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Evamist®
(estradiol) Transdermal Spray
WARNING
ENDOMETRIAL CANCER, CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS, BREAST CANCER, PROBABLE DEMENTIA AND UNINTENTIONAL SECONDARY EXPOSURE TO ESTROGEN
Endometrial Cancer There is an increased risk of endometrial cancer in a woman with a uterus who uses unopposed estrogens. Adding a progestin to estrogen therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which may be a precursor to endometrial cancer. Adequate diagnostic measures, including directed and random endometrial sampling when indicated, should be undertaken to rule out malignancy in all cases of undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal genital bleeding [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Cardiovascular Disorders and Probable Dementia Estrogen-alone therapy should not be used for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, and Clinical Studies].
The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) estrogen-alone substudy reported increased risks of stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age) during 7.1 years of treatment with daily oral conjugated estrogens (CE) [0.625 mg]-alone, relative to placebo [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, and Clinical Studies].
The WHI Memory Study (WHIMS) estrogen-alone ancillary study of WHI reported an increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age or older during 5.2 years of treatment with daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone, relative to placebo. It is unknown whether this finding applies to younger postmenopausal women [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Use in Specific Populations, and Clinical Studies].
In the absence of comparable data, these risks should be assumed to be similar for other doses of CE and other dosage forms of estrogens.
Estrogens with or without progestins should be prescribed at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman.
Estrogen plus progestin therapy should not be used for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, and Clinical Studies].
The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported increased risks of DVT, pulmonary embolism (PE), stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age) during 5.6 years of treatment with daily oral CE (0.625 mg) combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) [2.5 mg], relative to placebo [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, and Clinical Studies].
The WHIMS estrogen plus progestin ancillary study of the WHI reported an increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age or older during 4 years of treatment with daily CE (0.625mg) combined with MPA (2.5 mg), relative to placebo. It is unknown whether this finding applies to younger postmenopausal women [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Use in Specific Populations, and Clinical Studies].
The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy also demonstrated an increased risk of invasive breast cancer [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, and Clinical Studies].
In the absence of comparable data, these risks should be assumed to be similar for other doses of CE and MPA and other combinations and dosage forms of estrogens and progestins.
Estrogens with or without progestins should be prescribed at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman.
Breast budding and breast masses in prepubertal females and gynecomastia and breast masses in prepubertal males have been reported following unintentional secondary exposure to Evamist by women using this product. In most cases, the condition resolved with removal of Evamist exposure. Women should ensure that children do not come into contact with the site(s) where Evamist is applied. Healthcare providers should advise patients to strictly adhere to recommended instructions for use [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Evamist (estradiol transdermal spray) is designed to deliver estradiol to the blood circulation following topical application to the skin of a rapidly drying solution from a metered-dose pump.
Evamist is a homogeneous solution of 1.7% estradiol USP (active ingredient) in alcohol USP and octisalate USP formulated to provide sustained release of the active ingredient into the systemic circulation.
Estradiol USP is a white crystalline powder, chemically described as estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17β-diol. It has an empirical formula of C18H24O2• ½H2O and molecular weight of 281.4. The structural formula is:
 |
Each metered-dose pump contains 8.1 mL and is designed to deliver 56 sprays of 90 mcL each after priming. One spray of Evamist contains 1.53 mg estradiol. The metered-dose pump should be held upright and vertical for spraying. Before a new applicator is used for the first time, the pump should be primed by spraying 3 times into the cover.
One, two or three sprays are applied daily each morning to adjacent non-overlapping 20 cm² areas on the inner surface of the arm between the elbow and the wrist and allowed to dry.
Generally, when estrogen is prescribed for a postmenopausal woman with a uterus, a progestin should also be considered to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. A woman without a uterus does not need a progestin. In some cases, however, hysterectomized women with a history of endometriosis may need a progestin [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Use of estrogen-alone, or in combination with a progestin, should be with the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. Postmenopausal women should be re-evaluated periodically as clinically appropriate to determine if treatment is still necessary.
Evamist therapy should be initiated with one spray per day. Dosage adjustment should be guided by the clinical response.
Before applying the first dose from a new applicator, the pump should be primed by spraying 3 sprays with the cover on. The container should be held upright and vertical for spraying.
