Kelnor™ 1/35 (28 Day Regimen)
(ethynodiol diacetate and ethinyl
estradiol tablets, USP)

Revised MAY 2006
11001031

Rx only

Patients should be counseled that this product does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Kelnor™ 1/35 (28 Day Regimen) (ethynodiol diacetate and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP): Each light yellow tablet contains 1 mg of ethynodiol diacetate and 35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. The inactive ingredients include anhydrous lactose, D&C yellow no. 10 aluminum lake, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polacrilin potassium, and povidone. Each white tablet is a placebo containing only inert ingredients as follows: anhydrous lactose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.

The chemical name for ethynodiol diacetate is 19-nor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yne-3β, 17-diol diacetate, and for ethinyl estradiol it is 19-nor-17α-pregna-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-20-yne-3, 17-diol. The structural formulas are as follows:

Combination oral contraceptives act primarily by suppression of gonadotropins. Although the primary mechanism of this action is inhibition of ovulation, other alterations in the genital tract, including changes in the cervical mucus (which increase the difficulty of sperm entry into the uterus) and the endometrium (which may reduce the likelihood of implantation) may also contribute to contraceptive effectiveness.

Kelnor™ 1/35 (28 Day Regimen) (ethynodiol diacetate and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP) are indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use oral contraceptives as a method of contraception.

Oral contraceptives are highly effective. Table 1 uls the typical accidental pregnancy rates for users of combination oral contraceptives and other methods of contraception. The efficacy of these contraceptive methods, except sterilization and progestogen implants and injections, depends upon the reliability with which they are used. Correct and consistent use of methods can result in lower failure rates.

Oral contraceptives should not be used in women who have the following conditions:

• Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
• A past history of deep vein thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
• Cerebral vascular disease, myocardial infarction, or coronary artery disease, or a past history of these conditions
• Known or suspected carcinoma of the breast, or a history of this condition
• Known or suspected carcinoma of the female reproductive organs or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia, or a history of these conditions
• Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
• History of cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy or jaundice with prior oral contraceptive use
• Past or present, benign or malignant liver tumors
• Known or suspected pregnancy

One study⁶⁷ gathered data from a variety of sources that have estimated the mortality rates associated with different methods of contraception at different ages (Table 2). These estimates include the combined risk of death associated with contraceptive methods plus the risk attributable to pregnancy in the event of method failure. Each method of contraception has its specific benefits and risks. The study concluded that, with the exception of oral contraceptive users 35 and older who smoke and 40 or older who do not smoke, mortality associated with all methods of birth control is low and below that associated with childbirth. The observation of a possible increase in risk of mortality with age for oral contraceptive users is based on data gathered in the 1970's, but not reported until 1983.⁶⁷ However, current clinical practice involves the use of lower estrogen dose formulations combined with careful restriction of oral contraceptive use to women who do not have the various risk factors uled in this labeling.

Because of these changes in practice and, also, because of some limited new data that suggest that the risk of cardiovascular disease with the use of oral contraceptives may now be less than previously observed,^{48, 152} the Fertility and Maternal Health Drugs Advisory Committee was asked to review the topic in 1989. The Committee concluded that, although cardiovascular disease risks may be increased with oral contraceptive use after age 40 in healthy nonsmoking women (even with the newer low-dose formulations), there are greater potential health risks associated with pregnancy in older women and with the alternative surgical and medical procedures that may be necessary if such women do not have access to effective and acceptable means of contraception.

Therefore, the Committee recommended that the benefits of oral contraceptive use by healthy nonsmoking women over 40 may outweigh the possible risks. Of course, older women, as all women who take oral contraceptives, should take the lowest possible dose formulation that is effective.

Numerous epidemiological studies have been performed on the incidence of breast, endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancer in women using oral contraceptives. While there are conflicting reports, many studies suggest that the use of oral contraceptives is not associated with an overall increase in the risk of developing breast cancer.^{17, 40, 68-78} Other studies, however, have reported an increased risk overall,^153-155 or in certain subgroups. In these studies, increased risk has been associated with long duration of use, use beginning at a young age, use before the first term pregnancy, use by those who had an early menarche, those who had a positive family history of breast cancer, or in nulliparas.^{79-102, 151, 156-162} These risks have been surveyed in two books^163-164 and in review articles.^{85, 99, 153, 165-167}

Some studies suggested that oral contraceptive use was associated with an increase in the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, dysplasia, erosion, carcinoma, or microglandular dysplasia in some populations of women.^{17, 50, 103-115} However, there continues to be controversy about the extent to which such findings may be due to differences in sexual behavior and other factors.

