Document: Zelle tablet ENG SmPC change

• Zelle tablet ENG SmPC
• Zelle tablet SmPC

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SUMMARY OF PRODUCTS CHARACTERISTICS

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Zelle 0.02 mg / 3 mg tablets

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Each active tablet contains 0.02 mg of Ethinylestradiol and 3 mg of Drospirenone.

Excipients:Each active tablet contains 72 mg of lactose monohydrate, 0.03 mg of FD&C Yellow #5/Tartarazine Aluminum Lake (E102) and 0.008 mg of FD&C Yellow #6/Sunset Yellow FCF Aluminum Lake (E110).

For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1

Each placebo tablet contains no active substance

Excipients:Each placebo tablet contains 78 mg of lactose monohydrate, 0.400 mg of yellow oxide of iron and 0.160 mg of FD & C Blue No.1.

For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1

3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Tablet

Active tablets are round, light yellow, 6.00 mm, biconvex tablets with ‘144’ debossed on one side and other side plain.

Placebo tablets are round, green, 6.00 mm, biconvex tablets with ‘304’ debossed on one side and other side plain

4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS

Oralcontraception.

The decision to prescribe Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone should take into consideration the individual woman’s current risk factors, particularly those for venous thromboembolism (VTE), and how the risk of VTE with Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone compares with other CHCs (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).

Method of administration:

Oral use

Howto takeEthinylestradiol/ Drospirenone

The tablets must be taken every day at about the same time, if necessary with a little liquid, in the order shown on the blister pack. One tablet is to be taken daily for 28 consecutive days. Each subsequent pack is started after completion of first strip there is no gap period between two strips, during placebo tablet intake time a withdrawal bleed usually occurs. This usually starts on 2^ndto 3^rdday after the last active tablet from strip and may not have finished before the next pack is started.

How to starttakingEthinylestradiol/ Drospirenone

Start taking Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone on the first day of the woman’s menstrual cycle (i.e. the first day of her menstrual bleeding).

The woman should start with Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenonepreferably on the day after the last active tablet (the last tablet containing the active substances) of her previous COC, but at the latest on the day following the usual tablet-free or placebo tablet interval of her previous COC. In case a vaginal ring or transdermal patch has been used, the woman should start using Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenonepreferably on the day of removal, but at the latest when the next application would have been due.

The woman may switch any day from the progestogen-only pill (from an implant or the IUS on the day of its removal, from an injectable when the next injection would be due) but should in all of these cases be advised to additionally use a barrier method for the first 7 days of tablet taking.

For breastfeeding women see section ‘Fertility, pregnancy and lactation’.

Management of missedtablets

Green tablets in the last row of the strip are placebo tablets and therefore forgetting taking of these tablets has no real importance. However, the missed tablet should be discarded to avoid unintentionally prolonging the placebo period.

The following tips apply only in the event of missed active tablets i.e. light yellow tablets.

If the user is less than 24 hours late in taking any tablet, contraceptive protection is not reduced. The woman should take the tablet as soon as she remembers and should take further tablets at the usual time.

If she is more than 24 hours late in taking any tablet, contraceptive protection may be reduced. The management of missed tablets can be guided by the following two basic rules:

1. tablet-taking must never be discontinued for longer than 7 days

2. 7 days of uninterrupted tablet-taking are required to attain adequate suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian-axis.

Accordingly, in practice, the following recommendations can be given:

The user should take the last missed tablet as soon as she remembers, even if this means taking two tablets at the same time. She then continues to take tablets at her usual time. In addition, a barrier method such as a condom should be used for the next 7 days. If intercourse took place in the preceding 7 days, the possibility of a pregnancy should be considered. The more tablets are missed and the closer they are to the regular tablet-free interval, the higher the risk of a pregnancy.

The user should take the last missed tablet as soon as she remembers, even if this means taking two tablets at the same time. She then continues to take tablets at her usual time. Provided that the woman has taken her tablets correctly in the 7 days preceding the first missed tablet, there is no need to use extra contraceptive precautions. However, if she has missed more than 1 tablet, the woman should be advised to use extra precautions for 7 days.

The risk of reduced reliability is imminent because of the forthcoming 4 placebo tablet days. However, by adjusting the tablet-intake schedule, reduced contraceptive protection can still be prevented. By adhering to either of the following two options, there is therefore no need to use extra contraceptive precautions, provided that in the 7 days preceding the first missed tablet the woman has taken all tablets correctly.

If this is not the case, she should follow the first of these two options and use extra precautions for the next 7 days as well.

