ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION.

ADVERSE REACTIONS. Adverse reactions reported with the use of POPs include:Menstrual irregularity is the most frequently reported side effect.Frequent and irregular bleeding are common, while long duration of bleeding episodes and amenorrhea are less likely.Headache, breast tenderness, nausea, and dizziness are increased among progestin-only oral contraceptive users in some studies.Androgenic side effects such as acne, hirsutism, and weight gain occur rarely.The following adverse reactions were also reported in clinical trials or during post-marketing experience: Gastrointestinal DisordersVomiting, abdominal pain General Disorders and Administration Site ConditionsFatigue, edema Psychiatric DisordersDepression, nervousnessMusculoskeletal and Connective Tissue DisordersPain in extremityReproductive System and Breast DisordersGenital discharge; breast pain, menstruation delayed, suppressed lactation, vaginal hemorrhage, menorrhagia, withdrawal bleed when product is stopped Immune System Disorders Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reaction, hypersensitivity Hepatobiliary Disorders Hepatitis, jaundice cholestatic Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue DisordersAlopecia, rash, rash pruritic. Menstrual irregularity is the most frequently reported side effect.. Frequent and irregular bleeding are common, while long duration of bleeding episodes and amenorrhea are less likely.. Headache, breast tenderness, nausea, and dizziness are increased among progestin-only oral contraceptive users in some studies.. Androgenic side effects such as acne, hirsutism, and weight gain occur rarely.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. 1. Mode of ActionJencycla progestin-only oral contraceptives prevent conception by suppressing ovulation in approximately half of users, thickening the cervical mucus to inhibit sperm penetration, lowering the midcycle LH and FSH peaks, slowing the movement of the ovum through the fallopian tubes, and altering the endometrium.2. PharmacokineticsSerum progestin levels peak about two hours after oral administration, followed by rapid distribution and elimination. By 24 hours after drug ingestion, serum levels are near baseline, making efficacy dependent upon rigid adherence to the dosing schedule. There are large variations in serum levels among individual users. Progestin-only administration results in lower steady-state serum progestin levels and shorter elimination half-life than concomitant administration with estrogens.

INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE. 1. IndicationsProgestin-only oral contraceptives are indicated for the prevention of pregnancy.2. EfficacyIf used perfectly, the first-year failure rate for progestin-only oral contraceptives is 0.5%. However, the typical failure rate is estimated to be closer to 5%, due to late or omitted pills. Table lists the pregnancy rates for users of all major methods of contraception.Table 1: Percentage of Women Experiencing an Unintended Pregnancy During the First Year of Typical Use and the First Year of Perfect Use of Contraception and the Percentage Continuing Use at the End of the First Year. United States.% of Women Experiencing anUnintended Pregnancy within theFirst Year of Use% of WomenContinuing Use atOne Year3 MethodTypical Use 1Perfect Use2 Header(1)(2)(3)(4)Adapted from Hatcher et al, 1998, Ref. 1. Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Treatment initiated within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse reduces the risk of pregnancy by at least 75%.9 Lactational Amenorrhea Method: LAM is highly effective, temporary method of contraception.1 Source: Trussell J, Contraceptive efficacy. In Hatcher RA, Trussell J, Stewart F, Cates W, Stewart GK, Kowal D, Guest F, Contraceptive Technology: Seventeenth Revised Edition. New York NY: Irvington Publishers, 1998. 1Among typical couples who initiate use of method (not necessarily for the first time), the percentage who experience an accidental pregnancy during the first year if they do not stop use for any other reason.2Among couples who initiate use of method (not necessarily for the first time) and who use it perfectly (both consistently and correctly), the percentage who experience an accidental pregnancy during the first year if they do not stop use for any other reason.3Among couples attempting to avoid pregnancy, the percentage who continue to use method for one year.4The percents becoming pregnant in columns (2) and (3) are based on data from populations where contraception is not used and from women who cease using contraception in order to become pregnant. Among such populations, about 89% become pregnant within one year. This estimate was lowered slightly (to 85%) to represent the percent who would become pregnant within one year among women now relying on reversible methods of contraception if they abandoned contraception altogether.5Foams, creams, gels, vaginal suppositories, and vaginal film.6Cervical mucus (ovulation) method supplemented by calendar in the pre-ovulatory and basal body temperature in the post-ovulatory phases.7With spermicidal cream or jelly.8Without spermicides.9The treatment schedule is one dose within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, and second dose 12 hours after the first dose. The Food and Drug Administration has declared the following brands of oral contraceptives to be safe and effective for emergency contraception: Ovral(R) (1 dose is white pills), Alesse(R) (1 dose is pink pills), Nordette(R) or Levlen(R) (1 dose is light-orange pills), Lo/Ovral(R) (1 dose is white pills), Triphasil(R) or Tri-Levlen(R) (1 dose is yellow pills). 10However, to maintain effective protection against pregnancy, another method of contraception must be used as soon as menstruation resumes, the frequency or duration of breastfeeds is reduced, bottle feeds are introduced, or the baby reaches six months of age.Chance4 85 85 Spermicides5 26 40 Periodic abstinence 25 63 Calendar Ovulation Method Sympto-Thermal6 Post-Ovulation Cap7 Parous Women 40 26 42 Nulliparous Women 20 56 Sponge Parous Women 40 20 42 Nulliparous Women 20 56 Diaphragm7 20 56 Withdrawal 19 Condom8 Female (Reality(R)) 21 56 Male 14 61 Pill 71 Progestin Only 0.5 Combined 0.1 IUD Progesterone 2.0 1.5 81 Copper T380A 0.8 0.6 78 LNg 20 0.1 0.1 81 Depo-Provera(R) 0.3 0.3 70 Norplant(R) and 0.05 0.05 88 Norplant-2(R) Female Sterilization 0.5 0.5 100 Male Sterilization 0.15 0.10 100 Jencycla Tablets have not been studied for and are not indicated for use in emergency contraception.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS. 1. See DETAILED PATIENT LABELING for detailed information.2. Counseling issuesThe following points should be discussed with prospective users before prescribing progestin-only oral contraceptives:The necessity of taking pills at the same time every day, including throughout all bleeding episodes.The need to use backup method such as condom and spermicide for the next 48 hours whenever progestin-only oral contraceptive is taken or more hours late.The potential side effects of progestin-only oral contraceptives, particularly menstrual irregularities.The need to inform the healthcare professional of prolonged episodes of bleeding, amenorrhea or severe abdominal pain.The importance of using barrier method in addition to progestin-only oral contraceptives if woman is at risk of contracting or transmitting STDs/HIV.. The necessity of taking pills at the same time every day, including throughout all bleeding episodes.. The need to use backup method such as condom and spermicide for the next 48 hours whenever progestin-only oral contraceptive is taken or more hours late.. The potential side effects of progestin-only oral contraceptives, particularly menstrual irregularities.. The need to inform the healthcare professional of prolonged episodes of bleeding, amenorrhea or severe abdominal pain.. The importance of using barrier method in addition to progestin-only oral contraceptives if woman is at risk of contracting or transmitting STDs/HIV.

PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

PRECAUTIONS. 1. GeneralPatients should be counseled that this product does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.2. Physical Examination and Follow upIt is considered good medical practice for sexually active women using oral contraceptives to have annual history and physical examinations. The physical examination may be deferred until after initiation of oral contraceptives if requested by the woman and judged appropriate by the healthcare professional.3. Carbohydrate and Lipid MetabolismSome users may experience slight deterioration in glucose tolerance, with increases in plasma insulin but women with diabetes mellitus who use progestin-only oral contraceptives do not generally experience changes in their insulin requirements. Nonetheless, prediabetic and diabetic women in particular should be carefully monitored while taking POPs.Lipid metabolism is occasionally affected in that HDL, HDL2, and apolipoprotein A-I and A-II may be decreased; hepatic lipase may be increased. There is usually no effect on total cholesterol, HDL3 LDL, or VLDL.4. Drug InteractionsThe effectiveness of progestin-only pills is reduced by hepatic enzyme-inducing drugs such as the anticonvulsants phenytoin, carbamazepine, and barbiturates, and the antituberculosis drug rifampin. No significant interaction has been found with broad-spectrum antibiotics.Herbal products containing St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum) may induce hepatic enzymes (cytochrome P450) and p-glycoprotein transporter and may reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive steroids. This may also result in breakthrough bleeding. Concurrent use of bosentan and norethindrone containing products may result in decreased concentrations of these contraceptive hormones thereby increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy and unscheduled bleeding.5. Interactions with Laboratory TestsThe following endocrine tests may be affected by progestin-only oral contraceptive use:Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations may be decreased.Thyroxine concentrations may be decreased, due to decrease in thyroid binding globulin (TBG).6. Carcinogenesis See WARNINGS .7. PregnancyMany studies have found no effects on fetal development associated with long-term use of contraceptive doses of oral progestins. The few studies of infant growth and development that have been conducted have not demonstrated significant adverse effects. It is nonetheless prudent to rule out suspected pregnancy before initiating any hormonal contraceptive use.8. Nursing MothersIn general, no adverse effects have been found on breastfeeding performance or on the health, growth, or development of the infant. However, isolated post-marketing cases of decreased milk production have been reported. Small amounts of progestins pass into the breast milk of nursing mothers, resulting in detectable steroid levels in infant plasma.9. Pediatric UseSafety and efficacy of Jencycla 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 16 and for users 16 years and older. Use of this product before menarche is not indicated.10. Fertility Following DiscontinuationThe limited available data indicate rapid return of normal ovulation and fertility following discontinuation of progestin-only oral contraceptives.11. HeadacheThe onset or exacerbation of migraine or development of severe headache with focal neurological symptoms which is recurrent or persistent requires discontinuation of progestin-only contraceptives and evaluation of the cause.. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations may be decreased.. Thyroxine concentrations may be decreased, due to decrease in thyroid binding globulin (TBG).

