Levonorgestrel And Ethinyl Estradiol

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Afirmelle, Altavera, Amethyst, Aubra Eq, Aviane, Ayuna, Balcoltra, Chateal Eq, Daysee, Dolishale,...

Brand Names
Afirmelle, Altavera, Amethyst, Aubra Eq, Aviane, Ayuna, Balcoltra, Chateal Eq, Daysee, Dolishale, Falmina, Iclevia, Introvale, Kurvelo, Lessina, Levonest, Levonorgestrel And Ethinyl Estradiol, Levonorgestrel And Ethinyl Estradiol And Ethinyl Estradiol, Levora, Lutera, Marlissa, Portia, Setlakin, Sronyx, Tyblume, Vienva, Vienva Tm
Dosage Form
KIT
Product Type
HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Description

DESCRIPTION Each active, white tablet (21) contains 0.1 mg of levonorgestrel, d(-)-13β-ethyl-17α-ethinyl-17β-hydroxygon-4-en-3-one, a totally synthetic progestogen, and 0.02 mg of ethinyl estradiol, 17α-ethinyl-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3, 17β-diol. The inactive ingredients present in the active tablet are: corn starch, crospovidone, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, povidone, and pregelatinized starch. The inactive ingredients present in the inert tablet are: corn starch, crospovidone, FD&C Red # 40 lake, D&C Yellow #10 lake, lactose anhydrous, magnesium stearate, povidone.

What Is Levonorgestrel And Ethinyl Estradiol Used For?

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Vienva TM (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP) is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use oral contraceptives as a method of contraception. Oral contraceptives are highly effective. Table II 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, the IUD, and Norplant® System, depends upon the reliability with which they are used. Correct and consistent use of methods can result in lower failure rates. % of Women Experiencing an Unintended Pregnancy within the First Year of Use % of Women Continuing Use at One Year 3 Method (1) Typical Use 1 (2) Perfect Use 2 (3) (4) Chance 4 85 85 Spermicides 5 26 6 40 Periodic abstinence 25 63 Calendar 9 Ovulation Method 3 Sympto-Thermal 6 2 Post-Ovulation 1 Cap 7 Parous Women 40 26 42 Nulliparous Women 20 9 56 Sponge Parous Women 40 20 42 Nulliparous Women 20 9 56 Diaphragm 7 20 6 56 Withdrawal 19 4 Condom 8 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 T380A 0.8 0.6 78 LNg 20 0.1 0.1 81 Depo-Provera ® 0.3 0.3 70 Levonorgestrel Implants (Norplant ® ) 0.05 0.05 88 Female Sterilization 0.5 0.5 100 Male Sterilization 0.15 0.10 100 Emergency Contraceptive Pills: The FDA has concluded that certain combined oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel or levonorgestrel are safe and effective for use as postcoital emergency contraception. Treatment initiated within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse reduces the risk of pregnancy by at least 75%. 9 Lactation Amenorrhea Method: LAM is a highly effective, temporary method of contraception. 10 Source: Trussell J. Contraceptive efficacy. In: Hatcher RA, Trussell J, Stewart F, Cates W, Stewart GK, Kowel D, Guest F. Contraceptive Technology: Seventeenth Revised Edition. New York NY: Irvington Publishers; 1998. 1. Among typical couples who initiate use of a method (not necessarily for the first time), the percentage who experience an accidental pregnancy during the first year if they do not stop use for any other reason. 2. Among couples who initiate use of a method (not necessarily for the first time) and who use it perfectly (both consistently and correctly), the percentage who experience an accidental pregnancy during the first year if they do not stop use for any other reason. 3. Among couples attempting to avoid pregnancy, the percentage who continue to use a method for one year. 4. The percents becoming pregnant in columns (2) and (3) are based on data from populations where contraception is not used and from women who cease using contraception in order to become pregnant. Among such populations, about 89% become pregnant within one year. This estimate was lowered slightly (to 85%) to represent the percent who would become pregnant within one year among women now relying on...