1. The user should take the last missed tablet as soon as she remembers, even if this means taking two tablets at the same time. She then continues to take tablets at her usual time. The next pack must be started as soon as the light yellow tablets from current blister pack are finished, i.e., no intake of green tablets from first pack. The user is unlikely to have a withdrawal bleed until the end of the second pack, but she may experience spotting or breakthrough bleeding on tablet-taking days.

2. The woman may also be advised to discontinue light yellow tablet-taking from the current blister pack. She should then start with green placebo tablets, including the days she missed tablets, and subsequently continue with the next blister pack.

If the woman missed tablets and subsequently has no withdrawal bleed in the first normal placebo tablet interval, the possibility of a pregnancy should be considered.

Advice in case of gastro-intestinal disorders

In case of severe gastro-intestinal disturbances (e.g. vomiting or diarrhea), absorption may not be complete and additional contraceptive measures should be taken.

If vomiting occurs within 3-4 hours after tablet taking, a new (replacement) tablet should be taken as soon as possible. The new tablet should be taken within 24 hours of the usual time of tablet-taking if possible. If more than 24 hours elapse, the advice concerning missed tablets, as given in Section 4.2 “Management of missed tablets”, is applicable. If the woman does not want to change her normal tablet-taking schedule, she has to take the extra tablet(s) from another blister pack.

How to postpone withdrawal bleed

To delay a period the woman should continue with another blister pack of Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone excluding placebo tablets. The extension can be carried on for as long as wished until the end of the second pack. During the extension the woman may experience breakthrough-bleeding or spotting. Regular intake of Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone is then resumed after the placebo tablet interval.

To shift her periods to another day of the week when the woman is used to with her current scheme, she can be advised to shorten her forthcoming placebo tablet interval by as many days as she likes. The shorter the interval, the higher the risk that she does not have a withdrawal bleed and will experience breakthrough-bleeding and spotting during the subsequent pack (just as when delaying a period).

4.3 Contraindications

Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) should not be used in the following conditions.

• Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

• Presence or risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE)

Deep venous thrombosis [DVT] or pulmonary embolism [PE]).

as APC resistance, (including Factor V Leiden), antithrombin-III-deficiency,

protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency

• Major surgery with prolonged immobilisation (see section 4.4)

• A high risk of venous thromboembolism due to the presence of multiple risk

factors (see section 4.4)

thromboembolism (e.g. myocardial infarction) or prodromal condition (e.g.

angina pectoris)

(e.g. transient ischaemic attack, TIA)

as hyperhomocysteinaemia and antiphospholipid-antibodies (anticardiolipin-

antibodies, lupus anticoagulant).

• History of migraine with focal neurological symptoms.

• A high risk of arterial thromboembolism due to multiple risk factors (see section

4.4) or to the presence of one serious risk factor such as:

• diabetes mellitus with vascular symptoms

• severe hypertension

• severe dyslipoproteinaemia

returned to normal.

• Severe renal insufficiency or acute renal failure.

• Presence or history of liver tumours (benign or malignant).

• Known or suspected sex-steroid influenced malignancies (e.g. of the genital organs or

the breasts)

• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.

• History of migraine with focal neurological symptoms.

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Warnings

If any of the conditions or risk factors mentioned below is present, the suitability of Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone should be discussed with the woman.

In the event of aggravation, or first appearance of any of these conditions or risk factors, the woman should be advised to contact her doctor to determine whether the use of Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone should be discontinued.

Risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE)

The use of any combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared with no use. Products that contain levonorgestrel, norgestimate or norethisterone are associated with the lowest risk of VTE. Other products such as Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenonemay have up to twice this level of risk. The decision to use any product other than one with the lowest VTE risk should be taken only after a discussion with the woman to ensure she understands the risk of VTE with Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone, how her current risk factors influence this risk, and that her VTE risk is highest in the first ever year of use. There is also some evidence that the risk is increased when a CHC is re-started after a break in use of 4 weeks or more.

In women who do not use a CHC and are not pregnant about 2 out of 10,000 will develop a VTE over the period of one year. However, in any individual woman the risk may be far higher, depending on her underlying risk factors (see below).

It is estimated¹ that out of 10,000 women who use a CHC containing drospirenone between 9 and 12 women will develop a VTE in one year; this compares with about 6² in women who use a levonorgestrel-containing CHC.

In both cases, the number of VTEs per year is fewer than the number expected during pregnancy or in the postpartum period.

VTE may be fatal in 1-2% of cases.

Number of VTE events per 10,000 women in one year

Extremely rarely, thrombosis has been reported to occur in CHC users in other blood vessels, e.g. hepatic, mesenteric, renal or retinal veins and arteries.

