Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel
transdermal patch
- (30mcg/120mcg)/day
Contraception
Indicated for contraception in females of reproductive potential with a BMI <30 kg/m2 for whom a combined hormonal contraceptive is appropriate
28-day (4-week) cycle
- 1 new transdermal system (TDS) is applied and worn for 7 days for 3 consecutive weeks (Weeks 1, 2, and 3); no TDS is worn during Week 4 when withdrawal bleeding is expected
- Every new TDS should be applied on the same day of the week
- On the day after Week 4 ends, a new 28-day cycle is started by applying a new TDS
- Under no circumstances should there be >7-day TDS-free interval between dosing cycles
- If there are >7 TDS-free days, women may not be protected from pregnancy and nonhormonal back-up contraception (eg, condoms and spermicide, diaphragm and spermicide) must be used for 7 days
- See Administration for how to initiate dosing if no contraception is currently used or if switching from another form of contraception
Dosing Considerations
Before prescribing, consider the drug’s reduced effectiveness in women with a BMI ≥25 to <30 kg/m2
Dosage Forms & Strengths
ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel
transdermal patch
- (30mcg/120mcg)/day
Contraception
Indicated for contraception in females of reproductive potential with a BMI <30 kg/m2 for whom a combined hormonal contraceptive is appropriate
28-day (4-week) cycle
- 1 new transdermal system (TDS) is applied and worn for 7 days for 3 consecutive weeks (Weeks 1, 2, and 3); no TDS is worn during Week 4 when withdrawal bleeding is expected
- Every new TDS should be applied on the same day of the week
- On the day after Week 4 ends, a new 28-day cycle is started by applying a new TDS
- Under no circumstances should there be >7-day TDS-free interval between dosing cycles
- If there are >7 TDS-free days, females may not be protected from pregnancy and nonhormonal back-up contraception (eg, condoms and spermicide, diaphragm and spermicide) must be used for 7 days
- See Administration for how to initiate dosing if no contraception is currently used or if switching from another form of contraception
Dosing Considerations
Efficacy is expected to be the same in postmenarcheal females regardless of age
Before prescribing, consider the drug’s reduced effectiveness in women with a BMI ≥25 to <30 kg/m2
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (2)
- ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir & dasabuvir
ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir & dasabuvir, ethinylestradiol. unspecified interaction mechanism. Contraindicated. Potential for increased ALT; contraceptive failure may occur when coadministered with protease inhibitors (ritonavir).
ethinylestradiol, ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir & dasabuvir. Either increases toxicity of the other by unspecified interaction mechanism. Contraindicated. ALT elevations >5 x ULN (including some >20 x ULN) observed in clinical trials when ethinyl estradiol was coadministered with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir. Discontinue ethinyl estradiol-containing medications before initiating ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, and/or dasabuvir. Restart ethinyl estradiol containing medication ~2 weeks after hepatitis C combination drug regimen completed. - tranexamic acid oral
tranexamic acid oral, ethinylestradiol. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Coadministration of tranexamic acid oral and combination hormonal contraceptives increases thrombotic risk.
Serious - Use Alternative (18)
- abametapir
abametapir will increase the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. For 2 weeks after abametapir application, avoid taking drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates. If not feasible, avoid use of abametapir.
- amobarbital
amobarbital will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. The efficacy of hormonal contraceptives may be reduced. Use of a nonhormonal contraceptive is recommended.
- anastrozole
ethinylestradiol decreases effects of anastrozole by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Anastrozole should not be given concurrently with any estrogens or estrogen-containing products.
- apalutamide
apalutamide will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Coadministration of apalutamide, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, with drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates can result in lower exposure to these medications. Avoid or substitute another drug for these medications when possible. Evaluate for loss of therapeutic effect if medication must be coadministered. Adjust dose according to prescribing information if needed.
- armodafinil
armodafinil will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. The efficacy of hormonal contraceptives may be reduced. Use of a nonhormonal contraceptive is recommended.
- atazanavir
atazanavir, ethinylestradiol. Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Significant changes (increase or decrease) can occur in estrogen plasma levels. Efficacy of hormonal contraceptives may be reduced. Use of a nonhormonal contraceptive is recommended. .
