ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION.

ADVERSE REACTIONS. An increased risk of the following serious adverse reactions has been associated with the use of oral contraceptives (see WARNINGS section):ThrombophlebitisArterial thromboembolismPulmonary embolismMyocardial infarctionCerebral hemorrhageCerebral thrombosisHypertensionGallbladder diseaseHepatic adenomas or benign liver tumorsThere is evidence of an association between the following conditions and the use of oral contraceptives, although additional confirmatory studies are needed:Mesenteric thrombosisRetinal thrombosisThe following adverse reactions have been reported in patients receiving oral contraceptives and are believed to be drug-related:NauseaVomitingGastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal cramps and bloating)Breakthrough bleedingSpottingChange in menstrual flowAmenorrheaTemporary infertility after discontinuation of treatmentEdemaMelasma which may persistBreast changes: tenderness, enlargement, secretionChange in weight (increase or decrease)Change in cervical erosion or secretionDiminution in lactation when given immediately postpartumCholestatic jaundiceMigraineRash (allergic)Mental depressionReduced tolerance to carbohydratesVaginal candidiasisChange in corneal curvature (steepening)Intolerance to contact lensesThe following adverse reactions have been reported in users of oral contraceptives and the association has been neither confirmed nor refuted:Pre-menstrual syndromeCataractsChanges in appetiteCystitis-like syndromeHeadacheNervousnessDizzinessHirsutismLoss of scalp hairErythema multiformeErythema nodosumHemorrhagic eruptionVaginitisPorphyriaImpaired renal functionHemolytic uremic syndromeBudd-Chiari syndromeAcneChanges in libidoColitis. Thrombophlebitis. Arterial thromboembolism. Pulmonary embolism. Myocardial infarction. Cerebral hemorrhage. Cerebral thrombosis. Hypertension. Gallbladder disease. Hepatic adenomas or benign liver tumors. Mesenteric thrombosis. Retinal thrombosis. Nausea. Vomiting. Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal cramps and bloating). Breakthrough bleeding. Spotting. Change in menstrual flow. Amenorrhea. Temporary infertility after discontinuation of treatment. Edema. Melasma which may persist. Breast changes: tenderness, enlargement, secretion. Change in weight (increase or decrease). Change in cervical erosion or secretion. Diminution in lactation when given immediately postpartum. Cholestatic jaundice. Migraine. Rash (allergic). Mental depression. Reduced tolerance to carbohydrates. Vaginal candidiasis. Change in corneal curvature (steepening). Intolerance to contact lenses. Pre-menstrual syndrome. Cataracts. Changes in appetite. Cystitis-like syndrome. Headache. Nervousness. Dizziness. Hirsutism. Loss of scalp hair. Erythema multiforme. Erythema nodosum. Hemorrhagic eruption. Vaginitis. Porphyria. Impaired renal function. Hemolytic uremic syndrome. Budd-Chiari syndrome. Acne. Changes in libido. Colitis.

CARCINOGENESIS & MUTAGENESIS & IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY SECTION.

10. Carcinogenesis. See WARNINGS section.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION.

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 norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol have 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 (1-3).. Distribution. Volume of distribution of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol ranges from to L/kg (1-3). Plasma protein binding of both steroids is extensive (>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). 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) [1-3].. Special Population. Race:The effect of race on the disposition of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol has not been evaluated.Renal InsufficiencyThe effect of renal disease on the disposition of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol 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 InsufficiencyThe effect of hepatic disease on the disposition of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol has not been evaluated. However, ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function.Drug-Drug InteractionsNumerous drug-drug interactions have been reported for oral contraceptives. summary of these is found under PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions.

CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION.

CONTRAINDICATIONS. Oral contraceptives should not be used in women who currently have the following conditions:Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disordersA past history of deep vein thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disordersCerebral vascular or coronary artery diseaseKnown or suspected carcinoma of the breastCarcinoma of the endometrium or other known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasiaUndiagnosed abnormal genital bleedingCholestatic jaundice of pregnancy or jaundice with prior pill useHepatic adenomas or carcinomasKnown or suspected pregnancy. Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders. past history of deep vein thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders. Cerebral vascular or coronary artery disease. Known or suspected carcinoma of the breast. Carcinoma of the endometrium or other known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia. Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding. Cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy or jaundice with prior pill use. Hepatic adenomas or carcinomas. Known or suspected pregnancy.

DESCRIPTION SECTION.

