% and 99%, respectively, relative to the same dose of the 2 drugs when given as a microcrystalline suspension in water. The effect of food on the bioavailability of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets following oral administration has not been evaluated.
The pharmacokinetics of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol following daily administration of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets for 21 days per cycle for three cycles, were determined in 18 women. Estimates of the pharmacokinetic parameters of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol following single and multiple dose administration of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets are summarized in Table I. Mean levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol levels after a single dose and on day 21 at steady state are shown in Figure I.
The pharmacokinetics of total levonorgestrel are non-linear due to an increase in binding to SHBG, which is attributed to increased SHBG levels that are induced by the daily administration of ethinyl estradiol. Increased binding of levonorgestrel to SHBG leads to decreased clearance of levonorgestrel. Observed maximum levonorgestrel concentrations increased from day 1 to day 21 of the 1st and 3rd cycles by 66% and 83%, respectively.
Figure I
In calculating the mean concentration for ethinyl estradiol, any individual subject value below the quantifiable limit (i.e., 20 pg/mL) was converted to 0; and the 0 values were included for calculation of the mean concentration.
Table I provides a summary of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol pharmacokinetic parameters.
TABLE I MEAN (SD) PHARMACOKINETIC PARAMETERS OF LEVONORGESTREL AND ETHINYL ESTRADIOL TABLETS AFTER SINGLE DOSE AND AFTER MULTIPLE DOSING FOR 3 CYCLES
Levonorgestrel
Day (cycle) | Cmax ng/mL | tmax h | AUC ng·h/mL | CL/F mL/min/kg | Vz L | SHBG nmol/L |
1 | 2.36(0.79) | 1.3(0.4) | 29.2(10) | 1(0.3) | 129(46) | 64.5(22) |
AUC(0 to 24h) ng·h/mL | ||||||
21(1) | 4.04(2.08) | 1(0.3) | 43.8(22.4) | 0.73(0.34) | 106(42) | 94.7(37.4) |
21(3) | 4.53(1.94) | 1(0.3) | 49.5(24.5) | 0.65(0.33) | 96(35) | 107.4(45.8) |
Ethinyl Estradiol
Day (cycle) | Cmax
| tmax
| AUC(0 to 24h) |
1 | 49.5(13.4) | 1.5(0.4) | 298(215) |
21(1) | 66.2(29.5) | 1.4(0.4) | 596(494) |
21(3) | 58.1(19.3) | 1.4(0.3) | 417(289) |
Cmax = maximum concentration
tmax = time to maximum concentration
AUC = area under the drug concentration curve from time 0 to infinity
CL/F = oral clearance
Vz = volume of distribution
SHBG = sex hormone binding globulin
AUC(0 to 24) = area under the drug concentration time curve from time 0 to 24 hours; this represents the area for one dosing interval at steady state.
Levonorgestrel in serum is primarily bound to SHBG. Protein binding values for levonorgestrel are provided in Table II. Ethinyl estradiol is about 97% bound to plasma albumin. Ethinyl estradiol does not bind to SHBG, but induces SHBG synthesis.
TABLE II.
Protein binding (mean ± SD) of levonorgestrel in pools of serum samples collected from 18 women after a single dose of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and following administration (once daily) over 3x21 days.
Parameter | Single Dose | Cycle 2 | Cycle 4 |
% free | 1.11(0.27) | 0.79(0.22) | 0.80(0.23) |
% SHBG-bound | 64.5(8.54) | 75.6(6.59) | 74.7(7.89) |
% albumin-bound | 34.4(8.28) | 23.6(6.41) | 24.5(7.67) |
The most important metabolic pathway occurs in the reduction of the Δ4-3-oxo group and hydroxylation at positions 2α, 1ß, and 16ß, followed by conjugation. Most of the metabolites that circulate in the blood are sulfates of 3α, 5ß-tetrahydro-levonorgestrel, while excretion occurs predominantly in the form of glucuronides. Some of the parent levonorgestrel also circulates as 17ß-sulfate. Metabolic clearance rates may differ among individuals by several-fold, and this may account in part for the wide variation in levonorgestrel concentrations among users.
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 the rates of ethinyl estradiol 2-hydroxylation. Ethinyl estradiol is excreted in the urine and feces as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates and undergoes enterohepatic circulation.
The elimination half-life for levonorgestrel after a single dose of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets is 25.4 ± 9.7 hours. Levonorgestrel and its metabolites are primarily excreted in the urine. The elimination half-life of ethinyl estradiol has been reported to be between 15 and 25 hours.
No formal studies have evaluated the effect of hepatic disease on the disposition of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets. However, steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function.
No formal studies have evaluated the effect of renal disease on the disposition of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets.
Interactions between ethinyl estradiol and other drugs have been reported in the literature.
