Bimizza 150 Microgram/20 Microgram Tablets
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Bimizza 150 microgram/20 microgram Tablets
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each tablet contains 150 micrograms desogestrel and 20 micrograms ethinylestradiol. Excipients: 1 uncoated tablet contains 58 mg of lactose anhydrous For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Tablet
Each tablet is round, white to off-white, 5.00 mm, uncoated, biconvex, debossed with ‘141’ on one side and other side plain.
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Oral contraception
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Route of administration: Oral use
How to take Bimizza
The tablets must be taken every day at about the same time, if necessary with a little liquid, in the order shown on the blister pack. One tablet is to be taken daily for 21 consecutive days. Each subsequent pack is started after a 7-day tablet-free interval; during which time a withdrawal bleeding usually occurs. This usually starts on day 2-3 after the last tablet and may not have finished before the next pack is started.
How to start Bimizza
No preceding hormonal contraceptive use (in the past month)
Tablet-taking has to start on day 1 of the woman’s natural cycle (i.e. the first day of her menstrual bleeding). Tablet intake is also allowed to start on day 25, but during the first cycle concurrent use of a barrier method for the first 7 days of tablet intake is advisable.
• Changing from a combined hormonal contraceptive (combined oral contraceptive (COC), vaginal ring or transdermalpatch)
The woman should start taking Bimizza 150 microgram/20 microgram Tablets preferably on the day after the last active tablet (the last tablet containing the active substances) of her previous COC, but at the latest on the day following the usual tablet-free or placebo tablet interval of her previous COC. In case a vaginal ring or a transdermal patch has been used, the woman should start using Bimizza 150 microgram/20 microgram Tablets preferably on the day of removal, but at the latest when the next application would have been due.
• Changing from a progestogen-only-method (progestogen-only-pill, injection, implant) or from a progestogen-releasing intrauterine system (IUS)
The woman may switch any day from the progestogen-only pills (from an implant or the IUS on the day of its removal; from an injectable when the next injection would be due) but should in all of these cases be advised to additionally use a barrier method for the first 7 days of tablet-taking.
• Following first-trimester abortion
The woman may start immediately. When doing so, she need not take additional contraceptive measures.
• Following delivery or second-trimester abortion
The woman should be advised to start at day 21 to 28 after delivery or second-trimester abortion. When starting later, the woman should be advised to additionally use a barrier method for the first 7 days. However if intercourse has already occurred, pregnancy should be excluded before the actual start of COC use or the woman has to wait for her first menstrual period.
For breastfeeding women - see section 4.6.
Management of missed tablets
If the user is less than 12 hours late in taking any tablet, contraceptive protection is not reduced.
The woman should take the tablet as soon as she remembers, and should take further tablets at usual time.
If she is more than 12 hours late in taking any tablet, contraceptive protection may be reduced. The management of missed tablets can be guided by the following two basic rules:
1. tablet-taking must never be discontinued for longer than 7 days
2. 7 days of uninterrupted tablet-taking are required to attain adequate suppression of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian-axis.
Accordingly the following advice can be given in daily practice:
• Week 1
The user should take the last missed tablet as soon as she remembers, even if this means taking two tablets at the same time. She then continues to take tablets at her usual time. In addition, a barrier method such as a condom should be used for the next 7 days. If intercourse took place in the preceding 7 days, the possibility of a pregnancy should be considered. The more tablets are missed and the closer they are to the regular tablet-free interval, the higher the risk of a pregnancy.
• Week 2
The user should take the last missed tablet as soon as she remembers, even if this means taking two tablets at the same time. She then continues to take tablets at her usual time. Provided that the woman has taken her tablets correctly in the 7 days preceding the first missed tablet, there is no need to use extra contraceptive precautions. However, if she has missed more than 1 tablet, the woman should be advised to use extra precautions for 7 days.
