Opill
®
Tablets
(norgestrel
tablets)
Rxonly
Patients should be counseled that oral
contraceptives
do not protect against
transmission
of HIV (AIDS)
and other sexually
transmitted
diseases (STDs) such as
chlamydia, genital
herpes, genital warts,
gonorrhea,
hepatitis B, and
syphilis.
DESCRIPTION
Each Opill tablet contains 0.075 mg of a single active steroid ingredient, norgestrel, a totally synthetic progestogen.
Norgestrel is designated as ()-13-Ethyl-17-hydroxy-18,19-dinor-17a-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one and is included in the
formulation as a racemate. The inactive ingredients present are cellulose, FD&C Yellow 5, lactose, magnesium stearate,
and polacrilin potassium.
Norgestrel
M.W.
312.45
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
1. Mode of
Action
Progestin-only oral contraceptives such as Opill Tablets prevent conception by
suppres
sing
ovulation in approximately
half of the cycles in users, thickening the cervical mucus to inhibit
sperm
penetration, lowering the midcycle LH
and FSH peaks, slowing the movement of the
ovum
through the fallopian tubes, and altering the
endometrium.
2. Pharmacokinetics
Serum progestin levels peak about two hours after oral administration, followed by
rapid
distribution and elimination.
By 24 hours after drug ingestion, serum levels are near
baseline,
making efficacy dependent upon rigid adherence
to the dosing schedule. There are
large variations
in serum levels among individual users.
Progestin-only
administration results in
lower
steady-state progestin levels and a shorter elimination half-life than concomitant
administration with
estrogens.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Opill Tablets are indicated for use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy.
Opill Tablets are not for use as emergency contraception.
In eight US clinical studies with Opill Tablets, 2,173 women completed at least one cycle and 648 completed at least 13
cycles providing a total of 21,856 28-day cycles of exposure in women aged from 15 to 49 years. The racial demographic
was 53% Caucasian and 47% African-American. The pregnancy rate was approximately 2 per 100 women-years.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Opill Tablets is contraindicated for use by women who are known to have
the
following conditions:
Known or suspected pregnancy
Known or suspected carcinoma of the breast, or other progestin-sensitive cancer, now or in the past
Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding
Hypersensitivity to any component of this product (see Precautions, FD & C Yellow No. 5)
Benign or malignant liver tumors
Reference ID: 4139899
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For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda
Acute liver disease
WARNINGS
1. Ectopic Pregnancy
The incidence of ectopic pregnancies for progestin-only oral contraceptive users is 5
per
1000 woman-years. Up to 10%
of pregnancies reported in clinical studies of progestin-only oral contraceptive users are extrauterine. Health-care
providers should be alert to the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy in women who become pregnant or complain of
lower abdominal pain
while
on Opill Tablets
.
2. Delayed Follicular Atresia/Ovarian Cysts
If follicular development occurs, atresia of the follicle is sometimes delayed, and the follicle may continue to grow
beyond the size it would attain in a normal cycle. Generally these enlarged follicles disappear spontaneously. Often
they are asymptomatic; in some cases they
are
associated with mild abdominal pain, and rarely they may twist or
rupture, requiring surgical intervention.
3. Bleeding Pattern Alterations
Irregular menstrual patterns are common
among women using Opill Tablets
.
Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding
should be evaluated before Opill is prescribed (see Contraindications).
In the 8 U.S. clinical trials of
Opill Tablets
, there
were a total of 2,575 enrolled subjects, and approximately half of them experienced some menstrual changes. This
was defined in the clinical studies as vaginal bleeding which, in the judgment of the subject, did not have the
characteristics of her pre-treatment menstrual periods in duration, amount or appearance. Subjects experienced
unscheduled (breakthrough) bleeding (48.6%) and spotting (47.3%) on
Opill Tablets.
