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MINASTRIN 24 FE
(norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol/ferrous fumarate) Capsules
WARNING
CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptive (COC) use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, COCs should not be used by women who are over 35 years of age and smoke [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Minastrin 24 Fe (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules) contain norethindrone acetate, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen. Minastrin 24 Fe provides an oral contraceptive regimen consisting of 24 yellow active soft gelatin capsules that contain the active ingredients, followed by 4 maroon non-hormonal placebo soft gelatin capsules as specified below:
Each yellow active capsule also contains the following inactive ingredients: sesame oil, linoleoyl polyoxylglycerides, DL-α-tocopherol, dehydrated alcohol, gelatin, sorbitol and glycerin.
Each maroon placebo capsule contains ferrous fumarate, soybean oil, lecithin, yellow beeswax, gelatin, sorbitol, glycerin, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40 and titanium dioxide. The ferrous fumarate capsules do not serve any therapeutic purpose.
The chemical name of ethinyl estradiol is [19-Norpregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-20-yne-3,17-diol, (17α)-]. The empirical formula of ethinyl estradiol is C20H24O2 and the structural formula is:
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The chemical name of norethindrone acetate is [19-Norpregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one, 17(acetyloxy)-, (17α)-]. The empirical formula of norethindrone acetate is C22H28O3 and the structural formula is:
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Minastrin 24 Fe is indicated for use by females of reproductive age to prevent pregnancy [see Clinical Studies].
The efficacy of Minastrin 24 Fe in women with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 35 kg/m² has not been evaluated.
To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, Minastrin 24 Fe must be taken exactly as directed. Instruct patients to take one capsule by mouth at the same time every day. Capsules must be taken in the order directed on the blister pack. Capsules should not be skipped or taken at intervals exceeding 24 hours. For patient instructions for missed pills, see FDA-approved patient labeling. Minastrin 24 Fe may be administered without regard to meals [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Instruct the patient to begin taking Minastrin 24 Fe either on the first day of her menstrual period (Day 1 Start) or on the first Sunday after the onset of her menstrual period (Sunday Start).
During the first cycle of Minastrin 24 Fe use, instruct the patient to take one yellow Minastrin 24 Fe capsule daily, beginning on Day one (1) of her menstrual cycle (the first day of menstruation is Day one). She should take one yellow Minastrin 24 Fe capsule daily for 24 consecutive days, followed by one maroon capsule daily on days 25 through 28. Minastrin 24 Fe should be taken in the order directed on the package at the same time each day. Instruct the patient to use a non-hormonal contraceptive as back-up during the first 7 days if she starts taking Minastrin 24 Fe on a day other than the first day of her menstrual cycle. The possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of medication should be considered.
During the first cycle of Minastrin 24 Fe use, instruct the patient to take one yellow Minastrin 24 Fe capsule daily, beginning on the first Sunday after the onset of her menstrual period. She should take one yellow Minastrin 24 Fe capsule daily for 24 consecutive days, followed by one maroon capsule daily on days 25 through 28. Minastrin 24 Fe should be taken in the order directed on the package at the same time each day. Minastrin 24 Fe should not be considered effective as a contraceptive until after the first 7 consecutive days of product administration. Instruct the patient to use a non-hormonal contraceptive as back-up during the first 7 days. The possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of medication should be considered.
The patient should begin her next and all subsequent 28-day regimens of Minastrin 24 Fe on the same day of the week that she began her first regimen, following the same schedule. She should begin taking her yellow capsules on the next day after ingestion of the last maroon capsule, regardless of whether or not a menstrual period has occurred or is still in progress. Anytime a subsequent cycle of Minastrin 24 Fe is started later than the day following administration of the last maroon capsule, the patient should use another method of contraception until she has taken a yellow Minastrin 24 Fe capsule daily for 7 consecutive days.
For postpartum women who do not breastfeed or after a second trimester abortion, start Minastrin 24 Fe no earlier than 4 weeks postpartum due to the increased risk of thromboembolism. If the patient starts on Minastrin 24 Fe postpartum and has not yet had a period, evaluate for possible pregnancy, and instruct her to use an additional method of contraception until she has taken Minastrin 24 Fe for 7 consecutive days.