Risk factors for VTE

The risk for venous thromboembolic complications in CHC users may increase substantially in a woman with additional risk factors, particularly if there are multiple risk factors (see table).

Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone is contraindicated if a woman has multiple risk factors that put her at high risk of venous thrombosis (see section 4.3). If a woman has more than one risk factor, it is possible that the increase in risk is greater than the sum of the individual factors – in this case her total risk of VTE should be considered. If the balance of benefits and risks is considered to be negative a CHC should not be prescribed (see section 4.3).

Table: Risk factors for VTE

Risk factor	Comment
Obesity (body mass index over 30 kg/m²)	Risk increases substantially as BMI rises. Particularly important to consider if other risk factors also present.
Prolonged immobilisation (including air travel >4 hours), major surgery, any surgery to the legs or pelvis, neurosurgery, or major trauma Note: temporary immobilization including air travel >4 hours can also be a risk factor for VTE, particularly in women with other risk factors	In these situations it is advisable to discontinue use of the patch/pill/ring (in the case of elective surgery at least four weeks in advance) and not resume until two weeks after complete remobilisation. Another method of contraception should be used to avoid unintentional pregnancy. Antithrombotic treatment should be considered if Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone has not been discontinued in advance.
Positive family history (venous thromboembolism ever in a sibling or parent especially at a relatively early age e.g. before 50).	If a hereditary predisposition is suspected, the woman should be referred to a specialist for advice before deciding about any CHC use
Other medical conditions associated with VTE	Cancer, systemic lupus erythematosus, haemolytic uraemic syndrome, chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) and sickle cell disease
Increasing age	Particularly above 35 years

There is no consensus about the possible role of varicose veins and superficial thrombophlebitis in the onset or progression of venous thrombosis.

The increased risk of thromboembolism in pregnancy, and particularly the 6 week period of the puerperium, must be considered (for information on “Pregnancy and lactation” see section 4.6; see also graph on VTE risk).

Symptoms of VTE (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism)

In the event of symptoms women should be advised to seek urgent medical attention and to inform the healthcare professional that she is taking a CHC.

Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can include:

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE) can include:

Some of these symptoms (e.g. “shortness of breath”, “coughing”) are non-specific and might be misinterpreted as more common or less severe events (e.g. respiratory tract infections).

Other signs of vascular occlusion can include: sudden pain, swelling and slight blue discoloration of an extremity.

If the occlusion occurs in the eye symptoms can range from painless blurring of vision which can progress to loss of vision. Sometimes loss of vision can occur almost immediately.

Risk of arterial thromboembolism (ATE)

Epidemiological studies have associated the use of CHCs with an increased risk for arterial thromboembolism (myocardial infarction) or for cerebrovascular accident (e.g. transient ischaemic attack, stroke). Arterial thromboembolic events may be fatal.

Risk factors for ATE

The risk of arterial thromboembolic complications or of a cerebrovascular accident in CHC users increases in women with risk factors (see table). Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone is contraindicated if a woman has one serious or multiple risk factors for ATE that puts her at high risk of arterial thrombosis (see section 4.3). If a woman has more than one risk factor, it is possible that the increase in risk is greater than the sum of the individual factors - in this case her total risk should be considered. If the balance of benefits and risks is considered to be negative a CHC should not be prescribed (see section 4.3).

Table: Risk factors for ATE

Risk factor	Comment
Increasing age	Particularly above 35 years
Smoking	Women should be advised not to smoke if they wish to use a CHC. Women over 35 who continue to smoke should be strongly advised to use a different method of contraception.
Hypertension
Obesity (body mass index over 30 kg/m2)	Risk increases substantially as BMI increases. Particularly important in women with additional risk factors.
Positive family history (arterial thromboembolism ever in a sibling or parent especially at relatively early age e.g. below 50).	If a hereditary predisposition is suspected, the woman should be referred to a specialist for advice before deciding about any CHC use.
Migraine	An increase in frequency or severity of migraine during CHC use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event) may be a reason for immediate discontinuation
Other medical conditions associated with adverse vascular events	Diabetes mellitus, hyperhomocysteinaemia, valvular heart disease and atrial fibrillation, dyslipoproteinaemia and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Symptoms of ATE

In the event of symptoms women should be advised toseek urgent medical attention and to inform the healthcare professional that she is taking a CHC.

Symptoms of a cerebrovascular accident can include:

the body;

Temporary symptoms suggest the event is a transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

Symptoms of MI can include:

chest, arm, or below the breastbone;

An increased risk of cervical cancer in long-term users of COCs (> 5 years) has been reported in some epidemiological studies, but there continues to be controversy about the extent to which this finding is attributable to the confounding effects of sexual behaviour and other factors such as human papilloma virus (HPV).