Amenorrhea occurred in 6.1%
of subjects in their first cycle and 28.7% of all subjects during the studies. A total of 379 participants (17.4%)
discontinued treatment due to side effects; 67.6% of all discontinuations were due to bleeding patterns. Overall,
6.4% of participants discontinued treatment due to breakthrough bleeding and 2.7% due to amenorrhea (n=2,173
subjects who completed at least one cycle).
If uterine bleeding together with the clinical history is suggestive of infection, malignancy, pregnancy, or other
conditions, rule out these conditions. If amenorrhea occurs, consider the possibility of pregnancy.
4. Hepatic Neoplasia/Liver Disease
Discontinue Opill Tablet use if jaundice or acute disturbances of liver function develop. Do not resume use until markers
of liver function return to normal and Opill Tablet causation has been excluded.
PRECAUTIONS
1. Migraine/Headache
The onset or exacerbation of migraine, or development of headache with a new pattern that is recurrent, persistent, or
severe requires evaluation of the cause because women with migraine may be at increased risk of stroke.
2. Drug Interactions
The effectiveness of progestin-only pills is reduced by hepatic enzyme-inducing drugs such
as
phenytoin,
carbamazepine, barbiturates,
rifampin,
efavirenz, bosentan and herbal preparations containing St. John’s Wort
(hypericum perforatum
).
This could result in unintended pregnancy or breakthrough bleeding.
During concomitant use of Opill and substances that may affect its efficacy, it is recommended that a nonhormonal
back-up method of contraception (such as condom) be used in addition to the regular intake of Opill Tablets. Use of
a nonhormonal back-up method is recommeded for 28 days after discontinuation of substances that have led to
induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes. For women receiving long-term therapy with hepatic enzyme inducers,
another method of contraception should be considered.
Effectiveness of progestin-containing hormonal contraceptives and emergency contraceptive ulipristal acetate may be
decreased if progestin-containing hormonal contraceptives are used within five days after ulipristal acetate dosing.
If a woman wishes to use Opill Tablets after using ulipristal acetate, she should do so no sooner than 5 days after the
intake of ulipristal acetate and she should use a reliable barrier method for subsequent acts of intercourse until her
next menstrual period.
Reference ID: 4139899
This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.
For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda
Consult the product information of concomitant medications/substances to identify potential interactions.
3. Gastrointestinal
Diarrhea and/or vomiting within 4 hours after taking a pill may reduce hormone absorption. Women should use of a
nonhormonal back-up method of birth control (such as a condom or spermicide) during the next 48 hours.
4. Interactions with Laboratory Tests
The following endocrine tests may be affected by Opill Tablets use:
Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations may be decreased.
Total thyroxine concentrations may be decreased, due to a decrease in thyroid binding globulin (TBG). However, free
thyroxine level should remain unchanged.
5. FD & C Yellow No. 5
Opill Tablets contains FD&C Yellow No.5 (tartrazine) which may cause allergic-type reactions (including bronchial
asthma) in certain susceptible persons. Although the overall incidence of FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) sensitivity in the
general population is low, it is frequently seen in patients who also have aspirin hypersensitivity.
(See
CONTRAINDICATIONS
)
6. Carbohydrate and Lipid Effects
Some Opill Tablets users may experience slight changes in glucose tolerance with increases in plasma insulin, but
women with diabetes mellitus who use progestin-only oral contraceptives do not generally experience changes in their
insulin requirements.
Lipid metabolism is occasionally affected in that HDL
1
, HDL
2
,
and apolipoprotein A-I and
A-II
may be decreased;
hepatic lipase may be increased. There is usually no effect on total cholesterol, HDL
3
, LDL, or VLDL.
The effect of progestin-only oral contraceptives on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism is generally not clinically
significant.
7. Pregnancy
Opill Tablets are contraindicated for use in pregnant women because there is no need for pregnancy prevention in a
woman who is already pregnant [see Contraindications (4)]. Published studies report no harmful effects on fetal
development associated with long-term use of contraceptive doses of oral progestins in pregnant women.