Minastrin 24 Fe may be initiated immediately after a first-trimester abortion or miscarriage; if the patient starts Minastrin 24 Fe immediately, additional contraceptive measures are not needed.
If the patient is switching from a combination hormonal method such as:
If the patient is switching from a progestin-only method such as a:
If the patient vomits or has diarrhea (within 3 to 4 hours after she takes a yellow capsule), she should follow the instructions in the “What to Do if You Miss Capsules” section [see FDA-approved patient labeling].
Minastrin 24 Fe is available in blister packs.
Each blister pack contains 28 soft gelatin capsules in the following order:
Minastrin 24 Fe (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol capsules and ferrous fumarate capsules) is available in blister cards (dispensers) containing 28 soft gelatin capsules:
Each blister card contains 28 capsules in the following order:
Each blister card is packed with a black wallet in a carton (NDC 0430-0539-14).
Cartons of 5 blister cards packed individually in 5 cartons are provided for dispensing (NDC 0430-0539-50).
Store at 25° C (77° F); excursions permitted to 15 to 30° C (59 to 86° F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light. Store blister card in the wallet provided in the carton when not in use.
Manufactured by: Catalent Pharma Solutions, LLC St. Petersburg, FL 33716 for Warner Chilcott Company, LLC Fajardo, Puerto Rico 00738. Marketed by: Warner Chilcott (US), LLC Rockaway, NJ 07866 1-800-521-8813. Revised: 04/2013
The following serious adverse reactions with the use of COCs are discussed elsewhere in the labeling:
Adverse reactions commonly reported by COC users are:
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 the rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The data presented in Section 6.1 are from a clinical trial conducted with a 24-day regimen of norethindrone acetate 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.020 mg tablets. Minastrin 24 Fe is bioequivalent to these norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablets.
Common Adverse Reactions ( ≥ 2% of all Treated Subjects): The most common adverse reactions reported by at least 2% of the 743 women using norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablets were the following, in order of decreasing incidence: headache (6.3%), vaginal candidiasis (6.1%), nausea (4.6%), menstrual cramps (4.4%), breast tenderness (3.4%), bacterial vaginitis (3.1%), abnormal cervical smear (3.1%), acne (2.7%), mood swings (2.2%), and weight gain (2.0%).
Adverse Reactions Leading to Study Discontinuation: Among the 743 women using norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablets, 46 women (6.2%) withdrew because of an adverse event. Adverse events occurring in 3 or more subjects leading to discontinuation of treatment were, in decreasing order: abnormal or irregular bleeding (1.3%), nausea (0.8%), menstrual cramps (0.5%), and increased blood pressure (0.4%).
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of a 24-day regimen of norethindrone acetate 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.020 mg tablets. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or evaluate a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Adverse reactions are grouped into System Organ Classes.
Vascular disorders: thrombosis/embolism (coronary artery, pulmonary, cerebral, deep vein).
Hepatobiliary disorders: cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, hepatic adenoma, hemangioma of liver.
Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity reaction.
Skin and subcutaneous disorders: alopecia, rash (generalized and allergic), pruritus, skin discoloration.
GI disorders: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: myalgia.
Eye disorders: blurred vision, visual impairment, corneal thinning, change in corneal curvature (steepening).
Infections and infestations: fungal infection, vaginal infection.
Investigations: change in weight or appetite (increase or decrease), fatigue, malaise, peripheral edema, blood pressure increased.
Nervous system disorders: headache, dizziness, migraine, loss of consciousness.
Psychiatric disorders: mood swings, depression, insomnia, anxiety, suicidal ideation, panic attack, changes in libido.
Renal and urinary disorders: cystitis-like syndrome.
Reproductive system and breast disorders: breast changes (tenderness, pain, enlargement, and secretion), premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea.
Cardiovascular: chest pain, palpitations, tachycardia, myocardial infarction.
Consult the labeling of the concurrently-used drug to obtain further information about interactions with COCs or the potential for enzyme alterations.
No drug-drug interaction studies were conducted with Minastrin 24 Fe.