One, two or three sprays are applied each morning to adjacent, non-overlapping areas on the inner surface of the forearm, starting near the elbow. Sprays should be allowed to dry for approximately 2 minutes before covering the site with clothing. The site should not be washed for at least one hour. Application of Evamist to other skin surfaces has not been adequately studied. Evamist should not be applied to skin surfaces other than the forearm.
Strict adherence to the following precautions is advised in order to minimize the potential for secondary exposure to estradiol from Evamist-treated skin. Women should cover the Evamist application site with clothing if another person may come into contact with that area of skin after the spray dries. Additional precautions to minimize unintentional secondary exposure are outlined in Patient Counseling Information [see PATIENT INFORMATION and in the Patient Information Leaflet at the end of the prescribing information.
Evamist is an estradiol transdermal spray. One spray consists of 90 mcL that contains 1.53 mg of estradiol.
Evamist (NDC 64011-215-41) is supplied as a homogeneous solution of estradiol USP, octisalate USP and alcohol USP. The liquid formulation of Evamist is packaged in a glass vial fitted with a metered-dose pump. The unit is encased in a plastic housing with a conical bell opening that controls the distance, angle, and area of application of the metered-dose spray. Each metered-dose pump contains 8.1 mL and is designed to deliver 56 sprays of 90 mcL after priming. One spray contains 1.53 mg estradiol.
Keep out of reach of children. Alcohol and alcohol-based liquids are flammable. Avoid fire, flame or smoking until the spray has dried. Store at room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursion permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Do not freeze.
Revised 03/2014. Manufactured by DPT Laboratories, Ltd San Antonio, TX 78215 For Ther-Rx Corporation Chesterfield, MO 63005.
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.
In a 12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of Evamist in 454 women, 80 to 90 percent of women randomized to active drug received at least 70 days of therapy and 75 to 85 percent randomized to placebo received at least 70 days of therapy.
The adverse reactions that occurred in at least 5 percent of women in any treatment group are shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Frequency of Adverse Reactions ( ≥ 5
Percent) in Any Treatment Group in a Controlled Study of Evamist
| System Organ Class Preferred Term | Frequency n (%) | |||||
| 1 Spray | 2 Sprays | 3 Sprays | ||||
| Placebo (N = 77) |
Evamist (N = 76) |
Placebo (N = 76) |
Evamist (N = 74) |
Placebo (N = 75) |
Evamist (N = 76) |
|
| Reproductive System and Breast Disorders | ||||||
| Breast tenderness | 0 (0) | 4 (5) | 4 (5) | 5 (7) | 0 (0) | 4 (5) |
| Nipple pain | 0 (0) | 2 (3) | 0 (0) | 5 (7) | 0 (0) | 1 (1) |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||||||
| Nausea | 5 (7) | 1 (1) | 1 (1) | 2 (3) | 4 (5) | 2 (3) |
| Infections and Infestations | ||||||
| Nasopharyngitis | 1 (1) | 4 (5) | 2 (3) | 3 (4) | 1 (1) | 1 (1) |
| Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders | ||||||
| Back pain | 1 (1) | 2 (3) | 2 (3) | 4 (5) | 1 (1) | 2 (3) |
| Arthralgia | 1 (1) | 1 (1) | 4 (5) | 1 (1) | 0 (0) | 3 (4) |
| Nervous system | ||||||
| Headache | 4 (5) | 7 (9) | 5 (7) | 9 (12) | 7 (9) | 8 (11) |
Application site reactions were reported in 3 out of 226 (1.3%) women treated with Evamist.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Evamist. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Breasts: Breast swelling, breast mass, breast enlargement
Cardiovascular: Heart rate increased
Central nervous system: Dizziness, dysgeusia, paresthesia, lethargy, hypoesthesia
Eyes: Eye irritation, ocular hyperemia
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal distension, dry mouth, decreased appetite
Genitourinary system: Vaginal bleeding
Musculoskeletal: Muscle spasms, arthritis
Psychiatric: Insomnia, mood swings, anxiety, irritability, mood altered, depression
Respiratory tract: Cough, dyspnea, dry throat
Skin: Nipple and areola discoloration, usually on the same side of the body as the inner forearm on which Evamist is applied, rash, pruritus, alopecia, urticaria, dry skin, skin discoloration, chloasma
Miscellaneous: Weight increased, malaise, fatigue, asthenia
No drug interaction studies have been conducted for Evamist.
