Ethinyl Estradiol

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Oral contraceptives are indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use this product as a method of contraception. Oral contraceptives are highly effective. Table 1 lists the typical accidental pregnancy rates for users of combination oral contraceptives and other methods of contraception. The efficacy of these contraceptive methods, except sterilization, depends upon the reliability with which they are used. Correct and consistent use of methods can result in lower failure rates. TABLE 1 LOWEST EXPECTED AND TYPICAL FAILURE RATES DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF CONTINUOUS USE OF A METHOD % of Women Experiencing an Accidental Pregnancy in the First Year of Continuous Use Method Lowest Expected * Typical ** (No contraception) (85) (85) Oral contraceptives combined progestin only 0.1 0.5 3*** 3*** Diaphragm with spermicidal cream or jelly 6 18 Spermicides alone (foam, creams, jellies and vaginal suppositories) 3 21 Vaginal sponge nulliparous multiparous 6 9 18 28 IUD 0.8-2.0 3# Condom without spermicides 2 12 Periodic abstinence (all methods) 1-9 20 Injectable progestogen 0.3-0.4 0.3-0.4 Implants 6 capsules 2 rods 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.03 Female sterilization 0.2 0.4 Male sterilization 0.1 0.15 Reproduced with permission of the Population Council from J. Trussell, et. al: Contraceptive failure in the United States: An update. Studies in Family Planning, 21(1), January-February 1990. *The authors’ best guess of the percentage of women expected to experience an accidental pregnancy among couples who initiate a method (not necessarily for the first time) and who use it consistently and correctly during the first year if they do not stop for any reason other than pregnancy. **This term represents “typical” couples who initiate use of a method (not necessarily for the first time), who experience an accidental pregnancy during the first year if they do not stop use for any reason other than pregnancy. ***Combined typical rate for both combined and progestin only. #Combined typical rate for both medicated and nonmedicated IUD.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Place one FEMLYV orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) on the tongue, allow to disintegrate and then follow with 8 oz. (240 mL) of water. • The tablets can also be swallowed whole with 8 oz. (240 mL) of water. • Take at the same time daily without regards to meals ( 2.1 , 12.3 ) • Take ODTs in the order directed on the blister pack ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Dosing FEMLYV To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, take one ODT every day at about the same time each day. Place one ODT on the tongue, allow to disintegrate and then follow with 8 oz. (240 mL) of water. The tablets can also be swallowed whole with 8 oz. (240 mL) of water. The recommended dosage of FEMLYV is one ODT daily for 28 consecutive days: one green active ODT daily during the first 24 days followed by one white inert ODT daily during the 4 following days (see Table 1 ). FEMLYV must be taken in the order directed on the blister pack. ODTs should not be skipped or taken at intervals exceeding 24 hours. FEMLYV may be administered without regard to meals [see 12.3 ] . Instruct the patient to begin taking FEMLYV 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). 2.2 Recommended Dosage and Administration Table 1 FEMLYV Administration Instructions Starting FEMLYV in females with no current use of hormonal contraception Important: • In females with irregular menstrual cycles, pregnancy testing may be necessary prior to initiation of this product Day 1 Start: • Take first green FEMLYV without regard to meals on the first day of menstruation • Take one green FEMLYV daily for 24 consecutive days, followed by one white FEMLYV daily on days 25 through to 28 • FEMLYV should be taken in the order directed on the package at the same time each day • Non-hormonal contraception (e.g. condoms and/or spermicide) should be used during the first 7 days if FEMLYV is started on a day other than the first day of menstruation Sunday Start: • Take one green FEMLYV daily, beginning on the first Sunday after the onset of menstruation • Take one green FEMLYV daily for 24 consecutive days, followed by one white FEMLYV daily on days 25 through to 28 • FEMLYV should be taken in the order directed on the package at the same time each day • Non-hormonal contraception should