Drugs or herbal products that induce certain enzymes, including cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), may decrease the effectiveness of COCs or increase breakthrough bleeding. Some drugs or herbal products that may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives include phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, bosentan, felbamate, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, rifampicin, topiramate and products containing St. John's wort. Interactions between oral contraceptives and other drugs may lead to breakthrough bleeding and/or contraceptive failure. Counsel women to use an alternative method of contraception or a back-up method when enzyme inducers are used with COCs, and to continue back-up contraception for 28 days after discontinuing the enzyme inducer to ensure contraceptive reliability.
Co-administration of atorvastatin and certain COCs containing ethinyl estradiol increase AUC values for ethinyl estradiol by approximately 20%. Ascorbic acid and acetaminophen may increase plasma ethinyl estradiol concentrations, possibly by inhibition of conjugation. CYP3A4 inhibitors such as itraconazole or ketoconazole may increase plasma hormone concentrations.
Significant changes (increase or decrease) in the plasma concentrations of estrogen and progestin have been noted in some cases of coadministration with HIV/HCV protease inhibitors or with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
There have been reports of pregnancy while taking hormonal contraceptives and antibiotics, but clinical pharmacokinetic studies have not shown consistent effects of antibiotics on plasma concentrations of synthetic steroids.
COCs containing ethinyl estradiol may inhibit the metabolism of other compounds. COCs have been shown to significantly decrease plasma concentrations of lamotrigine, likely due to induction of lamotrigine glucuronidation. This may reduce seizure control; therefore, dosage adjustments of lamotrigine may be necessary.
Women on thyroid hormone replacement therapy may need increased doses of thyroid hormone because serum concentration of thyroid-binding globulin increases with use of COCs.
The use of contraceptive steroids may influence the results of certain laboratory tests, such as coagulation factors, lipids, glucose tolerance, and binding proteins.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Stop Minastrin 24 Fe if an arterial or deep venous thrombotic event (VTE) occurs. Stop Minastrin 24 Fe if there is unexplained loss of vision, proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions. Evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately.
If feasible, stop Minastrin 24 Fe at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery or other surgeries known to have an elevated risk of VTE.
Start Minastrin 24 Fe no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breastfeeding. The risk of postpartum VTE decreases after the third postpartum week, whereas the risk of ovulation increases after the third postpartum week.
The use of COCs increases the risk of VTE. However, pregnancy increases the risk of VTE as much or more than the use of COCs. The risk of VTE in women using COCs is 3 to 9 per 10,000 woman-years. The risk of VTE is highest during the first year of use of a COC. The risk of thromboembolic disease due to oral contraceptives gradually disappears after COC use is discontinued.
Use of COCs also increases the risk of arterial thromboses such as strokes and myocardial infarctions, especially in women with other risk factors for these events. COCs have been shown to increase both the relative and attributable risks of cerebrovascular events (thrombotic and hemorrhagic strokes), although, in general, the risk is greatest in older ( > 35 years of age), hypertensive women who also smoke. COCs also increase the risk for stroke in women with underlying risk factors.
Use COCs with caution in women with cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Do not use Minastrin 24 Fe in women with acute viral hepatitis or severe (decompensated) cirrhosis of liver [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may necessitate the discontinuation of COC use until markers of liver function return to normal and COC causation has been excluded. Discontinue Minastrin 24 Fe if jaundice develops.
Minastrin 24 Fe is contraindicated in women with benign and malignant liver tumors [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Hepatic adenomas are associated with COC use. An estimate of the attributable risk is 3.3 cases per 100,000 COC users. Rupture of hepatic adenomas may cause death through intra-abdominal hemorrhage.
Studies have shown an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in long-term ( > 8 years) COC users. However, the attributable risk of liver cancers in COC users is less than one case per million users.
Minastrin 24 Fe is contraindicated in women with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. For women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure and stop Minastrin 24 Fe 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 with extended duration of use. The incidence of hypertension increases with increasing concentrations of progestin.
Studies suggest a small increased relative risk of developing gallbladderdisease among COC users. Use of COCs may also worsen existing gallbladder disease.
A past history of COC-related cholestasis predicts an increased risk with subsequent COC use. Women with a history of pregnancy-related cholestasis may be at an increased risk for COC-related cholestasis.