Dosage and Administration

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, Vienva TM (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP) must be taken exactly as directed and at intervals not exceeding 24 hours. The dosage of Vienva TM (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablet, USP) is one white tablet daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by one peach inert tablet daily for 7 consecutive days, according to the prescribed schedule. It is recommended that Vienva TM (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablet, USP) be taken at the same time each day. During The First Cycle Of Use The possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of medication should be considered. The patient should be instructed to begin taking Vienva TM (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablet, USP) on either the first Sunday after the onset of menstruation (Sunday Start) or on Day 1 of menstruation (Day 1 Start). Sunday start The patient is instructed to begin taking Vienva TM (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablet, USP) on the first Sunday after the onset of menstruation. If menstruation begins on a Sunday, the first tablet (white) is taken that day. One white tablet should be taken daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by one peach inert tablet daily for 7 consecutive days. Withdrawal bleeding should usually occur within 3 days following discontinuation of white tablets and may not have finished before the next pack is started. During the first cycle, contraceptive reliance should not be placed on Vienva TM (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablet, USP) until a white tablet has been taken daily for 7 consecutive days, and a nonhormonal back-up method of birth control should be used during those 7 days. Day 1 start During the first cycle of medication, the patient is instructed to begin taking Vienva TM (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablet, USP) during the first 24 hours of her period (day one of her menstrual cycle). One white tablet should be taken daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by one peach inert tablet daily for 7 consecutive days. Withdrawal bleeding should usually occur within 3 days following discontinuation of white tablets and may not have finished before the next pack is started. If medication is begun on day one of the menstrual cycle, no back-up contraception is necessary. If Vienva TM (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablet, USP) tablets are started later than day one of the first menstrual cycle or postpartum, contraceptive reliance should not be placed on Vienva TM (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablet, USP) tablets until after the first 7 consecutive days of administration, and a nonhormonal back-up method of birth control should be used during those 7 days. After the first cycle of use The patient begins her next and all subsequent courses of tablets on the day after taking her last peach tablet. She should follow the same dosing schedule: 21 days on white tablets followed by 7 days on peach...

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

ADVERSE REACTIONS Post Marketing Experience Five studies that compared breast cancer risk between ever-users (current or past use) of COCs and never-users of COCs reported no association between ever use of COCs and breast cancer risk, with effect estimates ranging from 0.90 - 1.12 (Figure 3). Three studies compared breast cancer risk between current or recent COC users (<6 months since last use) and never users of COCs (Figure 3). One of these studies reported no association between breast cancer risk and COC use. The other two studies found an increased relative risk of 1.19 - 1.33 with current or recent use. Both of these studies found an increased risk of breast cancer with current use of longer duration, with relative risks ranging from 1.03 with less than one year of COC use to approximately 1.4 with more than 8-10 years of COC use. Figure 3: Risk of Breast Cancer with Combined Oral Contraceptive Use RR = relative risk; OR = odds ratio; HR = hazard ratio. “ever COC” are females with current or past COC use; “never COC use” are females that never used COCs For your reference, below are the studies reviewed by FDA to inform the breast cancer risk: References: 1. Marchbanks PA, McDonald JA, Wilson HG, et al. Oral contraceptives and the risk of breast cancer. N Engl J Med . 2002;346(26):2025-2032. 2. Dumeaux V, Fournier A, Lund E, Clavel-Chapelon F. Previous oral contraceptive use and breast cancer risk according to hormone replacement therapy use among postmenopausal women. Cancer Causes Control . 2005;16(5):537-544. 3. Dorjgochoo T, Shu XO, Li HL, et al. Use of oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices and tubal sterilization and cancer risk in a large prospective study, from 1996 to 2006. Int J Cancer . 2009;124(10):2442- 2449. 4. Hunter DJ, Colditz GA, Hankinson SE, et al. Oral contraceptive use and breast cancer: a prospective study of young women. Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology . 2010;19(10):2496-2502. 5. Vessey M, Yeates D. Oral contraceptive use and cancer. Final report from the Oxford-Family Planning Association contraceptive study. Contraception. 2013; 88(6): 678-683. 6. Morch LS, Skovlund CW, Hannaford PC, Iversen L, Fielding S, Lidegaard O. Contemporary Hormonal Contraception and the Risk of Breast Cancer. N Engl J Med . 2017;377(23):2228-2239. An increased risk of the following serious adverse reactions (see WARNINGS section for additional information) has been associated with the use of oral contraceptives: Thromboembolic and thrombotic disorders and other vascular problems (including thrombophlebitis and venous thrombosis with or without pulmonary embolism, mesenteric thrombosis, arterial thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral thrombosis), carcinoma of the reproductive organs and breasts, hepatic neoplasia (including hepatic adenomas or benign liver tumors), ocular lesions (including retinal vascular thrombosis), gallbladder disease, carbohydrate and lipid effects, elevated blood pressure, and headache including migraine. The following adverse reactions have been reported in patients receiving oral contraceptives and are believed to be drug related (alphabetically listed): Acne Amenorrhea Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, including urticaria, angioedema, and severe reactions with respiratory and circulatory symptoms Breast changes: tenderness, pain, enlargement, secretion Budd-Chiari syndrome Cervical erosion and secretion, change in Cholestatic jaundice Chorea, exacerbation of Colitis Contact lenses, intolerance to Corneal curvature (steepening), change in Dizziness Edema/fluid retention Erythema multiforme Erythema nodosum Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal pain, cramps, and bloating) Hirsutism Infertility after discontinuation of treatment, temporary Lactation, diminution in, when given immediately postpartum Libido, change in...