be used during the first 7 days if FEMLYV is started on a day other than the first day of menstruation • Begin next and all subsequent 28-day regimens of FEMLYV on the same day of the week as the first cycle pack (i.e., on the day after taking the last tablet) Switching to Femlyv from another contraceptive method: Start FEMLYV on the day: • Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC) Start FEMLYV on the day when the new pack of the previous COC would have been started • Transdermal System Start FEMLYV on the day when the next application would have been scheduled • Vaginal insert Start FEMLYV on the day when next insertion would have been scheduled • Injection Start FEMLYV on the day when next injection would have been scheduled • Intrauterine System (IUS) Start FEMLYV on the day of removal • Implant Start FEMLYV on the day of removal • Progestin-only pill Start FEMLYV after the last tablet was taken Starting FEMLYV after delivery (>20 weeks gestation) Must not start earlier than 4 weeks after delivery (due to the increased risk of thromboembolism [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1 )] If menstrual cycles have returned, follow instructions for “Starting FEMLYV in females with no current use of hormonal contraception”. If menstrual cycles have not resumed, consider the possibility of ovulation and pregnancy. If not pregnant, use additional nonhormonal contraception for the first 7 days of FEMLYV use. Starting FEMLYV after Abortion or Miscarriage • ≤ 14 weeks gestation Within the first 7 days of complete first trimester abortion or miscarriage, use additional nonhormonal contraception for the next 7 days. After the first 7 days, follow instructions for “Starting FEMLYV in females with no current use of hormonal contraception”. • > 14 weeks but ≤ 20 weeks gestation After 4 weeks following second trimester abortion or miscarriage. Consider duration of pregnancy and increased risk of thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] If menstrual cycles have returned, follow instructions for “Starting FEMLYV in females with no current use of hormonal contraception”. If menstrual cycles have not resumed, consider the possibility of ovulation and pregnancy. If not pregnant, use additional nonhormonal contraception for the first 7 days of FEMLYV use. 2.3 Missed Doses Table 2. Instructions for Missed FEMLYV ODTs If one green active ODT is missed Take the missed ODT as soon as possible. Take the next ODT at the regular time. Continue taking one ODT a day until the pack is finished. Additional nonhormonal contraception (such as condoms) is not needed. If two green active ODTs in a row are missed in Week 1 or Week 2 of the blister pack Take the two missed ODTs as soon as possible, and the next two ODTs the next day. Continue taking one ODT a day until the pack is finished. Use additional nonhormonal contraception (such as condoms) until green ODTs have been taken for 7 consecutive days. If two green active ODTs are missed in Week 3 or Week 4 of the blister pack Day 1 Starter: Discard the rest of the blister pack and start a new pack of ODTs that same day. Sunday Starter: Keep taking one ODT every day until Sunday. On Sunday, discard the rest of the blister pack and start a new pack of ODTs that same day. Use additional nonhormonal contraception (such as condoms) until green ODTs have been taken for 7 consecutive days. If three or more green active ODTs in a row are missed Day 1 Starter: Discard the rest of the blister pack and start a new pack that same day. Sunday Starter: Keep taking one ODT every day until Sunday. On Sunday, discard the rest of the blister pack and start a new blister pack of ODTs that same day. Bleeding may occur during the week following the missed ODTs. Use additional nonhormonal contraception (such as condoms) until green ODTs have been taken for 7 consecutive days. If any of the four white inert ODTs are missed Discard the missed ODTs. Continue taking the remaining ODTs until the blister pack is finished. Additional nonhormonal contraception (such as condoms) is not needed. 2.4 Advice in Case of Gastrointestinal Disturbances If vomiting or acute diarrhea occurs within 3 to 4 hours after taking an active ODT, take the new active ODT (scheduled for the next day) as soon as possible. If two or more active ODTs are missed, follow the advice concerning missed ODTs, including using backup non-hormonal contraception. For additional recommendations, refer to the table above [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] .