Oral contraceptives are indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use this product as a method of contraception. Oral contraceptives are highly effective. Table III lists the typical accidental pregnancy rates for users of combination oral contraceptives and other methods of contraception. The efficacy of these contraceptive methods, except sterilization, depends upon the reliability with which they are used. Correct and consistent use of methods can result in lower failure rates.
|
|||
% of Women Experiencing | % of Women Continuing Use at One Year* |
||
Method (1) | Typical Use† (2) | Perfect Use‡ (3) |
|
Chance§ | 85 | 85 | |
Spermicides¶ | 26 | 6 | 40 |
Periodic abstinence | 25 | 63 |
|
Calendar | 9 | ||
Ovulation method | 3 | ||
Sympto-thermal# | 2 | ||
Post ovulation | 1 | ||
Withdrawal | 19 | 4 | |
CapÞ | |||
Parous women | 40 | 26 | 42 |
Nulliparous women | 20 | 9 | 56 |
Sponge | |||
Parous women | 40 | 20 | 42 |
Nulliparous women | 20 | 9 | 56 |
DiaphragmÞ | 20 | 6 | 56 |
Condomß | |||
Female (Reality) | 21 | 5 | 56 |
Male | 14 | 3 | 61 |
Pill | 5 | 71 |
|
Progestin only | 0.5 | ||
Combined | 0.1 | ||
IUD | |||
Progesterone T | 2 | 1.5 | 81 |
Copper T 380A | 0.8 | 0.6 | 78 |
Lng 20 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 81 |
Depo Provera | 0.3 | 0.3 | 70 |
Norplant and Norplant-2 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 88 |
Female sterilization | 0.5 | 0.5 | 100 |
Male sterilization | 0.15 | 0.1 | 100 |
Source: Trussell J, Contraceptive efficacy. In Hatcher RA, Trussell J, Stewart F, Cates W, Stewart GK, Kowal D, Guest F, Contraceptive Technology: Seventeenth Revised Edition. New York NY: Irvington Publishers, 1998, in press. |
Oral contraceptives should not be used in women who currently have the following conditions:
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from oral contraceptive use. This risk increases with age and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day) and is quite marked in women over 35 years of age. Women who use oral contraceptives should be strongly advised not to smoke.
The use of oral contraceptives is associated with increased risks of several serious conditions including myocardial infarction, thromboembolism, stroke, hepatic neoplasia, gallbladder disease, and hypertension, although the risk of serious morbidity or mortality is very small in healthy women without underlying risk factors. The risk of morbidity and mortality increases significantly in the presence of other underlying risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemias, obesity and diabetes.
Practitioners prescribing oral contraceptives should be familiar with the following information relating to these risks.
The information contained in this package insert is based principally on studies carried out in patients who used oral contraceptives with higher formulations of estrogens and progestogens than those in common use today. The effect of long-term use of the oral contraceptives with lower formulations of both estrogens and progestogens remains to be determined.
Throughout this labeling, epidemiologic studies reported are of two types: retrospective or case control studies and prospective or cohort studies. Case control studies provide a measure of the relative risk of a disease, namely, a ratio of the incidence of a disease among oral contraceptive users to that among nonusers. The relative risk does not provide information on the actual clinical occurrence of a disease. Cohort studies provide a measure of attributable risk, which is the difference in the incidence of disease between oral contraceptive users and nonusers. The attributable risk does provide information about the actual occurrence of a disease in the population. For further information, the reader is referred to a text on epidemiologic methods.
An increased risk of myocardial infarction has been attributed to oral contraceptive use. This risk is primarily in smokers or women with other underlying risk factors for coronary-artery disease such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, morbid obesity, and diabetes. The relative risk of heart attack for current oral contraceptive users has been estimated to be two to six. The risk is very low under the age of 30. Smoking in combination with oral contraceptive use has been shown to contribute substantially to the incidence of myocardial infarctions in women in their mid-thirties or older with smoking accounting for the majority of excess cases. Mortality rates associated with circulatory disease have been shown to increase substantially in smokers over the age of 35 and nonsmokers over the age of 40 (Table IV) among women who use oral contraceptives.
AGE | EVER-USERS NON- SMOKERS | EVER-USERS SMOKERS | CONTROLS NON- SMOKERS | CONTROL SMOKERS |
15 to 24 | 0 | 10.5 | 0 | 0 |
25 to 34 | 4.4 | 14.2 | 2.7 | 4.2 |
35 to 44 | 21.5 | 63.4 | 6.4 | 15.2 |
45+ | 52.4 | 206.7 | 11.4 | 27.9 |
Oral contraceptives may compound the effects of well-known risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemias, age and obesity. In particular, some progestogens are known to decrease HDL cholesterol and cause glucose intolerance, while estrogens may create a state of hyperinsulinism. Oral contraceptives have been shown to increase blood pressure among users (see section 10 in WARNINGS). Similar effects on risk factors have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Oral contraceptives must be used with caution in women with cardiovascular disease risk factors.
An increased risk of thromboembolic and thrombotic disease associated with the use of oral contraceptives is well established. Case control studies have found the relative risk of users compared to nonusers to be 3 for the first episode of superficial venous thrombosis, 4 to 11 for deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and 1.5 to 6 for women with predisposing conditions for venous thromboembolic disease. Cohort studies have shown the relative risk to be somewhat lower, about 3 for new cases and about 4.5 for new cases requiring hospitalization. The risk of thromboembolic disease due to oral contraceptives is not related to length of use and disappears after pill use is stopped.
