Estradiol And Levonorgestrel

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Climara Pro

Brand Names
Climara Pro
Drug Class
Estrogen [EPC], Progestin [EPC], Progestin-containing Intrauterine System [EPC]
Route
TRANSDERMAL
Dosage Form
PATCH
Product Type
HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)

WARNING: CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS, PROBABLE DEMENTIA, BREAST CANCER, and ENDOMETRIAL CANCER Estrogen Plus Progestin Therapy Cardiovascular Disorders and Probable Dementia The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) estrogen plus progestin substudy reported an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age) during 5.6 years of treatment with daily oral conjugated estrogens (CE) [0.625 mg] combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) [2.5 mg], relative to placebo [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , and Clinical Studies (14.5) ]. The WHI Memory Study (WHIMS) estrogen plus progestin ancillary study of WHI reported an increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older during 4 years of treatment with daily CE (0.625 mg) combined with MPA (2.5 mg), relative to placebo. It is unknown whether this finding applies to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Use in Specific Populations (8.5) , and Clinical Studies (14.6) ]. Do not use estrogen plus progestogen therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.3) , and Clinical Studies (14.5 , 14.6) ] . Breast Cancer The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy demonstrated an increased risk of invasive breast cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , and Clinical Studies (14.5) ] . Only daily oral 0.625 mg CE and MPA were studied in the estrogen plus progestin substudy of the WHI. Therefore, the relevance of the WHI findings regarding adverse cardiovascular events, dementia and breast cancer to lower CE plus other MPA doses, other routes of administration, or other estrogen plus progestogen products is not known. Without such data, it is not possible to definitively exclude these risks or determine the extent of these risks for other products. Discuss with your patient the benefits and risks of estrogen plus progestogen therapy, taking into account her individual risk profile. Prescribe estrogens with or without progestogens at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. Estrogen-Alone Therapy Endometrial Cancer There is an increased risk of endometrial cancer in a woman with a uterus who uses unopposed estrogens. Adding a progestogen to estrogen therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which may be a precursor to endometrial cancer. Perform adequate diagnostic measures, including directed or random endometrial sampling when indicated rule out malignancy in postmenopausal women with undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal genital bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Cardiovascular Disorders and Probable Dementia The WHI estrogen-alone substudy reported increased risks of stroke and DVT in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age) during 7.1 years of treatment with daily oral CE (0.625 mg)-alone, relative to placebo [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , and Clinical Studies (14.5) ]. The WHIMS estrogen-alone ancillary study of WHI reported an increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older during 5.2 years of treatment with daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone, relative to placebo. It is unknown whether this finding applies to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Use in Specific Populations (8.5) , and Clinical Studies (14.6) ] . Do not use estrogen-alone therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.3) , and Clinical Studies (14.5 , 14.6) ]. Only daily oral 0.625 mg CE was studied in the estrogen-alone substudy of the WHI. Therefore, the relevance of the WHI findings regarding adverse cardiovascular events and dementia to lower CE doses, other routes of administration, or other estrogen-alone products is not known. Without such data, it is not possible to definitively exclude these risks or determine the extent of these risks for other products. Discuss with your patient the benefits and risks of estrogen-alone therapy, taking into account her individual risk profile. Prescribe estrogens with or without progestogens at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. WARNING: CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS, PROBABLE DEMENTIA, BREAST CANCER, and ENDOMETRIAL CANCER See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Estrogen Plus Progestin Therapy The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) estrogen plus progestin substudy reported increased risks of stroke, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and myocardial infarction (MI) ( 5.1 ) The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported increased risks of invasive breast cancer ( 5.2 ) The WHI Memory Study (WHIMS) estrogen plus progestin ancillary study of WHI reported an increased risk of probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older ( 5.3 ) Do not use estrogen plus progestogen therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia ( 5.1 , 5.3 ) Estrogen-Alone Therapy There is an increased risk of endometrial cancer in a woman with a uterus who uses unopposed estrogens ( 5.2 ) The WHI estrogen-alone substudy reported increased risks of stroke and DVT ( 5.1 ) The WHIMS estrogen-alone ancillary study of WHI reported an increased risk of probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older ( 5.3 ) Do not use estrogen-alone therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia ( 5.1 , 5.3 )

Description

11 DESCRIPTION Climara Pro (estradiol/levonorgestrel transdermal system) is an adhesive-based matrix transdermal patch designed to release both estradiol and levonorgestrel, a progestational agent, continuously upon application to intact skin. The 22 cm 2 Climara Pro system contains 4.4 mg estradiol and 1.39 mg levonorgestrel and provides a nominal delivery rate (mg per day) of 0.045 estradiol and 0.015 levonorgestrel. Estradiol USP has a molecular weight of 272.39 and the molecular formula is C 18 H 24 O 2 . Levonorgestrel USP has a molecular weight of 312.4 and a molecular formula of C 21 H 28 O 2 . The structural formulas for estradiol and levonorgestrel are: The Climara Pro transdermal system comprises 3 layers. Proceeding from the visible surface towards the surface attached to the skin, these layers are: A translucent polyethylene backing film. An acrylate adhesive matrix containing estradiol and levonorgestrel. A protective liner of either siliconized or fluoropolymer coated polyester film. The protective liner is attached to the adhesive surface and must be removed before the system can be used. The active components of the transdermal system are estradiol and levonorgestrel. The remaining components of the transdermal system (acrylate copolymer adhesive and polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer) are pharmacologically inactive. Chemical Structure Image