- belzutifan
belzutifan will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Coadministration of belzutifan with hormonal contraceptives may lead to contraceptive failure or increased breakthrough bleeding. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective nonhormonal contraception. Based on animal studies, belzutifan can cause fetal harm.
- bosentan
bosentan will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. The efficacy of hormonal contraceptives may be reduced. Use of a nonhormonal contraceptive is recommended.
- brigatinib
brigatinib will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Brigatinib induces CYP3A4 in vitro. Coadministration of hormonal contraceptives with brigatinib can result in decreased concentrations and loss of efficacy. Brigatinib can cause fetal harm. Women should use an effective nonhormonal method of contraception during treatment and for at least 4 months after the last brigatinib dose.
- butabarbital
butabarbital will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. The efficacy of hormonal contraceptives may be reduced. Use of a nonhormonal contraceptive is recommended.
- calaspargase pegol
calaspargase pegol, ethinylestradiol. unknown mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Due to the potential for an indirect interaction between calaspargase pegol and oral contraceptives, concomitant use of these drugs is not recommended. Use another non-oral contraceptive method for females of childbearing potential.
- carbamazepine
ethinylestradiol will increase the level or effect of carbamazepine by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. The efficacy of hormonal contraceptives may be reduced. Use of a nonhormonal contraceptive is recommended.
carbamazepine will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. - conivaptan
conivaptan will increase the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- dexamethasone
dexamethasone will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. The efficacy of hormonal contraceptives may be reduced. Use of a nonhormonal contraceptive is recommended.
- efavirenz
efavirenz will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. The efficacy of hormonal contraceptives may be reduced. Use of a nonhormonal contraceptive is recommended.
- elagolix
levonorgestrel transdermal decreases effects of elagolix by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Based on the mechanism of action of elagolix, estrogen-containing contraceptives are expected to reduce elagolix efficacy. Effects of progestin-only contraceptives on the efficacy of elagolix is unknown. Advise women to use nonhormonal contraceptives during treatment with elagolix and for 1 week after discontinuing elagolix.
ethinylestradiol decreases effects of elagolix by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Based on the mechanism of action of elagolix, estrogen-containing contraceptives are expected to reduce elagolix efficacy. Effects of progestin-only contraceptives on the efficacy of elagolix is unknown. Advise women to use nonhormonal contraceptives during treatment with elagolix and for 1 week after discontinuing elagolix. - elvitegravir
elvitegravir will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by unknown mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Consider alternative nonhormonal methods of contraception to add or replace combination oral contraceptive
- encorafenib
encorafenib will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel transdermal by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Coadministration of encorafenib with hormonal contraceptives (CYP3A4 substrates) can result in decreased concentrations and loss of hormonal contraceptive efficacy. Since encorafenib can cause fetal harm, advise women of childbearing potential to use a highly effective nonhormonal contraceptive during treatment and for 2 weeks after final encorafenib dose.
Monitor Closely (26)
- albiglutide
ethinylestradiol decreases effects of albiglutide by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Oral contraceptives may decrease hypoglycemic effects of antidiabetics by impairing glucose tolerance. Monitor for glycemic control in diabetic patients.
- alosetron
ethinylestradiol will increase the level or effect of alosetron by affecting hepatic enzyme CYP1A2 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- alprazolam
ethinylestradiol will increase the level or effect of alprazolam by Mechanism: decreasing metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Ethinyl estradiol may inhibit the clearance of benzodiazepines that undergo oxidation, thereby increasing serum concentrations of concomitantly administered benzodiazepines.
- aminocaproic acid
ethinylestradiol, aminocaproic acid. Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Concomitant use may lead to additive hypercoagulability. Estrogens increase clotting factor production and platelet aggregation; aminocaproic acid inhibits fibrinolysis and activity of plasminogen.
- amoxicillin
amoxicillin will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor. Antibiotics may decrease hormonal contraceptive efficacy.
- ampicillin
ampicillin will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.
- artemether/lumefantrine
artemether/lumefantrine will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- atogepant
ethinylestradiol will increase the level or effect of atogepant by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- atorvastatin
atorvastatin will increase the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor.
- axitinib
ethinylestradiol increases levels of axitinib by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- bendamustine
ethinylestradiol increases levels of bendamustine by decreasing metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Bendamustine is metabolized to minimally active metabolites by CYP1A2. Ethinyl estradiol is a weak CYP1A2 inhibitor and concurrent administration may increase bendamustine concentrations in plasma. .
