Warnings for Jaimiess
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Precautions for Jaimiess
Thromboembolic Disorders And Other Vascular Conditions
- Stop Jaimiess if an arterial or deep venous thrombotic/thromboembolic event occurs.
- Stop Jaimiess if there is unexplained loss of vision, proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions and evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately.
- Discontinue Jaimiess during prolonged immobilization. If feasible, stop Jaimiess at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery, or other surgeries known to have an elevated risk of thromboembolism.
- Start Jaimiess no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breastfeeding. The risk of postpartum thromboembolism decreases after the third postpartum week, whereas the risk of ovulation increases after the third postpartum week.
- Before starting Jaimiess evaluate any past medical history or family history of thrombotic or thromboembolic disorders and consider whether the history suggests an inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathy. Jaimiess is contraindicated in women with a high risk of arterial or venous/thromboembolic diseases [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Arterial Events
- COCs increase the risk of cardiovascular events and cerebrovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. The risk is greater among older women (> 35 years of age), smokers, and females with hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, or obesity.
- Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets are contraindicated in women over 35 years of age who smoke [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from COC use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked.
Venous Events
Use of COCs increases the risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs), such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Risk factors for VTEs include smoking, obesity, and family history of VTE, in addition to other factors that contraindicate use of CHCs [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. While the increased risk of VTE associated with use of COCs is well-established, the rates of VTE are even greater during pregnancy, and especially during the postpartum period (see Figure 1). The rate of VTE in females using COCs has been estimated to be 3 to 9 cases per 10,000 woman years.
The risk of VTE is highest during the first year of use of a COC and when restarting hormonal contraception after a break of four weeks or longer. The risk of thromboembolic disease due to COCs gradually disappears after COC use is discontinued.
Figure 1 shows the risk of developing a VTE for women who are not pregnant and do not use oral contraceptives, for women who use oral contraceptives, and for women in the postpartum period. To put the risk of developing a VTE into perspective: If 10,000 women who are not pregnant and do not use oral contraceptives are followed for one year, between 1 and 5 of these women will develop a VTE.
 |
| * Pregnancy data based on actual duration of pregnancy in the reference studies. Based on a model assumption that pregnancy duration is nine months, the rate is 7 to 27 per 10,000 WY. |
Use of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets provides women with more hormonal exposure on a yearly basis than conventional monthly oral contraceptives containing the same strength synthetic estrogens and progestins (an additional 9 and 13 weeks of exposure to progestin and estrogen, respectively, per year).
Liver Disease
Elevated Liver Enzymes
Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets are contraindicated in women with acute viral hepatitis or severe (decompensated) cirrhosis of the liver [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Acute liver test abnormalities may necessitate the discontinuation of Jaimiess until the liver tests return to normal and Jaimiess causation has been excluded. Discontinue Jaimiess if jaundice develops.
Liver Tumors
Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets are contraindicated in women with benign or malignant liver tumors [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. COCs increase the risk of hepatic adenomas. An estimate of the attributable risk is 3.3 cases/100,000 COC users. Rupture of hepatic adenomas may cause death from abdominal hemorrhage.
Studies have shown an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in longterm (> 8 years) COC users. The attributable risk of liver cancers in COC users is less than one case per million users.
Hypertension
Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets are contraindicated in women with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. For all women, including those with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure at routine visits and stop levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets if blood pressure rises significantly.
An increase in blood pressure has been reported in women taking COCs, and this increase is more likely in older women and with extended duration of use. The effect of COCs on blood pressure may vary according to the progestin in the COC.
Risk Of Liver Enzyme Elevations With Concomitant Hepatitis C Treatment
During clinical trials with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen that contains ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, ALT elevations greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), including some cases greater than 20 times the ULN, were significantly more frequent in women using ethinyl estradiol-containing medications, such as levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets. Discontinue levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets prior to starting therapy with the combination drug regimen ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ethinyl estradiol tablets can be restarted approximately 2 weeks following completion of treatment with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen.
Age-Related Considerations
The risk for cardiovascular disease and prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease increases with age. Certain conditions, such as smoking and migraine headache without aura, that do not contraindicate COC use in younger females, are contraindications to use in women over 35 years of age [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and Thromboembolic Disorders And Other Vascular Conditions]. Consider the presence of underlying risk factors that may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease or VTE, particularly before initiating a COC for women over 35 years, such as:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Dyslipidemia
- Obesity
Gallbladder Disease
Studies suggest a small increased relative risk of developing gallbladder disease among COC users. Use of COCs, including levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets, may also worsen existing gallbladder disease.