What Is Estradiol And Levonorgestrel Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Climara Pro is indicated for: Climara Pro is an estrogen plus progestin indicated in a woman with a uterus for: Treatment of Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms due to Menopause ( 1.1 ) Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis ( 1.2 ) Limitations of Use: When prescribing solely for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, first consider the use of non-estrogen medications. Consider estrogen therapy only for women at significant risk of osteoporosis. 1.1 Treatment of Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms due to Menopause 1.2 Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Limitation of Use When prescribing solely for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, first consider the use of non-estrogen medications. Consider estrogen therapy only for women at significant risk of osteoporosis.

Dosage and Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Use estrogen-alone, or in combination with a progestogen, at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual women. Reevaluate postmenopausal women periodically as clinically appropriate to determine if treatment is still necessary. One Climara Pro transdermal system is available for use. Apply Climara Pro 0.045 mg per day/0.015 mg per day once-weekly to the lower abdomen ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Treatment of Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms due to Menopause Start therapy with Climara Pro 0.045 mg per day/0.015 mg per day applied to the skin once weekly. Start therapy at the lowest effective dose and the shortest duration consistent with the treatment goals. Attempts to discontinue Climara Pro should be made at 3 to 6 month intervals. 2.2 Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Apply Climara Pro 0.045 mg per day/0.015 mg per day applied to the skin once weekly. 2.3 Application of the Climara Pro Transdermal System Initiation of Therapy Women not currently using continuous estrogen-alone therapy or estrogen plus progestogen therapy may start therapy with Climara Pro at any time. However, women currently using continuous estrogen-alone therapy or estrogen plus progestogen therapy should complete the current cycle of therapy before initiating Climara Pro therapy. Women often experience withdrawal bleeding at the completion of the cycle. The first day of this bleeding would be an appropriate time to begin Climara Pro therapy. Site Selection Place the adhesive side of Climara Pro on a smooth (fold free), clean, dry area of the skin on the lower abdomen or the upper quadrant of the buttock. Do not apply Climara Pro to or near the breasts. Select an area selected that is not oily (which can impair adherence of the system), damaged, or irritated. Avoid the waistline; tight clothing may rub Climara Pro off or modify drug delivery. Avoid application to areas where sitting would dislodge Climara Pro. Rotate the sites of application, with an interval of at least 1-week allowed between applications to the same site. Application Apply Climara Pro immediately after opening the pouch and removing the protective lining. Press Climara Pro firmly in place with the fingers for at least 10 seconds, making sure there is good contact, especially around the edges. If the system lifts, apply pressure to maintain adhesion. In the event that a system should fall off, reapply the same system to another area of the lower abdomen. If the system cannot be reapplied, a new system may be applied, in which case, the original treatment schedule should be continued. Only one system should be worn at any one time during 7-day dosing interval. Do not expose the applied transdermal system to the sun for prolonged periods of time. Swimming, bathing, or using a sauna while using Climara Pro has not been studied, and these activities may decrease the adhesion of the system and the delivery of the...