- caffeine
ethinylestradiol will increase the level or effect of caffeine by affecting hepatic enzyme CYP1A2 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cefaclor
cefaclor will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cefadroxil
cefadroxil will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cefazolin
cefazolin will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cefdinir
cefdinir will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cefepime
cefepime will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cefixime
cefixime will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cefotaxime
cefotaxime will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cefprozil
cefprozil will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ceftazidime
ceftazidime will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ceftibuten
ceftibuten will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cefuroxime
cefuroxime will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cenobamate
cenobamate will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Increase dose of CYP3A4 substrate, as needed, when coadministered with cenobamate.
cenobamate will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel transdermal by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Increase dose of CYP3A4 substrate, as needed, when coadministered with cenobamate.
cenobamate will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel transdermal by unspecified interaction mechanism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Advise women to use additional or alternative non-hormonal birth control when concomitantly using cenobamate with oral contraceptives.
cenobamate will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Advise women to use additional or alternative non-hormonal birth control when concomitantly using cenobamate with oral contraceptives. - cephalexin
cephalexin will decrease the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by altering intestinal flora. Applies only to oral forms of hormone. Low risk of contraceptive failure. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cyclosporine
levonorgestrel transdermal, cyclosporine. Either increases levels of the other by decreasing metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Combined oral contraceptives containing EE may inhibit the metabolism and increase plasma concentrations of cyclosporine.
Minor (26)
- amitriptyline
ethinylestradiol, amitriptyline. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Estrogens and progestins may decr tricyclic antidepressant effects, while increasing TCA plasma concentration and adverse effects.
- amoxapine
ethinylestradiol, amoxapine. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Estrogens and progestins may decr tricyclic antidepressant effects, while increasing TCA plasma concentration and adverse effects.
- antipyrine
ethinylestradiol will increase the level or effect of antipyrine by affecting hepatic enzyme CYP1A2 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- asenapine
ethinylestradiol will increase the level or effect of asenapine by affecting hepatic enzyme CYP1A2 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- clarithromycin
ethinylestradiol will increase the level or effect of clarithromycin by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- clomipramine
ethinylestradiol will increase the level or effect of clomipramine by affecting hepatic enzyme CYP1A2 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- desipramine
ethinylestradiol, desipramine. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Oxidative metabolism of TCAs may be decreased by ethinyl estradiol. Increased antidepressant serum concentrations may occur. Potential for increased TCA adverse effects.
- dosulepin
ethinylestradiol, dosulepin. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Oxidative metabolism of TCAs may be decreased by ethinyl estradiol. Increased antidepressant serum concentrations may occur. Potential for increased TCA adverse effects.
- doxepin
ethinylestradiol, doxepin. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Oxidative metabolism of TCAs may be decreased by ethinyl estradiol. Increased antidepressant serum concentrations may occur. Potential for increased TCA adverse effects.
- duloxetine
ethinylestradiol will increase the level or effect of duloxetine by affecting hepatic enzyme CYP1A2 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- enasidenib
enasidenib, ethinylestradiol. unknown mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Coadministration of enasidenib may increase or decrease the concentrations of combined hormonal contraceptives. Clinical significance of this interaction is unknown.
- eplerenone
ethinylestradiol will increase the level or effect of eplerenone by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- felbamate
felbamate decreases levels of ethinylestradiol by unknown mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- frovatriptan
ethinylestradiol will increase the level or effect of frovatriptan by affecting hepatic enzyme CYP1A2 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- imipramine
ethinylestradiol, imipramine. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Oxidative metabolism of TCAs may be decreased by ethinyl estradiol. Increased antidepressant serum concentrations may occur. Potential for increased TCA adverse effects.
- mineral oil
mineral oil decreases levels of ethinylestradiol by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- naratriptan
ethinylestradiol increases effects of naratriptan by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. The clinical implication of these interactions is unknown.
- nefazodone
nefazodone will increase the level or effect of ethinylestradiol by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- nortriptyline
ethinylestradiol, nortriptyline. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Oxidative metabolism of TCAs may be decreased by ethinyl estradiol. Increased antidepressant serum concentrations may occur. Potential for increased TCA adverse effects.