A two- to four-fold increase in the relative risk of post-operative thromboembolic complications has been reported with the use of oral contraceptives. The relative risk of venous thrombosis in women who have predisposing conditions is twice that of women without such medical conditions. If feasible, oral contraceptives should be discontinued from at least four weeks prior to and for two weeks after elective surgery of a type associated with an increase in risk of thromboembolism and during and following prolonged immobilization. Since the immediate postpartum period is also associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, oral contraceptives should be started no earlier than four to six weeks after delivery in women who elect not to breast-feed.
Oral contraceptives 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), hypertensive women who also smoke. Hypertension was found to be a risk factor, for both users and nonusers, for both types of strokes, while smoking interacted to increase the risk for hemorrhagic strokes.
In a large study, the relative risk of thrombotic strokes has been shown to range from 3 for normotensive users to 14 for users with severe hypertension. The relative risk of hemorrhagic stroke is reported to be 1.2 for nonsmokers who used oral contraceptives, 2.6 for smokers who did not use oral contraceptives, 7.6 for smokers who used oral contraceptives, 1.8 for normotensive users and 25.7 for users with severe hypertension. The attributable risk is also greater in older women.
A positive association has been observed between the amount of estrogen and progestogen in oral contraceptives and the risk of vascular disease. A decline in serum high-density lipoproteins (HDL) has been reported with many progestational agents. A decline in serum high-density lipoproteins has been associated with an increased incidence of ischemic heart disease. Because estrogens increase HDL cholesterol, the net effect of an oral contraceptive depends on a balance achieved between doses of estrogen and progestogen and the nature and absolute amount of progestogen used in the contraceptive. The amount of both hormones should be considered in the choice of an oral contraceptive.
Minimizing exposure to estrogen and progestogen is in keeping with good principles of therapeutics. For any particular estrogen/progestogen combination, the dosage regimen prescribed should be one which contains the least amount of estrogen and progestogen that is compatible with a low failure rate and the needs of the individual patient. New acceptors of oral-contraceptive agents should be started on preparations containing the lowest estrogen content which provides satisfactory results in the individual.
There are two studies which have shown persistence of risk of vascular disease for ever-users of oral contraceptives. In a study in the United States, the risk of developing myocardial infarction after discontinuing oral contraceptives persists for at least 9 years for women aged 40 to 49 years who had used oral contraceptives for five or more years, but this increased risk was not demonstrated in other age groups. In another study in Great Britain, the risk of developing cerebrovascular disease persisted for at least 6 years after discontinuation of oral contraceptives, although excess risk was very small. However, both studies were performed with oral contraceptive formulations containing 50 micrograms or higher of estrogens.
One study gathered data from a variety of sources which have estimated the mortality rate associated with different methods of contraception at different ages (Table V). These estimates include the combined risk of death associated with contraceptive methods plus the risk attributable to pregnancy in the event of method failure. Each method of contraception has its specific benefits and risks. The study concluded that with the exception of oral contraceptive users 35 and older who smoke and 40 and older who do not smoke, mortality associated with all methods of birth control is less than that associated with childbirth.
The observation of a possible increase in risk of mortality with age for oral contraceptive users is based on data gathered in the 1970’s-but not reported until 1983. However, current clinical practice involves the use of lower estrogen dose formulations combined with careful restriction of oral contraceptive use to women who do not have the various risk factors listed in this labeling.
Because of these changes in practice and, also, because of some limited new data which suggest that the risk of cardiovascular disease with the use of oral contraceptives may now be less than previously observed, the Fertility and Maternal Health Drugs Advisory Committee was asked to review the topic in 1989. The Committee concluded that although cardiovascular disease risks may be increased with oral contraceptive use after age 40 in healthy nonsmoking women (even with the newer low-dose formulations), there are greater potential health risks associated with pregnancy in older women and with the alternative surgical and medical procedures which may be necessary if such women do not have access to effective and acceptable means of contraception.
Therefore, the Committee recommended that the benefits of oral contraceptive use by healthy nonsmoking women over 40 may outweigh the possible risks. Of course, older women, as all women who take oral contraceptives, should take the lowest possible dose formulation that is effective.