Carefully monitor prediabetic and diabetic women who are taking Minastrin 24 Fe. COCs may decrease glucose tolerance in a dose-related fashion.
Consider alternative contraception for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemias. A small proportion of women will have adverse lipid changes while on COCs.
Women with hypertriglyceridemia, or a family history thereof, may be at an increased risk of pancreatitis when using COCs.
If a woman taking Minastrin 24 Fe develops new headaches that are recurrent, persistent, or severe, evaluate the cause and discontinue Minastrin 24 Fe if indicated.
Consider discontinuation of Minastrin 24 Fe in the case of increased frequency or severity of migraine during COC use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event) [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Unscheduled (breakthrough or intracyclic) bleeding and spotting sometimes occur in patients on COCs, especially during the first three months of use. If bleeding persists or occurs after previously regular cycles, check for causes such as pregnancy or malignancy. If pathology and pregnancy are excluded, bleeding irregularities may resolve over time or with a change to a different COC.
Based on patient diaries from a clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of a 24-day regimen of norethindrone acetate 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.020 mg tablets, 24-35% of women experienced unscheduled bleeding per cycle. A total of 10 subjects out of 743 (1.3%) discontinued due to bleeding or spotting.
Women who are not pregnant and use Minastrin 24 Fe may experience amenorrhea. In the clinical trial with a 24-day regimen of norethindrone acetate 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.020 mg tablets, 22 to 36% of the women using norethindrone acetate 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.020 mg tablets experienced amenorrhea in at least one of 6 cycles of use. Some women may experience post-pill amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, especially when such a condition was preexistent.
If scheduled (withdrawal) bleeding does not occur, consider the possibility of pregnancy. If the patient has not adhered to the prescribed dosing schedule (missed one or more active capsules or started taking them on a day later than she should have), consider the possibility of pregnancy at the time of the first missed period and take appropriate diagnostic measures. If the patient has adhered to the prescribed regimen and misses two consecutive periods, rule out pregnancy.
Extensive epidemiologic studies have revealed no increased risk of birth defects in women who have used oral contraceptives prior to pregnancy. Studies also do not suggest a teratogenic effect, particularly in so far as cardiac anomalies and limb reduction defects are concerned, when oral contraceptives are taken inadvertently during early pregnancy. Discontinue Minastrin 24 Fe if pregnancy is confirmed.
Administration of oral contraceptives to induce withdrawal bleeding should not be used as a test for pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations].
Carefully observe women with a history of depression and discontinue Minastrin 24 Fe if depression recurs to a serious degree.
Minastrin 24 Fe is contraindicated in women who currently have or have had breast cancer because breast cancer may be hormonally-sensitive. [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
There is substantial evidence that COCs do not increase the incidence of breast cancer. Although some past studies have suggested that COCs might increase the incidence of breast cancer, more recent studies have not confirmed such findings.
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 may be due to differences in sexual behavior and other factors.
The estrogen component of COCs 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.
A woman who is taking COCs should have a yearly visit with her healthcare provider for a blood pressure check and for other indicated healthcare.
In women with hereditary angioedema, exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema.
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 while taking Minastrin 24 Fe.
See FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION). Counsel patients on the following information:
[See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use in Specific Populations.]
There is little or no increased risk of birth defects in women who inadvertently use COCs during early 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 low dose COCs prior to conception or during early pregnancy.
The administration of COCs to induce withdrawal bleeding should not be used as a test for pregnancy. COCs should not be used during pregnancy to treat threatened or habitual abortion.
When possible, advise the nursing mother to use other forms of contraception until she has weaned her child. COCs can reduce milk production in breastfeeding mothers. This is less likely to occur once breastfeeding is well-established; however, it can occur at any time in some women. Small amounts of oral contraceptive steroids and/or metabolites are present in breast milk.
Safety and efficacy of Minastrin 24 Fe have been established in women of reproductive age. Efficacy is expected to be the same in postpubertal adolescents under the age of 18 years as for users 18 years and older. Use of this product before menarche is not indicated.
Minastrin 24 Fe has not been studied in postmenopausal women and is not indicated in this population.
The pharmacokinetics of Minastrin 24 Fe has not been studied in subjects with renal impairment.