In spite of many studies of the relationship between oral contraceptive use and breast and cervical cancers, a cause and effect relationship has not been established.

Benign hepatic adenomas and other hepatic lesions have been associated with oral contraceptive use,^116-121 although the incidence of such benign tumors is rare in the United States. Indirect calculations have estimated the attributable risk to be in the range of 3.3 cases per 100,000 for users, a risk that increases after 4 or more years of use.¹²⁰ Rupture of benign, hepatic adenomas or other lesions may cause death through intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Therefore, such lesions should be considered in women presenting with abdominal pain and tenderness, abdominal mass, or shock. About one quarter of the cases presented because of abdominal masses; up to one half had signs and symptoms of acute intraperitoneal hemorrhage.¹²¹ Diagnosis may prove difficult.

Studies from the U.S.,^{122, 150} Great Britain,^{123, 124} and Italy¹²⁵ have shown an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in long-term (>8 years; relative risk of 7-20) oral contraceptive users. However, these cancers are rare in the United States, and the attributable risk (the excess incidence) of liver cancers in oral contraceptive users approaches less than 1 per 1,000,000 users.

There have been reports of retinal thrombosis and other ocular lesions associated with the use of oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives should be discontinued if there is unexplained, gradual or sudden, partial or complete loss of vision; onset of proptosis or diplopia; papilledema; or any evidence of retinal vascular lesions. Appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures should be undertaken immediately.

Extensive epidemiological studies have revealed no increased risk of birth defects in women who have used oral contraceptives prior to pregnancy.^{126, 129} The majority of recent studies also do not suggest a teratogenic effect, particularly insofar as cardiac anomalies and limb reduction defects are concerned,^126-129 when the pill is taken inadvertently during early pregnancy.

The administration of oral contraceptives to induce withdrawal bleeding should not be used as a test for pregnancy. Oral contraceptives should not be used during pregnancy to treat threatened or habitual abortion. It is recommended that for any patient who has missed two consecutive periods, pregnancy should be ruled out before continuing oral contraceptive use. If the patient has not adhered to the prescribed schedule, the possibility of pregnancy should be considered at the time of the first missed period and further use of oral contraceptives should be withheld until pregnancy has been ruled out. Oral contraceptive use should be discontinued if pregnancy is confirmed.

Earlier studies reported an increased lifetime relative risk of gallbladder surgery in users of oral contraceptives and estrogens.^{40, 42, 53, 70} More recent studies, however, have shown that the relative risk of developing gallbladder disease among oral contraceptive users may be minimal.^130-132 The recent findings of minimal risk may be related to the use of oral contraceptive formulations containing lower doses of estrogens and progestogens.

Oral contraceptives have been shown to cause a decrease in glucose tolerance in a significant percentage of users.³² This effect has been shown to be directly related to estrogen dose.¹³³ Progestogens increase insulin secretion and create insulin resistance, the effect varying with different progestational agents.^{32, 134} However, in the nondiabetic woman, oral contraceptives appear to have no effect on fasting blood glucose. Because of these demonstrated effects, prediabetic and diabetic women should be carefully observed while taking oral contraceptives.

Some women may have persistent hypertriglyceridemia while on the pill. As discussed earlier (see WARNINGS, 1a and 1d), changes in serum triglycerides and lipoprotein levels have been reported in oral contraceptive users.^{23-31, 135, 136}

An increase in blood pressure has been reported in women taking oral contraceptives^{50, 53, 137-139} and this increase is more likely in older oral contraceptive users¹³⁷ and with extended duration of use.⁵³ Data from the Royal College of General Practitioners¹³⁸ and subsequent randomized trials have shown that the incidence of hypertension increases with increasing concentrations of progestogens.

