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Cliovellan

Document: Cliovellan tablet SmPC change

Produktinformationen för Cliovellan 1mg/0,5 mg tablett, MTnr 20837, gäller vid det tillfälle då läkemedlet godkändes. Informationen kommer inte att uppdateras eftersom läkemedlet inte marknadsförs i Sverige. Av samma anledning finns inte någon svensk produktinformation.

Den engelska produktinformationen kommer dock att uppdateras för de produkter där Sverige är referensland.

Om läkemedelsnamnet i följande produktinformation inte stämmer med namnet på dokumentet, beror det på att läkemedlet i Sverige är godkänt under ett annat namn.

Summary of product characteristics

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Cliovellan 1 mg/0.5 mg tablets

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

One tablet contains estradiol 1 mg (as estradiol valerate) and norethisterone acetate 0.5 mg.

Excipient: lactose 65.78 mg.

For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1

3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Tablets

White, round, flat tablets, 6 mm in diameter.

4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for estrogen deficiency symptoms in women more than one year after menopause.

Prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk of future fractures who are intolerant of, or contraindicated for, other medicinal products approved for the prevention of osteoporosis.

The experience of treating women older than 65 years is limited.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Cliovellan is a preparation for the continuous combined hormone replacement treatment of women with an intact uterus. One tablet is taken daily without interruption, preferably at the same time of day.

For initiation and continuation of treatment of postmenopausal symptoms, the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration (see also section 4.4) should be used.

Changing over to a combination product with a higher dose should be considered if after 3 months the treatment has not resulted in satisfactory symptom relief.

Women with amenorrhoea not taking HRT or women transferring from another continuous combined HRT product can start treatment with Cliovellan on any convenient day. For women transferring from sequential preparations the treatment should be started immediately after withdrawal bleeding has stopped.

If the patient forgets to take a tablet she can take it within 12 hours of the usual time, otherwise the forgotten tablet must be discarded. Missed doses can increase the likelihood of breakthrough bleeding and spotting.

4.3 Contraindications

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

For the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms, HRT should only be initiated for symptoms that adversely affect quality of life. In all cases, a careful appraisal of the risks and benefits should be undertaken at least annually and HRT should only be continued as long as the benefit outweighs the risk.

Evidence regarding the risks associated with HRT in the treatment of premature menopause is limited. Due to the low level of absolute risk in younger women, however, the balance of benefits and risks for these women may be more favourable than in older women.

Medical examination/follow up

Before initiating or reinstituting HRT, a complete personal and family medical history should be taken. Physical (including pelvic and breast) examination should be guided by this and by the contraindications and warnings for use.

During treatment, periodic check-ups are recommended of a frequency and nature adapted to the individual woman. Women should be advised what changes in their breasts should be reported to their doctor or nurse (see ’Breast cancer’ below). Investigations, including appropriate imaging tools, e. g. mammography, should be carried out in accordance with currently accepted screening practices, modified to the clinical needs of the individual.

Conditions which need supervision

If any of the following conditions are present, have occurred previously, and/or have been aggravated during pregnancy or previous hormone treatment, the patient should be closely supervised. It should be taken into account that these conditions may recur or be aggravated during treatment with Cliovellan, in particular:

Reasons for immediate withdrawal of therapy:

Therapy should be discontinued in case a contraindication (see section 4.3) is discovered and in the following situations:

Endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma

In women with an intact uterus the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma is increased when estrogens are administered alone for prolonged periods. The reported increase in endometrial cancer risk among estrogen-only users varies from 2- to 12-fold greater compared with non-users, depending on the duration of treatment and estrogen dose (see section 4.8). After stopping treatment risk may remain elevated for at least 10 years.

The addition of a progestagen cyclically for at least 12 days per month/28 day cycle or continous combined estrogen-progestagen therapy in non-hysterectomised women prevents the excess risk associated with estrogen-only HRT.

Breakthrough bleeding and/or spotting may occur during the first months of treatment. If breakthrough bleeding or spotting appears after some time on therapy, or continues after treatment has been discontinued, the reason should be investigated, which may include endometrial biopsy to exclude endometrial malignancy.