The pharmacokinetics of Minastrin 24 Fe has not been studied in subjects with hepatic impairment. However, steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with hepatic impairment. Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may necessitate the discontinuation of COC use until markers of liver function return to normal and COC causation has been excluded [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
The safety and efficacy of Minastrin 24 Fe in women with a body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m² has not been evaluated [see Clinical Studies].
There have been no reports of serious ill effects from overdose of oral contraceptives, including ingestion by children. Overdosage may cause withdrawal bleeding in females and nausea.
Do not prescribe Minastrin 24 Fe to women who are known to have the following conditions:
COCs lower the risk of becoming pregnant primarily by suppressing ovulation. Other possible mechanisms may include cervical mucus changes that inhibit sperm penetration and endometrial changes that reduce the likelihood of implantation.
No specific pharmacodynamic studies were conducted with Minastrin 24 Fe.
In a single-dose, two-way, crossover clinical study conducted in 38 healthy, non-smoking premenopausal women under fasting condition, Minastrin 24 Fe was bioequivalent to norethindrone acetate 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.020 mg tablets (24-day regimen tablets) based on the exposure (AUC) and peak concentration (Cmax) of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol.
Norethindrone acetate appears to be completely and rapidly deacetylated to norethindrone after oral administration, because the disposition of norethindrone acetate is indistinguishable from that of orally administered norethindrone. Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol are rapidly absorbed from norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablets, with maximum plasma concentrations of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol occurring 1 to 4 hours post-dose. Both are subject to first-pass metabolism after oral dosing, resulting in an absolute bioavailability of approximately 64% for norethindrone and 43% for ethinyl estradiol.
The plasma norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol pharmacokinetics following single- and multiple-dose administrations of norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablets in 17 healthy female volunteers are provided in Figures 1 and 2, and Table 1.
Following multiple-dose administration of norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablets, mean maximum concentrations of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol were increased by 95% and 27%, respectively, as compared to single-dose administration. Mean norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol exposures (AUC values) were increased by 164% and 51% respectively, as compared to single-dose administration of norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablets.
Steady-state with respect to norethindrone was reached by Day 17 and steady-state with respect to ethinyl estradiol was reached by Day 13.
Mean SHBG concentrations were increased by 150% from baseline (57.5 nmol/L) to 144 nmol/L at steady-state.
Figure 1: Mean Plasma Norethindrone Concentration-Time
Profiles Following Single- and Multiple-Dose Oral Administration of Norethindrone
Acetate/Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets to Healthy Female Volunteers under Fasting
Condition (n = 17)
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Figure 2: Mean Plasma
Ethinyl Estradiol Concentration-Time Profiles Following Single- and
Multiple-Dose Oral Administration of Norethindrone Acetate/Ethinyl Estradiol
Tablets to Healthy Female Volunteers Under Fasting Condition (n = 17)
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Table 1: Summary of
Norethindrone (NE) and Ethinyl Estradiol (EE) Pharmacokinetics Following
Single- and Multiple-Dose Oral Administration of Norethindrone Acetate/Ethinyl
Estradiol Tablets to Healthy Female Volunteers Under Fasting Condition (n = 17)
| Regimen | Analyte | Arithmetic Meana (% CV) by Pharmacokinetic Parameter | |||||
| Cmax (pg/mL) | tmax (hr) | AUC(0-24) (pg/mL•h) | Cmin (pg/mL) | t½ (hr) | Cavg (pg/mL) | ||
| Day 1 (Single Dose) | NE | 8420 (31) | 1.0 (0.7-4.0) | 33390 (40) | -- | -- | -- |
| EE | 64.5 (27) | 1.3 (0.7-4.0) | 465.4 (26) | -- | -- | -- | |
| SHBG | -- | -- | -- | 57.5 (37)b | -- | -- | |
| Day 24 (Multiple Dose) | NE | 16400 (26) | 1.3 (0.7-4.0) | 88160 (30) | 880 (51) | 8.4 | 3670 (30) |
| EE | 81.9 (24) | 1.7 (1.0-2.0) | 701.3 (28) | 11.4 (43) | 14.5 | 29.2 (28) | |
| SHBG | -- | -- | -- | 144 (24) | -- | -- | |
| Cmax = Maximum plasma
concentration tmax = Time of Cmax Cmin = minimum plasma concentration at steady-state AUC(0-24) = Area under plasma concentration versus time curve from 0 to 24 hours t½ = Apparent first-order terminal elimination half-life Cavg = Average plasma concentration = AUC(0–24)/24 % CV = Coefficient of Variation (%) SHBG = Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (nmol/L) aThe harmonic mean (0.693/mean apparent elimination rate constant) is reported for t½, and the median (range) is reported for tmax. bThe SHBG concentration reported here is the pre-dose concentration. |
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Minastrin 24 Fe may be administered without regard to meals.