• Week 3
The risk of reduced reliability is imminent because of the forthcoming 7-day tablet-free interval. However, by adjusting the tablet-intake schedule, reduced contraceptive protection can still be prevented. By adhering to either of the following two options, there is therefore no need to use extra contraceptive precautions, provided that in the 7 days preceding the first missed tablet the woman has taken all tablets correctly. If this is not the case, she should follow the first of these two options and use extra precautions for the next 7 days as well.
1. The user should take the last missed tablet as soon as she remembers, even if this means taking two tablets at the same time. She then continues to take tablets at her usual time. The next blister pack must be started as soon as the current blister pack is finished, i.e., no gap should be left between packs. The user is unlikely to have a withdrawal bleed until the end of the second pack, but she may experience spotting or breakthrough bleeding on tablettaking days.
2. The woman may also be advised to discontinue tablet-taking from the current blister pack. She should then have a tablet-free interval of up to 7 days, including the days she missed tablets, and subsequently continue with the next blister pack.
If the woman missed tablets and subsequently has no withdrawal bleed in the first normal tablet-free interval, the possibility of a pregnancy should be considered.
Advice in case of gastro-intestinal disturbances
In case of severe gastro-intestinal disturbances (e.g., vomiting or diarrhoea), absorption may not be complete and additional contraceptive measures should be taken. If vomiting occurs within 3-4 hours after tablet-taking, a new (replacement) tablet should be taken as soon as possible. The new tablet should be taken within 12 hours of the usual time of tablet-taking if possible. If more than 12 hours elapse, the advice concerning missed tablets, under section “Management of missed tablets”, is applicable. If the woman does not want to change her normal tablet-taking schedule, she has to take the extra tablet(s) from another blister pack.
How to postpone a withdrawal bleed
To delay a period the woman should continue with another blister pack of Bimizza 150 microgram/20 microgram Tablets without a tablet-free interval. The extension can be carried on for as long as wished until the end of the second pack. During the extension the woman may experience breakthroughbleeding or spotting. Regular intake of Bimizza 150 microgram/20 microgram Tablets is then resumed after the usual 7-day tablet-free interval.
To shift her periods to another day of the week than the woman is used to with her current scheme, she can be advised to shorten her forthcoming tablet-free interval by as many days as she likes. The shorter the interval, the higher the risk that she does not have a withdrawal bleed and will experience breakthrough-bleeding and spotting during the subsequent pack (just as when delaying a period).
4.3 Contraindications
Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) should not be used in the presence of any of the conditions listed below. Should any of the conditions appear for the first during COC use, the product should be stopped immediately.
- Venous thrombosis present or in history (deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism).
- Arterial thrombosis present or in history (e.g. cerebro-vascular accident, myocardial
infarction) or prodromal conditions (e.g. angina pectoris and transient ischaemic attack).
- Cerebrovascular accident present or in history
- The presence of a severe or multiple risk factor(s) for arterial thrombosis:
- diabetes mellitus with vascular symptoms
- severe hypertension
- severe dyslipoproteinaemia
Hereditary or acquired predisposition for venous or arterial thrombosis, such as APC resistance, antithrombin-III-deficiency, protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, hyperhomocysteinaemia and antiphospholipid antibodies (anticardiolipin-antibodies, lupus anticoagulant).
Pancreatitis or a history thereof if associated with severe hypertriglyceridemia
Presence or history of severe hepatic disease as long as liver function values have not returned to normal.
Presence or history of liver tumours (benign or malignant).
Known or suspected sex steroid-influenced malignancies (e.g. of the genital organs or the breasts)
Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.
History of migraine with focal neurological symptoms Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients of Bimizza150 microgram/20 microgram Tablets
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Warnings
If one of the conditions or risk factors mentioned below is present, the benefits of COC use should be weighed against the possible risks in each individual woman and discussed with the woman, before she decides to start using it. In the event of aggravation, exacerbation or first appearance of any of these risk factors, the woman should contact her physician. The physician should then decide whether COC use should be discontinued.
Circulatory disorders
The use of any combined oral contraceptive carries an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared with no use. The excess risk of VTE is highest during the first year a woman ever uses a combined oral contraceptive.
Epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence of VTE in women with no known risk factors for VTE who use low dose oestrogen (<50 pg ethinylestradiol combined oral contraceptives) ranges from about 20 cases per 100,000 woman-years (for levonorgestrel-containing COCs ) to 40 cases per 100,000 women-years (for desogestrel/ gestodene-containing COC). This compares with 5 to 10 cases per 100,000 woman-years for non-users and 60 cases per 100,000 pregnancies. VTE is fatal in 1-2% of cases.
Epidemiological studies have also associated the use of COCs with an increased risk for arterial (myocardial infarction, transient ischaemic attack) thromboembolism.
Extremely rarely, thrombosis has been reported to occur in other blood vessels, e.g. hepatic, mesenteric, renal, cerebral or retinal veins and arteries, in contraceptive pill users. There is no consensus as to whether the occurrence of these events is associated with the use of hormonal contraceptives.
Symptoms of venous or arterial thrombotic/thromboembolic events or of a cerebrovascular accident can include:
- unusual unilateral leg pain and/ or swelling
- sudden severe pain in the chest, whether or not it radiates to the left arm
- sudden breathlessness
- sudden onset of coughing
- any unusual, severe, prolonged headache
- sudden partial or complete loss of vision
- diplopia
- slurred speech or aphasia
- vertigo
- collapse with or without focal seizure
- weakness or very marked numbness suddenly affecting one side or one part of the body
- motor disturbances
- acute' abdomen.
The risk for venous thromboembolic complications in COCs users increases with:
increasing age
a positive family history (venous thromboembolism ever in a sibling or parent at relatively early age). If a hereditary predisposition is suspected, the woman should be referred to a specialist for advice before deciding about any COC use.
prolonged immobilization, major surgery, any surgery to the legs, or major trauma. In these situations it is advisable to discontinue the pill (in the case of elective surgery at least four weeks in advance) and not resume until two weeks after complete remobilisation. Antithrombotic treatment should be considered.
obesity (body mass index over 30 kg/m2).
there is no consensus about the possible role of varicose veins and superficial thrombophlebitis in the onset or progression of venous thrombosis.
The risk of arterial thromboembolic complications or of a cerebrovascular accident in COC
users increases with: increasing age
smoking (women over 35 years should be strongly advised not to smoke if they wish to
use a COC)
dyslipoproteinaemia
hypertension
migraine
obesity (body mass index over 30 kg/m2)
a positive family history (arterial thromboembolism ever in a sibling or parent at relatively early age). If a hereditary predisposition is suspected, the woman should be referred to a specialist for advice before deciding about any COC use
valvular heart disease atrial fibrillation
The presence of one serious risk factor or multiple risk factors for venous or arterial disease, respectively, can also constitute a contra-indication. The possibility of anticoagulant therapy should also be taken into account. COC users should be specifically pointed out to contact their physician in case of possible symptoms of thrombosis. In case of suspected or confirmed thrombosis, COC use should be discontinued. Adequate alternative contraception should be initiated because of the teratogenicity of anticoagulant therapy (coumarins).
The increased risk of thromboembolism in the puerperium must be considered (for information on “Pregnancy and lactation” - see section 4.6).
Other medical conditions which have been associated with adverse vascular events include diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, haemolytic uremic syndrome, chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) and sickle-cell disease.
An increase in frequency or severity of migraine during use of COCs (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event) may be a reason for immediate discontinuation of the COC.
Tumours
An increased risk of cervical cancer in long-term users of COCs (> 5 years) has been reported in some epidemiological studies, but there continues to be controversy about the extent to which this finding is attributable to the confounding effects of sexual behaviour and other factors such as human papilloma virus (HPV).
A meta-analysis from 54 epidemiological studies reported that there is a slightly increased relative risk (RR = 1.24) of having breast cancer diagnosed in women who are currently using COCs. The excess risk gradually disappears during the course of the 10 years after cessation of COC use. Because breast cancer is rare in women under 40 years of age, the excess number of breast cancer diagnoses in current and recent users of COCs is small in relation to the overall risk of breast cancer. These studies do not provide evidence for causation. The observed pattern of increased risk may be due to an earlier diagnosis of breast cancer in users of COCs, the biological effects of COCs or a combination of both. The breast cancers diagnosed in ever-users tend to be less advanced clinically than the cancers diagnosed in never-users.
In rare cases, benign liver tumours, and even more rarely malignant liver tumours have been reported in users of COCs. In isolated cases, these tumours have led to life-threatening intra-abdominal haemorrhages. A hepatic tumour should be considered in the differential diagnosis when severe upper abdominal pain, liver enlargement or signs of intra-abdominal haemorrhage occur in women taking COCs.
With the use of the higher-dosed COCs (50 pg ethinylestradiol) the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer is reduced. Whether this also applies to lower-dosed COCs remains to be confirmed.
Other conditions
Women with hypertriglyceridaemia or a family history thereof may be at increased risk of pancreatitis when using COCs.
Although small increases in blood pressure have been reported in many women taking COCs, clinically relevant increases are rare. Only in these rare cases an immediate discontinuation of COC use is justified. A systematic relationship between COC use and clinical hypertension has not been established. If, during the use of a COC in preexisting hypertension, constantly elevated blood pressure values or a significant increase in blood pressure do not respond adequately to antihypertensive treatment, the COC must be withdrawn. Where considered appropriate, COC use may be resumed if normotensive values can be achieved with antihypertensive therapy.
The following conditions have been reported to occur or deteriorate with both pregnancy and COC use, but the evidence of an association with COC use is inconclusive: Jaundice and/or pruritus related to cholestasis; gallstones; porphyria; systemic lupus erythematosus; haemolytic uremic syndrome; Sydenham’s chorea; herpes gestationis; otosclerosis-related hearing loss.
In women with hereditary angioedema exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema.
Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may necessitate discontinuation of COC use until markers of liver function return to normal. Recurrence of cholestatic jaundice and/or cholestasis-related pruritus which previously occurred during pregnancy or during previous use of sex steroids necessitates the discontinuation of COCs.
Although COCs may have an effect on peripheral insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, there is no evidence for a need to alter the therapeutic regime in diabetics using low-dose COCs (containing <0.05 mg ethinylestradiol). However, diabetic women should be carefully observed, particularly in the early stage of COC use.
Worsening of endogenous depression, of epilepsy, of Crohn’s disease and of ulcerative colitis has been reported during COC use.
Chloasma may occasionally occur, especially in women with a medical history of chloasma gravidarum. Women with a tendency to chloasma should avoid exposure to sunlight or ultra-violet radiation whilst taking COCs.
Bimizza contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.
Medical examination/consultation
Prior to the initiation or reinstitution of Bimizza a complete medical history (including family history) should be taken and pregnancy must be ruled out. Blood pressure should be measured and a physical examination should be performed, guided by the contra-indications (section 4.3) and warnings (section 4.4). The woman should also be instructed to carefully read the user leaflet and to adhere to the advice given. The frequency and nature of examinations should be based on established practice guidelines and be adapted to the individual woman.
Women should be advised that oral contraceptives do not protect against HIV infections (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases.
Reduced efficacy
The efficacy of COCs may be reduced in the event of e.g. missed tablets (section 4.2.), gastro-intestinal disturbances (section 4.2.) or concomitant medication (section 4.5.).
Reduced cycle control
With all COCs, irregular bleeding (spotting and breakthrough bleeding) may occur, especially during the first months of use. Therefore, the evaluation of any irregular bleeding is only meaningful after an adaptation interval of about 3 cycles.