|
||||||
Method of Control and Outcome | 15 to 19 | 20 to 24 | 25 to 29 | 30 to 34 | 35 to 39 | 40 to 44 |
No fertility | 7 | 7.4 | 9.1 | 14.8 | 25.7 | 28.2 |
Oral contraceptives | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 1.9 | 13.8 | 31.6 |
Oral contraceptives | 2.2 | 3.4 | 6.6 | 13.5 | 51.1 | 117.2 |
IUD† | 0.8 | 0.8 | 1 | 1 | 1.4 | 1.4 |
Condom* | 1.1 | 1.6 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.4 |
Diaphragm/ | 1.9 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 2.2 | 2.8 |
Periodic | 2.5 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 2.9 | 3.6 |
Adapted from H.W. Ory, Family Planning Perspectives 15:57-63, 1983. |
Numerous epidemiological studies have been performed on the incidence of breast, endometrial, ovarian and cervical cancer in women using oral contraceptives. The overwhelming evidence in the literature suggests that use of oral contraceptives is not associated with an increase in the risk of developing breast cancer, regardless of the age and parity of first use or with most of the marketed brands and doses. The Cancer and Steroid Hormone (CASH) study also showed no latent effect on the risk of breast cancer for at least a decade following long-term use. A few studies have shown a slightly increased relative risk of developing breast cancer, although the methodology of these studies, which included differences in examination of users and nonusers and differences in age at start of use, has been questioned.
Some studies suggest that oral contraceptive use has been associated with an increase in the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in some populations of women. However, there continues to be controversy about the extent to which such findings may be due to differences in sexual behavior and other factors.
In spite of many studies of the relationship between oral contraceptive use and breast and cervical cancers, a cause-and-effect relationship has not been established.
Benign hepatic adenomas are associated with oral contraceptive use, although the incidence of benign tumors is rare in the United States. Indirect calculations have estimated the attributable risk to be in the range of 3.3 cases/100,000 for users, a risk that increases after four or more years of use. Rupture of rare, benign, hepatic adenomas may cause death through intra-abdominal hemorrhage.
Studies from Britain have shown an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in long-term (>8 years) oral contraceptive users. However, these cancers are extremely rare in the U.S. and the attributable risk (the excess incidence) of liver cancers in oral contraceptive users approaches less than one 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 Lessina prior to starting therapy with the combination drug regimen ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). Lessina can be restarted approximately 2 weeks following completion of treatment with the combination drug regimen.
There have been clinical case reports of retinal thrombosis associated with the use of oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives should be discontinued if there is unexplained partial or complete loss of vision; onset of proptosis or diplopia; papilledema; or retinal vascular lesions. Appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures should be undertaken immediately.
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 insofar as cardiac anomalies and limb-reduction defects are concerned, when taken inadvertently during early pregnancy.
The administration of oral contraceptives to induce withdrawal bleeding should not be used as a test for pregnancy. Oral contraceptives should not be used during pregnancy to treat threatened or habitual abortion. It is recommended that for any patient who has missed two consecutive periods, pregnancy should be ruled out before continuing oral contraceptive use. If the patient has not adhered to the prescribed schedule, the possibility of pregnancy should be considered at the time of the first missed period. Oral contraceptive use should be discontinued if pregnancy is confirmed.
Earlier studies have reported an increased lifetime relative risk of gallbladder surgery in users of oral contraceptives and estrogens. More recent studies, however, have shown that the relative risk of developing gallbladder disease among oral contraceptive users may be minimal. The recent findings of minimal risk may be related to the use of oral contraceptive formulations containing lower hormonal doses of estrogens and progestogens.
Oral contraceptives have been shown to cause glucose intolerance in a significant percentage of users. Oral contraceptives containing greater than 75 micrograms of estrogens cause hyperinsulinism, while lower doses of estrogen cause less glucose intolerance. Progestogens increase insulin secretion and create insulin resistance, this effect varying with different progestational agents. However, in the nondiabetic woman, oral contraceptives appear to have no effect on fasting blood glucose. Because of these demonstrated effects, prediabetic and diabetic women should be carefully observed while taking oral contraceptives.
A small proportion of women will have persistent hypertriglyceridemia while on the pill. As discussed earlier (See WARNINGS, 1a. and 1d.), changes in serum triglycerides and lipoprotein levels have been reported in oral contraceptive users.
An increase in blood pressure has been reported in women taking oral contraceptives and this increase is more likely in older oral contraceptive users and with continued use. Data from the Royal College of General Practitioners and subsequent randomized trials have shown that the incidence of hypertension increases with increasing quantities of progestogens.
Women with a history of hypertension or hypertension-related diseases, or renal disease should be encouraged to use another method of contraception. If women with hypertension elect to use oral contraceptives, they should be monitored closely, and if significant elevation of blood pressure occurs, oral contraceptives should be discontinued. For most women, elevated blood pressure will return to normal after stopping oral contraceptives, and there is no difference in the occurrence of hypertension among ever- and never-users.
The onset or exacerbation of migraine or development of headache with a new pattern which is recurrent, persistent or severe requires discontinuation of oral contraceptives and evaluation of the cause.
Breakthrough bleeding and spotting are sometimes encountered in patients on oral contraceptives, especially during the first three months of use. Nonhormonal causes should be considered and adequate diagnostic measures taken to rule out malignancy or pregnancy in the event of breakthrough bleeding, as in the case of any abnormal vaginal bleeding. If pathology has been excluded, time or a change to another formulation may solve the problem. In the event of amenorrhea, pregnancy should be ruled out.
Some women may encounter post-pill amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, especially when such a condition was pre-existent.