Breast cancer

The overall evidence suggests an increased risk of breast cancer in women taking combined estrogen-progestagen and possibly also estrogen-only HRT, that is dependent on the duration of taking HRT

Combined estrogen-progestagen therapy

The randomised placebo-controlled trial the “Women’s Health Initiative Study” (WHÌ) and epidemiological studies are consistent in finding an increased risk of breast cancer in women taking combined estrogen-progestagen for HRT that becomes apparent after about 3 years (see section 4.8).

Estrogen-only HRT

The WHI trial found no increase in the risk of breast cancer in hysterectomised women using estrogen-only HRT. Observational studies have mostly reported a small increase in risk of having breast cancer diagnosed that is substantially lower than that found in users of estrogen-progestagen combinations (see section 4.8).

The excess risk becomes apparent within a few years of use but returns to baseline within a few (at most five) years after stopping treatment.

HRT, especially estrogen-progestagen combined treatment, increases the density of mammographic images which may adversely affect the radiological detection of breast cancer.

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is much rarer than breast cancer. Long-term (at least 5 - 10 years) use of estrogen-only HRT products has been associated with a slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer (see section 4.8). Some studies including the WHI trial suggest that the long-term use of combined HRT may confer a similar, or slightly smaller, risk (see section 4.8).

Venous thromboembolism

HRT is associated witha 1.3 - 3-fold risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), i. e. deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. The occurrence of such an event is more likely in the first year of HRT than later (see section 4.8).

Patients with known thrombophilic states have an increased risk of VTE and HRT may add to this risk. HRT is therefore contraindicated in these patients (see section 4.3).

Generally recognised risk factors for VTE include use of estrogens, older age, major surgery, prolonged immobilisation, obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2), pregnancy / postpartum period, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and cancer. There is no consensus about the possible role of varicose veins in VTE.

As in all postoperative patients, prophylactic measures need to be considered to prevent VTE following surgery. If prolonged immobilisation is to follow elective surgery temporarily stopping HRT 4 to 6 weeks earlier is recommended. Treatment should not be restarted until the woman is completely mobilised.

In women with no personal history of VTE but with a first degree relative with a history of thrombosis at young age, screening may be offered after careful counselling regarding its limitations (only a proportion of thrombophilic defects are identified by screening).

If a thrombophilic defect is identified which segregates with thrombosis in family members or if a defect is “severe” (e. g. antithrombin, protein S or protein C deficiencies or a combination of defects) HRT is contraincidicated (see section 4.3).

Women already on chronic anticoagulant treatment require careful consideration of the benefit-risk of use of HRT.

If VTE develops after initiating therapy, the drug should be discontinued. Patients should be told to contact their doctors immediately when they are aware of a potential thromboembolic symptom (e.g. painful swelling of a leg, sudden pain in the chest, dyspnoea).

Coronary artery disease (CAD)

There is no evidence from randomised controlled trials of protection against myocardial infarction in women with or without existing CAD who received combined estrogen-progestagen or estrogen-only HRT.

Combined estrogen-progestagen therapy

The relative risk of CAD during use of combined estrogen+progestagen HRT is slightly increased. As the baseline absolute risk of CAD is strongly dependent on age, the number of extra cases of CAD due to estrogen+progestagen use is very low in healthy women close to menopause, but will rise with more advanced age.

Estrogen-only

Randomised controlled data found no increased risk of CAD in hysterectomised women using estrogen-only therapy.

Ischaemic stroke

Combined estrogen-progestagen and estrogen-only therapy are associated with an up to
1.5-fold increase in risk of ischaemic stroke. The relative risk does not change with age or time since menopause. However, as the baseline risk of stroke is strongly age-dependent, the overall risk of stroke in women who use HRT will increase with age (see section 4.8).

Other conditions

Estrogens may cause fluid retention and therefore patients with cardiac or renal dysfunction should be carefully observed.

Women with pre-existing hypertriglyceridaemia should be followed closely during estrogen replacement or hormone replacement therapy, since rare cases of large increases of plasma triglycerides leading to pancreatitis have been reported with estrogen therapy in this condition.

Estrogens increase thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) levels, leading to increased circulating total thyroid hormone, as measured by protein-bound iodine (PBI); T4 levels (by column or by radioimmunoassay, RIA), and T3 levels (by RIA). T3 resin uptake is decreased, reflecting the elevated TBG. Free T4 and T3 concentrations are unaltered. Other binding proteins may be elevated in serum, i.e. corticoid binding globulin (CBG), sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG leading to increased circulating corticosteroids and sex steroids, respectively. Free or biological active hormone concentrations are unchanged. Other plasma proteins may be increased (angiotensinogen/renin substrate, alpha-1-antitrypsine, ceruloplasmine).