A meta-analysis from 54 epidemiological studies reported that there is a slightly increased relative risk (RR = 1.24) of having breast cancer diagnosed in women who are currently using COCs. The excess risk gradually disappears during the course of the 10 years after cessation of COC use. Because breast cancer is rare in women under 40 years of age, the excess number of breast cancer diagnoses in current and recent COC users is small in relation to the overall risk of breast cancer. These studies do not provide evidence for causation. The observed pattern of increased risk may be due to an earlier diagnosis of breast cancer in COC users, the biological effects of COCs or a combination of both. The breast cancers diagnosed in ever-users tend to be less advanced clinically than the cancers diagnosed in never-users.

In rare cases, benign liver tumours, and even more rarely, malignant liver tumours have been reported in users of COCs. In isolated cases, these tumours have led to life-threatening intra-abdominal haemorrhages. A hepatic tumour should be considered in the differential diagnosis when severe upper abdominal pain, liver enlargement or signs of intra-abdominal haemorrhage occur in women taking COCs.

With the use of the higher-dosed COCs (50 µg ethinylestradiol) the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer is reduced. Whether this also applies to lower-dosed COCs remains to be confirmed.

The progestogen component in Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenoneis an aldosterone antagonist with potassium sparing properties. In most cases, no increase of potassium levels is to be expected. In a clinical study, however, in some patients with mild or moderate renal impairment and concomitant use of potassium-sparing medicinal products, serum potassium levels slightly, but not significantly, increased during drospirenone intake. Therefore, it is recommended to check serum potassium during the first treatment cycle in patients presenting with renal insufficiency and pre-treatment serum potassium in the upper reference range, and particularly during concomitant use of potassium sparing medicinal products. See the section 4.5 “Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction”.

Women with hypertriglyceridaemia, or a family history thereof, may be at an increased risk of pancreatitis when using COCs.

Although small increases in blood pressure have been reported in many women taking COCs, clinically relevant increases are rare. Only in these rare cases an immediate discontinuation of COC use is justified. If, during the use of a COC in pre-existing hypertension, constantly elevated blood pressure values or a significant increase in blood pressure do not respond adequately to antihypertensive treatment, the COC must be withdrawn. Where considered appropriate, COC use may be resumed if normotensive values can be achieved with antihypertensive therapy.

The following conditions have been reported to occur or deteriorate with both pregnancy and COC use, but the evidence of an association with COC use is inconclusive: jaundice and/or pruritus related to cholestasis; gallstones; porphyria; systemic lupus erythematosus; haemolytic uraemic syndrome; Sydenham's chorea; herpes gestationis; otosclerosis-related hearing loss.

In women with hereditary angioedema exogenous oestrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema.

Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may necessitate the discontinuation of COC use until markers of liver function return to normal. Recurrence of cholestatic jaundice and/or cholestasis-related pruritus which previously occurred during pregnancy or during previous use of sex steroids necessitates the discontinuation of COCs.

Although COCs may have an effect on peripheral insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, there is no evidence for a need to alter the therapeutic regimen in diabetics using low-dose COCs (containing < 0.05 mg ethinylestradiol). However, diabetic women should be carefully observed, particularly in the early stage of COC use.

Worsening of endogenous depression, of epilepsy, of Crohn's disease and of ulcerative colitis has been reported during COC use.

Chloasma may occasionally occur, especially in women with a history of chloasma gravidarum. Women with a tendency to chloasma should avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation whilst taking COCs.

This medicinal product contains lactose per tablet. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption who are on a lactose-free diet should take this amount into consideration

Medical examination/ consultation

Prior to the initiation or reinstitution of Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone a complete medical history (including family history) should be taken and pregnancy must be ruled out. Blood pressure should be measured and a physical examination should be performed, guided by the contra-indications (see section 4.3) and warnings (see section 4.4). It is important to draw a woman’s attention to the information on venous and arterial thrombosis, including the risk of Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone compared with other CHCs, the symptoms of VTE and ATE, the known risk factors and what to do in the event of a suspected thrombosis.

The woman should also be instructed to carefully read the user leaflet and to adhere to the advice given. The frequency and nature of examinations should be based on established practice guidelines and be adapted to the individual woman.

Women should be advised that oral contraceptives do not protect against HIV infections (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Reduction of Efficiency

The efficacy ofCOCsmay bereduced in the eventof e.g. missed tablets (see section 4.2), gastro-intestinal disorders (see section 4.2)or concomitantuse ofothermedicinal products (see section 4.5).