Patients should be counseled that this product does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
It is good medical practice for all women to have annual history and physical examinations, including women using oral contraceptives. The physical examination, however, may be deferred until after initiation of oral contraceptives if requested by the woman and judged appropriate by the clinician. The physical examination should include special reference to blood pressure, breasts, abdomen and pelvic organs, including cervical cytology and relevant laboratory tests. In case of undiagnosed, persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding, appropriate measures should be conducted to rule out malignancy. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer or who have breast nodules should be monitored with particular care.
Women who are being treated for hyperlipidemias should be followed closely if they elect to use oral contraceptives. Some progestogens may elevate LDL levels and may render the control of hyperlipidemias more difficult.
If jaundice develops in any woman receiving such drugs, the medication should be discontinued. Steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function.
Oral contraceptives may cause some degree of fluid retention. They should be prescribed with caution, and only with careful monitoring, in patients with conditions which might be aggravated by fluid retention.
Women with a history of depression should be carefully observed and the drug discontinued if depression recurs to a serious degree.
Contact-lens wearers who develop visual changes or changes in lens tolerance should be assessed by an ophthalmologist.
Reduced efficacy and increased incidence of breakthrough bleeding and menstrual irregularities have been associated with concomitant use of rifampin. A similar association, though less marked, has been suggested with barbiturates, phenylbutazone, phenytoin sodium, and possibly with griseofulvin, ampicillin and tetracyclines.
Concomitant Use with HCV Combination Therapy – Liver Enzyme Elevation
Do not co-administer Lessina with HCV drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to potential for ALT elevations (see WARNINGS, Risk of Liver Enzyme Elevations with Concomitant Hepatitis C Treatment).
Certain endocrine- and liver-function tests and blood components may be affected by oral contraceptives:
Small amounts of oral contraceptive steroids have been identified in the milk of nursing mothers, and a few adverse effects on the child have been reported, including jaundice and breast enlargement. In addition, oral contraceptives given in the postpartum period may interfere with lactation by decreasing the quantity and quality of breast milk. If possible, the nursing mother should be advised not to use oral contraceptives but to use other forms of contraception until she has completely weaned her child.
Safety and efficacy of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets have been established in women of reproductive age. Safety and efficacy are expected to be the same for post-pubertal adolescents under the age of 16 and for users 16 years and older. Use of this product before menarche is not indicated.
An increased risk of the following serious adverse reactions has been associated with the use of oral contraceptives (see WARNINGS section).
There is evidence of an association between the following conditions and the use of oral contraceptives, although additional confirmatory studies are needed:
The following adverse reactions have been reported in patients receiving oral contraceptives and are believed to be drug related:
The following adverse reactions have been reported in users of oral contraceptives and the association has been neither confirmed nor refuted:
The following non-contraceptive health benefits related to the use of oral contraceptives are supported by epidemiological studies which largely utilized oral contraceptive formulations containing doses exceeding 0.035 mg of ethinyl estradiol or 0.05 mg mestranol.
Effects on menses:
Effects related to inhibition of ovulation:
Effects from long-term use:
To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, Lessina® (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) must be taken exactly as directed at intervals not exceeding 24-hours.
Lessina Tablets are a monophasic preparation plus 7 inert tablets. The dosage of Lessina Tablets is one tablet daily for 21 consecutive days per menstrual cycle plus 7 white inert tablets according to the prescribed schedule. It is recommended that Lessina Tablets be taken at the same time each day, preferably after the evening meal or at bedtime. During the first cycle of medication, the patient should be instructed to take one pink Lessina Tablet daily and then 7 white inert tablets for twenty-eight (28) consecutive days, beginning on day one (1) of her menstrual cycle. (The first day of menstruation is day one.) Withdrawal bleeding usually occurs within 3 days following the last pink tablet. (If Lessina Tablets are first taken later than the first day of the first menstrual cycle of medication or postpartum, contraceptive reliance should not be placed on Lessina Tablets until after the first 7 consecutive days of administration. The possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of medication should be considered.)
When switching from another oral contraceptive, Lessina Tablets should be started on the first day of bleeding following the last active tablet taken of the previous oral contraceptive.
The patient begins her next and all subsequent 28-day courses of Lessina Tablets on the same day of the week that she began her first course, following the same schedule. She begins taking her pink tablets on the next day after ingestion of the last white tablet, regardless of whether or not a menstrual period has occurred or is still in progress. Anytime a subsequent cycle of Lessina Tablets is started later than the next day, the patient should be protected by another means of contraception until she has taken a tablet daily for seven consecutive days.
If spotting or breakthrough bleeding occurs, the patient is instructed to continue on the same regimen. This type of bleeding is usually transient and without significance, however, if the bleeding is persistent or prolonged, the patient is advised to consult her physician. Although the occurrence of pregnancy is highly unlikely if Lessina Tablets are taken according to directions, if withdrawal bleeding does not occur, the possibility of pregnancy must be considered. If the patient has not adhered to the prescribed schedule (missed one or more active tablets or started taking them on a day later than she should have), the probability of pregnancy should be considered at the time of the first missed period and appropriate diagnostic measures taken before the medication is resumed. If the patient has adhered to the prescribed regimen and misses two consecutive periods, pregnancy should be ruled out before continuing the contraceptive regimen.