Patients who require thyroid hormone replacement therapy should have their thyroid function monitored regularly while on HRT to ensure that thyroid hormone levels remain in an acceptable range.

Estrogens may influence or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema, in particular in women with hereditary angioedema.

HRT use does not improve cognitive function. There is some evidence of increased risk of probable dementia in women who start using continuous combined or estrogen-only HRT after the age 65.

Cliovellan tablets contain lactose monohydrate. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

The metabolism of estrogens and progestagens may be increased by concomitant use of substances known to induce drug-metabolising enzymes, specifically cytochrome P450 enzymes, such as anticonvulsants (e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine) and antiinfectives (e.g. rifampicin, rifabutine, nevirapine, efavirenz). Ritonavir and nelfinavir, although known as strong inhibitors by contrast exhibit inducing properties when used concomitantly with steroid hormones. Herbal preparations containing St John´s Worth (Hypericum perforatum) may induce the metabolism of estrogens and progestagens.

Clinically, an increased metabolism of estrogens and progestagens may lead to decreased effect and changes in the uterine bleeding profile.

Drugs that inhibit the activity of hepatic microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes e.g. ketoconazole, may increase circulating levels of the active substances of Cliovellan.

Concomitant administration of cyclosporine may cause increased blood levels of cyclosporine, creatinine and transaminases due to decreased metabolism of cyclosporine in the liver.

Oral contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol have been shown to significantly decrease plasma concentrations of lamotrigine when co-administered. Similar interaction may exist between hormone replacement therapy containing estradiol and lamotrigine. Therefore, dosage adjustment of lamotrigine may be necessary for seizure control.

Some laboratory tests may be influenced by estrogen therapy, such as tests for glucose tolerance or thyroid function.

4.6 Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Cliovellan is not indicated during pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs during medication with Cliovellan, treatment should be withdrawn immediately.

Data on a limited number of exposed pregnancies indicate adverse effects of norethisterone on the fetus. At higher doses than normally used in contraceptives and HRT formulations masculinisation of female fetuses was observed. The results of most epidemiological studies to date relevant to inadvertent fetal exposure to combinations of estrogens and progestagens indicate no teratogenic or fetotoxic effect.

Lactation

Cliovellan is not indicated during lactation.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

No known effects.

4.8 Undesirable effects

The most common undesirable effects reported in clinical trials with estradiol valerate and norethisterone acetate were vaginal bleeding and breast pain/tenderness, reported in approx. 10-20 % of patients. Vaginal bleeding usually occurred during the first months of treatment. Breast pain usually disappeared after a few months. All the undesirable effects observed in randomised clinical studies at a greater frequency for estradiol valerate and norethisterone acetate than for placebo and assessed as possibly being associated with the treatment are set out in the table below.


System organ class

very common ≥1/10

common ≥1/100; <1/10

uncommon ≥1/1000; <1/100

rare
 ≥1/10 000; <1/1000

very rare
 <1/10 000

Infections and infestations

Genital candidiasis or vaginitis, see also "Reproductive system and breast disorders”


Immune system disorders

Hypersensitivity, see also "Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders”

Anaphylactic reaction

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Fluid retention, see also "General disorders and administration site conditions”


Psychiatric disorders

Depression or depression aggravated

Nervousness

Nervous system disorders

Headache, migraine or migraine aggravated


Vascular disorders

Superficial thrombophlebitis

Deep venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism

Gastrointestinal disorders

Nausea

Abdominal pain, abdominal distension or abdominal discomfort, flatulence or bloating

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Alopecia, hirsutism or acne,

pruritus or urticaria

Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders

Back pain

Leg cramps

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Breast pain or breast tenderness, Vaginal hemorrhage

Breast edema or breast enlargement;

development and reoccurrence of uterine fibroids, increase in size of uterine fibroids


General disorders and administration site conditions

Peripheral edema


Investigations

Weight increased



Breast cancer

An up to 2-fold increased risk of having breast cancer diagnosed is reported in women taking combined estrogen-progestagen therapy for more than 5 years.

Any increased risk in users of estrogen-only therapy is substantially lower than that seen in users of estrogen-progestagen combinations.