In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that estrogens are metabolized partially by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Therefore, inducers or inhibitors of CYP3A4 may affect estrogen drug metabolism. Inducers of CYP3A4 such as St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) preparations, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and rifampin may reduce plasma concentrations of estrogens, possibly resulting in a decrease in therapeutic effects and/or changes in the uterine bleeding profile. Inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir and grapefruit juice may increase plasma concentrations of estrogens and may result in side effects.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
An increased risk of stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has been reported with estrogen alone therapy. An increased risk of stroke, DVT, pulmonary embolism, and myocardial infarction has been reported with estrogen plus progestin therapy. Should any of these occur or be suspected, estrogens with or without progestins should be discontinued immediately.
Risk factors for arterial vascular disease (for example, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity) and/or venous thromboembolism (for example, personal history or family history of venous thromboembolism [VTE], obesity, and systemic lupus erythematosus) should be managed appropriately.
In the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) estrogen alone substudy, a statistically significant increased risk of stroke was reported in women receiving daily conjugated estrogens (CE 0.625 mg) compared to placebo (45 versus 33 per 10,000 women-years). The increase in risk was demonstrated in year 1 and persisted1 [see Clinical Studies].
In the estrogen plus progestin substudy of WHI, a statistically significant increased risk of stroke was reported in women receiving daily CE 0.625 mg plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA 2.5 mg) compared to placebo (31 versus 24 per 10,000 women-years). The increase in risk was demonstrated after the first year and persisted [see Clinical Studies].
In the estrogen alone substudy of WHI, no overall effect on coronary heart disease (CHD) events (defined as non-fatal myocardial infarction [MI], silent MI, or CHD death) was reported in women receiving estrogen alone compared to placebo2 [see Clinical Studies].
In the estrogen plus progestin substudy of the WHI, no statistically significant increase of CHD events was reported in women receiving CE/MPA compared to women receiving placebo (39 versus 33 per 10,000 women-years). An increase in relative risk was demonstrated in year 1, and a trend toward decreasing relative risk was reported in years 2 through 5 [see Clinical Studies].
In postmenopausal women with documented heart disease (n = 2,763, average age 66.7 years), in a controlled clinical trial of secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study [HERS]), treatment with daily CE 0.625 mg/MPA 2.5 mg demonstrated no cardiovascular benefit. During an average follow-up of 4.1 years, treatment with CE/MPA did not reduce the overall rate of CHD events in postmenopausal women with established coronary heart disease. There were more CHD events in the CE/MPA-treated group than in the placebo group in year 1, but not during the subsequent years. Two thousand, three hundred and twenty-one (2,321) women from the original HERS trial agreed to participate in an open label extension of HERS, HERS II. Average follow-up in HERS II was an additional 2.7 years, for a total of 6.8 years overall. Rates of CHD events were comparable among women in the CE/MPA group and the placebo group in HERS, HERS II, and overall.
In the estrogen alone substudy of WHI, the risk of VTE (DVT and pulmonary embolism [PE]) was reported to be increased for women receiving daily CE compared to placebo (30 versus 22 per 10,000 women-years), although only the increased risk of DVT reached statistical significance (23 versus 15 per 10,000 women-years). The increase in VTE risk was demonstrated during the first two years3 [see Clinical Studies].
In the estrogen plus progestin substudy of WHI, a statistically significant twofold greater rate of VTE was reported in women receiving daily CE/MPA compared to women receiving placebo (35 versus 17 per 10,000 women-years). Statistically significant increases in risk for both DVT (26 versus 13 per 10,000 women-years) and PE (18 versus 8 per 10,000 women-years) were also demonstrated. The increase in VTE risk was observed during the first year and persisted [see Clinical Studies].
If feasible, estrogens should be discontinued at least 4 to 6 weeks before surgery of the type associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, or during periods of prolonged immobilization.