The risk of pregnancy increases with each active (pink) tablet missed. For additional patient instructions regarding missed pills, see the “WHAT TO DO IF YOU MISS PILLS” section in the DETAILED PATIENT LABELING below. If breakthrough bleeding occurs following missed tablets, it will usually be transient and of no consequence. If the patient misses one or more white tablets, she is still protected against pregnancy provided she begins taking pink tablets again on the proper day.
In the nonlactating mother, Lessina Tablets may be initiated postpartum, for contraception. When the tablets are administered in the postpartum period, the increased risk of thromboembolic disease associated with the postpartum period must be considered. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, and PRECAUTIONS concerning thromboembolic disease.) It is to be noted that early resumption of ovulation may occur if bromocriptine mesylate has been used for the prevention of lactation.
Lessina® (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP 0.1 mg/ 0.02 mg) are packaged in blister cards. Each card contains 21 pink, round, film-coated, biconvex, unscored tablets, debossed stylized b on one side and 965 on the other side, and 7 white, round, biconvex, unscored tablets, debossed stylized b on one side and 208 on the other side.
Available in cartons of 3 blister cards (NDC: 0555-9014-67).
Store at 20º to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
This product (like all oral contraceptives) is intended to prevent pregnancy. It does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Oral contraceptives, also known as “birth-control pills” or “the pill”, are taken to prevent pregnancy, and when taken correctly, have a failure rate of less than 1% per year when used without missing any pills. The typical failure rate of large numbers of pill users is less than 3% per year when women who miss pills are included. For most women oral contraceptives are also free of serious or unpleasant side effects. However, forgetting to take pills considerably increases the chances of pregnancy.
For the majority of women, oral contraceptives can be taken safely. But there are some women who are at high risk of developing certain serious diseases that can be life-threatening or may cause temporary or permanent disability or death. The risks associated with taking oral contraceptives increase significantly if you:
You should not take the pill if you suspect you are pregnant or have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious adverse effects on the heart and blood vessels from oral contraceptive use. This risk increases with age and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day) and is quite marked in women over 35 years of age. Women who use oral contraceptives should not smoke.
Most side effects of the pill are not serious. The most common such effects are nausea, vomiting, bleeding between menstrual periods, weight gain, breast tenderness, and difficulty wearing contact lenses. These side effects, especially nausea and vomiting may subside within the first three months of use.
The serious side effects of the pill occur very infrequently, especially if you are in good health and are young. However, you should know that the following medical conditions have been associated with or made worse by the pill:
The symptoms associated with these serious side effects are discussed in the detailed leaflet given to you with your supply of pills. Notify your doctor or healthcare provider if you notice any unusual physical disturbances while taking the pill. In addition, drugs such as rifampin, as well as some anticonvulsants and some antibiotics, may decrease oral contraceptive effectiveness.
Studies to date of women taking the pill have not shown an increase in the incidence of cancer of the breast or cervix. There is, however, insufficient evidence to rule out the possibility that pills may cause such cancers.
Taking the pill provides some important non-contraceptive benefits. These include less painful menstruation, less menstrual blood loss and anemia, fewer pelvic infections, and fewer cancers of the ovary and the lining of the uterus.
Be sure to discuss any medical condition you may have with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will take a medical and family history before prescribing oral contraceptives and will examine you. The physical examination may be delayed to another time if you request it and the healthcare provider believes that it is appropriate to postpone it. You should be reexamined at least once a year while taking oral contraceptives. The detailed patient information booklet gives you further information which you should read and discuss with your healthcare provider.
This product (like all oral contraceptives) is intended to prevent pregnancy. It does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and syphilis.
INSTRUCTIONS TO PATIENTS
HOW TO TAKE THE PILL
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
BEFORE YOU START TAKING YOUR PILLS:
BEFORE YOU START TAKING YOUR PILLS
WHEN TO START THE FIRST PACK OF PILLS
You have a choice for which day to start taking your first pack of pills. Decide with your doctor or clinic which is the best day for you. Pick a time of day which will be easy to remember.
DAY 1 START:
SUNDAY START:
WHAT TO DO DURING THE MONTH
WHAT TO DO IF YOU MISS PILLS
If you MISS 1 (pink) “active” pill:
If you MISS 2 (pink) “active” pills in a row in WEEK 1 OR WEEK 2 of your pack:
If you MISS 2 (pink) “active” pills in a row in THE 3rd WEEK:
If you MISS 3 OR MORE (pink) “active” pills in a row (during the first 3 weeks):
A REMINDER FOR THOSE ON 28-DAY PACKS:
If you forget any of the 7 (white) “reminder” pills in Week 4:
THROW AWAY the pills you missed.
Keep taking one pill each day until the pack is empty.
You do not need a back-up method.
