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Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Twirla

Brand Names
Twirla
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: CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS and CONTRAINDICATED IN WOMEN WITH A BMI ≥ 30 KG/M 2 Cigarette Smoking and Serious Cardiovascular Events Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, CHCs, including TWIRLA, are contraindicated in women who are over 35 years of age and smoke [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Contraindicated in Women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 TWIRLA is contraindicated in women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 . Compared to women with a lower BMI, women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 had reduced effectiveness and may have a higher risk for venous thromboembolism events (VTEs) [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . WARNING: CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS and CONTRAINDICATED IN WOMEN WITH A BMI ≥ 30 KG/M 2 See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. TWIRLA is contraindicated in women over 35 years old who smoke. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination hormonal contraceptive (CHC) use. ( 4 , 5.1 ) TWIRLA is contraindicated in women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 . Compared to women with a lower BMI, women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 had reduced effectiveness and may have a higher risk for venous thromboembolic events. ( 4 , 5.1 , 8.9 , 14 )

Description

11 DESCRIPTION TWIRLA (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) transdermal system (TDS) contains 2.60 mg levonorgestrel (LNG) (17α)-(–) [13-ethyl-17¬hydroxy-18, 19-dinorpregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one], a progestin, and 2.30 mg ethinyl estradiol (EE), [(17α)-19-norpregna-1, 3, 5(10)-trien-20-yne-3, 17-diol] an estrogen (Figure 3). Figure 3. Structural Formulas TWIRLA is designed to provide daily exposure of 120 mcg LNG and 30 mcg EE. TWIRLA is a matrix type TDS consisting of a 15 cm 2 active adhesive laminate center, surrounded by a peripheral inactive adhesive laminate. The entire area of TWIRLA is 28 cm 2 . TWIRLA consists of 5 layers and a release liner which is removed and discarded prior to application. The two innermost layers contain the active ingredients (LNG and EE), as well as inactive components. Proceeding from the outer surface toward the surface adhering to the skin, the layers are (1) a woven peripheral backing layer, which is etched with “TWIRLA Levonorgestrel 120 mcg/day Ethinyl Estradiol 30 mcg/day”; (2) an inactive peripheral acrylic adhesive layer; (3) an inactive peripheral polyisobutylene adhesive layer; (4) an internal membrane to separate the active adhesive matrix from the inactive adhesive laminate; (5) the active adhesive matrix (Figure 4). Figure 4. Schematic Depiction of the TWIRLA TDS The inactive components are acrylic adhesives, capric acid, copovidone, crospovidone, dimethyl sulfoxide, ethyl lactate, lauryl lactate, polybutene, polyester internal membrane, polyester release liner, polyisobutylene adhesives, and woven polyester backing membrane. TWIRLA is not made with latex. figure-2 figure-3

What Is Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE TWIRLA is indicated as a method of contraception for use in women of reproductive potential with a BMI < 30 kg/m 2 for whom a combined hormonal contraceptive is appropriate. Limitation of Use Consider TWIRLA’s reduced effectiveness in women with a BMI ≥ 25 to < 30 kg/m 2 before prescribing TWIRLA [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.9 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . TWIRLA is contraindicated in women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . TWIRLA is a combination of levonorgestrel, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen, indicated as a method of contraception for use in women of reproductive potential with a BMI < 30 kg/m 2 for whom a combined hormonal contraceptive is appropriate. ( 1 ) Limitation of Use Consider TWIRLA’s reduced effectiveness in women with a BMI ≥ 25 to < 30 kg/m 2 before prescribing. ( 4 , 8.9 , 14 )

Dosage and Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For transdermal use only ( 2.2 ) Apply one TWIRLA transdermal system (TDS) every week for three consecutive weeks ( 2.1 , 2.2 ) Apply TWIRLA to one of the following sites: abdomen, buttock or upper torso (excluding breasts) ( 2.2 ) Do not cut or alter the TDS in any way ( 2.2 ) 2.1 How to Start Using TWIRLA See the FDA-approved patient labeling ( Instructions for Use ) . The TWIRLA transdermal system (TDS) is used in a 28-day (four-week) cycle. A new TDS is applied and worn for seven days for three consecutive weeks (Weeks 1, 2, and 3). No TDS is worn during Week 4 (the TDS-Free Week), when withdrawal bleeding is expected. On the day after Week 4 ends, a new 28-day cycle is started by applying a new TDS. Under no circumstances should there be more than a 7-day TDS-free interval between dosing cycles. Breakthrough (Unscheduled) Bleeding or Spotting Occurrence If unscheduled (breakthrough) spotting or bleeding occurs, instruct the woman to continue the same regimen. If the bleeding is persistent or prolonged consider causes other than TWIRLA. If the bleeding is persistent or prolonged, instruct the woman to consult with her healthcare provider. In Case of Skin Irritation If TDS use results in uncomfortable irritation, the TDS may be removed, and a new TDS may be applied to a different location until the next “Patch Change Day”. Only one TDS should be worn at a time. Every new TDS should be applied on the same day of the week. This day is known as the “Patch Change Day.” For example, if the first TDS is applied on a Sunday, all subsequent TDS should be applied on a Sunday. There are multiple options for starting the TDS, and the woman should choose the option that is most appropriate (see Table 1): Table 1: Instructions for Administration Starting TWIRLA in women with no current use of hormonal contraception Day 1 Start The woman should apply the first TDS during the first 24 hours of menstruation. The woman should apply a new TDS each week for three weeks (21 total days). No TDS is worn during Week Four (the “Patch-Free Week”). If a TDS is applied after the first 24 hours of menstruation, non-hormonal back-up contraception (such as condoms and spermicide, or diaphragm and spermicide) is needed for the first 7 days of the first cycle only. Switching from another contraceptive method Oral combination hormonal contraception (oral CHC) Start TWIRLA: The woman should complete the current pill cycle and apply the first TWIRLA TDS on the day the next pill cycle would normally start. If menses does not occur within a week after taking the last active pill, instruct the woman to consult with a healthcare professional to be sure that pregnancy has not occurred. If no pregnancy has occurred, TWIRLA may be started for contraception. If TWIRLA is applied more than a week after taking the last active pill, non-hormonal back-up contraception (such as condoms and spermicide, or diaphragm and spermicide) should be used concurrently for...

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions with the use of CHCs, including TWIRLA, are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Conditions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] The most common adverse reactions (≥ 2%) in clinical trials for TWIRLA are application site disorders, nausea, headache, dysmenorrhea, and increased weight. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Agile Therapeutics, Inc. at 1-888-389-4752 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of one product cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another product and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of TWIRLA was evaluated in a 12-month, multicenter, open-label, single-arm clinical trial (NCT02158572) conducted in the United States [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . Women applied TWIRLA (120 mcg LNG/30 mcg EE) for 13 28-day treatment cycles. One treatment cycle is defined as three consecutive weeks that one TWIRLA TDS is applied for seven-day wear followed by one week that TWIRLA is not applied. The safety population for this clinical trial was composed of 2,031 women that contributed 18,841 treatment cycles of exposure. Of these 2,031 women, 989 women completed 13 treatment cycles. The mean age was 27.5 years. The mean BMI for the safety population was 28.3 kg/m 2 . The BMI of the safety population was widely distributed: 39.4% had a BMI < 25 kg/m 2 , 25.3% had a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 and < 30 kg/m 2 , and 35.3% had a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 . For women who received TWIRLA, the most common reasons for discontinuation from the study were a womans decision (15.3%) and lost to follow-up (11.3%). Discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 10.9% of women. The most common (≥ 2%) adverse reactions leading to discontinuation were application site disorder (3.1%) and any bleeding irregularities (2.2%). The most common adverse reactions that occurred in ≥ 2% of the 2,031 women that used TWIRLA are shown in Table 3. Table 3: Adverse Drug Reactions Reported by 2% of TWIRLA-Treated Women in One Phase 3 Clinical Trial Adverse reaction TWIRLA (n=2,031) General disorders and administration site conditions Application site disorder Represents a bundle of similar terms that include the following adverse reactions: application site acne, hemorrhage, pustules, dermatitis, hypersensitivity, rash, discoloration, induration, reaction, dryness, irritation, ulcer, erosion, pain, urticaria, erythema, papules, vesicles, exfoliation, pruritis. 6.2% Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea 4.1% Nervous system disorders Headache 3.6% Reproductive system and breast disorder Dysmenorrhoea 2.3% Investigations Weight increased 2.0% Venous Thromboembolic Events (VTEs) A total of four VTEs (including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis) in TWIRLA-treated patients were identified in the clinical trial. Of these, all were in women with a BMI > 30 kg/m 2 [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Other Serious Adverse Reactions The following serious adverse reactions occurred in < 1% of women who received TWIRLA: cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, major depression, suicidal ideation, appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, pneumonia, and gastroenteritis. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Five studies that compared breast cancer risk between ever-users (current or past use) of combined oral contraceptives (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 2). Three studies compared breast cancer risk between current or recent COC users (<6 months since last use) and never users of COCs (Figure 2). One of these studies reported no association between breast cancer risk and COC use. The other two...

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS The sections below provide information on substances for which data on drug interactions with CHCs are available. There is little information available about the clinical effect of most drug interactions that may affect CHCs. However, based on the known pharmacokinetic effects of these drugs, clinical strategies to minimize any potential adverse effect on contraceptive effectiveness or safety are suggested. Consult the approved product labeling of all concurrently used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with CHCs or the potential for metabolic enzyme or transporter system alterations. No drug-drug interaction studies were conducted with TWIRLA. Enzyme inducers (e.g., CYP3A4): May decrease the effectiveness of TWIRLA or increase breakthrough bleeding. Counsel women to use a back-up or alternative method of contraception when enzyme inducers are used with TWIRLA. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on Combined Hormonal Contraceptives Substances Decreasing Plasma Concentration of CHCs and Potentially Diminishing the Efficacy of CHCs: Table 4 includes substances that demonstrated an important drug interaction with TWIRLA. Table 4: Significant Drug Interactions Involving Substances That Affect CHCs Metabolic Enzyme Inducers Clinical effect Concomitant use of CHCs with metabolic enzyme inducers may decrease the plasma concentrations of the estrogen and/or progestin component of CHCs [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Decreased exposure of the estrogen and/or progestin component of CHCs may potentially diminish the effectiveness of CHCs and may lead to contraceptive failure or an increase in breakthrough bleeding. Prevention or management Counsel women to use an alternative method of contraception or a backup method when enzyme inducers are used with CHCs. Continue backup contraception for 28 days after discontinuing the enzyme inducer to maintain contraceptive reliability. Examples Aprepitant, barbiturates, bosentan, carbamazepine, efavirenz, felbamate, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, rifabutin, rufinamide, topiramate, products containing St. John’s wort, Induction potency of St. John’s wort may vary widely based on preparation. and certain protease inhibitors (see separate section on protease inhibitors below). Colesevelam Clinical effect Concomitant use of CHCs with Colesevelam significantly decreases systemic exposure of ethinyl estradiol [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Decreased exposure of the estrogen component of CHCs may potentially reduce contraceptive efficacy or result in an increase in breakthrough bleeding, depending on the strength of ethinyl estradiol in the CHC. Prevention or management Administer 4 or more hours apart to attenuate this drug interaction. Substances increasing the systemic exposure of CHCs : Co-administration of atorvastatin or rosuvastatin and CHCs containing ethinyl estradiol increase systemic exposure of ethinyl estradiol by approximately 20 to 25...

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Twirla is contraindicated in females who are known to have or develop the following conditions: At high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases. Examples include women who Smoke, if over age 35 [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Have current or history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Have cerebrovascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Have coronary artery disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Have thrombogenic valvular or thrombogenic rhythm diseases of the heart (for example, subacute bacterial endocarditis with valvular disease, or atrial fibrillation) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Have inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathies [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Have uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Have diabetes mellitus and are over age 35, diabetes mellitus with hypertension or vascular disease or other end-organ damage, or diabetes mellitus of > 20 years duration [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Have headaches with focal neurological symptoms, migraine headaches with aura Women over age 35 with any migraine headaches [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 . Compared to women with a lower BMI, women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 had reduced effectiveness and may have a higher risk for VTEs [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.9 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. Liver tumors (benign or malignant), acute viral hepatitis, or severe (decompensated) cirrhosis, or liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Pregnancy, because there is no reason to use CHCs during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] Current diagnosis of, or history of, breast cancer, which may be hormone-sensitive [see Warnings and Precautions (...

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary TWIRLA is contraindicated in pregnancy because there is no reason to use CHCs in pregnancy. Discontinue TWIRLA if pregnancy occurs. Epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses have not found an increased risk of genital or non-genital birth defects (including cardiac anomalies and limb-reduction defects) following exposure to CHCs 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 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively.

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE There have been no reports of serious adverse outcomes from overdose of CHCs, including ingestion by children. Overdose may cause uterine bleeding in women and nausea. In case of suspected overdose, the TWIRLA TDS should be removed and symptomatic treatment given.

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied TWIRLA (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) transdermal system is a beige 28 cm 2 round product etched with “TWIRLA Levonorgestrel 120 mcg/day Ethinyl Estradiol 30 mcg/day” and supplied as: a carton of 3 identical TDS, each TDS is packaged in an individual pouch. NDC 71671-100-03 as a single TDS provided for replacement as needed. NDC 71671-100-01 16.2 Storage Conditions and Disposal Store at room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) with excursions permitted 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [ see USP Controlled Room Temperature ]. Store in original unopened pouch. Used TDS still contain some active hormones. To discard, fold the sticky sides of the TDS together, place in a sturdy container, preferably with a child-resistant cap, and place this container in the trash. Used TDS should not be flushed down the toilet. See www.fda.gov/drugdisposal for more information about disposal of medicines. 16.1 How Supplied TWIRLA (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) transdermal system is a beige 28 cm 2 round product etched with “TWIRLA Levonorgestrel 120 mcg/day Ethinyl Estradiol 30 mcg/day” and supplied as: a carton of 3 identical TDS, each TDS is packaged in an individual pouch. NDC 71671-100-03 as a single TDS provided for replacement as needed. NDC 71671-100-01

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.