DESCRIPTION. MICROGESTIN(R) 1/20, MICROGESTIN(R) Fe 1/20, MICROGESTIN(R) 1.5/30, and MICROGESTIN(R) Fe 1.5/30 are progestogen-estrogen combinations.The structural formula of norethindrone acetate (17 alpha-ethinyl-19-nortestosterone acetate) and ethinyl estradiol (17 alpha-ethinyl-1, 3, 5(10)-estratriene-3, 17 beta-diol) are as follows:Microgestin Fe 1/20 provides continuous dosage regimen consisting of 21 white oral contraceptive tablets and brown ferrous fumarate tablets. The ferrous fumarate tablets are present to facilitate ease of drug administration via 28-day regimen, are non-hormonal, and do not serve any therapeutic purpose.Each white tablet, for oral administration, contains mg norethindrone acetate and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol. It also contains the following inactive ingredients: anhydrous lactose, ethyl alcohol, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polacrilin potassium, and povidone.Each brown tablet for oral administration contains 75 mg ferrous fumarate, USP, magnesium stearate, NF, microcrystalline cellulose, NF, sodium starch glycolate, NF.Microgestin Fe 1.5/30 provides continuous dosage regimen consisting of 21 green oral contraceptive tablets and brown ferrous fumarate tablets. The ferrous fumarate tablets are present to facilitate ease of drug administration via 28-day regimen, are non-hormonal, and do not serve any therapeutic purpose.Each green tablet, for oral administration, contains 1.5 mg norethindrone acetate and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol. It also contains the following inactive ingredients: anhydrous lactose, ethyl alcohol, FD&C green (a composite of D&C yellow No. 10 and FD&C blue No. 1), magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polacrilin potassium, and povidone.Each brown tablet for oral administration contains 75 mg ferrous fumarate, USP, magnesium stearate, NF, microcrystalline cellulose, NF, sodium starch glycolate, NF.. Structures.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. The tablet dispenser has been designed to make oral contraceptive dosing as easy and as convenient as possible. The tablets are arranged in three or four rows of seven tablets each, with the days of the week appearing on the tablet dispenser above the first row of tablets.Important: The patient should be instructed to use an additional method of protection until after the first week of administration in the initial cycle when utilizing the Sunday-Start Regimen.The possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of use should be considered.. Dosage and Administration for 21-Day Dosage Regimen. To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, MICROGESTIN 1/20 and MICROGESTIN 1.5/30 should be taken exactly as directed and at intervals not exceeding 24 hours.MICROGESTIN 1/20 and MICROGESTIN 1.5/30 provide convenient tablet schedule of 3 weeks on-1 week off. Two dosage regimens are described, one of which may be more convenient or suitable than the other for an individual patient. For the initial cycle of therapy, the patient begins her tablets according to the Day-1 or Sunday-Start regimen. With either regimen, the patient takes one tablet daily for 21 consecutive days followed by one week of no tablets.A. Sunday-Start Regimen:The patient begins taking the first white or green tablet from the top row of the dispenser (labeled Sunday) on the first Sunday after menstrual flow begins. When menstrual flow begins on Sunday, the first white or green tablet is taken on the same day. The patient takes one white or green tablet daily for 21 days. The last white or green tablet will be taken on Saturday, followed by no tablets for week (7 days). For all subsequent cycles, the patient begins new 21-tablet regimen on the eighth day, Sunday, after taking her last tablet. Following this regimen of 21 days on-7 days off, the patient will start all subsequent cycles on Sunday.B. Day-1 Start Regimen:The first day of menstrual flow is Day 1. The patient starts taking one white or green tablet daily, beginning with the first white or green tablet in the top row. After the last white or green tablet (Saturday) has been taken, if any white or green tablets remain in the top row, the patient takes the remaining white or green tablets starting with the Sunday white or green tablets in the top row until all of the tablets have been taken. She will then take no tablets for week (7 days). For all subsequent cycles, the patient begins new 21- tablet regimen on the eighth day after taking her last white or green tablet, again starting with the first tablet in the top row. Following this regimen of 21 days on-7 days off, the patient will start all subsequent cycles on the same day of the week as the first course. Likewise, the interval of no tablets will always start on the same day of the week.Tablets should be taken regularly with meal or at bedtime. It should be stressed that efficacy of medication depends on strict adherence to the dosage schedule.. Dosage and Administration for 28-Day Dosage Regimen. To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, MICROGESTIN Fe 1/20 and MICROGESTIN Fe 1.5/30 should be taken exactly as directed and at intervals not exceeding 24 hours.MICROGESTIN Fe 1/20 and MICROGESTIN Fe 1.5/30 provide continuous administration regimen consisting of 21 white or green tablets of Microgestin and brown non-hormone containing tablets of ferrous fumarate. The ferrous fumarate tablets are present to facilitate ease of drug administration via 28-day regimen and do not serve any therapeutic purpose. There is no need for the patient to count days between cycles because there are no off-tablet days.A. Sunday-Start Regimen:The patient begins taking the first white or green tablet from the top row of the dispenser (labeled Sunday) on the first Sunday after menstrual flow begins. When menstrual flow begins on Sunday, the first white or green tablet is taken on the same day. The patient takes one white or green tablet daily for 21 days. The last white or green tablet will be taken on Saturday. Upon completion of all 21 white or green tablets, and without interruption, the patient takes one brown tablet daily for days. Upon completion of this first course of tablets, the patient begins second course of 28-day tablets, without interruption, the next day, Sunday, starting with the Sunday white or green tablet in the top row. Adhering to this regimen of one white or green tablet daily for 21 days, followed without interruption by one brown tablet daily for days, the patient will start all subsequent cycles on Sunday.B. Day-1 Start Regimen:The first day of menstrual flow is Day 1. The patient starts taking one white or green tablet daily, beginning with the first white or green tablet in the top row. After the last white or green tablet (Saturday) has been taken, if any white or green tablets remain in the top row, the patient takes the remaining white or green tablets starting with the Sunday white or green tablets in the top row, followed by the brown tablets for week (7 days). For all subsequent cycles, the patient begins new 28 tablet regimen on the eighth day after taking her last white or green tablet, again starting with the first tablet in the top row. Following this regimen of 21 white or green tablets and brown tablets, the patient will start all subsequent cycles on the same day of the week as the first course.Tablets should be taken regularly with meal or at bedtime. It should be stressed that efficacy of medication depends on strict adherence to the dosage schedule.. Special Notes on Administration. Menstruation usually begins two or three days, but may begin as late as the fourth or fifth day, after the patient has taken the last white or green tablet. In any event, the next course of tablets should be started without interruption. If spotting occurs while the patient is taking white or green tablets, continue medication without interruption.If the patient forgets to take one or more white or green tablets, the following is suggested:One tablet is missedtake tablet as soon as rememberedtake next tablet at the regular timeTwo consecutive tablets are missed (week or week 2)take two tablets as soon as rememberedtake two tablets the next dayuse another birth control method for seven days following the missed tabletsTwo consecutive tablets are missed (week 3)Sunday-Start Regimen:take one tablet daily until Sundaydiscard remaining tabletsstart new pack of tablets immediately (Sunday)use another birth control method for seven days following the missed tabletsDay-1 Start Regimen:discard remaining tabletsstart new pack of tablets that same dayuse another birth control method for seven days following the missed tabletsThree (or more) consecutive tablets are missedSunday-Start Regimen:take one tablet daily until Sundaydiscard remaining tabletsstart new pack of tablets immediately (Sunday)use another birth control method for seven days following the missed tabletsDay-1 Start Regimen:discard remaining tabletsstart new pack of tablets that same dayuse another birth control method for seven days following the missed tabletsThe possibility of ovulation occurring increases with each successive day that scheduled white or green tablets are missed. While there is little likelihood of ovulation occurring if only one white or green tablet is missed, the possibility of spotting or bleeding is increased. This is particularly likely to occur if two or more consecutive white or green tablets are missed.If the patient is taking MICROGESTIN Fe (28-Day Dosage Regimen) and forgets to take any of the seven brown tablets in week four, those brown tablets that were missed are discarded and one brown tablet is taken each day until the pack is empty. back up birth control method is not required during this time. new pack of tablets should be started no later than the eighth day after the last white or green tablet was taken.In the rare case of bleeding which resembles menstruation, the patient should be advised to discontinue medication and then begin taking tablets from new tablet dispenser on the next Sunday or the first day (Day-1), depending on her regimen. Persistent bleeding which is not controlled by this method indicates the need for re-examination of the patient, at which time nonfunctional causes should be considered.. take tablet as soon as remembered. take next tablet at the regular time. take two tablets as soon as remembered. take two tablets the next day. use another birth control method for seven days following the missed tablets. take one tablet daily until Sunday. discard remaining tablets. start new pack of tablets immediately (Sunday). use another birth control method for seven days following the missed tablets. discard remaining tablets. start new pack of tablets that same day. use another birth control method for seven days following the missed tablets. take one tablet daily until Sunday. discard remaining tablets. start new pack of tablets immediately (Sunday). use another birth control method for seven days following the missed tablets. discard remaining tablets. start new pack of tablets that same day. use another birth control method for seven days following the missed tablets. Use of Oral Contraceptives in the Event of Missed Menstrual Period. If the patient has not adhered to the prescribed dosage regimen, the possibility of pregnancy should be considered after the first missed period and oral contraceptives should be withheld until pregnancy has been ruled out.If the patient has adhered to the prescribed regimen and misses two consecutive periods, pregnancy should be ruled out before continuing the contraceptive regimen.After several months on treatment, bleeding may be reduced to point of virtual absence. This reduced flow may occur as result of medication, in which event it is not indicative of pregnancy.. If the patient has not adhered to the prescribed dosage regimen, the possibility of pregnancy should be considered after the first missed period and oral contraceptives should be withheld until pregnancy has been ruled out.. If the patient has adhered to the prescribed regimen and misses two consecutive periods, pregnancy should be ruled out before continuing the contraceptive regimen.

DRUG & OR LABORATORY TEST INTERACTIONS SECTION.

9. Interactions With Laboratory Tests. Certain endocrine and liver function tests and blood components may be affected by oral contraceptives:Increased prothrombin and factors VII, VIII, IX and X; decreased antithrombin 3; increased norepinephrine-induced platelet aggregability.Increased thyroid binding globulin (TBG) leading to increased circulating total thyroid hormone, as measured by protein-bound iodine (PBI), T4 by column or by radioimmunoassay. Free T3 resin uptake is decreased, reflecting the elevated TBG; free T4 concentration is unaltered.Other binding proteins may be elevated in serum.Sex-binding globulins are increased and result in elevated levels of total circulating sex steroids and corticoids; however, free or biologically active levels remain unchanged.Triglycerides may be increased.Glucose tolerance may be decreased.Serum folate levels may be depressed by oral contraceptive therapy. This may be of clinical significance if woman becomes pregnant shortly after discontinuing oral contraceptives.. Increased prothrombin and factors VII, VIII, IX and X; decreased antithrombin 3; increased norepinephrine-induced platelet aggregability.. Increased thyroid binding globulin (TBG) leading to increased circulating total thyroid hormone, as measured by protein-bound iodine (PBI), T4 by column or by radioimmunoassay. Free T3 resin uptake is decreased, reflecting the elevated TBG; free T4 concentration is unaltered.. Other binding proteins may be elevated in serum.. Sex-binding globulins are increased and result in elevated levels of total circulating sex steroids and corticoids; however, free or biologically active levels remain unchanged.. Triglycerides may be increased.. Glucose tolerance may be decreased.. Serum folate levels may be depressed by oral contraceptive therapy. This may be of clinical significance if woman becomes pregnant shortly after discontinuing oral contraceptives.

DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION.