FINALLY, IF YOU ARE STILL NOT SURE WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE PILLS YOU HAVE MISSED:
Use a BACK-UP METHOD anytime you have sex.
KEEP TAKING ONE ACTIVE PILL EACH DAY until you can reach your doctor or clinic.
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).
KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
This product (like all oral contraceptives) is intended to prevent pregnancy. It does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
INTRODUCTION
Any woman who considers using oral contraceptives (the “birth-control pill” or “the pill”) should understand the benefits and risks of using this form of birth control. This leaflet will give you much of the information you will need to make this decision and will also help you determine if you are at risk of developing any of the serious side effects of the pill. It will tell you how to use the pill properly so that it will be as effective as possible. However, this leaflet is not a replacement for a careful discussion between you and your healthcare provider. You should discuss the information provided in this leaflet with him or her, both when you first start taking the pill and during your revisits. You should also follow your healthcare provider’s advice with regard to regular check-ups while you are on the pill.
EFFECTIVENESS OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
Oral contraceptives or “birth-control pills” or “the pill” are used to prevent pregnancy and are more effective than other nonsurgical methods of birth control. When they are taken correctly, the chance of becoming pregnant is less than 1% when used perfectly, without missing any pills. Typical failure rates are less than 3% per year. The chance of becoming pregnant increases with each missed pill during a menstrual cycle.
In comparison, typical failure rates for other nonsurgical methods of birth control during the first year of use are as follows:
|
|||
% of Women Experiencing | % of Women Continuing Use at One Year* |
||
Method (1) | Typical Use† (2) | Perfect Use‡ (3) |
|
Chance§ | 85 | 85 | |
Spermicides¶ | 26 | 6 | 40 |
Periodic abstinence | 25 | 63 |
|
Calendar | 9 | ||
Ovulation method | 3 | ||
Sympto-thermal# | 2 | ||
Post ovulation | 1 | ||
Withdrawal | 19 | 4 | |
CapÞ | |||
Parous women | 40 | 26 | 42 |
Nulliparous women | 20 | 9 | 56 |
Sponge | |||
Parous women | 40 | 20 | 42 |
Nulliparous women | 20 | 9 | 56 |
DiaphragmÞ | 20 | 6 | 56 |
Condomß | |||
Female (Reality) | 21 | 5 | 56 |
Male | 14 | 3 | 61 |
Pill | 5 | 71 |
|
Progestin only | 0.5 | ||
Combined | 0.1 | ||
IUD | |||
Progesterone T | 2 | 1.5 | 81 |
Copper T 380A | 0.8 | 0.6 | 78 |
Lng 20 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 81 |
Depo Provera | 0.3 | 0.3 | 70 |
Norplant and Norplant-2 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 88 |
Female sterilization | 0.5 | 0.5 | 100 |
Male sterilization | 0.15 | 0.1 | 100 |
Source: Trussell J, Contraceptive efficacy. In Hatcher RA, Trussell J, Stewart F, Cates W, Stewart GK, Kowal D, Guest F, Contraceptive Technology: Seventeenth Revised Edition. New York NY: Irvington Publishers, 1998, in press. |
WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious adverse effects on the heart and blood vessels from oral contraceptive use. This risk increases with age and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day) and is quite marked in women over 35 years of age. Women who use oral contraceptives should not smoke.
Some women should not use the pill. For example, you should not take the pill if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. You should also not use the pill if you have had any of the following conditions:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any of these conditions. Your healthcare provider can recommend another method of birth control.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE TAKING ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
Tell your healthcare provider if you or any family member has ever had:
Women with any of these conditions should be checked often by their healthcare provider if they choose to use oral contraceptives.
Also, be sure to inform your doctor or healthcare provider if you smoke or are on any medications.
RISKS OF TAKING ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
Adapted from H.W. Ory, Family Planning Perspectives 15:57-63, 1983. | ||||||
|
||||||
Method of Control and Outcome | 15 to 19 | 20 to 24 | 25 to 29 | 30 to 34 | 35 to 39 | 40 to 44 |
No fertility | 7 | 7.4 | 9.1 | 14.8 | 25.7 | 28.2 |
Oral contraceptives | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 1.9 | 13.8 | 31.6 |
Oral contraceptives | 2.2 | 3.4 | 6.6 | 13.5 | 51.1 | 117.2 |
IUD† | 0.8 | 0.8 | 1 | 1 | 1.4 | 1.4 |
Condom* | 1.1 | 1.6 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.4 |
Diaphragm/ | 1.9 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 2.2 | 2.8 |
Periodic | 2.5 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 2.9 | 3.6 |
In the above table, the risk of death from any birth-control method is less than the risk of childbirth, except for oral contraceptive users over the age of 35 who smoke and pill users over the age of 40 even if they do not smoke. It can be seen in the table that for women aged 15 to 39, the risk of death was highest with pregnancy (7-26 deaths per 100,000 women, depending on age). Among pill users who do not smoke, the risk of death was always lower than that associated with pregnancy for any age group, except for those women over the age of 40, when the risk increases to 32 deaths per 100,000 women, compared to 28 associated with pregnancy at that age. However, for pill users who smoke and are over the age of 35, the estimated number of deaths exceeds those for other methods of birth control. If a woman is over the age of 40 and smokes, her estimated risk of death is four times higher (117/100,000 women) than the estimated risk associated with pregnancy (28/100,000 women) in that age group.