An increased risk of endometrial cancer has been reported with the use of unopposed estrogen therapy in women with a uterus. The reported endometrial cancer risk among unopposed estrogen users is about 2 to 12 times greater than in nonusers, and appears dependent on duration of treatment and on estrogen dose. Most studies show no significant increased risk associated with use of estrogens for less than 1 year. The greatest risk appears associated with prolonged use, with an increased risk of 15- to 24-fold for 5 to 10 years or more. This risk has been shown to persist for at least 8 to 15 years after estrogen therapy is discontinued.
Clinical surveillance of all women using estrogen plus progestin therapy is important. Adequate diagnostic measures, including endometrial sampling when indicated, should be undertaken to rule out malignancy in all cases of undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal vaginal bleeding. There is no evidence that the use of natural estrogens results in a different endometrial risk profile than synthetic estrogens of equivalent estrogen dose. Adding a progestin to estrogen therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which may be a precursor to endometrial cancer.
The most important randomized clinical trial providing information about this issue in estrogen alone users is the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) substudy of daily conjugated estrogens (CE 0.625 mg). In the estrogen alone substudy of WHI, after an average of 7.1 years of follow-up, daily CE 0.625 mg was not associated with an increased risk of invasive breast cancer (relative risk [RR] 0.80, 95 percent nominal confidence interval [nCI] 0.62-1.04) [see Clinical Studies].
The most important randomized clinical trial providing information about this issue in estrogen plus progestin users is the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) substudy of daily CE 0.625 mg plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA 2.5 mg). In the estrogen plus progestin substudy, after a mean follow-up of 5.6 years, the WHI substudy reported an increased risk of breast cancer in women who took daily CE/MPA. In this substudy, prior use of estrogen alone or estrogen plus progestin therapy was reported by 26 percent of the women. The relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.24 (95 percent nCI 1.01-1.54), and the absolute risk was 41 versus 33 cases per 10,000 women-years, for estrogen plus progestin compared with placebo, respectively. Among women who reported prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.86, and the absolute risk was 46 versus 25 cases per 10,000 women-years, for estrogen plus progestin compared with placebo. Among women who reported no prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.09, and the absolute risk was 40 versus 36 cases per 10,000 women-years for estrogen plus progestin compared with placebo. In the same substudy, invasive breast cancers were larger and diagnosed at a more advanced stage in the CE/MPA group compared with the placebo group. Metastatic disease was rare, with no apparent difference between the two groups. Other prognostic factors, such as histologic subtype, grade and hormone receptor status did not differ between the groups [see Clinical Studies].
Observational studies have also reported an increased risk of breast cancer for estrogen plus progestin therapy, and a smaller increased risk for estrogen alone therapy, after several years of use. The risk increased with duration of use, and appeared to return to baseline over about 5 years after stopping treatment (only the observational studies have substantial data on risk after stopping). Observational studies also suggest that the risk of breast cancer was greater, and became apparent earlier, with estrogen plus progestin therapy as compared to estrogen alone therapy. However, these studies have not found significant variation in the risk of breast cancer among different estrogens or among different estrogen plus progestin combinations, doses, or routes of administration.
The use of estrogen alone and estrogen plus progestin has been reported to result in an increase in abnormal mammograms requiring further evaluation.
All women should receive yearly breast examinations by a healthcare provider and perform monthly breast self-examinations. In addition, mammography examinations should be scheduled based on patient age, risk factors, and prior mammogram results.
The estrogen plus progestin substudy of the WHI reported that daily CE/MPA increased the risk of ovarian cancer. After an average follow-up of 5.6 years, the relative risk for ovarian cancer for CE/MPA versus placebo was 1.58 (95 percent nCI, 0.77-3.24) but was not statistically significant. The absolute risk for CE/MPA vs. placebo was 4.2 versus 2.7 cases per 10,000 women-years. In some epidemiologic studies, the use of estrogen-only products, in particular for 10 or more years, has been associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Other epidemiologic studies have not found these associations.
In the estrogen alone Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS), a substudy of the WHI, a population of 2,947 hysterectomized women 65 to 79 years of age was randomized to daily conjugated estrogens (CE 0.625 mg) or placebo. In the estrogen plus progestin WHIMS substudy, a population of 4,532 postmenopausal women 65 to 79 years of age was randomized to daily CE 0.625 mg plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA 2.5 mg) or placebo.
