Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol

TWIRLA is indicated as a method of contraception for use in women of reproductive potential with a BMI < 30 kg/m 2 for whom a combined hormonal contraceptive is appropriate. Limitation of Use Consider TWIRLA’s reduced effectiveness in women with a BMI ≥ 25 to < 30 kg/m 2 before prescribing TWIRLA [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.9 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . TWIRLA is contraindicated in women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . TWIRLA is a combination of levonorgestrel, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen, indicated as a method of contraception for use in women of reproductive potential with a BMI < 30 kg/m 2 for whom a combined hormonal contraceptive is appropriate. ( 1 ) Limitation of Use Consider TWIRLA’s reduced effectiveness in women with a BMI ≥ 25 to < 30 kg/m 2 before prescribing. ( 4 , 8.9 , 14 )

Transdermal System: 40 mcg/day levonorgestrel and 10 mcg/day ethinyl estradiol, circular beige colored product with the name and strength etched on the backing membrane. Transdermal system: 40 mcg/day levonorgestrel (LNG) and 10 mcg/day ethinyl estradiol (EE) ( 3 )

Twirla is contraindicated in females who are known to have or develop the following conditions: At high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases. Examples include women who Smoke, if over age 35 [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Have current or history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Have cerebrovascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Have coronary artery disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Have thrombogenic valvular or thrombogenic rhythm diseases of the heart (for example, subacute bacterial endocarditis with valvular disease, or atrial fibrillation) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Have inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathies [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Have uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Have diabetes mellitus and are over age 35, diabetes mellitus with hypertension or vascular disease or other end-organ damage, or diabetes mellitus of > 20 years duration [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Have headaches with focal neurological symptoms, migraine headaches with aura Women over age 35 with any migraine headaches [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 . Compared to women with a lower BMI, women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 had reduced effectiveness and may have a higher risk for VTEs [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.9 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. Liver tumors (benign or malignant), acute viral hepatitis, or severe (decompensated) cirrhosis, or liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Pregnancy, given there is no reason to use CHCs during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] Current diagnosis of, or history of, breast cancer, which may be hormone-sensitive [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] Hypersensitivity to any components of TWIRLA. Observed reactions include itching and irritation at the TDS application site [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] Use of Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to the potential for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] High risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases ( 4 ) Breast cancer ( 4 ) BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ( 4 ) Liver tumors, acute viral hepatitis or decompensated cirrhosis ( 4 ) Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding ( 4 ) Pregnancy ( 4 , 8.1 ) Hypersensitivity reactions to components of TWIRLA ( 4 ) Use of Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir ( 4 )

Vascular Risks : Stop TWIRLA if a thromboembolic event occurs. Stop TWIRLA at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery. Start no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breast-feeding. Consider cardiovascular risk factors before initiating in all women, particularly those over 35 years. ( 5.1 , 5.5 ) Liver Disease : Discontinue TWIRLA if jaundice occurs. ( 5.2 ) Risk of Liver Enzyme Elevations with Concomitant Hepatitis C . ( 5.3 ) Hypertension : If used in women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure and stop use if blood pressure rises significantly. ( 5.4 ) Gallbladder Disease : May cause or worsen gallbladder disease. ( 5.6 ) Adverse Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Effect : Monitor glucose in prediabetic and diabetic women using TWIRLA. Consider an alternate contraceptive method for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia. ( 5.7 ) Headache : Evaluate significant change in headaches and discontinue TWIRLA if indicated. ( 5.8 ) Uterine Bleeding : May cause irregular bleeding or amenorrhea. Evaluate for other causes if symptoms persist. ( 5.9 )