The suggestion that women over 40 who do not smoke should not take oral contraceptives is based on information from older high-dose pills and on less-selective use of pills than is practiced today. An Advisory Committee of the FDA discussed this issue in 1989 and recommended that the benefits of oral contraceptive use by healthy, non-smoking women over 40 years of age may outweigh the possible risks. However, all women, especially older women, are cautioned to use the lowest-dose pill that is effective.
WARNING SIGNALS
If any of these adverse effects occur while you are taking oral contraceptives, call your doctor immediately:
SIDE EFFECTS OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
HOW TO TAKE THE PILL
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
BEFORE YOU START TAKING YOUR PILLS:
BEFORE YOU START TAKING YOUR PILLS
WHEN TO START THE FIRST PACK OF PILLS
You have a choice for which day to start taking your first pack of pills. Decide with your doctor or clinic which is the best day for you. Pick a time of day which will be easy to remember.
DAY 1 START:
SUNDAY START:
WHAT TO DO DURING THE MONTH
WHAT TO DO IF YOU MISS PILLS
If you MISS 1 (pink) “active” pill:
If you MISS 2 (pink) “active” pills in a row in WEEK 1 OR WEEK 2 of your pack:
If you MISS 2 (pink) “active” pills in a row in THE 3rd WEEK:
If you MISS 3 OR MORE (pink) “active” pills in a row (during the first 3 weeks):
A REMINDER FOR THOSE ON 28-DAY PACKS
If you forget any of the 7 (white) “reminder” pills in Week 4:
THROW AWAY the pills you missed.
Keep taking one pill each day until the pack is empty.
You do not need a back-up method.
FINALLY, IF YOU ARE STILL NOT SURE WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE PILLS YOU HAVE MISSED
Use a BACK-UP METHOD anytime you have sex.
KEEP TAKING ONE ACTIVE PILL EACH DAY until you can reach your doctor or clinic.
PREGNANCY DUE TO PILL FAILURE
The incidence of pill failure resulting in pregnancy is approximately less than 1.0% if taken every day as directed, but more typical failure rates are less than 3.0%. If failure does occur, the risk to the fetus is minimal.
PREGNANCY AFTER STOPPING THE PILL
There may be some delay in becoming pregnant after you stop using oral contraceptives, especially if you had irregular menstrual cycles before you used oral contraceptives. It may be advisable to postpone conception until you begin menstruating regularly once you have stopped taking the pill and desire pregnancy.
There does not appear to be any increase in birth defects in newborn babies when pregnancy occurs soon after stopping the pill.
OVERDOSAGE
Serious ill effects have not been reported following ingestion of large doses of oral contraceptives by young children. Overdosage may cause nausea and withdrawal bleeding in females. In case of overdosage, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
OTHER INFORMATION
Your healthcare provider will take a medical and family history before prescribing oral contraceptives and will examine you. The physical examination may be delayed to another time if you request it and the healthcare provider believes that it is appropriate to postpone it. You should be re-examined at least once a year. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider if there is a family history of any of the conditions listed previously in this leaflet. Be sure to keep all appointments with your healthcare provider, because this is a time to determine if there are early signs of side effects of oral contraceptive use.
Do not use the drug for any condition other than the one for which it was prescribed. This drug has been prescribed specifically for you; do not give it to others who may want birth-control pills.
HEALTH BENEFITS FROM ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
In addition to preventing pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives may provide certain benefits. They are:
If you want more information about birth-control pills, ask your doctor or pharmacist. They have a more technical leaflet called the Prescribing Information which you may wish to read.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).
KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
All brand names listed are the registered trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of Teva Pharmaceuticals USA.
TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS USA, INC.
North Wales, PA 19454
Rev. B 4/2017
NDC 0555-9014-67 3 Blister Cards, 28 Tablets Each
Lessina®
(levonorgestrel and
ethinyl estradiol tablets USP)
0.1 mg/0.02 mg
Rx only
THIS PRODUCT (LIKE ALL ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES) IS INTENDED TO
PREVENT PREGNANCY. IT DOES NOT PROTECT AGAINST HIV
INFECTION (AIDS) AND OTHER SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES.
Contains 3 blister cards, each containing 28 tablets, 21 pink tablets,
each containing 0.1 mg levonorgestrel, USP and 0.02 mg ethinyl
estradiol, USP; and 7 white inert tablets.
SHAPING
WOMEN’S HEALTH®
TEVA
LESSINA
levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol kit |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Labeler - Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. (001627975) |
Mark Image Registration | Serial | Company Trademark Application Date |
---|---|
LESSINA 76248469 2654974 Live/Registered |
BARR LABORATORIES, INC. 2001-04-25 |