In the estrogen alone substudy, after an average follow-up of 5.2 years, 28 women in the CE alone group and 19 women in the placebo group were diagnosed with probable dementia. The relative risk of probable dementia for CE alone versus placebo was 1.49 (95 percent CI, 0.83-2.66). The absolute risk of probable dementia for CE alone versus placebo was 37 versus 25 cases per 10,000 women-years [see Use In Specific Populations and Clinical Studies].
In the estrogen plus progestin substudy, after an average follow-up of 4 years, 40 women in the CE/MPA group and 21 women in the placebo group were diagnosed with probable dementia. The relative risk of probable dementia for CE/MPA versus placebo was 2.05 (95 percent CI, 1.21-3.48). The absolute risk of probable dementia for CE/MPA versus placebo was 45 versus 22 cases per 10,000 women-years [see Use In Specific Populations and Clinical Studies].
When data from the two populations were pooled as planned in the WHIMS protocol, the reported overall relative risk for probable dementia was 1.76 (95 percent CI, 1.19-2.60). Since both substudies were conducted in women 65 to 79 years of age, it is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women [see Use In Specific Populations and Clinical Studies].
Postmarketing reports of breast budding and breast masses in prepubertal females and gynecomastia and breast masses in prepubertal males following unintentional secondary exposure to Evamist have been reported. In most cases, the condition resolved with removal of Evamist exposure.
Unexpected changes in breast tissue or other signs of abnormal sexual development in prepubertal children as well as the possibility of unintentional secondary exposure to Evamist should be brought to the attention of a physician. The physician should identify the cause of abnormal sexual development in the child. If unexpected breast development or changes are determined to be the result of unintentional exposure to Evamist, the physician should counsel the woman on the appropriate use and handling of Evamist when around children. Women should cover the Evamist application site with clothing if another person may come into contact with the site. Consideration should be given to discontinuing Evamist if conditions for safe use cannot be met [see PATIENT INFORMATION].
A two- to four-fold increase in the risk of gallbladder disease requiring surgery in postmenopausal women receiving estrogens has been reported.
Estrogen administration may lead to severe hypercalcemia in women with breast cancer and bone metastases. If hypercalcemia occurs, use of the drug should be stopped and appropriate measures taken to reduce the serum calcium level.
Retinal vascular thrombosis has been reported in women receiving estrogens. Discontinue medication pending examination if there is sudden partial or complete loss of vision, or a sudden onset of proptosis, diplopia, or migraine. If examination reveals papilledema or retinal vascular lesions, estrogens should be permanently discontinued.
Studies of the addition of a progestin for 10 or more days of a cycle of estrogen administration, or daily with estrogen in a continuous regimen, have reported a lowered incidence of endometrial hyperplasia than would be induced by estrogen treatment alone. Endometrial hyperplasia may be a precursor to endometrial cancer.
There are, however, possible risks that may be associated with the use of progestins with estrogens compared to estrogen alone regimens. These include a possible increased risk of breast cancer, adverse effects on lipoprotein metabolism (lowering HDL, raising LDL), and impairment of glucose tolerance.
In a small number of case reports, substantial increases in blood pressure have been attributed to idiosyncratic reactions to estrogens. In a large, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, a generalized effect of estrogens on blood pressure was not seen. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals with estrogen use.
In women with preexisting hypertriglyceridemia, estrogen therapy may be associated with elevations of plasma triglycerides leading to pancreatitis and other complications. Consider discontinuation of treatment if pancreatitis or other complications develop.
Estrogens may be poorly metabolized in women with impaired liver function. For women with a history of cholestatic jaundice associated with past estrogen use or with pregnancy, caution should be exercised, and in the case of recurrence, medication should be discontinued.
Estrogen administration leads to increased thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) levels. Women with normal thyroid function can compensate for the increased TBG by making more thyroid hormone, thus maintaining free T4 and T3 serum concentrations in the normal range. Women dependent on thyroid hormone replacement therapy who are also receiving estrogens may require increased doses of their thyroid hormone replacement therapy. These women should have their thyroid function monitored in order to maintain their free thyroid hormone levels in an acceptable range.
Estrogens may cause some degree of fluid retention. Women who have conditions that might be influenced by this factor, such as a cardiac or renal dysfunction, warrant careful observation when estrogens are prescribed.