REFERENCES SECTION.

REFERENCES. 1. McCann M, and Potter L. Progestin-Only Oral Contraceptives: Comprehensive Review. Contraception, 50:60 (Suppl. 1), December 1994. 2. Van Giersbergen PLM, Halabi A, Dingemanse J. Pharmacokinetic interaction between bosentan and the oral contraceptives norethisterone and ethinyl estradiol. Int Clin Pharmacol Ther 2006;44(3):113-118. 3. Truitt ST, Fraser A, Gallo ME, Lopez LM, Grimes DA and Schulz KF. Combined hormonal versus nonhormonal versus progestin-only contraception in lactation (Review). The Cochrane Collaboration. 2007, Issue 3. 4. Halderman, LD and Nelson AL. Impact of early postpartum administration of progestin-only hormonal contraceptives compared with nonhormonal contraceptives on short-term breast-feeding patterns. Am Obstet Gynecol.; 186 (6):1250-1258. 5. Ostrea EM, Mantaring III JB, Silvestre MA. Drugs that affect the fetus and newborn infant via the placenta or breast milk. Pediatr Clin Am; 51(2004): 539-579. 6. Cooke ID, Back DJ, Shroff NE: Norethisterone concentration in breast milk and infant and maternal plasma during ethynodiol diactetate administration. Contraception 1985; 31:611-21. 7. 2008 USPC Official:12/1/08-4/30/09, USP Monographs: Norethindrone Tablets (page of 5). Jencycla(TM) is trademark of Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.The other brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The makers of these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. or its products.

WARNINGS SECTION.

WARNINGS. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular disease. Women who use oral contraceptives should be strongly advised not to smoke.Jencycla does not contain estrogen and, therefore, this insert does not discuss the serious health risks that have been associated with the estrogen component of combined oral contraceptives (COCs). The healthcare professional is referred to the prescribing information of combined oral contraceptives for discussion of those risks. The relationship between progestin-only oral contraceptives and these risks is not fully defined. The healthcare professional should remain alert to the earliest manifestation of symptoms of any serious disease and discontinue oral contraceptive therapy when appropriate.1. Ectopic PregnancyThe incidence of ectopic pregnancies for progestin-only oral contraceptive users is per 1000 woman-years. Up to 10% of pregnancies reported in clinical studies of progestin-only oral contraceptive users are extrauterine. Although symptoms of ectopic pregnancy should be watched for, history of ectopic pregnancy need not be considered contraindication to use of this contraceptive method. Healthcare professionals should be alert to the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy in women who become pregnant or complain of lower abdominal pain while on progestin-only oral contraceptives.2. Delayed Follicular Atresia/Ovarian CystsIf follicular development occurs, atresia of the follicle is sometimes delayed and the follicle may continue to grow beyond the size it would attain in normal cycle. Generally these enlarged follicles disappear spontaneously. Often they are asymptomatic; in some cases they are associated with mild abdominal pain. Rarely they may twist or rupture, requiring surgical intervention.3. Irregular Genital BleedingIrregular menstrual patterns are common among women using progestin-only oral contraceptives. If genital bleeding is suggestive of infection, malignancy or other abnormal conditions, such nonpharmacologic causes should be ruled out. If prolonged amenorrhea occurs, the possibility of pregnancy should be evaluated.4. Carcinoma of the Breast and Reproductive OrgansSome epidemiological studies of oral contraceptive users have reported an increased relative risk of developing breast cancer, particularly at younger age and apparently related to duration of use. These studies have predominantly involved combined oral contraceptives and there is insufficient data to determine whether the use of POPs similarly increases the risk.A meta-analysis of 54 studies found small increase in the frequency of having breast cancer diagnosed for women who were currently using combined oral contraceptives or had used them within the past ten years.This increase in the frequency of breast cancer diagnosis, within ten years of stopping use, was generally accounted for by cancers localized to the breast. There was no increase in the frequency of having breast cancer diagnosed ten or more years after cessation of use.Women with breast cancer should not use oral contraceptives because the role of female hormones in breast cancer has not been fully determined.Some studies suggest that oral contraceptive use has been associated with an increase in the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in some populations of women. However, there continues to be controversy about the extent to which such findings may be due to differences in sexual behavior and other factors. There is insufficient data to determine whether the use of POPs increases the risk of developing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.5. Hepatic NeoplasiaBenign hepatic adenomas are associated with combined oral contraceptive use, although the incidence of benign tumors is rare in the United States. Rupture of benign, hepatic adenomas may cause death through intra-abdominal hemorrhage.Studies have shown an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in combined oral contraceptive users. However, these cancers are rare in the U.S. There is insufficient data to determine whether POPs increase the risk of developing hepatic neoplasia.