A past history of COC-related cholestasis predicts an increased risk with subsequent COC use. Females with a history of pregnancy-related cholestasis may be at an increased risk for COC-related cholestasis.
Adverse Carbohydrate And Lipid Metabolic Effects
Hyperglycemia
Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets are contraindicated in diabetic women over age 35, or females who have diabetes with hypertension, nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, other vascular disease, or females with diabetes of > 20 years duration [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets may decrease glucose tolerance.
Carefully monitor prediabetic and diabetic women who are taking levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets.
Dyslipidemia
Consider alternative contraception for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia. Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets may cause adverse lipid changes.
Women with hypertriglyceridemia, or a family history thereof, may have an increase in serum triglyceride concentrations when using levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ethinyl estradiol tablets, which may increase the risk of pancreatitis.
Headache
Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets are contraindicated in females who have headaches with focal neurological symptoms or have migraine headaches with aura, and in women over 35 years of age who have migraine headaches with or without aura [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
If a woman taking levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets develops new headaches that are recurrent, persistent, or severe, evaluate the cause and discontinue levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets if indicated. Consider discontinuation of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets if there is an increased frequency or severity of migraine during COC use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event).
Bleeding Irregularities And Amenorrhea
Unscheduled Bleeding And Spotting
Women using levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets may experience unscheduled (breakthrough or intracyclic) bleeding and spotting, especially during the first 3 months of use. Bleeding irregularities may resolve over time or by changing to a different contraceptive product. If unscheduled bleeding persists or occurs after previously regular cycles, evaluate for causes such as pregnancy or malignancy.
When prescribing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets, the occurrence of fewer planned menses (4 per year instead of 13 per year) should be weighed against the occurrence of increased unscheduled bleeding and/or spotting. The primary clinical trial (PSE-301) that evaluated the efficacy of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets also assessed unscheduled bleeding. The participants in the 12-month clinical trial (N=1,006) completed the equivalent of 8,681 28-day cycles of exposure and were composed primarily of women who had used oral contraceptives previously (89%) as opposed to new users (11%). A total of 82 (8.2%) of the women discontinued levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets, at least in part, due to bleeding or spotting.
Scheduled (withdrawal) bleeding and/or spotting remained fairly constant over time, with an average of 3 days of bleeding and/or spotting per each 91-day cycle. Unscheduled bleeding and unscheduled spotting decreased over successive 91-day cycles. Table 1 below presents the number of days with unscheduled bleeding in treatment cycles 1 and 4. Table 2 presents the number of days with unscheduled spotting in treatment cycles 1 and 4.
Table 2: Total Number of Days with Unscheduled Bleeding
| 91-Day Treatment Cycle |
Days per 84-Day Interval |
Days per 28-Day Interval |
| Q1 |
Median |
Q3 |
Mean |
Mean |
| 1st |
1 |
4 |
10 |
6.9 |
1.7 |
| 4th |
0 |
1 |
4 |
3.2 |
0.8 |
Q1=Quartile 1: 25% of women had this number of days of unscheduled bleeding
Median: 50% of women had ≤ this number of days of unscheduled bleeding
Q3=Quartile 3: 75% of women had ≤ this number of days of unscheduled bleeding |
Table 3: Total Number of Days with Unscheduled Spotting
| 91-Day Treatment Cycle |
Days per 84-Day Interval |
Days per 28-Day Interval |
| Q1 |
Median |
Q3 |
Mean |
Mean |
| 1st |
1 |
4 |
11 |
7.4 |
1.9 |
| 4th |
0 |
2 |
7 |
4.4 |
1.1 |
Q1=Quartile 1: 25% of women had ≤ this number of days of unscheduled spotting
Median: 50% of women had ≤ this number of days of unscheduled spotting
Q3=Quartile 3: 75% of women had ≤ this number of days of unscheduled spotting |
Figure 2 shows the percentage of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets subjects participating in trial PSE-301 with ≥ 7 days or ≥ 20 days of unscheduled bleeding and/or spotting, or only unscheduled bleeding, during each 91-day treatment cycle.
Figure 2: Percent of Women Taking Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets, and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets who Reported Unscheduled Bleeding and/or Spotting or only Unscheduled Bleeding
If unscheduled spotting or bleeding occurs, instruct the patient to continue on the same regimen. If the bleeding is persistent or prolonged, advise the patient to consult her healthcare provider.
Amenorrhea And Oligomenorrhea
Women who use levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets may experience absence of scheduled (withdrawal) bleeding, even if they are not pregnant.
If scheduled bleeding does not occur, consider the possibility of pregnancy.
