Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring is a non-biodegradable, flexible, transparent, colorless to almost colorless, combination contraceptive vaginal ring containing two active components, a progestin, etonogestrel (13-ethyl-17-hydroxy-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one) and an estrogen, ethinyl estradiol...
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Combination hormonal contraceptives act by suppression of gonadotropins. Although the primary effect 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). 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Absorption Etonogestrel : Etonogestrel released by Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring is rapidly absorbed. The bioavailability of etonogestrel after vaginal administration is approximately 100%. The serum etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol concentrations observed during three weeks of Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring use are summarized in Table 2.
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE FOR VAGINAL USE ONLY Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring is indicated for use by females of reproductive age to prevent pregnancy. Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring is an estrogen/progestin combination hormonal contraceptive (CHC) indicated for use by women to prevent pregnancy. ( 1 )
Common Doses
- Refer to label
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION One Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring is inserted in the vagina. The ring must remain in place continuously for three weeks, followed by a one-week ring-free interval. ( 2 ) 2.1 How to Use Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring must be used as directed [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )]. One Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring is inserted in the vagina. The ring is to remain in place continuously for three weeks.
Black Box Warning
WARNING: CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination hormonal contraceptive (CHC) use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, CHCs, including Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring, should not be used by women who are over 35 years of age and smoke. [ see Contraindications ( 4 )] WARNING: CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring is contraindicated in females who are known to have or develop the following conditions: A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases. Examples include women who are known to: Smoke, if over age 35 [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Have deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, now or in the past [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Have cerebrovascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Have coronary artery disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions with the use of CHCs are discussed elsewhere in the labeling. Serious cardiovascular events and stroke [ see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] Vascular events [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] Liver disease [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] Adverse reactions commonly reported by CHC users are: Irregular uterine bleeding Nausea Breast tenderness Headache The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) in clinical trials were: vaginitis, headache (including migraine), mood changes (e.g.
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Consult the labeling of all concurrently-used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with hormonal contraceptives or the potential for enzyme alterations. Drugs or herbal products that induce certain enzymes, such as CYP3A4, may decrease the effectiveness of CHCs or increase breakthrough bleeding. Counsel patients to use a back-up or alternative method of contraception when enzyme inducers are used with CHCs. ( 7 ) 7.