- protriptyline
ethinylestradiol, protriptyline. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Oxidative metabolism of TCAs may be decreased by ethinyl estradiol. Increased antidepressant serum concentrations may occur. Potential for increased TCA adverse effects.
- ramelteon
ethinylestradiol will increase the level or effect of ramelteon by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- rosuvastatin
rosuvastatin increases levels of ethinylestradiol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- ruxolitinib
ethinylestradiol will increase the level or effect of ruxolitinib by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- tizanidine
ethinylestradiol increases levels of tizanidine by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- trazodone
ethinylestradiol, trazodone. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Oxidative metabolism of TCAs may be decreased by ethinyl estradiol. Increased antidepressant serum concentrations may occur. Potential for increased TCA adverse effects.
- trimipramine
ethinylestradiol, trimipramine. Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Oxidative metabolism of TCAs may be decreased by ethinyl estradiol. Increased antidepressant serum concentrations may occur. Potential for increased TCA adverse effects.
Adverse Effects
1-10%
Application site disorder (6.2%)
Nausea (4.1%)
Headache (3.6%)
Dysmenorrhea (2.3%)
Increased weight (2%)
<1%
Cholelithiasis
Cholecystitis
Major depression
Suicidal ideation
Appendicitis
Ectopic pregnancy
Pneumonia
Gastroenteritis
Warnings
Black Box Warnings
Cigarette smoking and serious cardiovascular events
- Cigarette smoking increases risk of serious cardiovascular events from combined hormonal comtraceptive (CHC) use
- This risk increases with age, particularly in women aged ≥35 yr, and with the number of cigarettes smoked
- For this reason, CHCs are contraindicated in women aged ≥35 yr of age who smoke
Contraindicated with BMI 30 kg/m2 or greater
- Contraindicated in women with BMI ≥30 kg/m2
- Compared with lower BMI, women with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 had reduced effectiveness and may have a higher risk for venous thromboembolism events (VTEs)
Contraindications
Have headaches with focal neurological symptoms, migraine headaches with aura
Women aged >35 yr with any migraine headache
BMI ≥30 kg/m2; reduced effectiveness and may have higher risk for VTEs compared with women with lower BMI
Liver tumors (benign or malignant), acute viral hepatitis, severe (decompensated) cirrhosis, or liver disease
Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding
Pregnancy, given there is no reason to use CHCs during pregnancy
Breast cancer or other estrogen- or progestin-sensitive cancer, now or in the past
Hypersensitivity to any components; observed reactions include itching and irritation at application site
Use of hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, owing to potential for elevated ALT
High risk for arterial or VTEs
-
Examples include women who
- Smoke, if over aged ≥35 yr
- Have current or history of DVT or PE
- Have cerebrovascular disease
- Have coronary artery disease
- Have thrombogenic valvular or thrombogenic rhythm heart diseases (eg, SBE with valvular disease, atrial fibrillation)
- Have inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathies
- Have uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease
- Have diabetes mellitus and are aged ≥35 yr, diabetes mellitus with hypertension, or vascular disease or other end-organ damage, or diabetes mellitus of >20 years' duration
Cautions
Contraindicated with benign or malignant liver tumors, acute viral hepatitis, or severe cirrhosis; discontinue if jaundice occurs
Increased ALT observed in women taking ethinyl estradiol-containing medications with certain hepatitis C drug regimens (ie, ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir)
Contraindicated with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease; if administered to women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure; discontinue immediately if blood pressure increases significantly
Consider age-related risk factors for CV disease (eg, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity)
Increase risk of gall bladder disease among CHC users
Contraindicated in diabetic women aged ≥35 yr, or women who have diabetes with hypertension, nephropathy, retinopathy, or neuropathy, other vascular disease, or women with diabetes >20 yr duration
Contraindicated in women who have headaches with focal neurological symptoms or have migraine headaches with aura, and women aged ≥35 yr who have migraine headaches with or without aura
Carefully observe women with history of depression; discontinue if depression recurs to a serious degree
Some studies suggest that CHCs are associated with increased risk of cervical cancer or intraepithelial neoplasia; controversial whether these findings are caused by CHCs or sexual behavior and other factors
Estrogen may raise serum concentrations of thyroxine-binding globulin, sex hormone-binding globulin, and cortisol-binding globulin; dose of replacement thyroid hormone or cortisol therapy may need to be increased
Exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema
Chloasma may occur, especially in women with a history of chloasma gravidarum; avoid sun exposure or ultraviolet radiation
Thromboembolic disorders and other vascular conditions
- Women are at increased risk for VTE when using CHCs
- VTE risk may be greater with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 compared with lower BMI and CHCs are contraindicated in obese patients
-
Additional information
- Discontinue if an arterial or VTE occurs
- Discontinue if unexplained loss of vision, proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions occurs; evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately
- Discontinue during prolonged immobilization and resume treatment based on clinical judgement; if feasible, stop at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery or other surgeries known to have an elevated risk of thromboembolism
- Start no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery in women who are not breastfeeding; risk of postpartum thromboembolism decreases after the third postpartum week, whereas the likelihood of ovulation increases after the third postpartum week
- Before initiating, evaluate any medical history or family history of thromboembolism or thromboembolic disorders; consider whether the history suggests an inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathy
- Contraindicated in women with high risk of arterial or VTE, including women aged ≥35 yr who smoke
Bleeding irregularities and amenorrhea
-
Bleeding and spotting
- Women may experience unscheduled (breakthrough or intracyclic) bleeding and spotting, especially during the first 3 months of use
- Bleeding irregularities may resolve over time or by changing to a different contraceptive product
- If bleeding persists or occurs after previously regular cycles, evaluate for causes (eg, pregnancy, malignancy)
-
Amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea
- Women may experience absence of scheduled (withdrawal) bleeding, even if they are not pregnant
- If scheduled bleeding does not occur, consider the possibility of pregnancy
- Evaluate adherence and rule out pregnancy
Drug interaction overview
-
Drugs that decrease systemic exposure of hormonal contraceptives
- Enzyme inducers: May decrease plasma concentrations of estrogen and/or progestin component of CHCs
- Colesevelam: Coadministration significantly decreases systemic exposure of ethinyl estradiol
- HIV protease inhibitors (eg, nelfinavir, ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, fosamprenavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, and tipranavir/ritonavir) and some non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (eg, nevirapine)
-
Drugs that increase systemic exposure of hormonal contraceptives
- HIV protease inhibitors (eg, indinavir, atazanavir/ritonavir) and with other non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (eg, etravirine)
- Atorvastatin or rosuvastatin increase systemic exposure of ethinyl estradiol by ~20-25%
- Ascorbic acid and acetaminophen may increase systemic exposure of ethinyl estradiol, possibly by inhibition of conjugation
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, grapefruit juice, ketoconazole) may increase systemic exposure of estrogen and/or progestin
-
CHC effect on other drugs
- Lamotrigine systemic exposure may be significantly decreased owing to induction of lamotrigine glucuronidation; lamotrigine dose adjustment may be required
- Thyroid hormone: CHCs may increase systemic exposure of thyroid-binding globulin; thyroid hormone dose may need to be increased
- Corticosteroids: CHCs may increase systemic exposure of cortisol-binding globulin; corticosteroid dose may need to be increased
- CHCs may decrease systemic exposure of acetaminophen, morphine, salicylic acid, and temazepam
- CHCs may increase systemic exposure of cyclosporine, prednisolone, theophylline, tizanidine, and voriconazole
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
Contraindicated
Discontinue if pregnancy occurs
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 CHCs before conception or during early pregnancy
Lactation
Contraceptive hormones and/or metabolites are present in human milk
CHCs can reduce milk production in breastfeeding women, but this is less likely to occur once breastfeeding is well established
Advise breastfeeding women to use another method of contraception until breastfeeding discontinued
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Combination hormonal contraceptives lower the risk of becoming pregnant primarily by suppressing ovulation
Ethinyl estradiol: Reduces LHRH release from hypothalamus and reduces gonadotropin release from pituitary; increases synthesis of DNA, RNA, and various proteins in target tissues; other possible mechanisms include changes in cervical mucus that cause inhibition of sperm penetration and endometrial changes that reduce likelihood of implantation
Levonorgestrel transdermal: Synthetic progestin; ovulation is inhibited from a negative feedback mechanism on hypothalamus, leading to reduced secretion of FSH and LH
Absorption
Concentration at steady-state
-
Cycle 1
- Average steady-state concentration, levonorgestrel: 842 pg/mL (week 1); 2009 pg/mL (week 3)
- Average steady-state concentration, ethinyl estradiol: 31.9 pg/mL (week 1); 34.8 pg/mL (week 3)
- AUC levonorgestrel: 120 ng⋅h/mL (week 1); 339 ng⋅h/mL (week 3)
- AUC ethinyl estradiol: 5040 pg⋅h/mL (week 1); 6210 pg⋅h/mL (week 3)
-
Cycle 2
- Average steady-state concentration, levonorgestrel: 1389 pg/mL (week 1); 2209 pg/mL (week 3)
- Average steady-state concentration, ethinyl estradiol: 38.6 pg/mL (week 1); 40.3 pg/mL (week 3)
- AUC levonorgestrel: 207 ng⋅h/mL (week 1); 378 ng⋅h/mL (week 3)
- AUC ethinyl estradiol: 6060 pg⋅h/mL (week 1); 7120 pg⋅h/mL (week 3)
Distribution
Protein bound
- Levonorgestrel: Primarily bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)
- Ethinyl estradiol: 97% bound to plasma albumin; does not bind to SHBG, but induces SHBG synthesis
Metabolism
Since it is applied transdermally, first-pass metabolism (via GI tract and/or liver) of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol that would be expected with PO administration does not occur
Levonorgestrel
- The most important hepatic metabolic pathways are reduction of the delta-4-3-oxo group and hydroxylation at positions 2-alpha, 1-beta, and 16-beta, followed by conjugation
- Most circulating metabolites are sulfates of 3-alpha, 5-beta-tetrahydro-levonorgestrel, while excretion is mostly in the form of glucuronides
Ethinyl estradiol
- CYP3A4 metabolism in the liver is responsible for 2-hydroxylation that is the major oxidative reaction
- 2-Hydroxy metabolite is further transformed by methylation and glucuronidation before urinary and fecal excretion
Elimination
Half-life
-
Elimination half-life
- Levonorgestrel: 38.2 hr (cycle 1, week 3); 40.5 hr (cycle 2, week 3)
- Ethinyl estradiol: 19.7 hr (cycle 1, week 3); 20.5 hr (cycle 2, week 3)
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Mean terminal half-life
- Levonorgestrel: 41 hr
- Ethinyl estradiol: 21 hr
Excretion
- Levonorgestrel: 40-68% urine; 16-48% feces
- Ethinyl estradiol: Excreted in urine and feces and glucuronide and sulfate conjugates; undergoes enterohepatic recirculation
Administration
Transdermal Administration
Application
- For transdermal use only
- To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, transdermal system (TDS) must be used exactly as directed; failure rate may increase when TDS application is delayed/missed or when TDS is applied incorrectly
- Apply TDS to clean, dry, and intact skin on abdomen, buttock, or upper torso (excluding breasts)
- When applying a new TDS, do not apply the new TDS directly over the previous TDS site
- Do not apply to skin that has been exposed to powder, oil, moisturizer, or lotion
- Advise women not to routinely use large amounts of body lotions or oils at application sites
- Prolonged exposure to water may interfere with TDS adherence
- Do not cut or alter TDS in any way; apply whole TDS; if TDS is cut or damaged or altered in size, contraceptive efficacy may be impaired
- Discard by folding used TDS so that the adhesive side sticks to itself and safely discard in the trash
- Used TDS still contains some active hormones; should not be flushed down the toilet
TDS edge lifts up
- Press down firmly on TDS with the palm of the hand for 10 seconds, making sure that the whole TDS is adhered to skin
- Then run fingers over the entire surface area to smooth out any wrinkles around the edges of the TDS
- If lifted edge of TDS does not stick completely after attempted readhesion, remove TDS and replace with new TDS
- Do not tape or wrap TDS to skin or reapply a TDS that is partially adhered to clothing
TDS has been off or partially off
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<1 day
- Try to reapply TDS; if TDS does not adhere completely, apply new TDS immediately
- No back-up contraception is needed and the Patch Change Day will stay the same
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>1 day or unsure of timeframe
- Woman may not be protected from pregnancy
- Reduce pregnancy risk by applying new TDS and start a new 4-week cycle
- The woman will now have a new Patch Change Day and MUST use nonhormonal back-up contraception (eg, condoms and spermicide, diaphragm and spermicide) for the first 7 days of the new cycle
Starting in women with no current hormonal contraceptive