Women with a history of hypertension or hypertension-related disease, or renal disease¹³⁹ should be encouraged to use another method of contraception. If such women elect to use oral contraceptives, they should be monitored closely and if significant elevation of blood pressure occurs, oral contraceptives should be discontinued. For most women, elevated blood pressure will return to normal after stopping oral contraceptives,¹³⁷ and there is no difference in the occurrence of hypertension among ever- and never-users.¹⁴⁰

The onset or exacerbation of migraine or the development of headache of a new pattern that is recurrent, persistent, or severe requires discontinuation of oral contraceptives and evaluation of the cause.

Breakthrough bleeding and spotting are sometimes encountered in patients on oral contraceptives, especially during the first three months of use. Nonhormonal causes should be considered and adequate diagnostic measures taken to rule out malignancy or pregnancy in the event of breakthrough bleeding, as in the case of any abnormal vaginal bleeding. If a pathologic basis has been excluded, time alone or a change to another formulation may solve the problem. In the event of amenorrhea, pregnancy should be ruled out. Some women may encounter post-pill amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, especially when such a condition was pre-existent.

It is good medical practice for all women to have annual history and physical examinations, including women using oral contraceptives. The physical examination, however, may be deferred until after initiation of oral contraceptives if requested by the woman and judged appropriate by the clinician. The physical examination should include special reference to blood pressure, breasts, abdomen, and pelvic organs, including cervical cytology, and relevant laboratory tests. In case of undiagnosed, persistent, or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding, appropriate measures should be conducted to rule out malignancy. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer or who have breast nodules should be monitored with particular care.

Women who are being treated for hyperlipidemias should be followed closely if they elect to use oral contraceptives. Some progestogens may elevate LDL levels and may render the control of hyperlipidemias more difficult.

If jaundice develops in any woman receiving oral contraceptives, they should be discontinued. Steroids may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function and should be administered with caution in such patients. Cholestatic jaundice has been reported after combined treatment with oral contraceptives and troleandomycin. Hepatotoxicity following a combination of oral contraceptives and cyclosporine has also been reported.

Oral contraceptives may cause some degree of fluid retention. They should be prescribed with caution, and only with careful monitoring, in patients with conditions that might be aggravated by fluid retention, such as convulsive disorders, migraine syndrome, asthma, or cardiac, hepatic, or renal dysfunction.

Women with a history of depression should be carefully observed and the drug discontinued if depression recurs to a serious degree.

Contact lens wearers who develop visual changes or changes in lens tolerance should be assessed by an ophthalmologist.

Reduced efficacy and increased incidence of breakthrough bleeding and menstrual irregularities have been associated with concomitant use of rifampin. A similar association, though less marked, has been suggested for barbiturates, phenylbutazone, phenytoin sodium, and possibly with griseofulvin, ampicillin, and tetracyclines. Administration of troglitazone concomitantly with a combination oral contraceptive (estrogen and progestin) reduced the plasma concentrations of both hormones by approximately 30%. This could result in loss of contraceptive efficacy.

Certain endocrine and liver function tests and blood components may be affected by oral contraceptives:

• • • • Increased prothrombin and factors VII, VIII, IX and X; decreased antithrombin III; increased platelet aggregability.
      • Increased thyroid binding globulin (TBG), leading to increased circulating total thyroid hormone as measured by protein-bound iodine (PBI), T₄ by column or by radioimmunoassay. Free T₃ resin uptake is decreased, reflecting the elevated TBG; free T₄ concentration is unaltered.
      • Other binding proteins may be elevated in the serum.
      • Sex-steroid binding globulins are increased and result in elevated levels of total circulating sex steroids and corticoids; however, free or biologically active levels remain unchanged.
      • Triglycerides and phospholipids may be increased.
      • Glucose tolerance may be decreased.
      • Serum folate levels may be depressed. This may be of clinical significance if a woman becomes pregnant shortly after discontinuing oral contraceptives.
      • Increased sulfobromophthalein and other abnormalities in liver function tests may occur.
      • Plasma levels of trace minerals may be altered.
      • Response to the metyrapone test may be reduced.

See WARNINGS.