Reduced cycle control

With all COCs, irregular bleeding (spotting or breakthrough bleeding) may occur, especially during the first months of use. Therefore, the evaluation of any irregular bleeding is only meaningful after an adaptation interval of about three cycles.

If bleeding irregularities persist or occur after previously regular cycles, then non-hormonal causes should be considered and adequate diagnostic measures are indicated to

exclude malignancy or pregnancy. These may include curettage.

In some women withdrawal bleeding may not occur during the tablet-free interval. If the COC has been taken according to the directions described in Section 4.2, it is unlikely that the woman is pregnant. However, if the COC has not been taken according to these directions prior to the first missed withdrawal bleed or if two withdrawal bleeds are missed, pregnancy must be ruled out before COC use is continued.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Note: The prescribing information of concomitant medications should be consulted to identify potential interactions.

Interactions can occur with drugs that induce microsomal enzymes which can result in increased clearance of sex hormones and which may lead to breakthrough bleeding and/or contraceptive failure.

Management

Enzyme induction can already be observed after a few days of treatment. Maximal enzyme induction is generally seen within a few weeks. After the cessation of drug therapy enzyme induction may be sustained for about 4 weeks.

Short-term treatment

Women on treatment with enzyme inducing drugs should temporarily use a barrier method or another method of contraception in addition to the COC. The barrier method must be used during the whole time of the concomitant drug therapy and for 28 days after its discontinuation.

If the drug therapy runs beyond the end of the active tablets in the COC pack, the placebo tablets must be discarded and the next COC pack should be started right away.

Long-term treatment

In women on long-term treatment with enzyme-inducing active substances, another reliable, nonhormonal, method of contraception is recommended.

The following interactions have been reported in the literature.

Substances increasing the clearance of COCs (diminished efficacy of COCs by enzyme-induction), e.g.:

Barbiturates, bosentan, carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, rifampicin, and HIV medication ritonavir, nevirapine and efavirenz and possibly also felbamate, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, topiramate and products containing the herbal remedy St. John's Wort (hypericum perforatum).

Substances with variable effects on the clearance of COCs:

When co-administered with COCs, many combinations of HIV protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, including combinations with HCV inhibitors can increase or decrease plasma concentrations of estrogen or progestins. The net effect of these changes may be clinically relevant in some cases.

Therefore, the prescribing information of concomitant HIV/HCV medications should be consulted to identify potential interactions and any related recommendations. In case of any doubt, an additional barrier contraceptive method should be used by women on protease inhibitor or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor therapy.

The main metabolites of drospirenone in human plasma are generated without involvement of the cytochrome P450 system. Inhibitors of this enzyme system are therefore unlikely to influence the metabolism of drospirenone.

Oral contraceptives may affect the metabolism of certain other active substances. Accordingly, plasma and tissue concentrations may either increase (e.g. cyclosporine) or decrease (e.g. lamotrigine).

Based on in vitro inhibition studies and in vivo interaction studies in female volunteers using omeprazole, simvastatin and midazolam as marker substrate, an interaction of drospirenone at doses of 3 mg with the metabolism of other active substances is unlikely.

In patients without renal insufficiency, the concomitant use of drospirenone and ACE-inhibitors or NSAIDs did not show a significant effect on serum potassium. Nevertheless, concomitant use of Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenonewith aldosterone antagonists or potassium-sparing diuretics has not been studied. In this case, serum potassium should be tested during the first treatment cycle. See also section 4.4.

The use of contraceptive steroids may influence the results of certain laboratory tests, including biochemical parameters of liver, thyroid, adrenal and renal function, plasma levels of (carrier) proteins, e.g. corticosteroid-binding globulin and lipid/lipoprotein fractions, parameters of carbohydrate metabolism and parameters of coagulation and fibrinolysis. Changes generally remain within the normal laboratory range. Drospirenone causes an increase in plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone induced by its mild antimineralocorticoid activity.

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone is not indicated during pregnancy.

Upon discovery of a pregnancy, the use of Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenoneshould be discontinued immediately. Numerous epidemiological studies have revealed no increased risk of birth defects in children born to women who used COCs prior to pregnancy. No teratogenic effects were observed when COCs were taken inadvertently during pregnancy.

Studies in animals have shown the presence of adverse effects during pregnancy and lactation (see section 5.3). Based on these data, an adverse effect due to the hormonal activity of the active ingredients can not be excluded. However, based on experience of the use of combined oral contraceptives during pregnancy, as a side effect was not observed in humans.

Available data on the use of Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone during pregnancy are too few to permit a conclusion regarding possible adverse effects of Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone on pregnancy or on the health of the fetus or newborn. No epidemiological evidence to conclude.