After discontinuation of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets, amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea may occur, especially if these conditions were pre-existent.
Depression
Carefully observe women with a history of depression and discontinue levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets if depression recurs to a serious degree. Data on the association of COCs with the onset of depression or exacerbation of existing depression are limited.
Malignant Neoplasms
Breast Cancer
Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets are contraindicated in females who currently have or have had breast cancer because breast cancer may be hormonally sensitive [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Epidemiology studies have not found a consistent association between use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and breast cancer risk. Studies do not show an association between ever (current or past) use of COCs and risk of breast cancer. However, some studies report a small increase in the risk of breast cancer among current or recent users (<6 months since last use) and current users with longer duration of COC use [see Postmarketing Experience].
Cervical Cancer
Some studies suggest that COCs are associated with an increase in the risk of cervical cancer or intraepithelial neoplasia. However, there is controversy about the extent to which these findings are due to differences in sexual behavior and other factors.
Effect On Binding Globulins
The estrogen component of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets may raise the serum concentrations of thyroxine-binding globulin, sex hormone-binding globulin, and cortisol-binding globulin. The dose of replacement thyroid hormone or cortisol therapy may need to be increased.
Hereditary Angioedema
In females with hereditary angioedema, exogenous estrogens, including levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets, may induce or exacerbate symptoms of hereditary angioedema.
Chloasma
Chloasma may occur with levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets use, especially in women with a history of chloasma gravidarum. Advise women with a history of chloasma to avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation while using levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved Patient Labeling (PATIETNT INFORMATION and INSTRUCTION FOR USE).
Counsel patients about the following information:
Cigarette Smoking
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from COC use. Women who are over 35 years old and smoke should not use Jaimiess [see BOX WARNING and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Venous Thromboembolism
Increased risk of VTE compared to non-users of COCs is greatest after initially starting a COC or restarting (following a 4-week or greater interruption in intake) the same or a different COC [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Use During Pregnancy
Instruct females to stop further intake of Jaimiess if pregnancy is confirmed during treatment.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Jaimiess does not protect against HIV-infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections.
Dosing And Missed Pill Instructions
Patients should take one tablet daily by mouth at the same time every day.
Instruct patients what to do in the event pills are missed. See, “What to do if you miss pills” section of FDA-Approved Instructions for Use [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Need For Additional Contraception
Postpartum females who have not yet had a period when they start Jaimiess need to use an additional method of contraception until they have taken a peach tablet for 7 consecutive days [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
There is a need to use a back-up or alternative method of contraception when enzyme inducers are used with Jaimiess [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Lactation
Jaimiess may reduce breast milk production. This is less likely to occur if breastfeeding is well established. When possible, nursing women should use other methods of contraception until they have discontinued breastfeeding [see Use In Specific Populations].
Amenorrhea And Possible Symptoms Of Pregnancy
Amenorrhea may occur. Advise patients to contact a healthcare provider in the event of amenorrhea with symptoms of pregnancy, such as morning sickness or unusual breast tenderness [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Fertility Following Discontinuation Of Jaimiess
Resumption of pre-treatment ovarian function is expected, generally within 8 weeks after discontinuation of Jaimiess.
Depression
Depressed mood and depression may occur. Women should contact their healthcare provider if mood changes and depressive symptoms occur, including shortly after initiating the treatment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
[see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
There is no use for contraception in pregnancy; therefore, Jaimiess should be discontinued during pregnancy. Epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses have not found an increased risk of genital or non-genital birth defects (including cardiac anomalies and limb-reduction defects) following exposure to COCs before conception or during early pregnancy.
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4 percent and 15 to 20 percent, respectively.
Lactation
Risk Summary
Contraceptive hormones and/or metabolites are present in human milk. COCs can reduce milk production in breastfeeding females. This reduction can occur at any time but is less likely to occur once breastfeeding is well-established. When possible, advise the nursing woman to use other methods of contraception until she discontinues breastfeeding [See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ethinyl estradiol tablets or the underlying maternal condition.
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ethinyl estradiol tablets have been established in women of reproductive age. Safety and efficacy are expected to be the same for postpubertal adolescents under the age of 18 as for users 18 years and older. Use of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets before menarche is not indicated.
Geriatric Use
Jaimiess has not been studied in postmenopausal women and is not indicated in this population.
Hepatic Impairment
No studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of hepatic disease on the disposition of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ethinyl estradiol tablets. However, steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function. Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, and ethinyl estradiol tablets are contraindicated in females with acute hepatitis or severe decompensated cirrhosis [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].