Estrogens should be used with caution in women with preexisting severe hypocalcemia.
Endometriosis may be exacerbated with administration of estrogens. A few cases of malignant transformation of residual endometrial implants have been reported in women treated post-hysterectomy with estrogen alone therapy. For women known to have residual endometriosis post-hysterectomy, the addition of progestin should be considered.
Estrogens may cause an exacerbation of asthma, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, migraine, porphyria, systemic lupus erythematosus and hepatic hemangiomas and should be used with caution in women with these conditions.
Avoid fire, flame or smoking until the spray has dried.
When sunscreen is applied approximately one hour after application of Evamist, estradiol absorption was decreased by 11 percent. When sunscreen is applied approximately one hour before the application of Evamist, no significant change in estradiol absorption was observed.
Serum follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol levels have not been shown to be useful in the management of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms.
Accelerated prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and platelet aggregation time; increased platelet count; increased factors II, VII antigen, VIII antigen, VIII coagulant activity, IX, X, XII, VII-X complex, II-VII-X complex, and beta- thromboglobulin; decreased levels of antifactor Xa and antithrombin III, decreased antithrombin III activity; increased levels of fibrinogen and fibrinogen activity; increased plasminogen antigen and activity.
Increased TBG levels leading to increased circulating total thyroid hormone levels, as measured by protein-bound iodine (PBI), T4 levels (by column or by radioimmunoassay) or T3 levels by radioimmunoassay. T3 resin uptake is decreased, reflecting the elevated TBG. Free T4 and free T3 concentrations are unaltered. Women on thyroid hormone replacement therapy may require higher doses of thyroid hormone.
Other binding proteins may be elevated in serum (corticosteroid binding globulin [CBG], SHBG), leading to increased total circulating corticosteroids and sex steroids, respectively. Free hormone concentrations, such as testosterone and estradiol, may be decreased. As with other transdermal estradiol products, a slight increase in SHBG was seen with Evamist active drug compared with baseline.
Increased plasma HDL and HDL2 cholesterol subfraction concentrations, reduced LDL cholesterol concentration, increased triglyceride levels.
Impaired glucose tolerance.
Inform women of the importance of reporting vaginal bleeding to their healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Provide the following information about secondary exposure to Evamist:
Inform women of the possible side effects of estrogen therapy such as headache, breast pain and tenderness, nausea and vomiting.
Long-term continuous administration of natural and synthetic estrogens in certain animal species increases the frequency of carcinomas of the breast, uterus, cervix, vagina, testis and liver.
Evamist should not be used during pregnancy [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. There appears to be little or no increased risk of birth defects in children born to women who have used estrogens and progestins as an oral contraceptive inadvertently during early pregnancy.
Evamist should not be used during lactation. Estrogen administration to nursing mothers has been shown to decrease the quantity and quality of the milk. Detectable amounts of estrogens have been identified in the milk of mothers receiving this drug.
Evamist is not intended for pediatric use and no clinical data have been collected in children.
There have not been sufficient numbers of geriatric women involved in studies utilizing Evamist to determine whether those over 65 years of age differ from younger subjects in their response to Evamist.
In the estrogen alone substudy of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, 46 percent (n = 4,943) of women were 65 years of age and older, while 7.1 percent (n = 767) of women were 75 years of age and older. There was a higher relative risk (daily conjugated estrogens [CE 0.625 mg] versus placebo) of stroke in women less than 75 years of age compared to women 75 years of age and older.
In the estrogen alone substudy of the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS), a substudy of WHI, a population of 2,947 hysterectomized women, 65 to 79 years of age, was randomized to receive daily conjugated estrogens (CE 0.625 mg) or placebo. After an average follow-up of 5.2 years, the relative risk (CE versus placebo) of probable dementia was 1.49 (95 percent CI, 0.83-2.66). The absolute risk of developing probable dementia with estrogen alone was 37 versus 25 cases per 10,000 women-years compared to placebo.