8. Drug Interactions. Effects of Other Drugs on Oral Contraceptives (78)Rifampin: Metabolism of both norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol is increased by rifampin. reduction in contraceptive effectiveness and increased incidence of breakthrough bleeding and menstrual irregularities have been associated with concomitant use of rifampin.Anticonvulsants: Anticonvulsants such as phenol-barbital, phenytoin, and carbamazepine, have been shown to increase the metabolism of ethinyl estradiol and/or norethindrone, which could result in reduction in contraceptive effectiveness.Troglitazone: Administration of troglitazone with an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone reduced the plasma concentrations of both by approximately 30%, which could result in reduction of contraceptive effectiveness.Antibiotics: Pregnancy while taking oral contraceptives has been reported when the oral contraceptives were administered with antimicrobials such as ampicillin, tetracycline, and griseofulvin. However, clinical pharmacokinetic studies have not demonstrated any consistent effect of antibiotics (other than rifampin) on plasma concentrations of synthetic steroids.Atorvastatin: Coadministration of atorvastatin and an oral contraceptive increased AUC values for norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol by approximately 30% and 20%, respectively.Other: Ascorbic acid and acetaminophen may increase plasma ethinyl estradiol concentrations, possibly by inhibition of conjugation. reduction in contraceptive effectiveness and increased incidence of breakthrough bleeding has been suggested with phenylbutazone.Effects of Oral Contraceptives on Other DrugsOral contraceptive combinations containing ethinyl estradiol may inhibit the metabolism of other compounds. Increased plasma concentrations of cyclosporine, prednisolone, and theophylline have been reported with concomitant administration of oral contraceptives. In addition, oral contraceptives may induce the conjugation of other compounds. Decreased plasma concentrations of acetaminophen and increased clearance of temazepam, salicylic acid, morphine, and clofibric acid have been noted when these drugs were administered with oral contraceptives.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS. 1. Missed Periods and Use of Oral Contraceptives Before or During Early PregnancyThere may be times when you may not menstruate regularly after you have completed taking cycle of pills. If you have taken your pills regularly and miss one menstrual period, continue taking your pills for the next cycle but be sure to inform your health care provider before doing so. If you have not taken the pills daily as instructed and missed menstrual period, or if you missed two consecutive menstrual periods, you may be pregnant. Check with your health care provider immediately to determine whether you are pregnant. Do not continue to take oral contraceptives until you are sure you are not pregnant, but continue to use another method of contraception.There is no conclusive evidence that oral contraceptive use is associated with an increase in birth defects, when taken inadvertently during early pregnancy. Previously, few studies had reported that oral contraceptives might be associated with birth defects, but these studies have not been confirmed. Nevertheless, oral contraceptives or any other drugs should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary and prescribed by your doctor. You should check with your doctor about risks to your unborn child of any medication taken during pregnancy.. 2. While Breast Feeding. If you are breast feeding, consult your doctor before starting oral contraceptives. Some of the drug will be passed on to the child in the milk. few adverse effects on the child have been reported, including yellowing of the skin (jaundice) and breast enlargement. In addition, oral contraceptives may decrease the amount and quality of your milk. If possible, do not use oral contraceptives while breast feeding. You should use another method of contraception since breast feeding provides only partial protection from becoming pregnant and this partial protection decreases significantly as you breast feed for longer periods of time. You should consider starting oral contraceptives only after you have weaned your child completely.3. Laboratory TestsIf you are scheduled for any laboratory tests, tell your doctor you are taking birth control pills. Certain blood tests may be affected by birth control pills.4. Drug InteractionsCertain drugs may interact with birth control pills to make them less effective in preventing pregnancy or cause an increase in breakthrough bleeding. Such drugs include rifampin; drugs used for epilepsy such as barbiturates (for example, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, and phenytoin (Dilantin(R) is one brand of this drug); troglitazone; phenylbutazone; and possibly certain antibiotics. You may need to use additional contraception when you take drugs which can make oral contraceptives less effective.Birth control pills interact with certain drugs. These drugs include acetaminophen, clofibric acid, cyclosporine, morphine, prednisolone, salicylic acid, temazepam, and theophylline. You should tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medications.5. This product (like all oral contraceptives) is intended to prevent pregnancy. It does not protect against transmission of HIV (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and syphilis.

HOW SUPPLIED SECTION.

HOW SUPPLIED. MICROGESTIN 1/20: Each dispenser contains 21 norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol tablets. Microgestin is available as round white tablets debossed with WATSON 630 on one side and plain on the other side. Each tablet contains mg of norethindrone acetate and 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. They are supplied as follows:1 dispenser of 21 tablets: NDC-54868-6213-0MICROGESTIN Fe 1/20: Each dispenser contains 21 norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ferrous fumarate tablets. Microgestin Fe is available as round white tablets debossed with WATSON 630 on one side and plain on the other side. Each white tablet contains mg of norethindrone acetate and 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. Ferrous fumarate tablets are available as round brown tablets debossed with WATSON 075 on one side and plain on the other side. Each tablet contains 75 mg ferrous fumarate. They are supplied as follows:1 dispenser of 28 tablets: NDC 54868-4744-0Store at controlled room temperature 20C to 25C (68F to 77F). [See USP controlled room temperature.].

INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE. MICROGESTIN(R) 1/20, MICROGESTIN(R) Fe 1/20, MICROGESTIN(R) 1.5/30, and MICROGESTIN(R) Fe 1.5/30 are indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use oral contraceptives as method of contraception.Oral contraceptives are highly effective. Table 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 LOWEST EXPECTED AND TYPICAL FAILURE RATES DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF CONTINUOUS USE OF METHOD of Women Experiencing an Unintended Pregnancy in the First Year of Continuous Use Lowest Method Expected Typical Adapted from RA Hatcher et al, Reference 7. The authors best guess of the percentage of women expected to experience an accidental pregnancy among couples who initiate 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 other reason. This term represents typical couples who initiate use of method (not necessarily for the first time), who experience an accidental pregnancy during the first year if they do not stop use for any other reason. N/A Data not available. (No contraception) ...................... (85) (85) Oral contraceptives .................... 3 combined ................................ 0.1 N/A progestin only ........................ 0.5 N/A Diaphragm with spermicidal cream or jelly .............................. 20 Spermicides alone (foam, creams, gels, vaginal suppositories, and vaginal film) ................................ 26 Vaginal Sponge nulliparous .............................. 20 parous .................................... 20 40 Implant........................................ 0.05 0.05 Injection: depot medroxyprogesterone acetate .................................... 0.3 0.3 IUD progesterone ........................ 1.5 2.0 copper 380A ........................ 0.6 0.8 LNg 20 .................................... 0.1 0.1 Condom without spermicides female...................................... 21 male ........................................ 14 Cervical Cap with spermicidal cream or jelly nulliparous .............................. 20 parous .................................... 26 40 Periodic abstinence (all methods) .............................. 1-9 25 Withdrawal.................................. 19 Female sterilization...................... 0.5 0.5 Male sterilization ........................ 0.10 0.15.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION.

INFORMATION FOR THE PATIENTS. See patient labeling printed below.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE SECTION.

INSTRUCTIONS TO PATIENT. Tablet DispenserThe Microgestin tablet dispenser has been designed to make oral contraceptive dosing as easy and as convenient as possible. The tablets are arranged in three or four rows of seven tablets each, with the days of the week appearing on the tablet dispenser above the first row of tablets.If your tablet dispenser contains 21 white tablets, you are taking MICROGESTIN 1/20. If your tablet dispenser contains 21 white tablets and brown tablets, you are taking MICROGESTIN Fe 1/20.Each white tablet contains mg norethindrone acetate and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol.Each brown tablet contains 75 mg ferrous fumarate, and is intended to help you remember to take the tablets correctly. These brown tablets are not intended to have any health benefit.If your tablet dispenser contains 21 green tablets, you are taking MICROGESTIN 1.5/30. If your tablet dispenser contains 21 green tablets and brown tablets, you are taking MICROGESTIN Fe 1.5/30.Each green tablet contains 1.5 mg norethindrone acetate and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol.Each brown tablet contains 75 mg ferrous fumarate, and is intended to help you remember to take the tablets correctly. These brown tablets are not intended to have any health benefit.DirectionsTo remove tablet, press down on it with your thumb or finger. The tablet will drop through the back of the tablet dispenser. Do not press with your thumbnail, fingernail, or any other sharp object.HOW TO TAKE THE PILL IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER BEFORE YOU START TAKING YOUR PILLS:BE SURE TO READ THESE DIRECTIONS:Before you start taking your pills.Anytime you are not sure what to do.THE RIGHT WAY TO TAKE THE PILL IS TO TAKE ONE PILL EVERY DAY AT THE SAME TIME. If you miss pills you could get pregnant. This includes starting the pack late. The more pills you miss, the more likely you are to get pregnant.MANY WOMEN HAVE SPOTTING OR LIGHT BLEEDING, OR MAY FEEL SICK TO THEIR STOMACH, DURING THE FIRST 1-3 PACKS OF PILLS. If you do have spotting or light bleeding or feel sick to your stomach, do not stop taking the pill. The problem will usually go away. If it doesnt go away, check with your doctor or clinic.MISSING PILLS CAN ALSO CAUSE SPOTTING OR LIGHT BLEEDING, even when you make up these missed pills. On the days you take pills to make up for missed pills, you could also feel little sick to your stomach.IF YOU HAVE VOMITING OR DIARRHEA, for any reason, or IF YOU TAKE SOME MEDICINES, including some antibiotics, your birth control pills may not work as well. Use back-up birth control method (such as condoms or foam) until you check with your doctor or clinic.IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING TO TAKE THE PILL, talk to your doctor or clinic about how to make pill-taking easier or about using another method of birth control.IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR ARE UNSURE ABOUT THE INFORMATION IN THIS LEAFLET, call your doctor or clinic. BEFORE YOU START TAKING YOUR PILLS DECIDE WHAT TIME OF DAY YOU WANT TO TAKE YOUR PILL. It is important to take it at about the same time every day.LOOK AT YOUR PILL PACK TO SEE IF IT HAS 21 OR 28 PILLS:The 21-pill pack has 21 active white or green pills (with hormones) to take for weeks, followed by week without pills.The 28-pill pack has 21 active white or green pills (with hormones) to take for weeks, followed by week of reminder brown pills (without hormones).ALSO FIND:1) where on the pack to start taking pills,2) in what order to take the pills (follow the arrows), and3) the week numbers as shown in the following pictures:MICROGESTIN 1/20 will contain: ALL WHITE PILLS. MICROGESTIN 1.5/30 will contain: ALL GREEN PILLS. MICROGESTIN Fe 1/20 will contain: 21 WHITE PILLS for WEEKS 1, 2, and 3. WEEK will contain BROWN PILLS ONLY. MICROGESTIN Fe 1.5/30 will contain: 21 GREEN PILLS for WEEKS 1, 2, and 3. WEEK will contain BROWN PILLS ONLY. For use of day labels, seeWHEN TO START THE FIRST PACK OF PILLS below.4. BE SURE YOU HAVE READY AT ALL TIMES: ANOTHER KIND OF BIRTH CONTROL (such as condoms or foam) to use as back-up in case you miss pills.An EXTRA, FULL PILL PACK.. BE SURE TO READ THESE DIRECTIONS:Before you start taking your pills.Anytime you are not sure what to do.. THE RIGHT WAY TO TAKE THE PILL IS TO TAKE ONE PILL EVERY DAY AT THE SAME TIME. If you miss pills you could get pregnant. This includes starting the pack late. The more pills you miss, the more likely you are to get pregnant.. MANY WOMEN HAVE SPOTTING OR LIGHT BLEEDING, OR MAY FEEL SICK TO THEIR STOMACH, DURING THE FIRST 1-3 PACKS OF PILLS. If you do have spotting or light bleeding or feel sick to your stomach, do not stop taking the pill. The problem will usually go away. If it doesnt go away, check with your doctor or clinic.. MISSING PILLS CAN ALSO CAUSE SPOTTING OR LIGHT BLEEDING, even when you make up these missed pills. On the days you take pills to make up for missed pills, you could also feel little sick to your stomach.. IF YOU HAVE VOMITING OR DIARRHEA, for any reason, or IF YOU TAKE SOME MEDICINES, including some antibiotics, your birth control pills may not work as well. Use back-up birth control method (such as condoms or foam) until you check with your doctor or clinic.. IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING TO TAKE THE PILL, talk to your doctor or clinic about how to make pill-taking easier or about using another method of birth control.. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR ARE UNSURE ABOUT THE INFORMATION IN THIS LEAFLET, call your doctor or clinic.. DECIDE WHAT TIME OF DAY YOU WANT TO TAKE YOUR PILL. It is important to take it at about the same time every day.. LOOK AT YOUR PILL PACK TO SEE IF IT HAS 21 OR 28 PILLS:The 21-pill pack has 21 active white or green pills (with hormones) to take for weeks, followed by week without pills.The 28-pill pack has 21 active white or green pills (with hormones) to take for weeks, followed by week of reminder brown pills (without hormones).. ALSO FIND:. white pills. green pills.

NURSING MOTHERS SECTION.

12. Nursing Mothers. Small amounts of oral contraceptive steroids have been identified in the milk of nursing mothers, and few adverse effects on the child have been reported, including jaundice and breast enlargement. In addition, oral contraceptives given in the postpartum period may interfere with lactation by decreasing the quantity and quality of breast milk. If possible, the nursing mother should be advised not to use oral contraceptives but to use other forms of contraception until she has completely weaned her child.

OVERDOSAGE SECTION.

OVERDOSAGE. Serious ill effects have not been reported following acute ingestion of large doses of oral contraceptives by young children. Overdosage may cause nausea, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in females.. NON-CONTRACEPTIVE HEALTH BENEFITS. The following non-contraceptive health benefits related to the use of oral contraceptives are supported by epidemiological studies which largely utilized oral contraceptive formulations containing estrogen doses exceeding 0.035 mg of ethinyl estradiol or 0.05 mg of mestranol (79-84).. Effects on Menses:. Increased menstrual cycle regularityDecreased blood loss and decreased incidence of iron deficiency anemiaDecreased incidence of dysmenorrheal. Increased menstrual cycle regularity. Decreased blood loss and decreased incidence of iron deficiency anemia. Decreased incidence of dysmenorrheal. Effects Related to Inhibition of Ovulation:. Decreased incidence of functional ovarian cystsDecreased incidence of ectopic pregnancies. Decreased incidence of functional ovarian cysts. Decreased incidence of ectopic pregnancies. Effects From Long-Term Use:. Decreased incidence of fibroadenomas and fibrocystic disease of the breastDecreased incidence of acute pelvic inflammatory diseaseDecreased incidence of endometrial cancerDecreased incidence of ovarian cancer. Decreased incidence of fibroadenomas and fibrocystic disease of the breast. Decreased incidence of acute pelvic inflammatory disease. Decreased incidence of endometrial cancer. Decreased incidence of ovarian cancer.

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL.

Principal Display Panel Microgestin 1/20. NDC 54868-6213-0MICROGESTIN(R) 1/20(Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP). image of microgestin 1/20 label.

PEDIATRIC USE SECTION.

13. Pediatric Use. Safety and efficacy of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol 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.

PHARMACOKINETICS SECTION.

Pharmacokinetics. The pharmacokinetics of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol have not been characterized; however, the following pharmacokinetic information regarding norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol is taken from the literature.

PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

PRECAUTIONS. 1. Patients should be counseled that this product does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.. 2. Physical Examination and Follow-Up. It is good medical practice for all women to have annual history and physical examinations, including women using oral contraceptives. The physical examination, however, may be deferred until after initiation of oral contraceptives if requested by the woman and judged appropriate by the clinician. The physical examination should include special reference to blood pressure, breasts, abdomen, and pelvic organs, including cervical cytology, and relevant laboratory tests. In case of undiagnosed, persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding, appropriate measures should be conducted to rule out malignancy. Women with strong family history of breast cancer or who have breast nodules should be monitored with particular care.. 3. Lipid Disorders. Women who are being treated for hyperlipidemia should be followed closely if they elect to use oral contraceptives. Some progestogens may elevate LDL levels and may render the control of hyperlipidemias more difficult.. 4. Liver Function. If jaundice develops in any woman receiving such drugs, the medication should be discontinued. Steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function.. 5. Fluid Retention. Oral contraceptives may cause some degree of fluid retention. They should be prescribed with caution, and only with careful monitoring, in patients with conditions which might be aggravated by fluid retention.. 6. Emotional Disorders. Women with history of depression should be carefully observed and the drug discontinued if depression recurs to serious degree.. 7. Contact Lenses. Contact lens wearers who develop visual changes or changes in lens tolerance should be assessed by an ophthalmologist.. 8. Drug Interactions. Effects of Other Drugs on Oral Contraceptives (78)Rifampin: Metabolism of both norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol is increased by rifampin. reduction in contraceptive effectiveness and increased incidence of breakthrough bleeding and menstrual irregularities have been associated with concomitant use of rifampin.Anticonvulsants: Anticonvulsants such as phenol-barbital, phenytoin, and carbamazepine, have been shown to increase the metabolism of ethinyl estradiol and/or norethindrone, which could result in reduction in contraceptive effectiveness.Troglitazone: Administration of troglitazone with an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone reduced the plasma concentrations of both by approximately 30%, which could result in reduction of contraceptive effectiveness.Antibiotics: Pregnancy while taking oral contraceptives has been reported when the oral contraceptives were administered with antimicrobials such as ampicillin, tetracycline, and griseofulvin. However, clinical pharmacokinetic studies have not demonstrated any consistent effect of antibiotics (other than rifampin) on plasma concentrations of synthetic steroids.Atorvastatin: Coadministration of atorvastatin and an oral contraceptive increased AUC values for norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol by approximately 30% and 20%, respectively.Other: Ascorbic acid and acetaminophen may increase plasma ethinyl estradiol concentrations, possibly by inhibition of conjugation. reduction in contraceptive effectiveness and increased incidence of breakthrough bleeding has been suggested with phenylbutazone.Effects of Oral Contraceptives on Other DrugsOral contraceptive combinations containing ethinyl estradiol may inhibit the metabolism of other compounds. Increased plasma concentrations of cyclosporine, prednisolone, and theophylline have been reported with concomitant administration of oral contraceptives. In addition, oral contraceptives may induce the conjugation of other compounds. Decreased plasma concentrations of acetaminophen and increased clearance of temazepam, salicylic acid, morphine, and clofibric acid have been noted when these drugs were administered with oral contraceptives.. 9. Interactions With Laboratory Tests. Certain endocrine and liver function tests and blood components may be affected by oral contraceptives:Increased prothrombin and factors VII, VIII, IX and X; decreased antithrombin 3; increased norepinephrine-induced platelet aggregability.Increased thyroid binding globulin (TBG) leading to increased circulating total thyroid hormone, as measured by protein-bound iodine (PBI), T4 by column or by radioimmunoassay. Free T3 resin uptake is decreased, reflecting the elevated TBG; free T4 concentration is unaltered.Other binding proteins may be elevated in serum.Sex-binding globulins are increased and result in elevated levels of total circulating sex steroids and corticoids; however, free or biologically active levels remain unchanged.Triglycerides may be increased.Glucose tolerance may be decreased.Serum folate levels may be depressed by oral contraceptive therapy. This may be of clinical significance if woman becomes pregnant shortly after discontinuing oral contraceptives.. Increased prothrombin and factors VII, VIII, IX and X; decreased antithrombin 3; increased norepinephrine-induced platelet aggregability.. Increased thyroid binding globulin (TBG) leading to increased circulating total thyroid hormone, as measured by protein-bound iodine (PBI), T4 by column or by radioimmunoassay. Free T3 resin uptake is decreased, reflecting the elevated TBG; free T4 concentration is unaltered.. Other binding proteins may be elevated in serum.. Sex-binding globulins are increased and result in elevated levels of total circulating sex steroids and corticoids; however, free or biologically active levels remain unchanged.. Triglycerides may be increased.. Glucose tolerance may be decreased.. Serum folate levels may be depressed by oral contraceptive therapy. This may be of clinical significance if woman becomes pregnant shortly after discontinuing oral contraceptives.. 10. Carcinogenesis. See WARNINGS section.. 11. Pregnancy. Pregnancy Category X.See CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS sections.. 12. Nursing Mothers. Small amounts of oral contraceptive steroids have been identified in the milk of nursing mothers, and few adverse effects on the child have been reported, including jaundice and breast enlargement. In addition, oral contraceptives given in the postpartum period may interfere with lactation by decreasing the quantity and quality of breast milk. If possible, the nursing mother should be advised not to use oral contraceptives but to use other forms of contraception until she has completely weaned her child.. 13. Pediatric Use. Safety and efficacy of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol 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.

PREGNANCY SECTION.

11. Pregnancy. Pregnancy Category X.See CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS sections.

REFERENCES SECTION.

REFERENCES. 1. Back DJ, et al.: Kinetics of norethindrone in women II. Single-dose kinetics. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1978;24:448-453. 2. Humpel M, et al.: Investigations of pharmacokinetics of ethinyloestradiol to specific consideration of possible first-pass effect in women. Contraception 1979;19:421-432. 3. Back DJ, et al. An investigation of the pharmacokinetics of ethynylestradiol in women using radioimmunoassay. Contraception 1979;20:263-273. 4. Hammond GL, et al. Distribution and percentages of non-protein bound contraceptive steroids in human serum. Steroid Biochem 1982;17:375-380. 5. Fotherby K. Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of progestins in humans, in Pharmacology of the contraceptive steroids, Goldzieher JW, Fotherby (eds), Raven Press, Ltd., New York, 1994, 99-126. 6. Goldzieher JW. Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of ethynyl estrogens, in Pharmacology of the contraceptive steroids, Goldzieher JW, Fotherby (eds), Raven Press Ltd., New York, 1994, 127-151. 7. Hatcher, RA, et al. 1998. Contraceptive Technology, Seventeenth Edition. New York: Irvington Publishers. 8. Stadel, B.V.: Oral contraceptives and cardiovascular disease. (Pt. 1). New England Journal of Medicine, 305:612-618, 1981. 9. Stadel, B.V.: Oral contraceptives and cardiovascular disease. (Pt. 2). New England Journal of Medicine, 305:672-677, 1981. 10. Adam, S.A., and M. Thorogood: Oral contraception and myocardial infarction revisited: The effects of new preparations and prescribing patterns. Brit. J. Obstet.and Gynec., 88:838-845, 1981. 11. Mann, J.I., and W.H. Inman: Oral contraceptives and death from myocardial infarction. Brit. Med. J., 2(5965): 245-248, 1975. 12. Mann, J.I., et al.: Myocardial infarction in young women with special reference to oral contraceptive practice. Brit. Med. J., 2(5956):241-245, 1975. 13. Royal College of General Practitioners Oral Contraception Study: Further analyses of mortality in oral contraceptive users. Lancet, 1:541-546, 1981. 14. Slone, D., et al.: Risk of myocardial infarction in relation to current and discontinued use of oral contraceptives. N.E.J.M., 305:420-424, 1981. 15. Vessey, M.P.: Female hormones and vascular disease: An epidemiological overview. Brit. J. Fam. Plann., 6:1-12, 1980. 16. Russell-Briefel, R.G., et al.: Cardiovascular risk status and oral contraceptive use, United States, 1976-80. Preventive Medicine, 15:352- 362, 1986. 17. Goldbaum, G.M., et al.: The relative impact of smoking and oral contraceptive use on women in the United States. J.A.M.A., 258:1339-1342, 1987. 18. Layde, P.M., and V. Beral: Further analyses of mortality in oral contraceptive users: Royal College General Practitioners Oral Contraception Study. (Table 5) Lancet, 1:541-546, 1981. 19. Knopp, R.H.: Arteriosclerosis risk: The roles of oral contraceptives and postmenopausal estrogens. J. of Reprod. Med., 31(9)(Supplement): 913-921, 1986. 20. Krauss, R.M., et al.: Effects of two low-dose oral contraceptives on serum lipids and lipoproteins: Differential changes in high-density lipoproteins subclasses. Am. J. Obstet. Gyn., 145:446-452, 1983. 21. Wahl, P., et al.: Effect of estrogen/progestin potency on lipid/lipoprotein cholesterol. N.E.J.M., 308:862-867, 1983. 22. Wynn, V., and R. Niththyananthan: The effect of progestin in combined oral contraceptives on serum lipids with special reference to high-density lipoproteins. Am. J. Obstet. and Gyn., 142:766-771, 1982. 23. Wynn, V., and I. Godsland: Effects of oral contraceptives on carbohydrate metabolism. Reprod. Medicine, 31 (9)(Supplement): 892-897, 1986. 24. LaRosa, J.C.: Atherosclerotic risk factors in cardiovascular disease. J. Reprod. Med., 31(9)(Supplement): 906-912, 1986. 25. Inman, W.H., and M.P. Vessey: Investigations of death from pulmonary, coronary, and cerebral thrombosis and embolism in women of child-bearing age. Brit. Med. J., 2(5599): 193-199, 1968. 26. Maguire, M.G., et al.: Increased risk of thrombosis due to oral contraceptives: further report. Am. J. Epidemiology, 110(2): 188-195, 1979. 27. Pettiti, D.B., et al.: Risk of vascular disease in women: Smoking, oral contraceptives, noncontraceptive estrogens, and other factors. J.A.M.A., 242:1150- 1154, 1979. 28. Vessey, M.P., and R. Doll: Investigation of relation between use of oral contraceptives and thromboembolic disease. Brit. Med. J., 2(5599): 199-205, 1968. 29. Vessey, M.P. and R. Doll: Investigation of relation between use of oral contraceptives and thromboembolic disease: further report. Brit. Med. J., 2(5658): 651-657, 1969. 30. Porter, J.B., et al.: Oral contraceptives and nonfatal vascular disease: Recent experience. Obstet. And Gyn., 59(3):299-302, 1982. 31. Vessey, M., et al.: long-term follow-up study of women using different methods of contraception: An interim report. J. Biosocial. Sci., 8:375-427, 1976. 32. Royal College of General Practitioners: Oral contraceptives, venous thrombosis, and varicose veins. J. of Royal College of General Practitioners, 28:393-399, 1978. 33. Collaborative Group for the study of stroke in young women: Oral contraception and increased risk of cerebral ischemia or thrombosis. N.E.J.M., 288: 871-878, 1973. 34. Petitti, D.B., and J. Wingerd: Use of oral contraceptives, cigarette smoking, and risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Lancet, 2:234-236, 1978. 35. Inman, W.H.: Oral contraceptives and fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Brit. Med. J., 2(6203): 1468-1470, 1979. 36. Collaborative Group for the study of stroke in young women: Oral contraceptives and stroke in young women: Associated risk factors. J.A.M.A., 231:718-722, 1975. 37. Inman, W.H., et al.: Thromboembolic disease and the steroidal content of oral contraceptives. report to the Committee on Safety of Drugs. Brit. Med. J., 2:203-209, 1970. 38. Meade, T.W., et al.: Progestogens and cardiovascular reactions associated with oral contraceptives and comparison of the safety of 50-and 35-mcg oestrogen preparations. Brit. Med. J., 280(6224): 1157-1161, 1980. 39. Kay, C.R.: Progestogens and arterial disease: Evidence from the Royal College of General Practitioners study. Amer. J. Obstet. Gyn., 142:762-765, 1982. 40. Royal College of General Practitioners: Incidence of arterial disease among oral contraceptive users. J. Coll. Gen. Pract., 33:75-82, 1983. 41. Ory, H.W: Mortality associated with fertility and fertility control: 1983. Family Planning Perspectives, 15:50-56, 1983. 42. The Cancer and Steroid Hormone Study of the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: Oral-contraceptive use and the risk of breast cancer. N.E.J.M., 315: 405-411, 1986. 43. Pike, M.C., et al.: Breast cancer in young women and use of oral contraceptives: Possible modifying effect of formulation and age at use. Lancet, 2:926-929, 1983. 44. Paul, C., et al.: Oral contraceptives and breast cancer: national study. Brit. Med. J., 293:723-725, 1986. 45. Miller, D.R., et al.: Breast cancer risk in relation to early oral contraceptive use. Obstet. Gynec., 68:863-868, 1986. 46. Olson, H., et al.: Oral contraceptive use and breast cancer in young women in Sweden (letter). Lancet, 2:748-749, 1985. 47. McPherson, K., et al.: Early contraceptive use and breast cancer: Results of another case-control study. Brit. J. Cancer, 56: 653- 660, 1987. 48. Huggins, G.R., and P.F. Zucker: Oral contraceptives and neoplasia: 1987 update. Fertil. Steril., 47:733-761, 1987. 49. McPherson, K., and J.O. Drife: The pill and breast cancer: Why the uncertainty Brit. Med. J., 293:709-710, 1986. 50. Shapiro, S.: Oral contraceptives: Time to take stock. N.E.J.M., 315:450-451, 1987. 51. Ory, H., et al.: Contraceptive choice and prevalence of cervical dysplasia and carcinoma in situ. Am. J. Obstet. Gynec., 124:573-577, 1976. 52. Vessey, M.P., et al.: Neoplasia of the cervix uteri and contraception: possible adverse effect of the pill. Lancet, 2: 930, 1983. 53. Brinton, L.A., et al.: Longterm use of oral contraceptives and risk of invasive cervical cancer. Int. J. Cancer, 38:339-344, 1986. 54. WHO Collaborative Study of Neoplasia and Steroid Contraceptives: Invasive cervical cancer and combined oral contraceptives. Brit. Med. J., 290:961-965, 1985. 55. Rooks, J.B., et al.: Epidemiology of hepatocellular adenoma: The role of oral contraceptive use. J.A.M.A., 242:644-648, 1979. 56. Bein, N.N., and H.S. Goldsmith: Recurrent massive hemorrhage from benign hepatic tumors secondary to oral contraceptives. Brit. J. Surg., 64:433-435, 1977. 57. Klatskin, G.: Hepatic tumors: Possible relationship to use of oral contraceptives. Gastroenterology, 73:386-394, 1977. 58. Henderson, B.E., et al.: Hepatocellular carcinoma and oral contraceptives. Brit. J. Cancer, 48:437-440, 1983. 59. Neuberger, J., D. Forman, et al.: Oral contraceptives and hepatocellular carcinoma. Brit. Med. J., 292:1355-1357, 1986. 60. Forman, D., et al.: Cancer of the liver and oral contraceptives. Brit. Med. J., 292: 1357-1361, 1986. 61. Harlap, S., and J. Eldor. Births following oral contraceptive failures. Obstet. Gynec., 55:447-452, 1980. 62. Savolainen, E., et al.: Teratogenic hazards of oral contraceptives analyzed in national malformation register. Amer. J. Obstet Gynec., 140:521-524, 1981. 63. Janerich, D.T., et al.: Oral contraceptives and birth defects. Am. J. Epidemiology, 112:73-79, 1980. 64. Ferencz, C., et al.: Maternal hormone therapy and congenital heart disease. Teratology, 21:225-239, 1980. 65. Rothman, K.J., et al.: Exogenous hormones and other drug exposures of children with congenital heart disease. Am. J. Epidemiology, 109:433-439, 1979. 66. Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program: Oral contraceptives and venous thromboembolic disease, surgically confirmed gallbladder disease, and breast tumors. Lancet, 1:1399-1404, 1973. 67. Royal College of General Practitioners: Oral Contraceptives and Health. New York, Pittman, 1974, 100p. 68. Layde, P.M., et al.: Risk of gallbladder disease: cohort study of young women attending family planning clinics. J. Epidemiol. and Comm. Health, 36: 274-278, 1982. 69. Rome Group for the Epidemiology and Prevention of Cholelithiasis (GREPCO): Prevalence of gallstone disease in an Italian adult female population. Am. J. Epidemiol., 119:796-805, 1984. 70. Strom, B.L., et al.: Oral contraceptives and other risk factors for gallbladder disease. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther., 39:335-341, 1986. 71. Wynn, V., et al.: Comparison of effects of different combined oral-contraceptive formulations on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Lancet, 1:1045-1049, 1979. 72. Wynn, V.: Effect of progesterone and progestins on carbohydrate metabolism. In Progesterone and Progestin. Edited by C.W. Bardin, E. Milgrom, P. Mauvis-Jarvis. New York, Raven Press, 395-410, 1983. 73. Perlman, J.A., et al.: Oral glucose tolerance and the potency of oral contraceptive progestogens. J. Chronic Dis., 38:857-864, 1985. 74. Royal College of General Practitioners Oral Contraception Study: Effect on hypertension and benign breast disease of progestogen component in combined oral contraceptives. Lancet, 1:624, 1977. 75. Fisch, I.R., and J. Frank: Oral contraceptives and blood pressure. J.A.M.A., 237:2499-2503, 1977. 76. Laragh, A.J.: Oral contraceptive induced hypertension: Nine years later. Amer. J. Obstet. Gynecol., 126:141-147, 1976. 77. Ramcharan, S., et al.: Incidence of hypertension in the Walnut Creek Contraceptive Drug Study cohort. In Pharmacology of Steroid Contraceptive Drugs. Edited by S. Garattini and H.W. Berendes. New York, Raven Press, 277-288, 1977. (Monographs of the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan.) 78. Back DJ, et al. Drug interactions, in Pharmacology of the contraceptive steroids, Goldzieher JW, Fotherby (eds), Raven Press, Ltd., New York, 1994, 407-425. 79. The Cancer and Steroid Hormone Study of the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: Oral contraceptive use and the risk of ovarian cancer. J.A.M.A., 249:1596-1599, 1983. 80. The Cancer and Steroid Hormone Study of the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: Combination oral contraceptive use and the risk of endometrial cancer. J.A.M.A., 257:796-800, 1987. 81. Ory, H.W.: Functional ovarian cysts and oral contraceptives: Negative association confirmed surgically. J.A.M.A., 228:68-69, 1974. 82. Ory, H.W., et al.: Oral contraceptives and reduced risk of benign breast disease. N.E.J.M., 294: 41-422, 1976. 83. Ory, H.W.: The noncontraceptive health benefits from oral contraceptive use. Fam. Plann. Perspectives, 14:182-184, 1982. 84. Ory, H.W., et al.: Making Choices: Evaluating the health risks and benefits of birth control methods. New York, The Alan Guttmacher Institute, 1, 1983. 85. Miller, D.R., et al.: Breast cancer before age 45 and oral contraceptive use: new findings. Am. J. Epidemiol., 129:269-280, 1989. 86. Kay, C.R., and P.C. Hannaford: Breast cancer and the pill: further report from the Royal College of General Practitioners Oral Contraception Study. Br. J. Cancer, 58:675-680, 1988. 87. Stadel, B.V., et al.: Oral contraceptives and premenopausal breast cancer in nulliparous women. Contraception, 38:287-299, 1988. 88. UK National Case-Control Study Group: Oral contraceptive use and breast cancer risk in young women. Lancet, 973-982, 1989. 89. Romieu, I., et al.: Prospective study of oral contraceptive use and risk of breast cancer in women. J. Natl. Cancer Inst., 81:1313-1321, 1989.

SPL MEDGUIDE SECTION.

BRIEF SUMMARY PATIENT PACKAGE INSERT. Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills or the pill, are taken to prevent pregnancy and, when taken correctly, have failure rate of about 1% per year when used without missing any pills. The typical failure rate of large numbers of pill users is less than 3% per year when women who miss pills are included. For most women oral contraceptives are also free of serious or unpleasant side effects. However, forgetting to take pills considerably increases the chances of pregnancy.For the majority of women, oral contraceptives can be taken safely. But there are some women who are at high risk of developing certain serious diseases that can be life-threatening or may cause temporary or permanent disability. The risks associated with taking oral contraceptives increase significantly if you:SmokeHave high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterolHave or have had clotting disorders, heart attack, stroke, angina pectoris, cancer of the breast or sex organs, jaundice, or malignant or benign liver tumors.You should not take the pill if you suspect you are pregnant or have unexplained vaginal bleeding. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from oral contraceptive use. This risk increases with age and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day) and is quite marked in women over 35 years of age. Women who use oral contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke. Most side effects of the pill are not serious. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, bleeding between menstrual periods, weight gain, breast tenderness, and difficulty wearing contact lenses. These side effects, especially nausea, vomiting, and breakthrough bleeding, may subside within the first three months of use.The serious side effects of the pill occur very infrequently, especially if you are in good health and are young. However, you should know that the following medical conditions have been associated with or made worse by the pill:Blood clots in the legs (thrombophlebitis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), stoppage or rupture of blood vessel in the brain (stroke), blockage of blood vessels in the heart (heart attack or angina pectoris) or other organs of the body. As mentioned above, smoking increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes and subsequent serious medical consequences.Liver tumors, which may rupture and cause severe bleeding. possible but not definite association has been found with the pill and liver cancer. However, liver cancers are extremely rare. The chance of developing liver cancer from using the pill is thus even rarer.High blood pressure, although blood pressure usually returns to normal when the pill is stopped.The symptoms associated with these serious side effects are discussed in the detailed leaflet given to you with your supply of pills. Notify your doctor or health care provider if you notice any unusual physical disturbances while taking the pill. In addition, drugs such as rifampin, as well as some anticonvulsants and some antibiotics, may decrease oral contraceptive effectiveness.Most of the studies to date on breast cancer and pill use have found no increase in the risk of developing breast cancer, although some studies have reported an increased risk of developing breast cancer in certain groups of women. However, some studies have found an increase in the risk of developing cancer of the cervix in women taking the pill, but this finding may be related to differences in sexual behavior or other factors not related to use of the pill. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to rule out the possibility that the pill may cause cancer of the breast or cervix.Taking the pill provides some important non-contraceptive benefits. These include less painful menstruation, less menstrual blood loss and anemia, fewer pelvic infections, and fewer cancers of the ovary and the lining of the uterus.Be sure to discuss any medical condition you may have with your health care provider. Your health care provider will take medical and family history and examine you before prescribing oral contraceptives. The physical examination may be delayed to another time if you request it and your health care provider believes that it is good medical practice to postpone it. You should be reexamined at least once year while taking oral contraceptives. The detailed patient information leaflet gives you further information which you should read and discuss with your health care provider.This product (like all oral contraceptives) is intended to prevent pregnancy. It does not protect against transmission of HIV (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and syphilis.. Smoke. Have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol. Have or have had clotting disorders, heart attack, stroke, angina pectoris, cancer of the breast or sex organs, jaundice, or malignant or benign liver tumors.. Blood clots in the legs (thrombophlebitis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), stoppage or rupture of blood vessel in the brain (stroke), blockage of blood vessels in the heart (heart attack or angina pectoris) or other organs of the body. As mentioned above, smoking increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes and subsequent serious medical consequences.. Liver tumors, which may rupture and cause severe bleeding. possible but not definite association has been found with the pill and liver cancer. However, liver cancers are extremely rare. The chance of developing liver cancer from using the pill is thus even rarer.. High blood pressure, although blood pressure usually returns to normal when the pill is stopped.

SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION.

Patients should be counseled that this product does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

WARNINGS SECTION.

WARNINGS. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from oral contraceptive use. This risk increases with age and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day) and is quite marked in women over 35 years of age. Women who use oral contraceptives should be strongly advised not to smoke. 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 measure of the relative risk of disease, namely, ratio of the incidence of disease among oral contraceptive users to that among non-users. The relative risk does not provide information on the actual clinical occurrence of disease. Cohort studies provide measure of attributable risk, which is the difference in the incidence of disease between oral contraceptive users and non-users. The attributable risk does not provide information about the actual occurrence of disease in the population (adapted from References and with the authors permission). For further information, the reader is referred to 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 (10-16). 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 state of hyperinsulinism (20-24). Oral contraceptives have been shown to increase blood pressure among users (see section 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.. Table II. 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 for the first episode of superficial venous thrombosis, to 11 for deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and 1.5 to for women with predisposing conditions for venous thromboembolic disease (9, 10, 25-30). Cohort studies have shown the relative risk to be somewhat lower, about 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 type associated with an increase in risk of thromboembolism and during and following prolonged immobilization. Since the immediate post-partum 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 breast feed.. c. Cerebrovascular Disease. 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 risk factor for both users and non-users, for both types of strokes, while smoking interacted to increase the risk for hemorrhagic strokes (33-35).In large study, the relative risk of thrombotic strokes has been shown to range from 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. positive association has been observed between the amount of estrogen and progestogen in oral contraceptives and the risk of vascular disease (37-39). decline in serum high-density lipoproteins (HDL) has been reported with many progestational agents (20-22). 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 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 study in the United States, the risk of developing myocardial infarction after discontinuing oral contraceptives persists for at least years for women 40 to 49 years who had used oral contraceptives for 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 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 variety of sources which have estimated the mortality rate associated with different methods of contraception at different ages (Table III). These estimates include the combined risk of death associated with contraceptive methods plus the risk attributable to pregnancy in the event of method failure. Each method of contraception has its specific benefits and risks. The study concluded that with the exception of oral contraceptive users 35 and older who smoke and 40 and older who do not smoke, mortality associated with all methods of birth control is low and below that associated with childbirth. The observation of possible increase in risk of mortality with age for oral contraceptive users is based on data gathered in the 1970s but not reported until 1983 (41). However, current clinical practice involves the use of lower estrogen dose formulations combined with careful restriction of oral contraceptive use to women who do not have the various risk factors listed in this labeling.Because of these changes in practice and, also, because of some limited new data which suggest that the risk of cardiovascular disease with the use of oral contraceptives may now be less than previously observed (Porter JB, Hunter J, Jick H, et al. Oral contraceptives and nonfatal vascular disease. Obstet Gynecol 1985;66:1-4 and Porter JB, Hershel J, Walker AM. Mortality among oral contraceptive users. Obstet Gynecol 1987;70:29-32), the Fertility and Maternal Health Drugs Advisory Committee was asked to review the topic in 1989. The Committee concluded that although cardiovascular disease risks may be increased with oral contraceptive use after age 40 in healthy non-smoking women (even with the newer low-dose formulations), there are greater potential health risks associated with pregnancy in older women and with the alternative surgical and medical procedures which may be necessary if such women do not have access to effective and acceptable means of contraception.Therefore, the Committee recommended that the benefits of oral contraceptive use by healthy non-smoking women over 40 may outweigh the possible risks. Of course, older women, as all women who take oral contraceptives, should take the lowest possible dose formulation that is effective.TABLE III ANNUAL NUMBER OF BIRTH-RELATED OR METHOD-RELATED DEATHS ASSOCIATED WITH CONTROL OF FERTILITY PER 100,000 NONSTERILE WOMEN, BY FERTILITY CONTROL METHOD ACCORDING TO AGE Method of control and outcome 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 Deaths are birth related. Deaths are method related. Adapted from H.W. Ory, Reference 41. No fertility control methods 7.0 7.4 9.1 14.8 25.7 28.2 Oral contraceptives non-smoker 0.3 0.5 0.9 1.9 13.8 31.6 Oral contraceptives smoker 2.2 3.4 6.6 13.5 51.1 117.2 IUD 0.8 0.8 1.0 1.0 1.4 1.4 Condom 1.1 1.6 0.7 0.2 0.3 0.4 Diaphragm/ spermicide 1.9 1.2 1.2 1.3 2.2 2.8 Periodic abstinence 2.5 1.6 1.6 1.7 2.9 3.6. 3. Carcinoma of the Reproductive Organs. Numerous epidemiological studies have been performed on the incidence of breast, endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancer in women using oral contraceptives. Most of the studies on breast cancer and oral contraceptive use report that the use of oral contraceptives is not associated with an increase in the risk of developing breast cancer (42,44,89). Some studies have reported an increased risk of developing breast cancer in certain subgroups of oral contraceptive users, but the findings reported in these studies are not consistent (43,45-49,85-88).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 (51-54). However, there continues to be controversy about the extent to which such findings may be due to differences in sexual behavior and other factors.In spite of many studies of the relationship between oral contraceptive use and breast and cervical cancers, cause and effect relationship has not been established.. 4. Hepatic Neoplasia. Benign hepatic adenomas are associated with oral contraceptive use, although the incidence of benign tumors is rare in the United States. Indirect calculations have estimated the attributable risk to be in the range of 3.3 cases/100,000 for users, risk that increases after four or more years of use (55). Rupture of rare, benign, hepatic adenomas may cause death through intra-abdominal hemorrhage (56,57).Studies from Britain have shown an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (58-60) in long-term (>8 years) oral contraceptive users. However, these cancers are extremely rare in the U.S., and the attributable risk (the excess incidence) of liver cancers in oral contraceptive users approaches less than one per million users.. 5. Ocular Lesions. There have been clinical case reports of retinal thrombosis associated with the use of oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives should be discontinued if there is unexplained partial or complete loss of vision; onset of proptosis or diplopia; papilledema; or retinal vascular lesions. Appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures should be undertaken immediately.. 6. Oral Contraceptive Use Before and During Early Pregnancy. Extensive epidemiological studies have revealed no increased risk of birth defects in women who have used oral contraceptives prior to pregnancy (61-63). Studies also do not suggest teratogenic effect, particularly insofar as cardiac anomalies and limb reduction defects are concerned (61,62,64,65), when taken inadvertently during early pregnancy.The administration of oral contraceptives to induce withdrawal bleeding should not be used as test for pregnancy. Oral contraceptives should not be used during pregnancy to treat threatened or habitual abortion.It is recommended that for any patient who has missed two consecutive periods, pregnancy should be ruled out before continuing oral contraceptive use. If the patient has not adhered to the prescribed schedule, the possibility of pregnancy should be considered at the time of the first missed period. Oral contraceptive use should be discontinued if pregnancy is confirmed.. 7. Gallbladder Disease. Earlier studies have reported an increased lifetime relative risk of gallbladder surgery in users of oral contraceptives and estrogens (66,67). More recent studies, however, have shown that the relative risk of developing gallbladder disease among oral contraceptive users may be minimal (68-70). The recent findings of minimal risk may be related to the use of oral contraceptive formulations containing lower hormonal doses of estrogens and progestogens.. 8. Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Effects. Oral contraceptives have been shown to cause glucose intolerance in significant percentage of users (23). Oral contraceptives containing greater than 75 mcg of estrogens cause hyperinsulinism, while lower doses of estrogen cause less glucose intolerance (71). Progestogens increase insulin secretion and create insulin resistance, this effect varying with different progestational agents (23,72). However, in the non-diabetic woman, oral contraceptives appear to have no effect on fasting blood glucose (73). Because of these demonstrated effects, prediabetic and diabetic women should be carefully observed while taking oral contraceptives.A small proportion of women will have persistent hypertriglyceridemia while on the pill. As discussed earlier (see WARNINGS 1a. and 1d.), changes in serum triglycerides and lipoprotein levels have been reported in oral contraceptive users.. 9. Elevated Blood Pressure. An increase in blood pressure has been reported in women taking oral contraceptives (74) and this increase is more likely in older oral contraceptive users (75) and with continued use (74). Data from the Royal College of General Practitioners (18) and subsequent randomized trials have shown that the incidence of hypertension increases with increasing concentrations of progestogens.Women with history of hypertension or hypertension-related diseases, or renal disease (76) should be encouraged to use another method of contraception. If women elect to use oral contraceptives, they should be monitored closely and if significant elevation of blood pressure occurs, oral contraceptives should be discontinued. For most women, elevated blood pressure will return to normal after stopping oral contraceptives (75), and there is no difference in the occurrence of hypertension among ever and never users (74,76,77).. 10. Headache. The onset or exacerbation of migraine or development of headache with new pattern which is recurrent, persistent, or severe requires discontinuation of oral contraceptives and evaluation of the cause.. 11. Bleeding Irregularities. Breakthrough bleeding and spotting are sometimes encountered in patients on oral contraceptives, especially during the first three months of use. Non-hormonal causes should be considered, and adequate diagnostic measures taken to rule out malignancy or pregnancy in the event of breakthrough bleeding, as in the case of any abnormal vaginal bleeding. If pathology has been excluded, time or change to another formulation may solve the problem. In the event of amenorrhea, pregnancy should be ruled out.Some women may encounter post-pill amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, especially when such condition was pre-existent.