The increased risk of VTE during the postpartum period should be considered when re-starting Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone (see section 4.2 and 4.4).

Lactation

Combined oral contraceptives may affect the quantitative and qualitative composition of breast milk, they are generally not recommended until the end of weaning. The use of combined oral contraceptives may be associated with excretion of small amounts of these steroidal contraceptives and / or their metabolites in milk which may have an effect in children.

Fertility

Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy. For more information on the return to fertility, see section 5.1.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. No effects on ability to drive and use machines have been observed in users of COCs.

4.8 Undesirable effects

Forserious adverseeffectsin users ofCOC’ssee section ‘Special warnings and precautions for use’.

The following adverse reactionswerereported while usingEthinylestradiol/ Drospirenone:

The table reports adverse reactionsby MedDRAsystem/organ classes(MedDRA SOCs). Thefrequencies are based onclinical research.

Organ system	Frequency of side effects			Not known (can not be estimated from the available data)
	common ( 1/100, <1/10)	uncommon ( 1/1.000, <1/100)	rare ( 1/10.000,<1/1.000)
Infections and parasitic disorders			candidiasis
Blood and lymphatic system disorders			Anemia, thrombocythaemia
immune system disorders			allergic reaction	hypersensitivity
endocrine disorders			endocrine disorder
Nutrition and metabolic disorders			increased appetite, lack of appetite, hyperkalaemia, hyponatraemia
Psychiatric disorders	emotional lability	nervousness, sleepiness, depression	anorgasmia insomnia
nervous System disorders	headache	dizziness, paresthesia	vertigo trembling
Eye disorders			dry eye, conjunctivitis, eye disease

Organ system	Frequency of side effects			Not known (can not be estimated from the available data)
	common ( 1/100, <1/10)	uncommon ( 1/1.000, <1/100)	rare ( 1/10.000,<1/1.000)
cardiac disorders			tachycardia
Vascular disorders		Migraine, varicose veins, hypertension	Phlebitis, vascular disorder, nose bleeding, fainting - Venous thromboembolic disorders; - Arterial thromboembolic disorders;
Gastrointestinal disorders	nausea	abdominal pain, vomiting, indigestion, bloating, gastritis, diarrhea	Abdominal distension, gastrointestinal disorder, gastrointestinal fullness, intestinal hernia, oral candidiasis, constipation, dry mouth
Hepatobiliary disorders			pain in the bile ducts or gallbladder, cholecystitis
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders		Acne, pruritus, rash	Chloasma, alopecia, dermatitis, acneiform dermatitis, Dry skin, erythema nodosum, hypertrichosis, skin stretch marks, contact dermatitis, photosensitive dermatitis, nodules in the skin	erythema multiforme
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorder		back pain, Pain in the limbs, muscle cramps

Organ system	Frequency of side effects			Not known (can not be estimated from the available data)
	common ( 1/100, <1/10)	uncommon ( 1/1.000, <1/100)	rare ( 1/10.000, <1/1.000)
Reproductive System and breast disorders	Breast pain, metrorrhagia *, amenorrhea	vaginal candidiasis, pelvic pain, breasts enlargement, fibro cysts in the breasts, uterine / vaginal bleeding *, vaginal discharge, hot flashes, vaginitis, menstrual disorder, dysmenorrheal, hypomenorrhoea, menorrhagia, vaginal dryness, suspicious pap smear, decreased libido	painful intercourse, vulvovaginitis, postcoital bleeding, withdrawal bleeding, cyst in the breast, hyperplasia of the breast, neoplasms of the breast, cervical polyp, endometrial atrophy, ovarian cysts, widening of the uterus
general disorders and administration site conditions		weakness, increased sweating, edema (generalized edema, peripheral edema, facial edema)	discomfort
investigation		increase in body weight	decrease in body weight

* irregular bleeding usually decreases with continued treatment

Description of selected adverse reactions

An increased risk of arterial and venous thrombotic and thrombo-embolic events, including myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischemic attacks, venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism has been observed in women using CHCs, which are discussed in more detail in section 4.4.

The following serious adverse events have been reported in women using COCs, which are discussed in section 4.4 Special warning and precautions for use:

• Venous thromboembolic disorders;

• Arterial thromboembolic disorders;

• Hypertension;

• Liver tumours;

• Occurrence or deterioration of conditions for which association with COC use is not conclusive: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, epilepsy, uterine myoma, porphyria, systemic lupus erythematosus, herpes gestationis, Sydenham's chorea, haemolytic uremic syndrome, cholestatic jaundice;

• Chloasma;

• Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may necessitate the discontinuation of COC use until markers of liver function return to normal.

• In women with hereditary angioedema exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema.