5.1 Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Conditions Women are at increased risk for a venous thromboembolic event (VTE) when using CHCs, including TWIRLA. The risk of VTE may be greater in women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 compared to women with a lower BMI, and TWIRLA is contraindicated in obese patients [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . In the Phase 3 clinical trial, four TWIRLA-treated women experienced a VTE. All of these women had a BMI > 30 kg/m 2 [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Stop TWIRLA if an arterial or venous thromboembolic event occurs. Stop TWIRLA if there is unexplained loss of vision, proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions. Evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately. Discontinue TWIRLA during prolonged immobilization and resume treatment based on clinical judgement. If feasible, stop TWIRLA at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery or other surgeries known to have an elevated risk of thromboembolism. Start TWIRLA no earlier than four weeks after delivery in women who are not breast-feeding. The risk of postpartum thromboembolism decreases after the third postpartum week, whereas the likelihood of ovulation increases after the third postpartum week. Before starting TWIRLA, evaluate any past medical history or family history of thromboembolism or thromboembolic disorders. Consider whether the history suggests an inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathy. TWIRLA is contraindicated in women with a high risk of arterial or venous thromboembolic diseases [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Arterial Events CHCs increase the risk of cardiovascular events and cerebrovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. The risk is greater among older women (> 35 years of age), smokers, and women with hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, or obesity. TWIRLA is contraindicated in women over 35 years of age who smoke [see Contraindications ( 4 ) ] . Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from CHC use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. Venous Events The use of CHCs increases the risk of VTEs, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Risk factors for VTEs include smoking, obesity, and family history of VTE, in addition to other factors that contraindicate use of CHCs. While the increased risk of VTE associated with the use of CHCs is well-established, the rates of VTE are even greater during pregnancy, especially during the postpartum period (see Figure 1 ). The rate of VTE in women using CHCs has been estimated to be 3 to 12 cases per 10,000 woman-years for non-oral CHCs. The risk of VTE is highest during the first year of use of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) and when restarting hormonal contraception after a break of four weeks or longer. This initial higher risk declines during the first year, but users of CHCs remain at an increased risk of VTE compared to non-users of CHCs. Based on results from a few studies, there is some evidence that this is true for non-oral products as well. The risk of thromboembolic disease due to CHCs gradually disappears after CHC use is discontinued. Figure 1 shows the risk of developing a VTE for women who are not pregnant and do not use hormonal contraceptives, for women who use hormonal contraceptives with a range of doses and routes of administration, for pregnant women, and for women in the postpartum period. To put the risk of developing a VTE into perspective: If 10,000 women who are not pregnant and do not use hormonal contraceptives are followed for one year, between 1 and 5 of these women will develop a VTE. Figure 1. Likelihood of Developing a VTE Within One Year Among Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women *CHC = combination hormonal contraception ** Pregnancy data based on actual duration of pregnancy in the reference studies. Based on a model assumption that pregnancy duration is 9 months, the rate is 7 to 27 per 10,000 WY. figure-1

5.2 Liver Disease Elevated Liver Enzymes TWIRLA is contraindicated in women with acute viral hepatitis or severe (decompensated) cirrhosis of the liver [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Discontinue TWIRLA if jaundice develops. Acute liver test abnormalities may necessitate the discontinuation of CHC use until the liver tests return to normal and CHC causation has been excluded. Liver Tumors TWIRLA is contraindicated in women with benign or malignant liver tumors [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . CHCs increase the risk of hepatic adenomas. An estimate of the attributable risk is 3.3 cases/100,000 CHC users. Rupture of hepatic adenomas may cause death from abdominal hemorrhage. Studies have shown an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in long-term (> 8 years) CHC users. The attributable risk of liver cancers in CHC users is less than one case per million users.

5.3 Risk of Liver Enzyme Elevations with Concomitant Hepatitis C Treatment During clinical trials with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen that contains ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, ALT elevations greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), including some cases greater than 20 times the ULN, were significantly more frequent in women using ethinyl estradiol-containing medications, such as CHCs. CHCs, such as TWIRLA, are contraindicated for use with Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Discontinue TWIRLA prior to starting therapy with the combination drug regimen ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir. TWIRLA can be restarted approximately 2 weeks following completion of treatment with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen.

5.4 Hypertension TWIRLA is contraindicated in women with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . For all women, including those with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure at routine visits and stop TWIRLA if blood pressure rises significantly. An increase in blood pressure has been reported in women using CHCs, and this increase is more likely in older women with extended duration of use. The effect of CHCs on blood pressure may vary according to the progestin in the CHC.

5.5 Age-Related Considerations The risk for cardiovascular disease and prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease increase with age. Certain conditions, such as smoking and migraine headache without aura, that do not contraindicate CHC use in younger women, are contraindications to use in women over 35 years of age [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . […]

The following serious adverse reactions with the use of CHCs, including TWIRLA, are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Conditions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] The most common adverse reactions (≥ 2%) in clinical trials for TWIRLA are application site disorders, nausea, headache, dysmenorrhea, and increased weight. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Exeltis USA, Inc. at 1-877-324-9349 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of one product cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another product and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of TWIRLA was evaluated in a 12-month, multicenter, open-label, single-arm clinical trial (NCT02158572) conducted in the United States [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . Women applied TWIRLA (40 mcg LNG/10 mcg EE) for 13 28-day treatment cycles. One treatment cycle is defined as three consecutive weeks that one TWIRLA TDS is applied for seven-day wear followed by one week that TWIRLA is not applied. The safety population for this clinical trial was composed of 2,031 women that contributed 18,841 treatment cycles of exposure. Of these 2,031 women, 989 women completed 13 treatment cycles. The mean age was 27.5 years. The mean BMI for the safety population was 28.3 kg/m 2 . The BMI of the safety population was widely distributed: 39.4% had a BMI < 25 kg/m 2 , 25.3% had a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 and < 30 kg/m 2 , and 35.3% had a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 . For women who received TWIRLA, the most common reasons for discontinuation from the study were a womans decision (15.3%) and lost to follow-up (11.3%). Discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 10.9% of women. The most common (≥ 2%) adverse reactions leading to discontinuation were application site disorder (3.1%) and any bleeding irregularities (2.2%). The most common adverse reactions that occurred in ≥ 2% of the 2,031 women that used TWIRLA are shown in Table 3. Table 3: Adverse Drug Reactions Reported by 2% of TWIRLA-Treated Women in One Phase 3 Clinical Trial Adverse reaction TWIRLA (n=2,031) General disorders and administration site conditions Application site disorder* 6.2% Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea 4.1% Nervous system disorders Headache 3.6% Reproductive system and breast disorder Dysmenorrhoea 2.3% Investigations Weight increased 2.0% *Represents a bundle of similar terms that include the following adverse reactions: application site acne, hemorrhage, pustules, dermatitis, hypersensitivity, rash, discoloration, induration, reaction, dryness, irritation, ulcer, erosion, pain, urticaria, erythema, papules, vesicles, exfoliation, pruritis. Venous Thromboembolic Events (VTEs) A total of four VTEs (including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis) in TWIRLA-treated patients were identified in the clinical trial. Of these, all were in women with a BMI > 30 kg/m 2 [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Other Serious Adverse Reactions The following serious adverse reactions occurred in < 1% of women who received TWIRLA: cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, major depression, suicidal ideation, appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, pneumonia, and gastroenteritis.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience Five studies that compared breast cancer risk between ever-users (current or past use) of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and never-users of COCs reported no association between ever use of COCs and breast cancer risk, with effect estimates ranging from 0.90 – 1.12 (Figure 2). Three studies compared breast cancer risk between current or recent COC users (<6 months since last use) and never users of COCs (Figure 2). One of these studies reported no association between breast cancer risk and COC use. The other two studies found an increased relative risk of 1.19 – 1.33 with current or recent use. Both of these studies found an increased risk of breast cancer with current use of longer duration, with relative risks ranging from 1.03 with less than one year of COC use to approximately 1.4 with more than 8-10 years of COC use. Figure 2. Relevant Studies of Risk of Breast Cancer with Combined Oral Contraceptives RR = relative risk; OR = odds ratio; HR = hazard ratio. “ever COC” are females with current or past COC use; “never COC use” are females that never used COCs. image description

The sections below provide information on substances for which data on drug interactions with CHCs are available. There is little information available about the clinical effect of most drug interactions that may affect CHCs. However, based on the known pharmacokinetic effects of these drugs, clinical strategies to minimize any potential adverse effect on contraceptive effectiveness or safety are suggested. Consult the approved product labeling of all concurrently used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with CHCs or the potential for metabolic enzyme or transporter system alterations. No drug-drug interaction studies were conducted with TWIRLA. Enzyme inducers (e.g., CYP3A4): May decrease the effectiveness of TWIRLA or increase breakthrough bleeding. Counsel women to use a back-up or alternative method of contraception when enzyme inducers are used with TWIRLA. ( 7.1 )

7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on Combined Hormonal Contraceptives Substances Decreasing Plasma Concentration of CHCs and Potentially Diminishing the Efficacy of CHCs: Table 4 includes substances that demonstrated an important drug interaction with TWIRLA. Table 4: Significant Drug Interactions Involving Substances That Affect CHCs Metabolic Enzyme Inducers Clinical effect Concomitant use of CHCs with metabolic enzyme inducers may decrease the plasma concentrations of the estrogen and/or progestin component of CHCs [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Decreased exposure of the estrogen and/or progestin component of CHCs may potentially diminish the effectiveness of CHCs and may lead to contraceptive failure or an increase in breakthrough bleeding. Prevention or management Counsel women to use an alternative method of contraception or a backup method when enzyme inducers are used with CHCs. Continue backup contraception for 28 days after discontinuing the enzyme inducer to maintain contraceptive reliability. Examples Aprepitant, barbiturates, bosentan, carbamazepine, efavirenz, felbamate, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, rifabutin, rufinamide, topiramate, products containing St. John’s wort, Induction potency of St. John’s wort may vary widely based on preparation. and certain protease inhibitors (see separate section on protease inhibitors below). Colesevelam Clinical effect Concomitant use of CHCs with Colesevelam significantly decreases systemic exposure of ethinyl estradiol [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Decreased exposure of the estrogen component of CHCs may potentially reduce contraceptive efficacy or result in an increase in breakthrough bleeding, depending on the strength of ethinyl estradiol in the CHC. Prevention or management Administer 4 or more hours apart to attenuate this drug interaction. Substances increasing the systemic exposure of CHCs : Co-administration of atorvastatin or rosuvastatin and CHCs containing ethinyl estradiol increase systemic exposure of ethinyl estradiol by approximately 20 to 25 percent. Ascorbic acid and acetaminophen may increase systemic exposure of ethinyl estradiol, possibly by inhibition of conjugation. CYP3A4 inhibitors such as itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, grapefruit juice, or ketoconazole may increase systemic exposure of the estrogen and/or progestin component of CHCs. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors: Significant decreases in systemic exposure of the estrogen and/or progestin have been noted when CHCs are co-administered with some HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., nelfinavir, ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, (fos)amprenavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, and tipranavir/ritonavir), some HCV protease inhibitors (e.g., boceprevir and telaprevir), and some non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., nevirapine). In contrast, significant increases in systemic exposure of the estrogen and/or progestin have been noted when CHCs are co-administered with certain other HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir and atazanavir/ritonavir) and with other non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., etravirine).

7.2 Effects of Combined Hormonal Contraceptives on Other Drugs Table 5 provides significant drug interaction information for drugs co-administered with TWIRLA. Table 5: Significant Drug Interaction Information for Drugs Co-Administered with CHCs Lamotrigine Clinical effect Concomitant use of CHCs with lamotrigine may significantly decrease systemic exposure of lamotrigine due to induction of lamotrigine glucuronidation [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Decreased systemic exposure of lamotrigine may reduce seizure control. Prevention or management Dose adjustment may be necessary. Consult the approved product labeling for lamotrigine. Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy or Corticosteroid Replacement Therapy Clinical effect Concomitant use of CHCs with thyroid hormone replacement therapy or corticosteroid replacement therapy may increase systemic exposure of thyroid-binding and cortisol-binding globulin [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] . Prevention or management The dose of replacement thyroid hormone or cortisol therapy may need to be increased. Consult the approved product labeling for the therapy in use. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] . Other Drugs Clinical effect Concomitant use of CHCs may decrease systemic exposure of acetaminophen, morphine, salicylic acid, and temazepam. Concomitant use with ethinyl estradiol-containing CHCs may increase systemic exposure of other drugs (e.g., cyclosporine, prednisolone, theophylline, tizanidine, and voriconazole). Prevention or management The dosage of drugs that can be affected by this interaction may need to be increased. Consult the approved product labeling for the concomitantly used drug.

7.3 Effect on Laboratory Tests The use of CHCs may influence the results of some laboratory tests, such as coagulation factors, lipids, glucose tolerance, and binding proteins.

7.4 Concomitant Use with HCV Combination Therapy – Liver Enzyme Elevation CHCs are contraindicated for use with Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) and Contraindications ( 4 )] . Discontinue TWIRLA prior to starting therapy with the combination drug regimen ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir. TWIRLA can be restarted approximately 2 weeks following completion of treatment with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen.

Pregnancy : Discontinue if pregnancy occurs. ( 8.1 ) Lactation : Advise use of another method; TWIRLA can decrease milk production. ( 8.2 ) Body Mass Index : TWIRLA has demonstrated reduced effectiveness in women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 and women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 may have a higher risk for VTEs with TWIRLA. ( 8.9 )

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary TWIRLA is contraindicated in pregnancy because there is no reason to use CHCs in pregnancy. Discontinue TWIRLA if pregnancy occurs. Epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses have not found an increased risk of genital or non-genital birth defects (including cardiac anomalies and limb-reduction defects) following exposure to CHCs before conception or during early pregnancy. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Contraceptive hormones and/or metabolites are present in human milk. CHCs can reduce milk production in breastfeeding women. This reduction can occur at any time but is less likely to occur once breastfeeding is well established. Advise the nursing woman to use another method of contraception until she discontinues breastfeeding [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )] . Human Data No studies have been conducted on the use of TWIRLA in breastfeeding women.

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of TWIRLA as a method of contraception have been established in females of reproductive potential with a BMI < 30 kg/m 2 . Efficacy is expected to be the same in postmenarcheal females regardless of age. TWIRLA is not indicated in females before menarche.

8.5 Geriatric Use TWIRLA has not been studied in postmenopausal women and is not indicated in this population.

8.6 Hepatic Impairment No studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of hepatic impairment on the disposition of TWIRLA. However, steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function. Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may necessitate the discontinuation of CHC use until markers of liver function return to normal and CHC causation has been excluded [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )].

8.9 Body Mass Index (BMI) Compared to women with a lower BMI, women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 had reduced effectiveness and may have a higher risk for VTEs. Therefore, TWIRLA is contraindicated in women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . TWIRLA has demonstrated reduced efficacy in women with a BMI ≥ 25 and < 30 kg/m 2 [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . Consider this before prescribing TWIRLA to women with a BMI ≥ 25 to < 30 kg/m 2 .

Combination hormonal contraceptives lower the risk of becoming pregnant primarily by suppressing ovulation.