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Cardiovascular Disorders [ see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Malignant Neoplasms [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥5 percent) with Climara Pro are: application site reaction, vaginal bleeding, breast pain, upper respiratory infection, back pain, depression, pain, headache and flu syndrome. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-888-84-BAYER (1-888-842-2937) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data described below is from a one-year, prospective, multicenter, double blind, double dummy, randomized, controlled trial investigating the effect of three different dosage combinations of E 2 /LNG versus E 2 alone on the development of endometrial hyperplasia. All women were postmenopausal, had a serum estradiol level of less than 20 pg/mL, and the sample included both symptomatic and asymptomatic women. The data below includes all adverse reactions reported at a frequency of >3% in the E 2 /LNG 0.045 / 0.015 group (the approved dosage for Climara Pro, N=212) and the E 2 alone group (N=204). Table 1: All Treatment Emergent Reactions Regardless of Relationship Reported at a Frequency of >3% with Climara Pro in the 1-year Endometrial Hyperplasia Study Body System Adverse Reaction Climara Pro 0.045 / 0.015 E 2 N N = total number of subjects in a treatment group; n = number of subjects with event. = 212 N = 204 Body as a Whole Abdominal pain 9 (4.2) 11 (5.4) Accidental injury 7 (3.3) 6 (2.9) Back pain 13 (6.1) 12 (5.9) Flu syndrome 10 (4.7) 13 (6.4) Infection 7 (3.3) 10 (4.9) Pain 11 (5.2) 13 (6.4) Cardiovascular System Hypertension 7 (3.3) 9 (4.4) Digestive System Flatulence 8 (3.8) 11 (5.4) Metabolic and Nutritional Edema 8 (3.8) 5 (2.5) Weight gain 6 (2.8) 10 (4.9) Musculoskeletal System Arthralgia 9 (4.2) 10 (4.9) Nervous System Depression 12 (5.7) 7 (3.4) Headache 11 (5.2) 14 (6.9) Respiratory System Bronchitis 9 (4.2) 7 (3.4) Sinusitis 8 (3.8) 12 (5.9) Upper respiratory infection 28 (13.2) 26 (12.7) Skin and Appendages Application site reaction 86 (40.6) 69 (33.8) Breast pain 40 (18.9) 20 (9.8) Rash 5 (2.4) 10 (4.9) Urogenital System Urinary Tract Infection 7 (3.3) 8 (3.9) Vaginal Bleeding 78 (36.8) 44 (21.6) Vaginitis 4 (1.9) 6 (2.9) Irritation potential of Climara Pro was assessed in a 3-week irritation study. The study compared the irritation of a Climara Pro placebo patch (22 cm 2 ) to a placebo (25 cm 2 ). Visual assessments of irritation were made on Day 7 of each wear period, approximately 30 minutes after patch removal using a 7-point scale (0 = no evidence of irritation; 1 = minimal erythema, barely perceptible; 2 = definite erythema, readily visible, or minimal edema, or minimal papular response; 3–7 = erythema and papules, edema, vesicles, strong extensive reaction). The mean irritation scores were 0.13 (week 1), 0.12 (week 2), and 0.06 (week 3) for the Climara Pro. The mean scores for the placebo group were 0.2 (week 1), 0.26 (week 2), 0.12 (week 3). There were no irritation scores greater than 2 at any timepoint in any woman. In controlled clinical trials, withdrawals due to application site reactions occurred in 6 (2.1 percent) of women in the 12-week symptom study and in 71 (8.5 percent) of subjects in the 1-year endometrial protection study. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Climara Pro. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to...

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that estrogens are metabolized partially by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Therefore, inducers or inhibitors of CYP3A4 may affect estrogen drug metabolism. Inducers of CYP3A4 such as St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) preparations, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and rifampin may reduce plasma concentrations of estrogens, possibly resulting in a decrease in therapeutic effects and/or changes in the uterine bleeding profile. Inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir and grapefruit juice may increase plasma concentrations of estrogens and may result in adverse reactions. Hydroxylation of levonorgestrel is a conversion step, which is mediated by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Based on in-vitro and in vivo studies, it can be assumed that CYP3A, CYP2E and CYP2C are involved in the metabolism of levonorgestrel. Likewise, inducers or inhibitors of these enzymes may either, respectively, decrease the therapeutic effects or result in adverse reactions. Inducers and/or inhibitors of CYP3A4 may affect estrogen drug metabolism and decrease or increase the estrogen plasma concentration. ( 7 ) Hydroxylation of levonorgestrel may interact with inhibitors of CYP3A, CYP2E and CYP2C and decrease the therapeutic effects. ( 7 )

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Climara Pro is contraindicated in women with any of the following conditions: Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Breast cancer or history of breast cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Estrogen-dependent neoplasia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Active DVT, PE or a history of these conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke or MI), or a history of these conditions [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Known anaphylactic reaction, or angioedema, or hypersensitivity to Climara Pro Hepatic impairment or disease Protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, or other thrombophilic disorders Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding ( 4 , 5.2 ) Breast cancer or a history of breast cancer ( 4 , 5.2 ) Estrogen-dependent neoplasia ( 4 , 5.2 ) Active DVT, PE or a history of these conditions ( 4 , 5.1 ) Active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke and MI), or a history of these conditions ( 4 , 5.1 ) Known anaphylactic reaction or angioedema or hypersensitivity to Climara Pro ( 4 ) Hepatic impairment or disease ( 4 , 5.10 ) Protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, or other thrombophilic disorders ( 4 )

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Climara Pro is not indicated for use in pregnancy. There are no data with the use of Climara Pro in pregnant women; however, epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses have not found an increased risk of genital or nongenital birth defects (including cardiac anomalies and limb-reduction defects) following exposure to combined hormonal contraceptives (estrogens and progestins) before conception or during early pregnancy. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE Overdosage of estrogen plus progestogen may cause nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, drowsiness and fatigue, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in women. Treatment of overdose consists of discontinuation of Climara Pro therapy with institution of appropriate symptomatic care.

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Individual Carton of 4 systems Climara Pro (estradiol/levonorgestrel transdermal system) 0.045 mg/day estradiol and 0.015 mg/day levonorgestrel – each 22 cm 2 system contains 4.4 mg of estradiol and 1.39 mg of levonorgestrel. NDC 50419-491-04 16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP controlled Room Temperature]. Do not store unpouched. Apply immediately upon removal from the protective pouch. Used transdermal systems still contain active hormones. To discard, fold the sticky side of the transdermal system together, place it in a sturdy child-proof container, and place this container in the trash. Used transdermal systems should not be flushed in the toilet.

About This Information

This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

What are drug interactions?

Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.