The frequency of diagnosis of breast cancer is very slightly increased among OC users. As breast cancer is rare in women under 40 years of age the excess number is small in relation to the overall risk of breast cancer. Causation with COC use is unknown. For further information, see sections 4.3 and 4.4.

Interactions

Breakthrough bleeding and/or contraceptive failure may result from interactions of other drugs (enzyme inducers) with oral contraceptives (see section 4.5).

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions:

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorization of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/ risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V.

4.9 Overdose

There has not yet been any experience of overdose with Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone. On the basis of general experience with combined oral contraceptives, symptoms that may possibly occur in this case are: nausea, vomiting and, in young girls, slight vaginal bleeding. There are no antidotes and further treatment should be symptomatic.

5: PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group:Progestogensandestrogens, fixed combinations

ATC code:G03AA 12

Pearl Index for method failure: 0.41 (upper two-sided 95 % confidence limit: 0.85).

Overall Pearl Index (method failure + patient failure): 0.80 (upper two-sided 95 % confidence limit: 1.30).

The contraceptive effect of Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenoneis based on the interaction of various factors, the most important of which are seen as the inhibition of ovulation and the changes in the endometrium.

In anovulationinhibitionstudy of 3treatment cycles, with Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone 24-day regimenwas compared witha 21-day regimen, the 24-day regimen wasassociated witha strongersuppressionof follicular growth.Afterthe intentionalintroduction ofdosingerrors duringthe third treatmentcycle, ovarian activitywas at a higher number in women with the 21-day regimen, includingthe occurrence ofovulations, as comparedwith the womenin the 24-day regimen. In thefirstmonth afterstopping treatment91.8%of the womenwho completed the 24-day regimentheirovarianactivityreturnedtothe level which was beforetreatment.

Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone is acombined oral contraceptivewithethinylestradiol andthe progestogendrospirenone. At a therapeuticdosage, drospirenone also possesses antiandrogenicandmild antimineralocorticoidproperties. Drospirenonehas noestrogenic, glucocorticoidandantiglucocorticoidproperties. This givesdrospirenonea pharmacologicalprofile closelyresembling the naturalhormoneprogesterone.

Fromclinical studies, there are indications that thelightantimineralocorticoid
properties ofEthinylestradiol/ Drospirenone result ina mild antimineralocorticoideffect.

Thereare twodouble-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies conductedin multiplecentersto evaluate the efficacyandsafety ofEthinylestradiol/ Drospirenone in women withmoderate acnevulgarisevaluate.

Comparedwith placeboEthinylestradiol/ Drospirenone after sixmonths of treatmentshoweda statisticallysignificantly greaterreductionof 15.6% (49.3% versus33.7%) ininflammatory lesions, 18.5%(40.6% versus22.1%) innon-inflammatory lesions and16.5%(44.6%vs.28.1%) in the total number of lesions. Moreover,a higherpercentage of women, 11.8%(18.6% vs.6.8%), were 'clean' or 'almost clean' on the Investigator's Static Global Assessment(ISGA) scale.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Drospirenone

Absorption

Orally administered drospirenone is rapidly and almost completely absorbed. Maximum concentrations of the active substance in serum of about 38 ng/ml are reached at about 1-2 h after single ingestion. Bioavailability is between 76 and 85 %. Concomitant ingestion of food has no influence on the bioavailability of drospirenone.

Distribution

After oral administration, serum drospirenone levels decrease with a terminal half-life of 31 h. Drospirenone is bound to serum albumin and does not bind to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) or corticoid binding globulin (CBG). Only 3 - 5 % of the total serum concentrations of the active substance are present as free steroid. The ethinylestradiol-induced increase in SHBG does not influence the serum protein binding of drospirenone. The mean apparent volume of distribution of drospirenone is 3.7 ± 1.2 l/kg.

Metabolism

Drospirenone is extensively metabolized after oral administration. The major metabolites in the plasma are the acid form of drospirenone, generated by opening of the lactone ring, and the 4,5-dihydro-drospirenone-3-sulfate, both of which are formed without involvement of the P450 system. Drospirenone is metabolized to a minor extent by cytochrome P450 3A4 and has demonstrated a capacity to inhibit this enzyme and cytochrome P450 1A1, cytochrome P450 2C9 and cytochrome P450 2C19 in vitro.

Elimination

The metabolic clearance rate of drospirenone in serum is 1.5 ± 0.2 ml/min/kg. Drospirenone is excreted only in trace amounts in unchanged form. The metabolites of drospirenone are excreted with the feces and urine at an excretion ratio of about 1.2 to 1.4. The half-life of metabolite excretion with the urine and feces is about 40 h.

Steady-State Conditions

During a treatment cycle, maximum steady-state concentrations of drospirenone in serum of about 70 ng/ml are reached after about 8 days of treatment. Serum drospirenone levels accumulated by a factor of about 3 as a consequence of the ratio of terminal half-life and dosing interval.

Special Populations

Effect of renal impairment

Steady-state serum drospirenone levels in women with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance CLcr, 50-80 mL/min) were comparable to those of women with normal renal function. The serum drospirenone levels were on average 37 % higher in women with moderate renal impairment (CLcr, 30 - 50 mL/min) compared to those in women with normal renal function. Drospirenone treatment was also well tolerated by women with mild and moderate renal impairment. Drospirenone treatment did not show any clinically significant effect on serum potassium concentration.

Effect of hepatic impairment

In a single dose study, oral clearance (CL/F) was decreased approximately 50 % in volunteers with moderate hepatic impairment as compared to those with normal liver function. The observed decline in drospirenone clearance in volunteers with moderate hepatic impairment did not translate into any apparent difference in terms of serum potassium concentrations. Even in the presence of diabetes and concomitant treatment with spironolactone (two factors that can predispose a patient to hyperkalemia) an increase in serum potassium concentrations above the upper limit of the normal range was not observed. It can be concluded that drospirenone is well tolerated in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B).

Ethnic groups

No clinically relevant differences in the pharmacokinetics of drospirenone or ethinylestradiol between Japanese and Caucasian women have been observed.

• Ethinylestradiol

Absorption

After oral administration, ethinylestradiol is rapidly and completely absorbed. After single oral administration, peak serum concentration of 33 pg / ml is reached in 1-2 hours. The absolute bioavailability resulting from conjugation presystemic and first pass is about 60 %. Concomitant intake of food reduces the bioavailability of ethinylestradiol by approximately 25% in subjects treated while no change was observed in the controls.

Distribution

Serum ethinylestradiol decrease in two phases: the terminal is characterized by a half -life of about 24 hours. Ethinylestradiol binds strongly but not specifically to serum albumin (approximately 98.5 %); it induces an increase in serum concentrations of SHBG and CBG (corticoid binding globulin). The apparent volume of distribution was about 5 l / kg.

Metabolism

Ethinylestradiol is subject to presystemic conjugation in the small intestine and in the liver. Ethinylestradiol is primarily metabolized by aromatic hydroxylation into many hydroxylated and methylated metabolites. These are present as free metabolites and conjugated glucuronide and sulphonated glucuronide. Plasma clearance of metabolic ethinylestradiol is from about 5 ml / min / kg.

Elimination

Ethinylestradiol is not excreted in unchanged form to any significant extent. The metabolites of ethinylestradiol are excreted at a urinary to biliary ratio of 4:6. The half-life of metabolite excretion is about 1 day.

Steady-state conditions

Steady-state conditions are reached during the second half of a treatment cycle and serum levels of ethinylestradiol accumulate by a factor of about 2.0 to 2.3.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

In laboratory animals, the effects of drospirenone and ethinylestradiol were confined to those associated with the recognised pharmacological action. In particular, reproduction toxicity studies revealed embryotoxic and fetotoxic effects in animals which are considered as species specific. At exposures exceeding those in users of Ethinylestradiol/ Drospirenone, effects on sexual differentiation were observed in rat fetuses but not in monkeys.

6: PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

Light Yellow active tablets contain:

lactose monohydrate,

maize starch,

povidone,

crospovidone,

magnesium stearate

lake blend yellow LB 520001(Composition:FD&C Yellow #5/Tartarazine Aluminum Lake E102, FD&C Yellow #6/Sunset Yellow FCF Aluminum Lake E110 and FD&C Blue #2/Indigo Carmine Aluminum Lake E132).

Green placebo tablets contain:

lactose monohydrate,

yellow oxide of iron (E 172),

FD&C Blue no 1 (E 132),

polacrilin Potassium,

magnesium stearate.

Not applicable

2 years

6.4 Special precautions for storage

This medicinal product does not require any special storage condition

6.5 Nature and contents of container

Each strip contains 24 light yellow active tablets and 4 green placebo tablets

Tablets are packed in PVC/PVDC/Aluminium blisters

Presentation:

Pack sizes:

28tablets

28tablets (1 blister of 28 tablets)

84tablets (3 blister of 28 tablets)

168tablets (6 blister of 28 tablets)

364tablets (13 blister of 28 tablets)

Each blister is packed separately in a trilaminated pouch.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling

Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER:

<To be completed nationally>

8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

<To be completed nationally>

<To be completed nationally>