Warnings and Precautions

WARNINGS Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from oral-contraceptive use. This risk increases with age and with extent of smoking (in epidemiologic studies, 15 or more cigarettes per day was associated with a significantly increased risk) 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 venous and arterial thrombotic and thromboembolic events (such as myocardial infarction, thromboembolism, and 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 certain inherited or acquired thrombophilias, hypertension, hyperlipidemias, obesity, diabetes, and surgery or trauma with increased risk of thrombosis (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ). Practitioners prescribing oral contraceptives should be familiar with the following information relating to these risks. The information contained in this package insert is principally based on studies carried out in patients who used oral contraceptives with higher doses of estrogens and progestogens than those in common use today. The effect of long-term use of the oral contraceptives with lower doses of both estrogens and progestogens remains to be determined. Throughout this labeling, epidemiological 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 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 epidemiological methods. 1. Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Problems a. Myocardial Infarction 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 infarction in women in their mid-thirties...

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Vienva is contraindicated in females who are known to have or develop the following conditions:

  • Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
  • A history of deep-vein thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
  • Cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease (current or past history)
  • Valvular heart disease with thrombogenic complications
  • Thrombogenic rhythm disorders
  • Hereditary or acquired thrombophilias
  • Major surgery with prolonged immobilization
  • Diabetes with vascular involvement
  • Headaches with focal neurological symptoms
  • Uncontrolled hypertension
  • Current diagnosis of, or history of, breast cancer, which may be hormone sensitive
  • Carcinoma of the endometrium or other known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia
  • Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
  • Cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy or jaundice with prior pill use
  • Hepatic adenomas or carcinomas, or active liver disease
  • Known or suspected pregnancy
  • Hypersensitivity to any of the components of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol
  • Are receiving Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to the potential for ALT elevations (see Warnings, RISK OF LIVER ENZYME ELEVATIONS WITH CONCOMITANT HEPATITIS C TREATMENT).

  • Overdosage

    OVERDOSAGE Symptoms of oral contraceptive overdosage in adults and children may include nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness/fatigue; withdrawal bleeding may occur in females. There is no specific antidote and further treatment of overdose, if necessary, is directed to the symptoms. NONCONTRACEPTIVE HEALTH BENEFITS The following noncontraceptive 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 of mestranol. Effects on menses:

  • Increased menstrual cycle regularity
  • Decreased blood loss and decreased incidence of iron-deficiency anemia
  • Decreased incidence of dysmenorrhea Effects related to inhibition of ovulation:
  • Decreased incidence of functional ovarian cysts
  • Decreased incidence of ectopic pregnancies Effects from long-term use:
  • Decreased incidence of fibroadenomas and fibrocystic disease of the breast
  • Decreased incidence of acute pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Decreased incidence of endometrial cancer
  • Decreased incidence of ovarian cancer

  • How Supplied

    HOW SUPPLIED Vienva TM (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP, 0.1 mg/0.02 mg) are available as follows: Each blister card contains 21 active tablets and 7 inactive tablets. The 21 active tablets are white, round, debossed with SZ on one side and L2 on the other side. The 7 inert tablets are peach, round, debossed with SZ on one side and J1 on the other side. NDC 63629-2344-1, one box containing 3 individual blister cartons Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP controlled room temperature]. Repackaged/Relabeled by: Bryant Ranch Prepack, Inc. Burbank, CA 91504

    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.