Discontinue Opill Tablets if pregnancy is confirmed.
8. Nursing Mothers
Small amounts of progestin pass into the breast milk, resulting in steroid levels in infant plasma. No adverse effects have
been reported on breastfeeding performance or infant health. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding
should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Opill Tablets and any potential adverse effects on the
breastfed infant from Opill Tablets or from the underlying maternal condition.
9. Fertility Following Discontinuation
The limited available data do not indicate a significant delay in the return of normal ovulation and fertility following
discontinuation of progestin-only oral contraceptives.
10. Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy of Opill Tablets have been established in women of reproductive age, including adolescents as
young as 15 years of age, and almost 30% of subjects in the clinical trials who were under 20 years of age. Use of this
product before menarche is not indicated.
11. Geriatric Use
Opill Tablets has not been studied in postmenopausal women and is not indicated in
this population.
INFORMATION FOR THE PATIENT
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information).
Reference ID: 4139899
This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.
For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda
Before
prescribing
Opill Tablets
, advise the patient that:
Opill Tablets should be taken at the same time every day, including throughout all bleeding episodes.
She should use a nonhormonal back-up method of contraception (such as condoms or spermicides) for the next 48
hours whenever Opill Tablets are taken 3 or more hours late, or if she has vomiting or diarrhea within 4 hours after
taking the pill.
Use of Opill Tablets may be associated with changes in their normal menstrual bleeding pattern. However, women
who miss two periods (or have missed a single period but have missed doses of Opill) or suspect they may be
pregnant should take a pregnancy test.
She should inform her healthcare provider if she develops repeated vaginal postcoital bleeding, prolonged episodes
of bleeding, amenorrhea or development of severe abdominal pain.
Opill Tablets do not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
ADVERSE REACTIONS
An increased risk of the following adverse reactions has been reported with the use of progestin-only oral
contraceptives
(see WARNINGS section for additional
information
)
:
Delayed follicular atresia/ovarian cysts
Menstrual irregularity, changes in menstrual flow; breakthrough bleeding/spotting; amenorrhea, prolonged bleeding
The following adverse reactions were reported in ≥ 5% of subjects in the Opill Tablet clinical studies:
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Increased appetite
Abdominal pain, cramps and bloating
Fatigue
Vaginal discharge
Dysmenorrhea
Nervousness
Backache
Breast discomfort
Acne
OVERDOSAGE
Symptoms of oral
contraceptive
overdosage may include nausea, vomiting, breast
tenderness,
dizziness,
somnolence (
drowsiness/fatigue),
and withdrawal bleeding in females. There is
no
specific antidote and further
treatment of overdose, if necessary, is directed to the
symptoms.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, Opill Tablets must be taken exactly as directed.
The woman should take one tablet every day, at the same time. Administration is continuous, with no interruption
between pill packs. See PATIENT LABELING
for detailed instructions.
HOW SUPPLIED
Opill Tablets (0.075 mg norgestrel) are available in a blister package of 28 tablets as follows: NDC76336-457-28 , yellow,
round tablet debossed “NG75" on one side.
STORAGE
Store at controlled room
temperature between
20° to 25°C (68° to
77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Manufactured for:
Reference ID: 4139899
This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.
For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda
Laboratoire HRA Pharma
15 rue Béranger 75003 PARIS France
Reference ID: 4139899
This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.
For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda
Patient Information
Opill
®
(Oh-Pil)
(norgestrel tablets), for oral use
Opill does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
What is Opill?
Opill is a birth control pill for daily use by women to prevent pregnancy.
Opill tablets are not to be used as emergency contraceptive.
Opill tablet contain a progestin hormone norgestrel. Progestin-only pills are often called “POPs” or “the minipill.”
Opill does not contain estrogen.
How does Opill work?
Opill prevents pregnancy in several ways. Opill thickens mucus in your cervix, and this change may keep sperm
from reaching the egg. Opill stops the release of an egg from your ovary. Opill also thins the lining of your uterus.