Of the total number of women in the estrogen plus progestin substudy of WHI, 44 percent (n = 7,320) were 65 years of age and older, while 6.6 percent (n = 1,095) were 75 years of age and older. In women 75 years of age and older compared to women less than 75 years of age, there was a higher relative risk of non-fatal stroke and invasive breast cancer in the estrogen plus progestin group versus placebo. In women greater than 75 years of age, the increased risk of non-fatal stroke and invasive breast cancer observed in the estrogen plus progestin group compared to placebo was 75 versus 24 per 10,000 women-years and 52 versus 12 per 10,000 women-years, respectively.
In the estrogen plus progestin WHIMS substudy, a population of 4,532 postmenopausal women, 65 to 79 years of age, was randomized to receive daily CE 0.625 mg/MPA 2.5 mg or placebo. In the estrogen plus progestin group, after an average follow-up of 4 years, the relative risk (CE/MPA versus placebo) of probable dementia was 2.05 (95 percent CI, 1.21-3.48). The absolute risk of developing probable dementia with CE/MPA was 45 versus 22 cases per 10,000 women-years compared to placebo.
Seventy-nine (79) percent of the cases of probable dementia occurred in women that were older than 70 for the CE alone group, and 82 percent of the cases of probable dementia occurred in women who were older than 70 in the CE/MPA group. The most common classification of probable dementia in both the treatment groups and placebo groups was Alzheimer's disease.
When data from the two populations were pooled as planned in the WHIMS protocol, the reported overall relative risk for probable dementia was 1.76 (95 percent CI, 1.19-2.60). Since both substudies were conducted in women 65 to 79 years of age, it is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
REFERENCES
1. Hendrix, SL, et al. Effects of conjugated equine estrogen on stroke in the Women's Health Initiative. Circulation. 2006;113:2425-2434.
2. Hsia J, et al. Conjugated equine estrogens and coronary heart disease. Arch Int Med. 2006;166:357–365.
3. Curb JD, et al. Venous thrombosis and conjugated equine estrogen in women without a uterus. Arch Int Med. 2006;166:772-780.
Overdosage of estrogen may cause nausea and vomiting, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, drowsiness and fatigue, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in women. Treatment of overdose consists of discontinuation of Evamist together with institution of appropriate symptomatic care.
Evamist is contraindicated in women with any of the following conditions:
Endogenous estrogens are largely responsible for the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. Although circulating estrogens exist in a dynamic equilibrium of metabolic interconversions, estradiol is the principal intracellular human estrogen and is substantially more potent than its metabolites, estrone and estriol, at the receptor level.
The primary source of estrogen in normally cycling adult women is the ovarian follicle, which secretes 70 to 500 mcg of estradiol daily, depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. After menopause, most endogenous estrogen is produced by conversion of androstenedione, secreted by the adrenal cortex, to estrone in the peripheral tissues. Thus, estrone and the sulfate conjugated form, estrone sulfate, are the most abundant circulating estrogens in postmenopausal women.
Estrogens act through binding to nuclear receptors in estrogen-responsive tissues. To date, two estrogen receptors have been identified. These vary in proportion from tissue to tissue.
Circulating estrogens modulate the pituitary secretion of the gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and FSH, through a negative feed back mechanism. Estrogens act to reduce the elevated levels of these hormones seen in postmenopausal women.
There are no pharmacodynamic data for Evamist.
In a multiple-dose study, 72 postmenopausal women were treated for 14 days with Evamist to the inner forearm. Serum concentrations of estradiol appeared to reach steady state after 7 to 8 days of application of one, two, or three 90 mcL sprays of Evamist per day (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Mean (±SD) Serum Estradiol Concentrations on
Day 14 Following Topical Application for 14 Days of One, Two or Three Sprays of
Evamist (Unadjusted for Baseline)
 |
Pharmacokinetics parameters for estradiol from one, two, or three 90 mcL sprays of Evamist, as assessed on Day 14 of this study, are described in Table 2.
Table 2: Estradiol
Pharmacokinetic Parameters on Day 14 (Unadjusted for Baseline)
| PK Parameter | Number of Daily Sprays of Evamist | ||
| 1 Spray (N = 24) |
2 Spray (N = 23) |
3 Spray (N = 24) |
|
| Cmax (pg/mL)1 | 36.4 (62) | 57.4 (94) | 54.1 (50) |
| Cmin (pg/mL)1 | 11.3 (52) | 18.1 (51) | 19.6 (27) |
| Cavg (pg/mL)1 | 19.6 (49) | 30.7 (43) | 30.9 (30) |
| AUC0-24 (pg*hr/mL)1 | 471 (49) | 736 (43) | 742 (30) |
| Tmax (hours)2 | 20 (0-24) | 18 (0-24) | 20 (0-24) |
| 1Values expressed are arithmetic means (%CV) 2Values expressed are medians (minimum-maximum) |
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The distribution of exogenous estrogens is similar to that of endogenous estrogens. Estrogens are widely distributed in the body and are generally found in higher concentrations in the sex hormone target organs. Estrogens circulate in blood largely bound to SHBG and albumin.
Exogenous estrogens are metabolized in the same manner as endogenous estrogens. Circulating estrogens exist in a dynamic equilibrium of metabolic interconversions. These transformations take place mainly in the liver. Estradiol is converted reversibly to estrone, and both can be converted to estriol, which is a major urinary metabolite. Estrogens also undergo enterohepatic recirculation via sulfate and glucuronide conjugation in the liver, biliary secretion of conjugates into the intestine, and hydrolysis in the intestine followed by reabsorption. In postmenopausal women, a significant proportion of the circulating estrogens exist as sulfate conjugates, especially estrone sulfate, which serves as a circulating reservoir for the formation of more active estrogens.
Estradiol, estrone and estriol are excreted in the urine along with glucuronide and sulfate conjugates.
No pharmacokinetic studies were conducted with Evamist in specific populations, including women with renal or hepatic impairment.
The effect of estradiol transfer was evaluated in 20 healthy postmenopausal women who applied three 90-mcL sprays of Evamist to the inner forearm once daily. One hour after applying Evamist, subjects held the dosed forearm against the inner forearm of a non-dosed (recipient) male subject for one 5-minute period of continual contact. A 4% increase in serum estradiol exposure was observed in persons who came in contact with the application site. The possibility of unintentional secondary exposure to Evamist should be brought to the attention of physicians and Evamist users.
Site washing with warm water and soap one hour after the application of three 90 mcL sprays to the inner forearm did not have a significant effect on average 24-hour serum concentrations of estradiol.
In a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, a total of 454 postmenopausal women (average 53 years of age, 70 percent Caucasian and 24 percent African-American) were randomized and received at least one dose of Evamist (one, two or three 90 mcL sprays) or placebo. Generally healthy postmenopausal women were enrolled with a mean total frequency of ≥ 56 moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms per week ( ≥ 8 per day).
Efficacy was determined as a statistically significant and clinically significant (at least two per day or 14 per week difference) reduction in hot flush frequency and a statistically significant reduction in severity for Evamist versus placebo. One, two or three daily sprays of Evamist were shown to be better than placebo for relief of frequency (Table 3) and severity (Table 4) of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms at Week 4 and Week 12.
Table 3: Effect of Treatment on the Daily Frequency of
Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms at Week 4 and Week 12 (Intent-To-Treat
Population, LOCF)
| Treatment (N) | Mean Change from Baselinea (SD) | ||
| Baseline Mean (SD) | Week 4 Mean (SD) | Week 12 Mean (SD) | |
| 1 Spray | |||
| Evamist (N=76) | 11.81 (4.07) | -6.26 (4.01) | -8.10 (4.02) |
| Placebo (N=77) | 12.41 (5.59) | -3.64 (5.30) | -4.76 (5.84) |
| Differenceb | — | -2.62 | -3.34 |
| p-valuec | — | 0.001 | 0.0004 |
| 2 Sprays | |||
| Evamist (N=74) | 12.66 (7.33) | -7.30 (6.93) | -8.66 (6.65) |
| Placebo (N=76) | 12.13 (6.10) | -4.74 (4.38) | -6.19 (5.77) |
| Differenceb | — | -2.56 | -2.47 |
| p-valuec | — | 0.0027 | 0.0099 |
| 3 Sprays | |||
| Evamist (N=76) | 10.78 (3.58) | -6.64 (4.23) | -8.44 (4.50) |
| Placebo (N=75) | 12.55 (11.94) | -4.54 (7.40) | -5.32 (6.30) |
| Differenceb | — | -2.1 | -3.12 |
| p-valuec | — | 0.0002 | |