If bleeding irregularities persist or occur after previously regular cycles, then nonhormonal causes should be considered and adequate diagnostic measures are indicated to exclude malignancy or pregnancy. These may include curettage.
In some women withdrawal bleeding may not occur during the tablet-free interval. If the COC has been taken according to the directions described in section 4.2, it is unlikely that the woman is pregnant. However, if the COC has not been taken according to these directions prior to the first missed withdrawal bleed or if two withdrawal bleeds are missed, pregnancy must be ruled out before COC use is continued.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Note: The prescribing information of concomitant medications should be consulted to identify potential interactions.
Influence of other medical products on Bimizza150 microgram/20 microgram Tablets
Interactions between oral contraceptives and other medicinal products may lead to breakthrough bleeding and/or contraceptive failure. The following interactions have been reported in the literature.
Hepatic metabolism
Interactions can occur with drugs that induce hepatic enzymes which can result in increased clearance of sex hormones (e.g. phenytoin, barbiturates, primidone, carbamazepine, rifampicin, bosentan and HIV-medication (e.g. ritonavir, nevirapine) and possibly also oxcarbazepine, topiramate, felbamate, griseofulvin and products containing the herbal remedy St. John's Wort (Hypericumperforatum). Maximal enzyme induction is generally seen in about 10 days but may then be sustained for at least 4 weeks after the cessation of drug therapy.
Interference with Enterohepatic Circulation
Contraceptive failures have also been reported with antibiotics, such as penicillins and tetracyclines. The mechanism of this effect has not been elucidated.
Management
Women on short-term treatment with any of the above-mentioned classes of medicinal products or individual active substances (hepatic enzyme-inducing medicine) besides rifampicin should temporarily use a barrier method in addition to
the COC, i.e. during the time of concomitant medicinal product administration and for 7 days after their discontinuation.
For women on rifampicin a barrier method should be used in addition to the COC during the time of rifampicin administration and for 28 days after its discontinuation.
In women on long-term treatment with hepatic enzyme-inducing active substances, another reliable, non-hormonal, method of contraception is recommended.
Women on treatment with antibiotics (besides rifampicin, see above) should use the barrier method until 7 days after discontinuation.
If concomitant medicinal product administration runs beyond the end of the tablets in the COC blister pack, the next COC pack should be started without the usual tablet-free interval.
Influence of Bimizza on other medicinal products
Oral contraceptives may affect the metabolism of certain other active substances. Accordingly, plasma and tissue concentrations may either increase (e.g. cyclosporin) or decrease (e.g. lamotrigine).
Laboratory analyses
The use of contraceptive steroids may influence the results of certain laboratory tests, including biochemical parameters of liver, thyroid, adrenal and renal function; plasma levels of (carrier) proteins, e.g. corticosteroid-binding globulin and lipid/lipoprotein fractions, parameters of carbohydrate metabolism and parameters of coagulation and fibrinolysis. Changes generally remain within the normal laboratory range.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Bimizza is not indicated in pregnancy.
If pregnancy occurs during the use of Bimizza the preparation should be withdrawn immediately. Extensive epidemiological studies have revealed neither an increased risk of birth defects in children born to women who used COCs prior to pregnancy, nor a teratogenic effect when COCs were taken inadvertently during pregnancy.
Lactation may be influenced by COCs as they may reduce the quantity and change the composition of breast milk. Therefore, the use of COCs should generally not be recommended until the breast-feeding mother has completely weaned her child. Small amounts of the contraceptive steroids and/or their metabolites may be excreted with the milk during COC use. These amounts may affect the child.
Fertility
No relevant supporting data/evidence is available to suggest short or long term infertility effects of this product. However, in patients receiving similar oral contraceptive products, an adverse reaction of temporary infertility after discontinuance of treatment has been seen infrequently.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. No effects on ability to drive and use machines have been observed in users of COCs.
4.8 Undesirable effects
For serious adverse experiences in users of COCs see section 4.4.
There is an increased risk of venous thromboembolism for all women using a COC. For information on differences in risk between COCs, see Section 4.4.
|
Organ systems |
Very common >1/10 |
Common/Uncommon (more than 1/1,000 but less than 1/10) |
Rare less than 1/1000 |
|
Infections and infestations |
Vaginal candidiasis | ||
|
Immune system disorders |
Hypersensitivity | ||
|
Metabolism and nutrition disorders |
Fluid retention | ||
|
Psychiatric disorders |
Libido decreased Depressed mood Mood altered |
Libido increased | |
|
Nervous system disorders |
Headache Dizziness Nervousness | ||
|
Eye disorders |
Contact lens intolerance | ||
|
Ear and labyrinth disorders |
Otosclerosis | ||
|
Vascular disorders |
Migraine Hypertension |
Thromboembolism | |
|
Gastrointestinal disorders |
Nausea Vomiting | ||
|
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders |
Acne Rash Urticaria |
Erythema nodosum Erythema multiforme |
|
Pruritus Alopecia | |||
|
Reproductive system and breast disorders |
Irregular bleeding |
Amenorrhea Breast tenderness Breast pain Breast hypertrophy Metrorrhagia |
Vaginal discharge Breast discharge |
|
General disorders and administration site conditions |
Weight increase |
The following serious adverse events have been reported in women using COCs and are discussed in section 4.4:
- Venous thromboembolic disorders;
- Arterial thromboembolic disorders;
- Hypertension;
- Liver tumours;
- Occurrence or deterioration of conditions for which an association with OC use is not conclusive: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, epilepsy, migraine, endometriosis, uterine myoma, porphyria, systemic lupus erythematosus, herpes gestationis, Sydenham's chorea, haemolytic uremic syndrome, cholestatic jaundice;
- Chloasma;
- Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may necessitate the
discontinuation of COC use until markers of liver function return to normal.
- In women with hereditary angioedema exogenous estrogens may
induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema.
The frequency of diagnosis of breast cancer is very slightly increased among OC users. As breast cancer is rare in women under 40 years of age the excess number is small in relation to the overall risk of breast cancer. Causation with COC use is unknown. For further information, see sections 4.3 and 4.4.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
4.9 Overdose
There has not been any experience of overdose with Bimizza150 microgram/20 microgram Tablets. On the basis of general experience with combined oral contraceptives, symptoms that may possibly occur in this case are: nausea, vomiting and, in young girls, slight vaginal bleeding. There are no antidotes and further treatment should be symptomatic.
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Progestogens and estrogens, fixed combinations ATC code: G 03 AA 09
The contraceptive action of COCs is based on interaction of different factors, out of which the most important is the inhibition of ovulation and changes in the cervical secretion. Besides protection against pregnancy, COCs have several positive properties which, next to the negative properties (see Warnings, Undesirable effects), can be useful in deciding on the method of birth control. The cycle is more regular and the menstruation is often less painful and bleeding is lighter. The latter may result in a decrease in the occurrence of iron deficiency. In the largest multicenter trial (n=23 258 cycles), the uncorrected Pearl Index is estimated at 0.1 (95% confidence interval 0.0-0.3). Furthermore, 4.5% of the women reported absence of withdrawal bleeding and 9.2% reported occurrence of irregular bleeding after 6 treatment cycles.
Bimizza is a COC with ethinylestradiol and the progestogen desogestrel. Ethinylestradiol is a well known synthetic estrogen.
Desogestrel is a synthetic progestogen. After oral administration it has a strong ovulation-inhibiting activity.
With the use of the higher-dosed COCs (50pg ethinylestradiol) the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer is reduced. Whether this also applies to lower-dosed COCs remains to be confirmed.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Desogestrel
Absorption
After oral administration of Bimizza150 microgram/20 microgram Tablets, desogestrel is rapidly absorbed and converted into 3-keto-desogestrel. Peak plasma levels are reached after 1.5 hours. The absolute bioavailability of 3-keto-desogestrel is 62-81%.
Distribution
3-keto-desogestrel is 95.5-99% bound to the plasma proteins, mainly albumin and SHBG. The ethinyl-oestradiol-induced increase in SHBG influences both the amount of bindings and distribution of 3-keto-deosgestrel in the plasma proteins. As a consequence the concentration of 3-keto-desogestrel rises slowly during treatment until steady state is reached within 3-13 days.
Metabolism
The phase-I metabolism of desogestrel includes cytochrome P-450 catalysed hydroxylation and subsequent dehydrogenation at C3. The active metabolite of 3-keto-desogestrel is further reduced, the degradation products are conjugated to sulphate and glucuronides. Animal studies indicate that the enterohepatic circulation has no relevance for the gestagenic activity of desogestrel.
Elimination
3-keto-desogestrel is eliminated with a mean half-life of approx. 31 hours (24-38 hours), plasma clearance varies from 5.0-9.5 l/hour. Desogestrel and its metabolites are eliminated via the urine and in the faeces, either as free steroids or conjugates. Ratio for elimination in urine or faeces is 1.5:1.
Steady-State Conditions
In steady-state conditions the serum level of 3-keto-desogestrel is elevated by two- to threefold.
Ethinylestradiol
Absorption
Ethinyl estradiol is rapidly absorbed and peak plasma levels are reached after 1.5 hours. As a consequence of presystemic conjugation and first-pass metabolism the absolute bioavailability is 60%. The area under the curve and Cmax may be expected to rise slightly over time.
Distribution
Ethinyl estradiol is 98.8% bound to the plasma proteins, almost exclusively to albumin.
Metabolism
Ethinyl estradiol undergoes presystemic conjugation both in the mucosa of the small intestine and in the liver. Hydrolysis of the direct conjugates of ethinyl estradiol with the aid of the intestinal flora gives ethinyl estradiol, which can be re-absorbed, and an enterohepatic circulation is hereby set up. The primary pathway of ethinyl estradiol metabolism is cytochrome P-450-mediated hydroxylation in which the primary metabolites are 2-OH-EE and 2-methoxy-EE. 2-OH-EE is further metabolised to chemically reactive metabolites.
Elimination
Ethinyl estradiol disappears from plasma with a half-life of approx. 29 hours (26-33 hours), plasma clearance varies from 10-30 l/hour. The conjugates of ethinyl estradiol and its metabolites are excreted via urine and faeces (ratio 1:1).
Steady-state conditions
Steady-state conditions are obtained after 3 to 4 days, when the serum drug level is approx. 30 to 40% higher than after the administration of a single dose.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
Toxicological studies have not revealed other effects than those, which can be explained, based on the hormone profile of Bimizza 150 microgram/20 microgram Tablets. Nonclinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenic potential, toxicity to reproduction and development. However, it must be borne in mind that sex steroids can promote the growth of various hormone-dependent tissues and tumours.
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
all -rac-alpha-tocopherol
Potato starch Povidone (E1201)
Stearic acid (E570)
Silica, colloidal anhydrous (E551)
Lactose, anhydrous
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.
6.3 Shelf life
2 years
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 25°C and store in the original package in order to protect from moisture and light.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Clear transparent PVC/PVDC-Al blister of 21 tablets per calendar blister strip available in packs containing 1x21, 3x21 or 6x21 tablets. Each blister is packed in trilaminated pouch, either with a 2g molecular sieve (desiccant) or without the desiccant.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
No special requirements. Ethinylestradiol is expected to pose a risk to the aquatic environment, especially to fish populations.
Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Morningside Healthcare Ltd 115 Narborough Road Leicester, LE3 0PA United Kingdom
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 20117/0091
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
05/01/2015
05/01/2015