How well does Opill work for contraception?
The following chart shows the chance of getting pregnant for women who use different methods of birth control. Each box
on the chart contains a list of birth control methods that are similar in effectiveness. The most effective methods are at
the top of the chart. The box on the bottom of the chart shows the chance of getting pregnant for women who do not use
birth control and are trying to get pregnant.
Opill, a birth control pill, is in the box second to top of the chart.
Reference ID: 4139899
This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.
For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda
Do not use Opill if you:
are or may be pregnant
have undiagnosed uterine bleeding
have ever had breast cancer or any other cancer that is sensitive to progestin (a female hormone)
have liver disease or a liver tumor
are allergic to norgestrel or any of the ingredients in Opill. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of
ingredients in Opill.
Reference ID: 4139899
This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.
For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda
Before taking Opill, tell your healthcare provider if you are taking medicines for:
seizures (epilepsy), tuberculosis (TB),
HIV/AIDS
Pulmonary hypertension
Emergency contraception (ulipristal acetate 30 mg) in the past 5 days
Consider using another birth control method when you take medicines that may make birth control pills less effective
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the counter
medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How should I take Opill?
Opill must be taken at the same time every day, so choose a time and then take the pill at that same time every
day. If you take a pill late, and especially if you miss a pill, you are more likely to get pregnant (See What if I am
late or miss taking OPILL.).
What are some important points to remember when taking Opill?
You may have some bleeding between periods. Do not stop taking your pills if this happens. Bleeding between
periods is usually temporary and does not mean there is a problem; however, if you repeatedly have vaginal
bleeding that is brought on by sex or bleeding is prolonged (more than 8 days) or unusually heavy, consult your
health-care provider.
If you have not had a menstrual period for 2 months (or you have missed a single period but you have missed
doses of Opill) after you have had regular periods or think you may be pregnant, you should have a pregnancy
test.
If you vomit within 4 hours after taking a pill, or have diarrhea, absorption may not be complete; therefore, use a
nonhormonal back-up method of birth control (such as a condom or spermicide) every time you have sex during
the next 48 hours.
If you are not sure about how to take Opill, ask your health-care provider.
Reference ID: 4139899
This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.
For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda
When can I start Opill?
You can start taking your first pill on any day, use a non-hormonal back-up method of birth control (such as a
condom or spermicide) every time you have sex during the first 48 hours after starting Opill.
Start the next pack the day after the last pack is finished. There is no break between packs. Always have your
next pack of pills ready.
If you have had a miscarriage or an abortion, you can start Opill the next day. In addition, you should use a non-
hormonal back-up method of birth control for the first 48 hours.
If you gave birth and are NOT breastfeeding, you can start Opill the next day. In addition, you should use a non-
hormonal back-up method of birth control for the first 48 hours. If you are breastfeeding see section “Is it safe to
breastfeed while using Opill?”
What if I want to Switch Pills?
If you are switching from the combined pills (containing both estrogen and progestogen) to Opill (progestin only),
take the first Opill the day after you finish the last active combined pill. Do not take any of the inactive pills from
the combined pill pack.
If you switch to Opill tablets from another brand of POPs, you can start the new pack at any time.
What if I want to change from another type of progestin-only method (IMPLANT, INJECTION) or IUD?
Start taking Opill on the day of an implant or IUD removal or, if using an injection, the day the next injection
would be due. In addition, use a non-hormonal back-up method of birth control for the first 48 hours after starting
Opill tablets.
What if I am late or miss taking Opill?
If you are late taking a single pill:
If you are less than 3 hours late from your usual time you take the pill, take 1 pill immediately and go back to
taking your pill at your usual time the following day.
If you are more than 3 hours late
- take 1 pill as soon as you remember and go back to taking your pill at your usual time. This means you
may take 2 pills in 1 day.
- you must use a condom (or another barrier method) every time you have sex during the 2 days (48
hours) after you restart Opill, because it takes 2 days to start working again.