The level of risk is dependent on the duration of use (see section 4.4)

Results of the largest randomised placebo-controlled trial (WHI-study) and largest epidemiological study (MWS) are presented.

Million Women Study - Estimated additional risk of breast cancer after 5 years’ use

Age range
(years)

Additional cases per 1000 never-users of HRT over a 5 year period*

Risk ratio & 95 % CI#

Additional cases per 1000 HRT users over 5 years (95 % CI)

Estrogen only HRT

50 - 65

9 - 12

1.2

1.2 (0 - 3)

Combined estrogen-progestagen

50 - 65

9 - 12

1.7

6 (5 - 7)

# Overall risk ratio. The risk ratio is not constant but will increase with increasing duration of use.

Note: Since the background incidence of breast cancer differs by EU country, the number of additional cases of breast cancer will also change proportionately.

* Taken from baseline incidence rates in developed countries

US WHI studies - additional risk of breast cancer after 5 years’ use

Age range
(years)

Incidence per 1000 women in placebo arm over 5 years

Risk ratio & 95 % CI

Additional cases per 1000 HRT users over 5 years (95 % CI)

CEE estrogen-only

50 - 79

21

0.8 (0.7 - 1.0)

-4 (-6 - 0)*

CEE + MPA estrogen & progestagen‡

50 - 79

14

1.2 (1.0 - 1.5)

+4 (0 - 9)

* WHI study in women with no uterus, which did not show an increase in risk of breast cancer

‡ When the analysis was restricted to women who had not used HRT prior to the study there was no increased risk apparent during the first 5 years of treatment: after 5 years the risk was higher than in non-users.

Endometrial cancer

Postmenopausal women with an uterus

The endometrial cancer risk is about 5 in every 1000 women with an uterus not using HRT.

In women with an uterus, use of estrogen-only HRT is not recommended because it increases the risk of endometrial cancer (see section 4.4).

Depending on the duration of estrogen-only use and estrogen dose, the increase in risk of endometrial cancer in epidemiology studies varied from between 5 and 55 extra cases diagnosed in every 1000 women between the ages of 50 and 65.

Adding a progestagen to estrogen-only therapy for at least 12 days per cycle can prevent this increased risk. In the Million Women Study the use of five years of combined (sequential or continuous) HRT did not increase risk of endometrial cancer (RR of 1.0 (0.8 - 1.2)).

Ovarian cancer

Long-term use of estrogen-only and combined estrogen-progestagen HRT has been associated with a slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer. In the Million Women Study 5 years of HRT resulted in 1 extra case per 2500 users.

Risk of venous thromboembolism

HRT is associated with a 1.3 - 3-fold increased relative risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), i.e. deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. The occurrence of such an event is more likely in the first year of using HRT (see section 4.4). Results of the WHI studies are presented:

US WHI studies - additional risk of VTE over 5 years’ use

Age range
(years)

Incidence per 1000 women in placebo arm over 5 years

Risk ratio & 95 % CI

Additional cases per 1000 HRT users over 5 years

Oral estrogen-only*

50 - 79

7

1.2 (0.6 - 2.4)

1 (-3 - 10)

Oral combined estrogen-progestagen

50 - 79

4

2.3 (1.2 - 4.3)

5 (1 - 13)

* Study in women with no uterus

Risk of coronary artery disease

The risk of coronary artery disease is slightly increased in users of combined estrogen-progestagen HRT over the age of 60 (see section 4.4).

Risk of ischaemic stroke

The use of estrogen-only and estrogen + progestagen therapy is associated with an up to 1.5-fold increased relative risk of ischaemic stroke. The risk of haemorrhagic stroke is not increased during use of HRT.

This relative risk is dependent on age and on duration of use, but as the baseline risk is strongly age-dependent, the overall risk of stroke in women who use HRT will increase with age, see section 4.4.

US WHI studies combined - additional risk of ischaemic stroke* over 5 years’ use

Age range
(years)

Incidence per 1000 women in placebo arm over 5 years

Risk ratio & 95 % CI

Additional cases per 1000 HRT users over 5 years

50 - 59

8

1.3 (1.1 - 1.6)

3 (1 - 5)

* No differentiation was made between ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke.

Other adverse reactions have been reported in association with estrogen/progestagen treatment:

4.9 Overdose

Overdose may cause nausea and vomiting. Treatment should be symptomatic.

5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: progestagens and estrogens, combinations

ATC code: G03FA01

Estrogen and progestagen for continuous combined replacement treatment (HRT).

Estradiol: The active ingredient, synthetic 17-beta estradiol, is chemically and biologically identical to endogenous human estradiol. It substitutes for the loss of estrogen production in menopausal women and alleviates menopausal symptoms.

Estrogens prevent bone loss following menopause or ovariectomy.

Norethisterone acetate: As estrogens promote the growth of the endometrium, unopposed estrogens increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. The addition of a progestagen greatly reduces the estrogen-induced risk of endometrial hyperplasia in non-hysterectomised women.

Cliovellan is a preparation for combined continuous HRT administered with the intention of avoiding the regular withdrawal bleeding that occurs in cyclical or sequential HRT.

Estrogen deficiency after the menopause is associated with an increasing bone turnover and decline in bone mass. The effect of estrogen on the bone mineral content is dose-dependent. Protection appears to be effective for as long as treatment is continued. After discontinuation of HRT, bone mass is lost at a rate similar to that in untreated women.

Evidence from the WHI trial and meta-analysed trials shows that current use of HRT, alone or in combination with a progestagen – given to predominantly healthy women – reduces the risk of hip, vertebral, and other osteoporotic fractures. HRT may also prevent fractures in women with low bone density and/or established osteoporosis, but the evidence for that is limited.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Estradiol valerate

Since estradiol valerate is rapidly cleaved in the small intestine, the intestinal mucosa and the liver, its pharmacokinetic properties correspond to those of orally administered estradiol.

Estradiol is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. The maximum plasma concentration is generally achieved 5 - 8 hours after ingestion. The plasma elimination half-life is about 12 - 14 hours. Estradiol circulates in the blood bound to SHBG (37 %) and albumin (61 %), with only 1 - 2 % not being bound. The metabolism of estradiol predominantly takes place in the liver and in the intestine, but also in the target organs. Estradiol is mainly converted to estrone and estriol. These are excreted into the bile and undergo enterohepatic recirculation and further degradation before being excreted in the urine (90 - 95 %) as biologically inactive glucuronide- and sulphate conjugates or mostly unconjugated in the faeces (5 - 10 %).

Norethisterone acetate

Norethisterone acetate (NETA) is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and its effects lasts at least 24 hours. The maximum blood concentration is generally achieved 1 - 4 hours after oral administration. Norethisterone acetate undergoes a first-pass effect, being transformed to norethisterone, which is then metabolized and eliminated, predominantly in the urine, as glucuronide and sulphate conjugates. Approximately 97 % of unmetabolized norethisterone in the serum is protein-bound. Of this 61 % is bound to albumin and 36 % to SHBG. The half-life of unmetabolized norethisterone in the plasma is on average 10.15 hours (SD ± 5.46).

Bioequivalence was demonstrated in a study performed with Cliovellan and 1 mg estradiol / 0.5 mg norethisterone acetate containing reference tablets.
After taking a single dose Cliovellan the arithmetical mean value of Cmax was 5.23 (SD ± 2.26) ng/ml for norethisterone and 21.6 (SD ± 8.9) pg/ml for estradiol.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

The acute toxicity of estrogens is low. Due to the great differences between animal species and between animals and humans preclinical results are of limited value for predicting the effect on humans.

Animal studies have shown embryo-lethal effects of estradiol or estradiol valerate even at relatively low doses; malformations of the urogenital tract and feminization of male fetuses were observed.

Like other progestagens norethisterone causes virilization of female fetuses in rats and monkeys. At high doses of norethisterone embryo-lethal effects were observed.

Non-clinical data based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, genotoxicity and carcinogenic potential reveal no special hazard for humans apart from those already taken into consideration in other sections of the summary of product characteristics.

6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

Copovidone
Lactose monohydrate
Magnesium stearate
Maize starch.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Not applicable.

6.3 Shelf-life

3 years

6.4 Special precautions for storage

This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.

6.5 Nature and contents of the container

Polypropene blister packs or PVC/PVDC/Aluminium blister packs.

Pack sizes: 28, 30, 84 and 90 tablets.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling

No special requirements.

7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

To be completed nationally.

8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER

To be completed nationally.

9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION

3 February 2006

10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

25 October 2010