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Day 1 start
- Apply first TDS during the first 24 hr of menstruation
- Apply a new TDS each week for 3 weeks (21 total days) on the same day each week
- No TDS is worn during Week 4
- If a TDS is applied after the first 24 hr of menstruation, use nonhormonal back-up contraception (eg, condoms and spermicide, diaphragm and spermicide) concurrently for first 7 days of first cycle only
Switching from an oral combination hormonal contraceptive
- Complete the current pill cycle and apply the first TDS on the day the next pill cycle would normally start
- If menses does not occur within a week after taking the last active pill, instruct the woman to consult with a healthcare professional to be sure that pregnancy has not occurred
- If no pregnancy has occurred, TDS may be started for contraception
- If initiated >1 week after taking the last active pill, use nonhormonal back-up contraception (eg, condoms and spermicide, diaphragm and spermicide) concurrently for first 7 days
Switching from a transdermal hormonal contraceptive
- Complete current TDS cycle and apply the first Twirla TDS on the day the next TDS cycle would normally start
- If menses does not occur within a week after removing the last TDS, consult with a healthcare professional to ensure pregnancy has not occurred
- If no pregnancy has occurred, Twirla TDS may be started for contraception
- If Twirla TDS is applied >1 week after removal of the last TDS, use nonhormonal back-up contraception (eg, condoms and spermicide, diaphragm and spermicide) concurrently for first 7 days
Switching from vaginal ring
- Complete vaginal ring cycle and apply the first TDS on the day the next vaginal ring would normally start
- If menses does not occur within a week after removing vaginal ring, consult with a healthcare professional to ensure pregnancy has not occurred
- If no pregnancy has occurred, TDS may be started for contraception
- If TDS is applied >1 week after vaginal ring removal, use nonhormonal back-up contraception (eg, condoms and spermicide, or diaphragm and spermicide) concurrently for first 7 days
Injection, intrauterine system, implant, or progestin-only pill
- Injection: Apply first TDS on the day the next injection would normally occur
- Intrauterine system or implant: Apply first TDS on the day of intrauterine system/implant removal
- Progestin-only pill: Apply first TDS on the day the next progestin-only pill cycle would normally start
Starting after abortion or miscarriage
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First trimester abortion or miscarriage
- May be started immediately within the first 5 days following a complete first trimester abortion or miscarriage without additional back-up contraception
- If >5 days have elapsed from the first trimester abortion or miscarriage, use nonhormonal contraception (eg, condoms and spermicide, diaphragm and spermicide) and follow instructions for starting TDS for the first time
- Ovulation may occur within 10 days of an abortion or miscarriage
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Second trimester abortion or miscarriage
- Do not start earlier than 4 weeks after a second trimester abortion or miscarriage owing to increased risk of thromboembolism
Starting after childbirth
- For women who elect not to breastfeed, do not start sooner than 4 weeks after childbirth owing to increased risk of thromboembolism
- If a woman begins using TDS postpartum and has not yet had a period, consider possibility of ovulation and pregnancy; obtain pregnancy test to guide action
- If not pregnant, use nonhormonal back-up contraception (eg, condoms and spermicide, diaphragm and spermicide) for the first 7 days of TDS use
Missed doses
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Forgetting to change TDS
- At the start of any TDS cycle (Week 1/Day 1): May not be protected from pregnancy; apply the first TDS as soon as possible (this now starts a new 4-week cycle and is now the new Patch Change Day); use nonhormonal back-up contraception for 7 days
- In the middle of TDS cycle (Week 2/Day 8 or Week 3/Day 15), for up to 48 hr: Apply new TDS immediately; apply next TDS on the usual Patch Change Day; no back-up contraception needed
- ≥48 hr: May not be protected from pregnancy; stop current TDS cycle and start a new 4-week cycle immediately by applying a new TDS (this is now a new Patch Change Day); use nonhormonal back-up contraception for 7 days
- At end of TDS cycle Week 3 (Day 22): If the woman forgets to remove her TDS, she should take it off as soon as she remembers; start next cycle on the usual Patch Change Day, which is the day after Day 28; no back-up contraception needed
Storage
Store in original pouch until application time
Store at room temperature 20-25ºC (68-77ºF); excursions permitted to 15-30ºC (59-86ºF)
Images
Formulary
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