Small amounts of oral contraceptive steroids have been identified in the milk of nursing mothers^141-143 and a few adverse effects on the child have been reported, including jaundice and breast enlargement. In addition, oral contraceptives given in the postpartum period may interfere with lactation by decreasing the quantity and quality of breast milk. If possible, the nursing mother should be advised not to use oral contraceptives, but to use other forms of contraception until she has completely weaned her child.

Safety and efficacy of Kelnor™ have been established in women of reproductive age. Safety and efficacy are expected to be the same for postpubertal adolescents under the age of 16 and for users 16 years and older. Use of this product before menarche is not indicated.

Oral contraceptives are of no value in the prevention or treatment of venereal disease. The prevalence of cervical Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in oral contraceptive users is increased several-fold.^{144, 145} It should not be assumed that oral contraceptives afford protection against pelvic inflammatory disease from chlamydia.¹⁴⁴ Patients should be counseled that this product does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

a. The pathologist should be advised of oral contraceptive therapy when relevant specimens are submitted.

b. Treatment with oral contraceptives may mask the onset of the climacteric. (See WARNINGS regarding risks in this age group.)

See patient labeling printed below.

An increased risk of the following serious adverse reactions has been associated with the use of oral contraceptives (see WARNINGS):

• Thrombophlebitis and thrombosis
• Arterial thromboembolism
• Pulmonary embolism
• Myocardial infarction and coronary thrombosis
• Cerebral hemorrhage
• Cerebral thrombosis
• Hypertension
• Gallbladder disease
• Benign and malignant liver tumors, and other hepatic lesions

There is evidence of an association between the following conditions and the use of oral contraceptives, although additional confirmatory studies are needed:

• Mesenteric thrombosis
• Neuro-ocular lesions (e.g., retinal thrombosis and optic neuritis)

The following adverse reactions have been reported in patients receiving oral contraceptives and are believed to be drug-related:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal cramps and bloating)
• Breakthrough bleeding
• Spotting
• Change in menstrual flow
• Amenorrhea during or after use
• Temporary infertility after discontinuation of use
• Edema
• Chloasma or melasma, which may persist
• Breast changes: tenderness, enlargement, secretion
• Change in weight (increase or decrease)
• Change in cervical erosion or secretion
• Diminution in lactation when given immediately postpartum
• Cholestatic jaundice
• Migraine
• Rash (allergic)
• Mental depression
• Reduced tolerance to carbohydrates
• Vaginal candidiasis
• Change in corneal curvature (steepening)
• Intolerance to contact lenses

The following adverse reactions or conditions have been reported in users of oral contraceptives and the association has been neither confirmed nor refuted:

• Premenstrual syndrome
• Cataracts
• Changes in appetite
• Cystitis-like syndrome
• Headache
• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• Hirsutism
• Loss of scalp hair
• Erythema multiforme
• Erythema nodosum
• Hemorrhagic eruption
• Vaginitis
• Porphyria
• Impaired renal function
• Hemolytic uremic syndrome
• Acne
• Changes in libido
• Colitis
• Budd-Chiari syndrome
• Endocervical hyperplasia or ectropion

Serious ill effects have not been reported following acute ingestion of large doses of oral contraceptives by young children.^{180, 181} Overdosage may cause nausea, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in females.

The following non-contraceptive health benefits related to the use of oral contraceptives are supported by epidemiological studies that largely utilized oral contraceptive formulations containing estrogen doses exceeding 35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol or 50 mcg of mestranol.^{148, 149}

Effects on Menses:

• Increased menstrual cycle regularity
• Decreased blood loss and decreased risk of iron-deficiency anemia
• Decreased frequency of dysmenorrhea

Effects Related to Inhibition of Ovulation:

• Decreased risk of functional ovarian cysts
• Decreased risk of ectopic pregnancies

Effects From Long-Term Use:

• Decreased risk of fibroadenomas and fibrocystic disease of the breast
• Decreased risk of acute pelvic inflammatory disease
• Decreased risk of endometrial cancer
• Decreased risk of ovarian cancer
• Decreased risk of uterine fibroids

To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, oral contraceptives must be taken exactly as directed and at intervals of 24 hours.

IMPORTANT: If the Sunday start schedule is selected, the patient should be instructed to use an additional method of protection until after the first week of administration in the initial cycle. The possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of use should be considered.

Kelnor™ 1/35 (28 Day Regimen) (ethynodiol diacetate and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP)

The Kelnor™ 1/35 (28 Day Regimen) tablet dispenser contains 21 light yellow active tablets arranged in three numbered rows of 7 tablets each, followed by a fourth row of 7 white placebo tablets.

Days of the week are printed above the tablets, starting with Sunday on the left.

For a DAY 1 START, count the first day of menstrual flow as Day 1 and the first tablet (light yellow) is then taken on Day 1. For a SUNDAY START when menstrual flow begins on or before Sunday, the first tablet (light yellow) is taken on that day. With either a DAY 1 START or SUNDAY START, 1 tablet (light yellow) is taken each day at the same time for 21 days. Then the white tablets are taken for 7 days, whether bleeding has stopped or not. After all 28 tablets have been taken, whether bleeding has stopped or not, the same dosage schedule is repeated beginning on the following day.

Kelnor™ 1/35 (28 Day Regimen) (ethynodiol diacetate and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP) are packaged in cartons of three buler card dispensers. Each buler card dispenser contains 21 light yellow, round, flat-faced, beveled-edge, unscored tablets, debossed with stylized b on one side and 14 on the other side and 7 white, round, flat-faced, beveled-edge, unscored placebo tablets, debossed with stylized b on one side and 143 on the other side. Each light yellow tablet contains 1 mg of ethynodiol diacetate and 0.035 mg of ethinyl estradiol. Each white tablet contains inert ingredients.

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This product (like all oral contraceptives) is intended to prevent pregnancy. It does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

This product (like all oral contraceptives) is intended to prevent pregnancy. It does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES

INTRODUCTION

It is important that any woman who considers using an oral contraceptive understand the risks involved. Although the oral contraceptives have important advantages over other methods of contraception, they have certain risks that no other method has. Only you and your physician can decide whether the advantages are worth these risks. This leaflet will tell you about the most important risks. It will explain how you can help your doctor prescribe the pill as safely as possible by telling him/her about yourself and being alert for the earliest signs of trouble. And it will tell you how to use the pill properly so that it will be as effective as possible. THERE IS MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AVAILABLE IN THE LEAFLET PREPARED FOR DOCTORS. Your pharmacist can show you a copy; you may need your doctor's help in understanding parts of it.

This leaflet is not a replacement for a careful discussion between you and your health care provider. You should discuss the information provided in this leaflet with him or her, both when you first start taking the pill and during your revisits. You should also follow your health care provider's advice with regard to regular check-ups while you are on the pill.

If you do not have any of the conditions uled below and are thinking about using oral contraceptives, to help you decide, you need information about the advantages and risks of oral contraceptives and of other contraceptive methods as well. This leaflet describes the advantages and risks of oral contraceptives. Except for sterilization, the intrauterine device (IUD), and abortion, which have their own specific risks, the only risks of other methods are those due to pregnancy should the method fail. Your doctor can answer questions you may have with respect to other methods of contraception, and further questions you may have on oral contraceptives after reading this leaflet.

WHAT ARE ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES?

The most common type of oral contraceptive, often simply called “the pill,” is a combination of estrogen and progestogen, the two kinds of female hormones. The amount of estrogen and progestogen can vary, but the amount of estrogen is more important because both the effectiveness and some of the dangers of the pill have been related to the amount of estrogen. The pill works principally by preventing release of an egg from the ovary during the cycle in which the pills are taken.

EFFECTIVENESS OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES

The pill is one of the most effective methods of birth control. When they are taken correctly, without missing any pills, the chance of becoming pregnant is less than 1% (1 pregnancy per 100 women per year of use) when used perfectly, without missing any pills. Typical failure rates are actually about 3% per year. The chance of becoming pregnant increases with each missed pill during a menstrual cycle.

In comparison, typical failure rates for other methods of birth control during the first year of use are as follows:

WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES

MANUFACTURED BY
BARR LABORATORIES, INC.
POMONA, NY 10970

Revised MAY 2006
BR-9064