A single-dose administration of Minastrin 24 Fe with food decreased the maximum concentration of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol by 35% and 34%, respectively, but did not affect the extent of absorption.
Volume of distribution of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol ranges from 2 to 4 L/kg. Plasma protein binding of both steroids is extensive ( > 95%); norethindrone binds to both albumin and SHBG, whereas ethinyl estradiol binds only to albumin. Although ethinyl estradiol does not bind to SHBG, it induces SHBG synthesis.
Norethindrone undergoes extensive biotransformation, primarily via reduction, followed by sulfate and glucuronide conjugation. The majority of metabolites in the circulation are sulfates, with glucuronides accounting for most of the urinary metabolites.
Ethinyl estradiol is also extensively metabolized, both by oxidation and by conjugation with sulfate and glucuronide. Sulfates are the major circulating conjugates of ethinyl estradiol and glucuronides predominate in urine. The primary oxidative metabolite is 2-hydroxy ethinyl estradiol, formed by the CYP3A4 isoform of cytochrome P450. Part of the first-pass metabolism of ethinyl estradiol is believed to occur in gastrointestinal mucosa. Ethinyl estradiol may undergo enterohepatic circulation.
Norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol are excreted in both urine and feces, primarily as metabolites. Plasma clearance values for norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol are similar (approximately 0.4 L/hr/kg). Steady-state elimination half-lives of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol following administration of norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablets are approximately 8 hours and 14 hours, respectively.
The data presented in Section 14 are from a clinical trial conducted with a 24-day regimen of norethindrone acetate 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.020 mg tablets. Minastrin 24 Fe is bioequivalent to these norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablets.
In a clinical study, 743 women 18 to 45 years of age were studied to assess the efficacy of norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablets, for up to six 28-day cycles providing a total of 3,823 treatment-cycles of exposure. The racial demographic of all enrolled women was: 70% Caucasian, 16% African-American, 10% Hispanic, 2% Asian and 2% Other. Women with body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 mg/m² were excluded from the study. The weight range for those women treated was 90 to 260 pounds, with a mean weight of 147 pounds. Among the women in the study, about 40% had not used hormonal contraception immediately prior to enrolling in this study.
A total of 583 women completed 6 cycles of treatment. There were a total of 5 on-treatment pregnancies in 3,565 treatment cycles during which no backup contraception was used. The Pearl Index for norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol tablets was 1.82 (95% confidence interval 0.59 - 4.25).
Guide for Using Minastrin 24 Fe (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol)
WARNING TO WOMEN WHO SMOKE
Do not use Minastrin 24 Fe if you smoke cigarettes and are over 35 years old. Smoking increases your risk of serious cardiovascular side effects (heart and blood vessel problems) from birth control pills, including death from heart attack, blood clots or stroke. This risk increases with age and the number of cigarettes you smoke.
Birth control pills help to lower the chances of becoming pregnant when taken as directed. They do not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections.
What is Minastrin 24 Fe?
Minastrin 24 Fe is a birth control pill. It contains two female hormones, an estrogen called ethinyl estradiol, and a progestin called norethindrone acetate.
How well does Minastrin 24 Fe work?
Your chance of getting pregnant depends on how well you follow the directions for taking your birth control pills. The better you follow the directions, the less chance you have of getting pregnant.
Based on the results of one clinical study of a 24-day regimen of norethindrone acetate 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.020 mg tablets lasting six months, about 1 to 4 out of 100 women may get pregnant during the first year they use Minastrin 24 Fe.
Women with a BMI above 35 kg/m² were not studied in the clinical trial, so it is not known how well Minastrin 24 Fe protects against pregnancy in such women. If you are overweight, discuss with your healthcare provider whether Minastrin 24 Fe is the best choice for you.
The following chart shows the chance of getting pregnant for women who use different methods of birth control. Each box on the chart contains a list of birth control methods that are similar in effectiveness. The most effective methods are at the top of the chart. The box on the bottom of the chart shows the chance of getting pregnant for women who do not use birth control and are trying to get pregnant.
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How do I take Minastrin 24 Fe?
Before You Start Taking Your Minastrin 24 Fe
The Minastrin 24 Fe-pill pack has 24 “active” yellow capsules (with hormones) to be taken for 24 days, followed by 4 “reminder” maroon capsules (without hormones) to be taken for the next four days.
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3. Also look for:
a) Where on the pack to start taking capsules,
b) In what order to take the capsules (follow the arrows shown in the picture above)
c) The week numbers as shown in the picture above.
4. Be sure you have ready at all times
a) another kind of birth control (such as a condoms and spermicide) to use as a back-up in case you miss capsules, and
b) an extra, full pill pack.
When to Start the First Pack of Capsules
You have a choice for which day to start taking your first pack of capsules. Decide with your healthcare provider which is the best day for you. Pick a time of day which will be easy to remember.
Day 1 Start:
Sunday Start:
When You Switch From a Different Birth Control Tablet
When switching from another birth control pill, finish all the tablets, then Minastrin 24 Fe should be started on the same day that a new pack of the previous birth control tablet would have been started.
When You Switch From Another Type of Birth Control Method
When switching from a transdermal patch or vaginal ring, finish the 21 days of use, wait 7 days, then Minastrin 24 Fe should be started when the next application would have been due.
When switching from an injection, Minastrin 24 Fe should be started when the next injection would have been due. When switching from an intrauterine device or an implant, Minastrin 24 Fe should be started on the day of removal.
What to Do During the Month
1. Take one capsule at the same time every day until the
pack is empty.
Do not skip capsules even if you are spotting or bleeding between monthly
periods or feel sick to your stomach (nausea).
2. Do not skip capsules even if you do not have sex very often.
When you finish a pack of capsules, start the next pack on the day after your last maroon capsule. Do not wait any days between packs.
What to Do if You Miss Capsules
Minastrin 24 Fe may not be as effective if you miss any yellow capsules, especially if you miss the first few or the last few yellow capsules in a pack.
If you miss 1 yellow capsule:
If you miss 2 yellow capsules in a row in week 1 OR week 2 of your pack:
If you miss 2 yellow capsules in a row in week 3 or week 4 of your pack:
1. If you are a Day 1 Starter:
Throw out the rest of the Minastrin 24 Fe pack and start a new pack that same day.
If you are a Sunday Starter:
Keep taking one capsule every day until Sunday. On Sunday, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack of capsules that same day.
2. You could become pregnant if you have sex in the 7 days after you restart your capsules. You must use another birth control method (such as a condom and spermicide) as a back-up for those 7 days.
3. You may not have your period this month but this is expected. However, if you miss your period two months in a row, call your healthcare provider because you might be pregnant.
If you miss 3 or more yellow capsules in a row during any week:
1. If you are a Day 1 Starter:
Throw out the rest of the capsule pack and start a new pack that same day.
If you are a Sunday Starter:
Keep taking 1 capsule every day until Sunday. On Sunday, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack of capsules that same day.
2. You could become pregnant if you have sex on the days when you missed capsules or during the first 7 days after you restart your capsules. You must use another birth control method (such as a condom and spermicide) as a back-up the next time you have sex and for the first 7 days after you restart your capsules.
3. You may not have your period this month but this is expected. However, if you miss your period two months in a row, call your healthcare provider because you might be pregnant.
If you miss any of the 4 maroon capsules in Week 4:
Finally, if you are still not sure what to do about the capsules you have missed:
Who should not take Minastrin 24 Fe?
Also, do not take birth control pills if you:
Birth control pills may not be a good choice for you if you have ever had jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) caused by pregnancy, also called cholestasis of pregnancy.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any of the above conditions (your healthcare provider may recommend another method of birth control).
What else should I know about taking Minastrin 24 Fe?
Birth control pills do not protect you against any sexually transmitted infection, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Do not skip any pills, even if you do not have sex often.
If you miss a period, you could be pregnant. However, some women miss periods or have light periods on birth control pills, even when they are not pregnant. Contact your healthcare provider for advice if you:
Birth control pills should not be taken during pregnancy. However, birth control pills taken by accident during pregnancy are not known to cause birth defects.
You should stop Minastrin 24 Fe at least four weeks before you have surgery and not restart it until at least two weeks after the surgery, due to an increased risk of blood clots.
If you are breastfeeding, consider another birth control method until you are ready to stop breastfeeding. Birth control pills that contain estrogen, like Minastrin 24 Fe, may decrease the amount of milk you make. A small amount of the pill's hormones pass into breast milk.
Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and herbal products that you take. Some medicines and herbal products may make birth control pills less effective, including:
Use a back-up or alternative birth control method when you take medicines that may make birth control pills less effective.
Birth control pills may interact with lamotrigine, an anticonvulsant used for epilepsy. This may increase the risk of seizures, so your healthcare provider may need to adjust the dose of lamotrigine.
If you have vomiting or diarrhea, your birth control pills may not work as well. Use another birth control method, like a condom and spermicide, until you check with your healthcare provider.
Women on thyroid hormone replacement therapy may need increased doses of thyroid hormone.
If you are scheduled for any laboratory tests, tell your healthcare provider that you are taking birth control pills. Certain blood tests may be affected by birth control pills.
What are the most serious risks of taking Minastrin 24 Fe?
Like pregnancy, birth control pills increase the risk of serious blood clots, especially in women who have other risk factors, such as smoking, obesity, or age greater than 35. This increased risk is highest when you first start taking birth control pills and when you restart the same or different birth control pills after not using them for a month or more.
It is possible to die from a problem caused by a blood clot, such as a heart attack or a stroke.
Some examples of serious blood clots are blood clots in the:
Women who take birth control pills may get:
All of these events are uncommon in healthy women.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have:
What are the common side effects of birth control pills?
The most common side effects of birth control pills are:
These side effects are usually mild and usually disappear with time.
Less common side effects are:
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you develop any side effects that concern you. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
No serious problems have been reported from a birth control pill overdose, even when accidentally taken by children.
Do birth control pills cause cancer?
Birth control pills do not seem to cause breast cancer. However, if you have breast cancer now, or have had it in the past, do not use birth control pills because some breast cancers are sensitive to hormones.
Women who use birth control pills may have a slightly higher chance of getting cervical cancer. However, this may be due to other reasons such as having more sexual partners.
What should I know about my period when taking Minastrin 24 Fe?
Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting may occur while you are taking Minastrin 24 Fe. Irregular bleeding may vary from slight staining between menstrual periods to breakthrough bleeding, which is a flow much like a regular period. Irregular bleeding occurs most often during the first few months of oral contraceptive use, but may also occur after you have been taking the pill for some time. Such bleeding may be temporary and usually does not indicate any serious problems. It is important to continue taking your pills on schedule. If the bleeding occurs in more than one cycle, is unusually heavy, or lasts for more than a few days, call your healthcare provider.
Some women may not have a menstrual period but this should not be cause for alarm as long has you have taken the pills according to direction.
What if I miss my scheduled period when taking Minastrin 24 Fe?
It is not uncommon to miss your period. However, if you go two or more months in a row without a period, or you miss your period after a month where you did not take all your pills correctly, call your healthcare provider because you may be pregnant. Also notify your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of pregnancy such as morning sickness or unusual breast tenderness. Stop taking Minastrin 24 Fe if you are pregnant.
What if I want to become pregnant?
You may stop taking the capsule whenever you wish. Consider a visit with your healthcare provider for a pre-pregnancy checkup before you stop taking the capsule.
General Advice about Minastrin 24 Fe
Your healthcare provider prescribed Minastrin 24 Fe for you. Please do not share Minastrin 24 Fe with anyone else. Keep Minastrin 24 Fe out of the reach of children.
If you have concerns or questions, ask your healthcare provider. You may also ask your pharmacist for a more detailed label written for healthcare professionals.