WARNINGS The use of oral contraceptives is associated with increased risks of several serious conditions including myocardial infarction, thromboembolism, stroke, hepatic neoplasia, and gallbladder disease, although the risk of serious morbidity or mortality is very small in healthy women without underlying risk factors. The risk of morbidity and mortality increases significantly in the presence of other underlying risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemias, obesity, and diabetes. Practitioners prescribing oral contraceptives should be familiar with the following information relating to these risks. The information contained in this package insert is principally based on studies carried out in patients who used oral contraceptives with higher formulations of estrogens and progestogens than those in common use today. The effect of long-term use of the oral contraceptives with lower formulations of both estrogens and progestogens remains to be determined. Throughout this labeling, epidemiological studies reported are of two types: retrospective or case control studies and prospective or cohort studies. Case control studies provide a measure of the relative risk of a disease, namely, a ratio of the incidence of a disease among oral contraceptive users to that among nonusers. The relative risk does not provide information on the actual clinical occurrence of a disease. Cohort studies provide a measure of attributable risk, which is the difference in the incidence of disease between oral contraceptive users and nonusers. The attributable risk does provide information about the actual occurrence of a disease in the population (adapted from References 8 and 9 with the author's permission). For further information, the reader is referred to a text on epidemiological methods. 1. Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Problems a. Myocardial Infarction An increased risk of myocardial infarction has been attributed to oral contraceptive use. This risk is primarily in smokers or women with other underlying risk factors for coronary artery disease such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, morbid obesity, and diabetes. The relative risk of heart attack for current oral contraceptive users has been estimated to be two to six (10 to 16) . The risk is very low under the age of 30. Smoking in combination with oral contraceptive use has been shown to contribute substantially to the incidence of myocardial infarctions in women in their mid-thirties or older with smoking accounting for the majority of excess cases (17) . Mortality rates associated with circulatory disease have been shown to increase substantially in smokers over the age of 35 and non-smokers over the age of 40 (Table II) among women who use oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives may compound the effects of well-known risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemias, age and obesity (19) . In particular, some progestogens are known to decrease HDL cholesterol and cause glucose intolerance, while estrogens may create a state of hyperinsulinism (20 to 24) . Oral contraceptives have been shown to increase blood pressure among users (see section 10 in WARNINGS ). Similar effects on risk factors have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Oral contraceptives must be used with caution in women with cardiovascular disease risk factors. b. Thromboembolism An increased risk of thromboembolic and thrombotic disease associated with the use of oral contraceptives is well established. Case control studies have found the relative risk of users compared to non-users to be 3 for the first episode of superficial venous thrombosis, 4 to 11 for deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and 1.5 to 6 for women with predisposing conditions for venous thromboembolic disease (9,10,25 to 30) . Cohort studies have shown the relative risk to be somewhat lower, about 3 for new cases and about 4.5 for new cases requiring hospitalization (31) . The risk of thromboembolic disease due to oral contraceptives is not related to length of use and disappears after pill use is stopped (8) . A two- to four-fold increase in relative risk of postoperative thromboembolic complications has been reported with the use of oral contraceptives (15,32) . The relative risk of venous thrombosis in women who have predisposing conditions is twice that of women without such medical conditions (15,32) . If feasible, oral contraceptives should be discontinued at least four weeks prior to and for two weeks after elective surgery of a type associated with an increase in risk of thromboembolism and during and following prolonged immobilization. Since the immediate postpartum period is also associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, oral contraceptives should be started no earlier than four to six weeks after delivery in women who elect not to breastfeed. c. Cerebrovascular Diseases Oral contraceptives 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 among older (> 35 years), hypertensive women who also smoke. Hypertension was found to be a risk factor for both users and nonusers, for both types of strokes, while smoking interacted to increase the risk for hemorrhagic strokes (33 to 35) . In a large study, the relative risk of thrombotic strokes has been shown to range from 3 for normotensive users to 14 for users with severe hypertension (36) . The relative risk of hemorrhagic stroke is reported to be 1.2 for non-smokers who used oral contraceptives, 2.6 for smokers who did not