If you miss more than one pill:
- Take the first missed pill as soon as you remember, even if it means you take 2 pills in 1 day. Then
continue taking one pill daily at your usual time.
- You must use a condom (or another barrier method) every time you have sex during the 2 days (48
hours) after you restart Opill, because it takes 2 days to start working again.
- If you miss 3 or more pills, consider the possibility that you may be pregnant.
- If you are not sure what to do about the pills you have missed, keep taking Opill and use a condom (or
another barrier method) every time you have sex until you can talk to your healthcare provider.
What are the possible side effects of Opill?
Changes in menstrual bleeding. You may have changes in menstrual bleeding, including bleeding and spotting
between menstrual periods, or your menstrual periods may stop. Tell your healthcare provider if you have
irregular or heavy bleeding, bleeding or spotting that goes on for a long time, spotting in between your periods, or
if you have not had a menstrual period for 2 months after having normal periods.
Cysts on the ovary. Some women using OPILL develop a cyst on the ovary. These cysts are small sacs of fluid
and usually disappear on their own, but sometimes they can cause pain. Sometimes surgery is needed to
remove a cyst on the ovary
Reference ID: 4139899
This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.
For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda
Allergy. Opill contains FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) which may cause allergic-type reactions (including
bronchial asthma) in certain susceptible persons. Although the overall incidence of FD&C Yellow No. 5
(tartrazine) sensitivity in the general population is low, it is frequently seen in patients who also have aspirin
sensitivity
The most common side effects of Opill include:
Headache, Dizziness, Nausea, Increased appetite, Abdominal pain, cramps and bloating, Fatigue, Vaginal
discharge, Dysmenorrhea, Nervousness, Backache, Breast discomfort, Acne
These are not all the possible side effects of Opill. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report
side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
After I take Opill, when should I call my healthcare provider?
Call your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about Opill.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you:
think you might be pregnant
have sudden or severe pain in your belly (you could have an ectopic pregnancy)
you repeatedly have vaginal bleeding that is brought on by sex
have heavy vaginal bleeding or bleeding that concerns you
start having migraines with aura (headaches that start with changes in vision) or your migraines headaches get
worse
have jaundice, yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes (especially with fever, tiredness, loss of appetite or
dark colored urine)
General information about the safe and effective use of Opill
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. You can ask
your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Opill that is written for healthcare providers.
What if I want to stop taking Opill?
If you want to stop taking Opill, you can do so at any time, but, if you remain sexually active and don’t wish to become
pregnant, be certain to use another birth control method.
What are the other ingredients in Opill?
The other ingredients that are present in Opill are cellulose, FD&C Yellow 5, lactose, magnesium stearate, and polacrilin
potassium.
Will Opill affect my ability to get pregnant later?
If you want to become pregnant, simply stop taking Opill. Opill will not delay your ability to get pregnant.
What if I become pregnant while using Opill?
Call your healthcare provider right away if you think that you are pregnant. If you get pregnant while using Opill, you may
have an ectopic pregnancy. This means that the pregnancy is not in the uterus. Unusual vaginal bleeding or lower
stomach area (abdominal) pain may be a sign of ectopic pregnancy.
Reference ID: 4139899
This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.
For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda
Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that may require surgery. Ectopic pregnancy can cause internal bleeding,
infertility, and even death.
Is it safe to take Opill while Breastfeeding?
The hormone in Opill passes into your breast milk. The health of breastfed children whose mothers used progestin only
pills has been studied. No effects on the growth and development of the children or on breast milk were seen. Discuss
with your healthcare provider when to start birth control after having your baby.
How should I Store Opill?
Store Opill at room
temperature between
20° to 25°C (68° to
77°F).
This Patient Information has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Revised: August 2017
Manufactured for:
Laboratoire HRA Pharma
15 rue Béranger 75003 PARIS France
Reference ID: 4139899
This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.
For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda