Aygestin (norethindrone acetate tablets, USP) 5 mg oral tablets.

Aygestin, (17-hydroxy-19-nor-17 (alpha)-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one acetate), a synthetic, orally active progestin, is the acetic acid ester of norethindrone. It is a white, or creamy white, crystalline powder.

Aygestin Tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.

AYGESTIN®

AYGESTIN® is indicated for the treatment of secondary amenorrhea, endometriosis, and abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance in the absence of organic pathology, such as submucous fibroids or uterine cancer. AYGESTIN® is not intended, recommended or approved to be used with concomitant estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women for endometrial protection.

AYGESTIN®

Therapy with AYGESTIN® must be adapted to the specific indications and therapeutic response of the individual patient.

Secondary amenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance in the absence of organic pathology: 2.5 to 10 mg AYGESTIN® may be given daily for 5 to 10 days to produce secretory transformation of an endometrium that has been adequately primed with either endogenous or exogenous estrogen.

Progestin withdrawal bleeding usually occurs within three to seven days after discontinuing AYGESTIN® therapy. Patients with a past history of recurrent episodes of abnormal uterine bleeding may benefit from planned menstrual cycling with AYGESTIN®.

Endometriosis: Initial daily dosage of 5 mg AYGESTIN® for two weeks. Dosage should be increased by 2.5 mg per day every two weeks until 15 mg per day of AYGESTIN® is reached. Therapy may be held at this level for six to nine months or until annoying breakthrough bleeding demands temporary termination.

AYGESTIN® (norethindrone acetate tablets, USP) are available as:
5 mg: White, oval, flat-faced, beveled edge tablet scored on one side. Debossed with 5 AYGESTIN® on the unscored side and B /424 on the scored side.

Available as follows:

Bottle of 50                                             NDC 51285-424-10
Blister Pack of 10 tablets                       NDC 51285-424-69

Store at 20º to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

DURAMED PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., A subsidiary of Barr Laboratories, Inc. Pomona, NY 10970
Revised July 2007
FDA rev date: 7/5/2007

See WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS.

The following adverse reactions have been observed in women taking progestins:

• Breakthrough bleeding
• Spotting
• Change in menstrual flow
• Amenorrhea
• Edema
• Changes in weight (decreases, increases)
• Changes in the cervical squamo-columnar junction and cervical secretions
• Cholestatic jaundice
• Rash (allergic) with and without pruritus
• Melasma or chloasma
• Clinical depression
• Acne
• Breast enlargement/tenderness
• Headache/migraine
• Urticaria
• Abnormalities of liver tests (i.e., AST, ALT, Bilirubin)
• Decreased HDL cholesterol and increased LDL/HDL ratio
• Mood swings
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions
• Thrombotic and thromboembolic events (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, retinal vascular thrombosis, cerebral thrombosis and embolism)
• Optic neuritis (which may lead to partial or complete loss of vision)

Laboratory Tests

The following laboratory test results may be altered by the use of estrogen/progestin combination drugs:

1. Accelerated prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and platelet aggregation time; increased platelet count; increased factors II, VII antigen, VIII antigen, VIII coagulant activity, IX, X, XII, VII-X complex, II-VII-X complex, and beta-thromboglobulin; decreased levels of antifactor X_a and antithrombin III, decreased antithrombin III activity; increased levels of fibrinogen and fibrinogen activity; increased plasminogen antigen and activity.
2. Increased thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) levels leading to increased circulating total thyroid hormone levels as measured by protein-bound iodine (PBI), T₄ levels (by column or by radioimmunoassay) or T₃ levels by radio immunoassay. T₃ resin uptake is decreased, reflecting the elevated TBG. Free T₄ and free T₃ concentrations are unaltered. Patients on thyroid replacement therapy may require higher doses of thyroid hormone.
3. Other binding proteins may be elevated in serum (i.e., corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)) leading to increased circulating corticosteroid and sex steroids, respectively. Free or biologically active hormone concentrations are unchanged. Other plasma proteins may be increased (angiotensinogen/renin substrate, alpha-1-antitrypsin, ceruloplasmin).
4. Increased plasma HDL and HDL₂ cholesterol subfraction concentrations, reduced LDL cholesterol concentration, increased triglycerides levels.
5. Impaired glucose metabolism.
6. Reduced response to metyrapone test.

Cardiovascular disorders

Patients with risk factors for arterial vascular disease (e.g., hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity) and/or venous thromboembolism (e.g., personal history or family history of VTE, obesity, and systemic lupus erythematosus) should be managed appropriately.

Visual abnormalities

Discontinue medication pending examination if there is a sudden partial or complete loss of vision or if there is sudden onset of proptosis, diplopia, or migraine. If examination reveals papilledema or retinal vascular lesions, medication should be discontinued.

General Precautions

• Because this drug may cause some degree of fluid retention, conditions which might be influenced by this factor, such as epilepsy, migraine, cardiac or renal dysfunctions, require careful observation
• In cases of breakthrough bleeding, and in all cases of irregular bleeding per vagina, nonfunctional causes should be borne in mind. In cases of undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, adequate diagnostic measures are indicated
• Patients who have a history of clinical depression should be carefully observed and the drug discontinued if the depression recurs to a serious degree
• Data suggest that progestin therapy may have adverse effects on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. The choice of progestin, its dose, and its regimen may be important in minimizing these adverse effects, but these issues will require further study before they are clarified. Women with hyperlipidemias and/or diabetes should be monitored closely during progestin therapy
• The pathologist should be advised of progestin therapy when relevant specimens are submitted

Information for the Patient

Healthcare providers are advised to discuss the PATIENT INFORMATION leaflet with patients for whom they prescribe AYGESTIN®.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility

Some beagle dogs treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate developed mammary nodules. Although nodules occasionally appeared in control animals, they were intermittent in nature, whereas nodules in treated animals were larger and more numerous, and persisted. There is no general agreement as to whether the nodules are benign or malignant. Their significance with respect to humans has not been established.

Pregnancy Category X

Norethindrone acetate is contraindicated during pregnancy as it may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Several reports suggest an association between intrauterine exposure to progestational drugs in the first trimester of pregnancy and congenital abnormalities in male and female fetuses. Some progestational drugs induce mild virilization of the external genitalia of female fetuses.

Nursing Mothers

Detectable amounts of progestins have been identified in the milk of mothers receiving them. Caution should be exercised when progestins are administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

AYGESTIN® tablets are not indicated in children.

No information provided.

• Known or suspected pregnancy. There is no indication for AYGESTIN® in pregnancy. (See PRECAUTIONS.)
• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
• Known, suspected or history of cancer of the breast
• Active deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or history of these conditions
• Active or recent (e.g., within the past year) arterial thromboembolic disease (e.g., stroke, myocardial infarction)
• Impaired liver function or liver disease
• As a diagnostic test for pregnancy
• Hypersensitivity to any of the drug components

Norethindrone acetate induces secretory changes in an estrogen-primed endometrium. On a weight basis, it is twice as potent as norethindrone.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Norethindrone acetate is completely and rapidly deacetylated to norethindrone (NET) after oral administration, and the disposition of norethindrone acetate is indistinguishable from that of orally administered norethindrone. Norethindrone acetate is rapidly absorbed from AYGESTIN® tablets, with maximum plasma concentration of norethindrone generally occurring at about 2 hours post-dose. The pharmacokinetic parameters of norethindrone following single oral administration of AYGESTIN® in 29 healthy female volunteers are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1
Pharmacokinetic Parameters after a Single Dose of
AYGESTIN® in Healthy Women

Figure 1. Mean Plasma Concentration Profile after a Single Dose of 5mg Administered to 29 Healthy Female Volunteers under Fasting Conditions

Effect of Food

The effect of food administration on the pharmacokinetics of AYGESTIN® has not been studied.

Distribution

Norethindrone is 36% bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and 61% bound to albumin. Volume of distribution of norethindrone is about 4 L/kg.

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.

Excretion

Plasma clearance value for norethindrone is approximately 0.4 L/hr/kg. Norethindrone is excreted in both urine and feces, primarily as metabolites. The mean terminal elimination half-life of norethindrone following a single dose administration of AYGESTIN® is approximately 9 hours.

Special Populations

Geriatrics

The effect of age on the pharmacokinetics of norethindrone after AYGESTIN® administration has not been evaluated.

Race

The effect of race on the disposition of norethindrone after AYGESTIN® administration has not been evaluated.

Renal Insufficiency

The effect of renal disease on the disposition of norethindrone after AYGESTIN® administration 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 norethindrone concentration was unchanged compared to concentrations in premenopausal women with normal renal function.

Hepatic Insufficiency

The effect of hepatic disease on the disposition of norethindrone after AYGESTIN® administration has not been evaluated. However, AYGESTIN® is contraindicated in markedly impaired liver function or liver disease.

Drug Interactions

No pharmacokinetic drug interaction studies investigating any drug-drug interactions with AYGESTIN® have been conducted.

AYGESTIN®
(norethindrone acetate tablets)

Read this PATIENT INFORMATION before you start taking AYGESTIN® tablets and read what you get each time you refill AYGESTIN® tablets. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition.

What is the most important information I should know about AYGESTIN® (A Progestin Hormone) tablets?

• Do not use AYGESTIN® if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or are trying to conceive.
• Do not use AYGESTIN® if you have had a previous blood clot, stroke, or heart attack.
• Do not use AYGESTIN® if you are postmenopausal.

What is AYGESTIN®?

AYGESTIN® is similar to the progesterone hormones naturally produced by the body. Your healthcare provider may provide AYGESTIN® as individual tablets or in a blister pack of 10 tablets.

What are AYGESTIN® tablets used for?

AYGESTIN® tablets are used for the treatment of secondary amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods in women who have previously had a menstrual period who are not pregnant), the treatment of endometriosis, and the treatment of irregular menstrual periods due to hormone imbalance.

Who should not take AYGESTIN® tablets?

You should not take AYGESTIN® tablets if you are postmenopausal, pregnant or breast-feeding.

You should not take AYGESTIN® tablets if you have the following conditions:

• Known or suspected pregnancy. AYGESTIN® tablets are not indicated during pregnancy as it may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. There is an increased risk of minor birth defects in children whose mothers take AYGESTIN® during the first 4 months of pregnancy (mild masculinization of the external genitalia of the female fetus, as well as hypospadias in the male fetus). If you take AYGESTIN® and later find out you were pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider right away
• History of blood clots in the legs, lungs, eyes, brain, or elsewhere, or a past history of these conditions
• Liver impairment or disease
• Known or suspected cancer of the breast. If you have or had cancer of the breast, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should take AYGESTIN®
• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
• Hypersensitivity to AYGESTIN® tablets. See the end of this leaflet for a list of all of the ingredients in AYGESTIN®

What are the risks associated with AYGESTIN® tablets?

• Risk to the Fetus:

AYGESTIN® tablets should not be used if you are pregnant. AYGESTIN® tablets are contraindicated during pregnancy as it may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. There is an increased risk of minor birth defects in children whose mothers take this drug during the first 4 months of pregnancy. Several reports suggest an association between mothers who take these drugs in the first trimester of pregnancy and congenital abnormalities in male and female babies. Although it is not clear that these events were drug related, you should check with your healthcare provider about the risks to your unborn child of any medication taken during pregnancy.

You should avoid using AYGESTIN® tablets during pregnancy. If you take AYGESTIN® (norethindrone acetate tablets, USP) and later find you were pregnant when you took it, be sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

• Abnormal Blood Clotting:

Use of progestational drugs, such as AYGESTIN®, has been associated with changes in the blood-clotting system. These changes allow the blood to clot more easily, possibly allowing clots to form in the bloodstream. If blood clots do form in your bloodstream, they can cut off the blood supply to vital organs, causing serious problems. These problems may include a stroke (by cutting off blood to part of the brain), a heart attack (by cutting off blood to part of the heart), a pulmonary embolus (by cutting off blood to part of the lungs), visual loss or blindness (by cutting off blood vessels in the eye), or other problems. Any of these conditions may cause death or serious long-term disability. Call your healthcare provider right away if you suspect you have any of these conditions. He or she may advise you to stop using the drug.

• Eye Abnormalities:

Discontinue AYGESTIN® tablets and call your healthcare provider right away if you experience sudden partial or complete loss of vision, blurred vision, or sudden onset of bulging eyes, double vision, or migraine.

These are some of the warning signs of serious side effects with progestin therapy:

• Breast lumps
• Dizziness and faintness
• Changes in speech
• Severe headaches
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Pains in your legs
• Changes in vision

Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of these warning signs, or any other unusual symptom that concerns you.

Common side effects include:

• Headache
• Breast pain
• Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Stomach/abdominal cramps/bloating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss

Other side effects include:

• High blood pressure
• Liver problems
• High blood sugar
• Fluid retention
• Enlargements of benign tumors of the uterus ("fibroids")
• Vaginal yeast infections
• Mental depression

These are not all the possible side effects of progestin and/or estrogen therapy. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

What can I do to lower my chances of getting a serious side effect with AYGESTIN®?

• Talk with your healthcare provider regularly about whether you should continue taking AYGESTIN®
• Have a breast exam and mammogram (breast x-ray) every year unless your healthcare provider tells you something else. If members of your family have had breast cancer or if you have ever had breast lumps or an abnormal mammogram, you may need to have breast exams more often
• If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol (fat in the blood), diabetes, are overweight, or if you use tobacco, you may have higher chances for getting heart disease. Ask your healthcare provider for ways to lower your chances of getting heart attacks

General information about the safe and effective use of AYGESTIN® tablets

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not take AYGESTIN® tablets for conditions for which it was not prescribed. Do not give AYGESTIN® tablets to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

Keep AYGESTIN® tablets out of the reach of children.

This leaflet provides a summary of the most important information about progestin and/or estrogen therapy. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. You can ask for information about AYGESTIN® that is written for health professionals.

What are the ingredients in AYGESTIN® tablets?

AYGESTIN® tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

NORETHINDRONE - ORAL

(nor-ETH-in-drone)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aygestin

USES: This medication is used to treat women with abnormal bleeding from the uterus. It is also used to treat women who have stopped having menstrual periods for several months (amenorrhea) but who are not pregnant or going through menopause. In addition, this medication is used to treat a condition (endometriosis) in which tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus is found outside the uterus in the abdomen/pelvic area, causing painful/irregular periods. Norethindrone is a type of female hormone (progestin). It is like the hormone progesterone that your body makes naturally. This medication works by stopping the normal growth of the uterus lining during the menstrual cycle and signaling hormone changes in the uterus to restore normal menstrual periods.

This medication must not be used to test for pregnancy.

Progestins are not effective in preventing miscarriages.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this drug and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as prescribed by your doctor. You may take it with food or after a meal to prevent stomach upset. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

For the treatment of stopped menstrual periods and abnormal bleeding from the uterus, this drug is usually taken once daily for 5-10 days during the second half of the planned menstrual cycle or as directed by your doctor. Withdrawal bleeding usually occurs within 3-7 days after you stop taking the medication.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, mood swings, trouble sleeping, weight gain/loss, acne, breast swelling/tenderness, change in sexual interest, unwanted hair growth, or hair loss may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: changes in vaginal bleeding (e.g., spotting, breakthrough bleeding, changes in menstrual flow, no menstrual bleeding), change in vaginal discharge, depression, swelling of the hands/feet, frequent/burning/painful urination, yellowing eyes/skin, dark patches on the skin or face (melasma).

This medication may rarely cause very serious (possibly fatal) problems from blood clots (e.g., heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the lungs or legs, blindness). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following: chest/jaw/left arm pain, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, sudden vision changes (e.g., blurred/double vision, loss of vision, bulging eyes), confusion, sudden severe headache, severe dizziness, fainting, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, pain/redness/swelling/weakness of the arms/legs, calf pain/swelling that is warm to the touch.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking norethindrone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: history of blood clots, history of bleeding in the brain, liver disease, history of cancer of the breast or other female organs, vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, a loss of pregnancy with some tissue remaining in the uterus ("missed abortion"), recent stroke or heart attack (within 1 year).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: family medical history (especially breast lumps/cancer or blood clots), obesity, heart disease (e.g., past heart attacks, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure), high blood pressure, lupus, seizures, migraine headaches, asthma, kidney problems, high blood levels of cholesterol/fats, depression, diabetes, strokes.

This drug may make you dizzy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Notify your doctor beforehand if you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair/bed for a long time (e.g., a long plane flight). You may need to stop the medication for a time or take special precautions because of the increased risk for blood clots. Ask your doctor for more details.

Do not smoke. Smoking combined with this medication further increases your risk for strokes, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attacks.

This medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on your skin (melasma). Sunlight may worsen this effect. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen, and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

This medication must not be used during pregnancy because it may harm an unborn baby, especially during the first 4 months of pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.

This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove norethindrone from your body (such as rifampin, St. John's wort, azole antifungals including itraconazole, certain anti-seizure medicines including carbamazepine/phenobarbital/phenytoin).

This medication can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this medication.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You should have regular complete physical exams including blood pressure, breast exam, pelvic exam, and screening for cervical cancer (Pap smear) as directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your own breasts, and report any lumps immediately. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.