use oral contraceptives, 7.6 for smokers who used oral contraceptives, 1.8 for normotensive users, and 25.7 for users with severe hypertension (36) . The attributable risk is also greater in older women (9) . d. Dose-Related Risk of Vascular Disease from Oral Contraceptives A positive association has been observed between the amount of estrogen and progestogen in oral contraceptives and the risk of vascular disease (37 to 39) . A decline in serum high-density lipoproteins (HDL) has been reported with many progestational agents (20 to 22) . A decline in serum high-density lipoproteins has been associated with an increased incidence of ischemic heart disease. Because estrogens increase HDL cholesterol, the net effect of an oral contraceptive depends on a balance achieved between doses of estrogen and progestin and the nature of the progestin used in the contraceptives. The amount and activity of both hormones should be considered in the choice of an oral contraceptive. Minimizing exposure to estrogen and progestogen is in keeping with good principles of therapeutics. For any particular oral contraceptive, the dosage regimen prescribed should be one which contains the least amount of estrogen and progestogen that is compatible with the needs of the individual patient. New acceptors of oral contraceptive agents should be started on preparations containing the lowest dose of estrogen which produces satisfactory results for the patient. e. Persistence of Risk of Vascular Disease There are two studies which have shown persistence of risk of vascular disease for ever-users of oral contraceptives. In a study in the United States, the risk of developing myocardial infarction after discontinuing oral contraceptives persists for at least 9 years for women 40 to 49 years who had used oral contraceptives for 5 or more years, but this increased risk was not demonstrated in other age groups (14) . In another study in Great Britain, the risk of developing cerebrovascular disease persisted for at least 6 years after discontinuation of oral contraceptives, although excess risk was very small (40) . However, both studies were performed with oral contraceptive formulations containing 50 mcg or higher of estrogens. 2. Estimates of Mortality from Contraceptive Use One study gathered data from a variety of sources which have es

CONTRAINDICATIONS Introvale is contraindicated in females who are known to have or develop the following conditions: A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases. Examples include females who are known to: Smoke, if over age 35 [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Have current or history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Have cerebrovascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Have coronary artery disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Have thrombogenic valvular or thrombogenic rhythm diseases of the heart (for example, subacute bacterial endocarditis with valvular disease, or atrial fibrillation) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Have inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Have uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Have diabetes mellitus and are over age of 35, diabetes mellitus with hypertension or vascular disease or other end-organ damage, or diabetes mellitus of > 20 years duration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . Have headaches with focal neurological symptoms, migraine headaches with aura, or over age 35 with any migraine headaches [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] . Current diagnosis of, or history of breast cancer, which may be hormone sensitive [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ]. Liver tumors, acute viral hepatitis, or severe (decompensated) cirrhosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] . Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] . Use of Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to the potential for ALT elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases ( 4 ) Liver tumors or liver disease, acute viral hepatitis or decompensated cirrhosis ( 4 ) Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding ( 4 ) Breast cancer ( 4 ) Co-administration with Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir. ( 4 )

DRUG INTERACTIONS The sections below provide information on substances for which data on drug interactions with COCs are available. There is little information available about the clinical effect of most drug interactions that may affect COCs. However, based on the known pharmacokinetic effects of these drugs, clinical strategies to minimize any potential adverse effect on contraceptive effectiveness or safety are suggested. Consult the approved product labeling of all concurrently used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with COCs or the potential for metabolic enzyme or transporter system alterations. No drug-drug interaction studies were conducted with levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets. Enzyme inducers (e.g., CYP3A4): May decrease the effectiveness of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets or increase breakthrough bleeding. Counsel patients to use a back-up or alternative method of contraception when enzyme inducers are used with levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on Combined Oral Contraceptives Substances decreasing the plasma concentrations of COCs and potentially diminishing the efficacy of COCs: Table 5 includes substances that demonstrated an important drug interaction with levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets. Table 5: Significant Drug Interactions Involving Substances That Affect COCs Metabolic Enzyme Inducers Clinical effect Concomitant use of COCs with metabolic enzyme inducers may decrease the plasma concentrations of the estrogen and/or progestin component of COCs. Decreased exposure of the estrogen and/or progestin component of COCs may potentially diminish the effectiveness of COCs and may lead to contraceptive failure or an increase in breakthrough bleeding. Prevention or management Counsel females to use an alternative method of contraception or a backup method when enzyme inducers are used with COCs. Continue backup contraception for 28 days after discontinuing the enzyme inducer to maintain contraceptive reliability. Examples Aprepitant, barbiturates, bosentan, carbamazepine, efavirenz, felbamate, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, rifabutin, rufinamide, topiramate, products containing St. John’s wort a , and certain protease inhibitors (see separate section on protease inhibitors below). Colesevelam Clinical effect Concomitant use of COCs with colesevelam significantly decreases systemic exposure of ethinyl estradiol [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Decreased exposure of the estrogen component of COCs may potentially reduce contraceptive efficacy or result in an increase in breakthrough bleeding, depending on the strength of ethinyl estradiol in the COC. Prevention or management Administer 4 or more hours apart to attenuate this drug interaction. a Induction potency of St. John’s wort may vary widely based on preparation. Substances increasing the systemic exposure of COCs: Co-administration of atorvastatin or rosuvastatin and certain COCs containing ethinyl estradiol (EE) increase AUC values for EE by approximately 20-25%. Ascorbic acid and acetaminophen may increase systemic exposure of EE possibly by inhibition of conjugation. CYP3A4 inhibitors such as itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, grapefruit juice, or ketoconazole may increase systemic exposure of estrogen and/or progestin component of COCs. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ Hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors: Significant decreases in systemic exposure of the estrogen and/or progestin have been noted when COCs are co-administered with some HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., nelfinavir, ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, (fos)amprenavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, and tipranavir/ritonavir] or some HCV protease inhibitors (e.g., boceprevir and telaprevir) and some non-nucleosidase reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., nevirapine). In contrast, significant increases in systemic exposure of the estrogen and/or progestin have been noted when COCs are co-administered with certain other HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir and atazanavir/ritonavir) and with other non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., etravirine). 7.2 Effects of Combined Oral Contraceptives on Other Drugs Table 6 provides significant drug interaction information for drugs co-administered with levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets. Table 6: Significant Drug Interaction Information for Drugs Co-Administered With COCs Lamotrigine Clinical effect Concomitant use of COCs with lamotrigine may significantly decrease systemic exposure of lamotrigine due to induction of lamotrigine glucuronidation [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Decreased systemic exposure of lamotrigine may reduce seizure control. Prevention or management Dose adjustment may be necessary. Consult the approved product labeling for lamotrigine. Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy or Corticosteroid Replacement Therapy Clinical effect Concomitant use of COCs with thyroid hormone replacement therapy or corticosteroid replacement therapy may increase systemic exposure of thyroid-binding and cortisol-binding globulin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] . Prevention or management The dose of replacement thyroid hormone or cortisol therapy may need to be increased. Consult the approved product labeling for the therapy in use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] . Other Drugs Clinical effect Concomitant use of COCs may decrease systemic exposure of acetaminophen, morphine, salicylic acid, and temazepam. Concomitant use with ethinyl estradiol-containing COCs may increase systemic exposure of other drugs (e.g., cyclosporine, prednisolone, theophylline, tizanidine, and voriconazole). Prevention or management The dosage of drugs that can be affected by this interaction may need to be increased. Consult the approved product labeling for the concomitantly used drug. 7.3 Concomitant Use with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Combination Therapy – Liver Enzyme Elevation Co-administration of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets with HCV drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir is contraindicated due to potential for ALT elevations [see Warning and Precautions (5.3) ] . Co-administration of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir is not recommended due to potential for ALT elevations. 7.4 Interactions with Laboratory Tests The use of COCs may influence the results of certain laboratory tests, such as coagulation factors, lipids, glucose tolerance, and binding proteins.

ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions with the use of COCs are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: • Serious cardiovascular events and stroke [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Vascular events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • The most common adverse reactions in clinical trials (≥2%) were: headache, vaginal candidiasis, nausea, menstrual cramps, breast tenderness, bacterial vaginitis, abnormal cervical smear, acne, mood swings, and weight gain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Millicent U.S. Inc. at 1-877-810-2101 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trial Experience 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 safety of FEMLYV has been established from adequate and well-controlled studies of norethindrone acetate 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.020 mg tablets in adult females of reproductive potential for the prevention of pregnancy [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . The data described below reflect exposure to norethindrone acetate 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.020 mg tablets. Common Adverse Reactions (Greater Than or Equal to 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%). 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Five studies that compared breast cancer risk between ever-users (current or past use) of COCs and never-users of COCs reported no association between ever use of COCs and breast cancer risk, with effect estimates ranging from 0.90 - 1.12 ( Figure 2 ). Three studies compared breast cancer risk between current or recent COC users (<6 months since last use) and never users of COCs ( Figure 1 ). One of these studies reported no association between breast cancer risk and COC use. The other two studies found an increased relative risk of 1.19 - 1.33 with current or recent use. Both of these studies found an increased risk of breast cancer with current use of longer duration, with relative risks ranging from 1.03 with less than one year of COC use to approximately 1.4 with more than 8-10 years of COC use. Figure 2. RR = relative risk; OR = odds ratio; HR = hazard ratio. “ever COC” are females with current or past COC use; “never COC use” are females that never used COCs. 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. Figure 2

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Combination oral contraceptives act by suppression of gonadotropins. Although the primary mechanism of this action is inhibition of ovulation, other alterations include changes in the cervical mucus (which increase the difficulty of sperm entry into the uterus) and the endometrium (which reduce the likelihood of implantation). Pharmacokinetics The pharmacokinetics of Microgestin 1.5/30 has not been characterized; however, the following pharmacokinetic information regarding norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol is taken from the literature. Absorption Norethindrone acetate appears to be completely and rapidly deacetylated to norethindrone after oral administration, since the disposition of norethindrone acetate is indistinguishable from that of orally administered norethindrone (1) . Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol are subject to first-pass metabolism after oral dosing, resulting in an absolute bioavailability of approximately 64% for norethindrone and 43% for ethinyl estradiol (1 to 3). Distribution Volume of distribution of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol ranges from 2 to 4 L/kg (1 to 3) . Plasma protein binding of both steroids is extensive (greater than 95%); norethindrone binds to both albumin and sex hormone binding globulin, whereas ethinyl estradiol binds only to albumin (4) . Metabolism 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 (5) . A small amount of norethindrone acetate is metabolically converted to ethinyl estradiol. 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 (6) . Excretion Norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol are excreted in both urine and feces, primarily as metabolites (5,6) . Plasma clearance values for norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol are similar (approximately 0.4 L/hr/kg) (1 to 3) . Special Population Race: The effect of race on the disposition of Microgestin 1.5/30 has not been evaluated. Renal Insufficiency The effect of renal disease on the disposition of Microgestin 1.5/30 has not been evaluated. In premenopausal women with chronic renal failure undergoing peritoneal dialysis who received multiple doses of an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone, plasma ethinyl estradiol concentrations were higher and norethindrone concentrations were unchanged compared to concentrations in premenopausal women with normal renal function. Hepatic Insufficiency The effect of hepatic disease on the disposition of Microgestin 1.5/30 has not been evaluated. However, ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function. Drug-Drug Interactions Numerous drug-drug interactions have been reported for oral contraceptives. A summary of these is found under PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions.