Estradiol and levonorgestrel
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From MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Boxed warning
WARNING: CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS, PROBABLE DEMENTIA, BREAST CANCER, and ENDOMETRIAL CANCER Estrogen Plus Progestin Therapy Cardiovascular Disorders and Probable Dementia The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) estrogen plus progestin substudy reported an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age) during 5.6 years of treatment with daily oral conjugated estrogens (CE) [0.625 mg] combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) [2.5 mg], relative to placebo [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , and Clinical Studies (14.5) ].
The WHI Memory Study (WHIMS) estrogen plus progestin ancillary study of WHI reported an increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older during 4 years of treatment with daily CE (0.625 mg) combined with MPA (2.5 mg), relative to placebo. It is unknown whether this finding applies to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Use in Specific Populations (8.5) , and Clinical Studies (14.6) ]. Do not use estrogen plus progestogen therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.3) , and Clinical Studies (14.5 , 14.6) ] .
Breast Cancer The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy demonstrated an increased risk of invasive breast cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , and Clinical Studies (14.5) ] . Only daily oral 0.625 mg CE and MPA were studied in the estrogen plus progestin substudy of the WHI. Therefore, the relevance of the WHI findings regarding adverse cardiovascular events, dementia and breast cancer to lower CE plus other MPA doses, other routes of administration, or other estrogen plus progestogen products is not known. Without such data, it is not possible to definitively exclude these risks or determine the extent of these risks for other products.
Discuss with your patient the benefits and risks of estrogen plus progestogen therapy, taking into account her individual risk profile. Prescribe estrogens with or without progestogens at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. Estrogen-Alone Therapy Endometrial Cancer There is an increased risk of endometrial cancer in a woman with a uterus who uses unopposed estrogens. Adding a progestogen to estrogen therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which may be a precursor to endometrial cancer. Perform adequate diagnostic measures,…
Estrogen, Progestin, Progestin-containing Intrauterine System
Dosing in kidney impairment
Monitor any woman with a condition(s) that might predispose her to fluid retention, such as a cardiac or renal impairment. Discontinue estrogens plus progestogens therapy, including Climara Pro, with evidence of medically concerning fluid retention. 5.13 Hypocalcemia Estrogen-induced hypocalcemia may occur in women with hypoparathyroidism.
Drug interactions
Check estradiol and levonorgestrel against a medication listLabel text (2 paragraphs)
In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that estrogens are metabolized partially by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Therefore, inducers or inhibitors of CYP3A4 may affect estrogen drug metabolism. Inducers of CYP3A4 such as St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) preparations, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and rifampin may reduce plasma concentrations of estrogens, possibly resulting in a decrease in therapeutic effects and/or changes in the uterine bleeding profile. Inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir and grapefruit juice may increase plasma concentrations of estrogens and may result in adverse reactions.
Hydroxylation of levonorgestrel is a conversion step, which is mediated by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Based on in-vitro and in vivo studies, it can be assumed that CYP3A, CYP2E and CYP2C are involved in the metabolism of levonorgestrel. Likewise, inducers or inhibitors of these enzymes may either, respectively, decrease the therapeutic effects or result in adverse reactions. Inducers and/or inhibitors of CYP3A4 may affect estrogen drug metabolism and decrease or increase the estrogen plasma concentration. ( 7 ) Hydroxylation of levonorgestrel may interact with inhibitors of CYP3A, CYP2E and CYP2C and decrease the therapeutic effects. ( 7 )
Contraindications
Climara Pro is contraindicated in women with any of the following conditions: Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Breast cancer or history of breast cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Estrogen-dependent neoplasia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Active DVT, PE or a history of these conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke or MI), or a history of these conditions [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Known anaphylactic reaction, or angioedema, or hypersensitivity to Climara Pro Hepatic impairment or disease Protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, or other thrombophilic disorders Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding ( 4 , 5.2 ) Breast cancer or a history of breast cancer ( 4 , 5.2 ) Estrogen-dependent neoplasia ( 4 , 5.2 ) Active DVT, PE or a history of these conditions ( 4 , 5.1 ) Active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke and MI), or a history of these conditions ( 4 , 5.1 ) Known anaphylactic reaction or angioedema or hypersensitivity to Climara Pro ( 4 ) Hepatic impairment or disease ( 4 , 5.10 ) Protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, or other thrombophilic disorders ( 4 )
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Climara Pro is not indicated for use in pregnancy. There are no data with the use of Climara Pro in pregnant women; however, epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses have not found an increased risk of genital or nongenital birth defects (including cardiac anomalies and limb-reduction defects) following exposure to combined hormonal contraceptives (estrogens and progestins) 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% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
For breastfeeding, also see LactMed (National Library of Medicine), which summarizes milk levels and infant effects.
Supply and cost
Drug shortage status
Recalls (last 24 months)
Therapeutic equivalence (Orange Book)
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Not the price at the counterThese are not what a patient pays at the pharmacy counter. They are what pharmacies, health plans, and government buyers pay, before manufacturer rebates. A patient's cost depends on their insurance (copay, coinsurance, or deductible) or the pharmacy's cash price.