Summary of medicine characteristics - CIMIZT 150 MICROGRAMS / 30 MICROGRAMSTABLETS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Cimizt 150 microgram/30 microgram Tablets
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each tablet contains 150 micrograms desogestrel and 30 micrograms ethinylestradiol.
Excipients: 1 uncoated tablet contains 58 mg of lactose anhydrous
For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Tablet
Each tablet is round, white to off-white, 5.00 mm, uncoated, biconvex, debossed with ‘142’ on one side and other side plain.
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS4.1 Therapeutic indications
Oral contraception
The decision to prescribe Cimizt should take into consideration the individual woman’s current risk factors, particularly those for venous thromboembolism (VTE), and how the risk of VTE with Cimizt compares with other CHCs (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Route of administration: Oral use
How to take Cimizt Tablets
The tablets must be taken every day at about the same time, if necessary with a little liquid, in the order shown on the blister pack. One tablet is to be taken daily for 21 consecutive days. Each subsequent pack is started after a 7-day tablet-free interval; during which time a withdrawal bleeding usually occurs. This usually starts on day 2–3 after the last tablet and may not have finished before the next pack is started.
No preceding hormonal contraceptive use (in the past month)
Tablet-taking has to start on day 1 of the woman’s natural cycle (i.e. the first day of her menstrual bleeding). Tablet intake is also allowed to start on day 2–5, but during the first cycle concurrent use of a barrier method for the first 7 days of tablet intake is advisable.
Changing from a combined hormonal contraceptive (combined oral contraceptive (COC), vaginal ring or transdermal patch)
The woman should start taking Cimizt Tablets preferably on the day after the last active tablet (the last tablet containing the active substances) of her previous COC, but at the latest on the day following the usual tablet-free or placebo tablet interval of her previous COC. In case a vaginal ring or a transdermal patch has been used, the woman should start using preferably on the day of removal, but at the latest when the next application would have been due.
Changing from a progestogen-only-method (progestogen-only-pill, injection,
implant) or from a progestogen-releasing intrauterine system (IUS)
The woman may switch any day from the progestogen-only pills (from an implant or the IUS on the day of its removal; from an injectable when the next injection would be due) but should in all of these cases be advised to additionally use a barrier method for the first 7 days of tablet-taking.
Following first-trimester abortion
The woman may start immediately. When doing so, she need not take additional contraceptive measures.
Following delivery or second-trimester abortion
The woman should be advised to start at day 21 to 28 after delivery or second-trimester abortion. When starting later, the woman should be advised to additionally use a barrier method for the first 7 days. However if intercourse has already occurred, pregnancy should be excluded before the actual start of COC use or the woman has to wait for her first menstrual period.
For breastfeeding women – see section 4.6.
If the user is less than 12 hours late in taking any tablet, contraceptive protection is not reduced.
The woman should take the tablet as soon as she remembers, and should take further tablets at usual time.
If she is more than 12 hours late in taking any tablet, contraceptive protection may be reduced. The management of missed tablets can be guided by the following two basic rules:
1. tablet-taking must never be discontinued for longer than 7 days
2. 7 days of uninterrupted tablet-taking are required to attain adequate suppression of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian-axis.
Accordingly the following advice can be given in daily practice:
Week 1
The user should take the last missed tablet as soon as she remembers, even if this means taking two tablets at the same time. She then continues to take tablets at her usual time. In addition, a barrier method such as a condom should be used for the next 7 days. If intercourse took place in the preceding 7 days, the possibility of a pregnancy should be considered. The more tablets are missed and the closer they are to the regular tablet-free interval, the higher the risk of a pregnancy.
Week 2
The user should take the last missed tablet as soon as she remembers, even if this means taking two tablets at the same time. She then continues to take tablets at her usual time. Provided that the woman has taken her tablets correctly in the 7 days preceding the first missed tablet, there is no need to use extra contraceptive precautions. However, if she has missed more than 1 tablet, the woman should be advised to use extra precautions for 7 days.
Week 3
The risk of reduced reliability is imminent because of the forthcoming 7-day tabletfree interval. However, by adjusting the tablet-intake schedule, reduced contraceptive protection can still be prevented. By adhering to either of the following two options, there is therefore no need to use extra contraceptive precautions, provided that in the 7 days preceding the first missed tablet the woman has taken all tablets correctly. If this is not the case, she should follow the first of these two options and use extra precautions for the next 7 days as well.
1. The user should take the last missed tablet as soon as she remembers, even if this means taking two tablets at the same time. She then continues to take tablets at her usual time. The next blister pack must be started as soon as the current blister pack is finished, i.e., no gap should be left between packs. The user is unlikely to have a withdrawal bleed until the end of the second pack, but she may experience spotting or breakthrough bleeding on tablet-taking days.
2. The woman may also be advised to discontinue tablet-taking from the current blister pack. She should then have a tablet-free interval of up to 7 days, including the days she missed tablets, and subsequently continue with the next blister pack.
If the woman missed tablets and subsequently has no withdrawal bleed in the first normal tablet-free interval, the possibility of a pregnancy should be considered.
In case of severe gastro-intestinal disturbances (e.g., vomiting or diarrhoea), absorption may not be complete and additional contraceptive measures should be taken. If vomiting occurs within 3–4 hours after tablet-taking, a new (replacement) tablet should be taken as soon as possible. The new tablet should be taken within 12 hours of the usual time of tablet-taking if possible. If more than 12 hours elapse, the advice concerning missed tablets, under section “Management of missed tablets”, is applicable. If the woman does not want to change her normal tablet-taking schedule, she has to take the extra tablet(s) from another blister pack.
To delay a period the woman should continue with another blister pack of Cimizt Tablets without a tablet-free interval. The extension can be carried on for as long as wished until the end of the second pack. During the extension the woman may experience breakthrough-bleeding or spotting. Regular intake of Cimizt Tablets is then resumed after the usual 7-day tablet-free interval.
To shift her periods to another day of the week than the woman is used to with her current scheme, she can be advised to shorten her forthcoming tablet-free interval by as many days as she likes. The shorter the interval, the higher the risk that she does not have a withdrawal bleed and will experience breakthrough-bleeding and spotting during the subsequent pack (just as when delaying a period).
4.3 Contraindications
Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) should not be used in the presence of any of the conditions listed below. Should any of the conditions appear for the first time during CHC use, the product should be stopped immediately.
Presence or risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE)
o Venous thromboembolism – current VTE (on anticoagulants) or history of (e.g. deep venous thrombosis [DVT] or pulmonary embolism [PE]).
o Known hereditary or acquired predisposition for venous thromboembolism, such as APC-resistance, (including Factor V Leiden), antithrombin-III-deficiency, protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency.
o Major surgery with prolonged immobilisation (see section 4.4).
o A high risk of venous thromboembolism due to the presence of multiple risk factors (see section 4.4).
Presence or risk of arterial thromboembolism (ATE)
o Arterial thromboembolism – current arterial thromboembolism, history of arterial thromboembolism (e.g. myocardial infarction) or prodromal condition (e.g. angina pectoris)
o Cerebrovascular disease – current stroke, history of stroke or prodromal condition (e.g. transient ischaemic attack, TIA)
o Known hereditary or acquired predisposition for arterial thromboembolism, such as hyperhomocysteinaemia and antiphospholipid-antibodies (anticardiolipin-antibodies, lupus anticoagulant).
o History of migraine with focal neurological symptoms.
o A high risk of arterial thromboembolism due to multiple risk factors (see section 4.4) or to the presence of one serious risk factor such as:
diabetes mellitus with vascular symptoms
severe hypertension
severe dyslipoproteinaemia
Pancreatitis or a history thereof if associated with severe hypertriglyceridemia.
Presence or history of severe hepatic disease as long as liver function values have not returned to normal.
Presence or history of liver tumours (benign or malignant).
Known or suspected estrogen-dependent tumours (See 4.4 Special warnings and special precautions for use: The Pill and Cancer)
Endometrial hyperplasia.
Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.
Known or suspected pregnancy.
Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Cimizt is contraindicated for concomitant use with the medicinal products containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir or medicinal products containing glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (see sections 4.4 and section 4.5).
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
4.4.1 Warnings
If any of the conditions or risk factors mentioned below is present, the suitability of Cimizt should be discussed with the woman.
In the event of aggravation, or first appearance of any of these conditions or risk factors, the woman should be advised to contact her doctor to determine whether the use of Cimizt should be discontinued.
1. Circulatory Disorders
Risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE)
The use of any combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared with no use. Products that contain levonorgestrel, norgestimate or norethisterone are associated with the lowest risk of VTE. Other products such as Cimizt may have up to twice this level of risk. The decision to use any product other than one with the lowest VTE risk should be taken only after a discussion with the woman to ensure she understands the risk of VTE with Cimizt, how her current risk factors influence this risk, and that her VTE risk is highest in the first ever year of use. There is also some evidence that the risk is increased when a CHC is re-started after a break in use of 4 weeks or more.
In women who do not use a CHC and are not pregnant about 2 out of 10,000 will develop a VTE over the period of one year. However, in any individual woman the risk may be far higher, depending on her underlying risk factors (see below).
It is estimated1 that out of 10,000 women who use a CHC containing desogestrel between 9 and 12 women will develop a VTE in one year; this compares with about 62 in women who use a levonorgestrel-containing CHC.
In both cases, the number of VTEs per year is fewer than the number expected during pregnancy or in the postpartum period.
VTE may be fatal in 1–2% of cases.
Extremely rarely, thrombosis has been reported to occur in CHC users in other blood vessels, e.g. hepatic, mesenteric, renal or retinal veins and arteries.
The risk for venous thromboembolic complications in CHC users may increase substantially in a woman with additional risk factors, particularly if there are multiple risk factors (see table).
Cimizt is contraindicated if a woman has multiple risk factors that put her at high risk of venous thrombosis (see section 4.3). If a woman has more than one risk factor, it is possible that the increase in risk is greater than the sum of the individual factors – in this case her total risk of VTE should be considered. If the balance of benefits and risks is considered to be negative a CHC should not be prescribed (see section 4.3).
Table: Risk factors for VTE
| Risk factor | Comment |
| Obesity (body mass index over 30 kg/m2) | Risk increases substantially as BMI rises. Particularly important to consider if other risk factors also present. |
| Prolonged immobilisation, major surgery, any surgery to the legs or pelvis, neurosurgery, or major trauma | In these situations it is advisable to discontinue use of the patch/pill/ring (in the case of elective surgery at least four weeks in advance) and not resume until two weeks after complete remobilisation. Another method of contraception should be used to avoid unintentional pregnancy. Antithrombotic treatment should be considered if Cimizt has not been discontinued in advance. |
| Note: temporary immobilisation including air travel >4 hours can also be a risk factor for VTE, particularly in women with other risk factors | |
| Positive family history (venous thromboembolism ever in a sibling or parent especially at a relatively early age e.g. before 50). | If a hereditary predisposition is suspected, the woman should be referred to a specialist for advice before deciding about any CHC use |
| Other medical conditions associated with VTE | Cancer, systemic lupus erythematosus, haemolytic uraemic syndrome, chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) and sickle cell disease |
| Increasing age | Particularly above 35 years |
There is no consensus about the possible role of varicose veins and superficial thrombophlebitis in the onset or progression of venous thrombosis.
The increased risk of thromboembolism in pregnancy, and particularly the 6-week period of the puerperium, must be considered (for information on “Pregnancy and lactation” see section 4.6).
In the event of symptoms women should be advised to seek urgent medical attention and to inform the healthcare professional that she is taking a CHC.
Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can include:
– unilateral swelling of the leg and/or foot or along a vein in the leg;
– pain or tenderness in the leg which may be felt only when standing or walking,
– increased warmth in the affected leg; red or discoloured skin on the leg.
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE) can include:
– sudden onset of unexplained shortness of breath or rapid breathing;
– sudden coughing which may be associated with haemoptysis;
– sharp chest pain;
– severe light headedness or dizziness;
– rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Some of these symptoms (e.g. “shortness of breath”, “coughing”) are non-specific and might be misinterpreted as more common or less severe events (e.g. respiratory tract infections).
Other signs of vascular occlusion can include: sudden pain, swelling and slight blue discoloration of an extremity.
If the occlusion occurs in the eye symptoms can range from painless blurring of vision which can progress to loss of vision. Sometimes loss of vision can occur almost immediately.
Epidemiological studies have associated the use of CHCs with an increased risk for arterial thromboembolism (myocardial infarction) or for cerebrovascular accident (e.g. transient ischaemic attack, stroke). Arterial thromboembolic events may be fatal.
The risk of arterial thromboembolic complications or of a cerebrovascular accident in CHC users increases in women with risk factors (see table). Cimizt is contraindicated if a woman has one serious or multiple risk factors for ATE that puts her at high risk of arterial thrombosis (see section 4.3). If a woman has more than one risk factor, it is possible that the increase in risk is greater than the sum of the individual factors – in this case her total risk should be considered. If the balance of benefits and risks is considered to be negative a CHC should not be prescribed (see section 4.3).
Table: Risk factors for ATE
| Risk factor | Comment |
| Increasing age | Particularly above 35 years |
| Smoking | Women should be advised not to smoke if they wish to use a CHC. Women over 35 who continue to smoke should be strongly advised to use a different method of contraception. |
| Hypertension | |
| Obesity (body mass index over 30 kg/m2) | Risk increases substantially as BMI increases. Particularly important in women with additional risk factors |
| Positive family history (arterial thromboembolism ever in a sibling or parent especially at relatively early age e.g. below 50). | If a hereditary predisposition is suspected, the woman should be referred to a specialist for advice before deciding about any CHC use |
| Migraine | An increase in frequency or severity of migraine during CHC use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event) may be a reason for immediate discontinuation |
| Other medical conditions associated with adverse vascular events | Diabetes mellitus, hyperhomocysteinaemia, valvular heart disease and atrial fibrillation, dyslipoproteinaemia and systemic lupus erythematosus. |
In the event of symptoms women should be advised to seek urgent medical attention and to inform the healthcare professional that she is taking a CHC.
Symptoms of a cerebrovascular accident can include:
– sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body;
– sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination;
– sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding;
– sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes;
– sudden, severe or prolonged headache with no known cause
– loss of consciousness or fainting with or without seizure.
Temporary symptoms suggest the event is a transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
Symptoms of myocardial infarction (MI) can include:
– pain, discomfort, pressure, heaviness, sensation of squeezing or fullness in the chest, arm, or below the breastbone;
– discomfort radiating to the back, jaw, throat, arm, stomach;
– feeling of being full, having indigestion or choking;
– sweating, nausea, vomiting or dizziness;
– extreme weakness, anxiety, or shortness of breath;
– rapid or irregular heartbeats.
2. Tumours
An increased risk of cervical cancer in long-term users of combined oral contraceptives has been reported in some studies, but there continues to be controversy about the extent to which this is attributable to the confounding effects of sexual behaviour and other factors such as human papilloma virus (HPV).
A meta-analysis from 54 epidemiological studies reported that there is a slightly increased relative risk (RR = 1.24) of having breast cancer diagnosed in women who are currently using combined oral contraceptives (COCs). The observed pattern of increased risk may be due to an earlier diagnosis of breast cancer in COC users, the biological effects of COCs or a combination of both. The additional breast cancers diagnosed in current users of COCs or in women who have used COCs in the last ten years are more likely to be localised to the breast than those in women who never used COCs.
Breast cancer is rare among women under 40 years of age whether or not they take COCs. Whilst this background risk increases with age, the excess number of breast cancer diagnoses in current and recent COC users is small in relation to the overall risk of breast cancer (see bar chart).The most important risk factor for breast cancer in COC users is the age women discontinue the COC; the older the age at stopping, the more breast cancers are diagnosed. Duration of use is less important and the excess risk gradually disappears during the course of the 10 years after stopping COC use such that by 10 years there appears to be no excess.
The possible increase in risk of breast cancer should be discussed with the user and weighed against the benefits of COCs taking into account the evidence that they offer substantial protection against the risk of developing certain other cancers (e.g. ovarian and endometrial cancer).
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In rare cases, benign liver tumours, and even more rarely malignant liver tumours have been reported in users of CHCs. In isolated cases, these tumours have led to life-threatening intra-abdominal haemorrhages. A hepatic tumour should be considered in the differential diagnosis when upper abdominal pain, enlarged liver or signs of intra-abdominal haemorrhage occur in women taking CHCs.
3. ALT elevations
During clinical trials with patients treated for hepatitis C virus infections (HCV) with the medicinal products containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir with or without ribavirin, transaminase (ALT) elevations higher than 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) occurred significantly more frequently in women using ethinylestradiol-containing medications such as combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs). Additionally, also in patients treated with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, ALT elevations were observed in women using ethinylestradiol-containing medications such as CHCs (see sections 4.3 and 4.5).
4. Other conditions
Women with hypertriglyceridaemia, or a family history thereof, may be at an increased risk of pancreatitis when using CHCs.
Although small increases in blood pressure have been reported in many women taking CHCs, clinically relevant increases are rare. A relationship between CHC use and clinical hypertension has not been established. However, if a sustained clinically significant hypertension develops during the use of a CHC then it is prudent for the physician to withdraw the CHC and treat the hypertension. Where considered appropriate, CHC use may be resumed if normotensive values can be achieved with antihypertensive therapy.
The following conditions have been reported to occur or deteriorate with both pregnancy and CHC use, but the evidence of an association with CHC use is inconclusive: Jaundice and/or pruritus related to cholestasis; gallstone formation; porphyria; systemic lupus erythematosus; haemolytic uremic syndrome; Sydenham’s chorea; herpes gestationis; otosclerosis-related hearing loss; exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of hereditary and acquired angioedema.
Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may necessitate the discontinuation of CHC use until markers of liver function return to normal. Recurrence of cholestatic jaundice which occurred previously during pregnancy or use of sex steroids necessitates the discontinuation of CHCs.
Although CHCs may have an effect on peripheral insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, there is no evidence for a need to alter the therapeutic regime in diabetics using CHCs. However, diabetic women should be carefully observed, while taking CHCs.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis have been associated with CHC use.
Chloasma may occasionally occur, especially in women with a history of chloasma gravidarum. Women with a tendency to chloasma should avoid exposure to sun or ultra-violet radiation whilst taking this preparation.
Cimizt Tablets contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.
Relative Contraindications
Severe depression or a history of this condition.
Depressed mood and depression are well-known undesirable effects of hormonal contraceptive use (see section 4.8). Depression can be serious and is a well-known risk factor for suicidal behaviour and suicide. Women should be advised to contact their physician in case of mood changes and depressive symptoms, including shortly after initiating the treatment.
4.4.2 Medical examination/consultation
Prior to the initiation or reinstitution of Cimizt a complete medical history (including family history) should be taken and pregnancy must be ruled out. Blood pressure should be measured and a physical examination should be performed, guided by the contra-indications (section 4.3) and warnings (section 4.4). It is important to draw a woman’s attention to the information on venous and arterial thrombosis, including the risk of Cimizt compared with other CHCs, the symptoms of VTE and ATE, the known risk factors and what to do in the event of a suspected thrombosis.
The woman should also be instructed to carefully read the user leaflet and to adhere to the advice given. The frequency and nature of examinations should be based on established practice guidelines and be adapted to the individual woman.
Women should be advised that hormonal contraceptives do not protect against HIV infections (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases. If there is risk of STI/HIV (including during pregnancy or postpartum), the correct and consistent use of condoms is recommended, either alone or with another contraceptive method.
4.4.3 Reduced efficacy
The efficacy of Cimizt may be reduced in the event of missed tablets (Section 4.2.3), gastrointestinal disturbances (Section 4.2.4) or concomitant medications that decrease the plasma concentration of etonogestrel, the active metabolite of desogestrel (Section 4.5.1).
4.4.4 Reduced cycle control/irregular bleeding
With all CHCs, irregular bleeding (spotting or breakthrough bleeding) may occur, especially during the first months of use. Therefore, the evaluation of any irregular bleeding is only meaningful after an adaptation interval of about 3 cycles.
If bleeding irregularities persist or occur after previously regular cycles, then nonhormonal causes should be considered and adequate diagnostic measures are indicated to exclude malignancy or pregnancy. These may include curettage.
In some women withdrawal bleeding may not occur during the tablet-free interval. If the CHC has been taken according to the directions described in section 4.2, it is unlikely that the woman is pregnant. However, if the CHC has not been taken according to these directions prior to the first missed withdrawal bleed or if two withdrawal bleeds are missed, pregnancy must be ruled out before CHC use is continued.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Interactions between oral contraceptives and other medicinal products may lead to breakthrough bleeding and/or contraceptive failure. The following interactions have been reported in the literature.:
Hepatic metabolism:
Interactions can occur with medicinal or herbal products that induce microsomal enzymes, specifically cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP), which can result in increased clearance reducing plasma concentrations of sex hormones and may decrease the effectiveness of combined oral contraceptives, including Cimizt. These products include phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, bosentan, carbamazepine, rifampicin, rifabutin and possibly also oxcarbazepine, modafinil, topiramate, felbamate, griseofulvin, some HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir) and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., efavirenz) and products containing the herbal remedy St. John’s wort. Enzyme induction can occur after a few days of treatment. Maximal enzyme induction is generally observed within a few weeks. After drug therapy is discontinued, enzyme induction can last for about 28 days.
Women receiving any of the above mentioned hepatic enzyme-inducing medicinal or herbal products should be advised that the efficacy of Cimizt may be reduced. A barrier contraceptive method should be used in addition to Cimizt during administration of the hepatic enzyme-inducing medicinal product, and for 28 days after discontinuation of the hepatic enzyme-inducing medicinal product. If concomitant drug administration runs beyond the end of the tablets in the current COC pack, the next COC pack should be started right away without the usual tabletfree interval.
For women on long-term therapy with enzyme-inducing medicinal products, an alternative method of contraception unaffected by enzyme-inducing medicinal products should be considered.
When co-administered with hormonal contraceptives, many combinations of HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., nelfinavir) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., nevirapine), and/or combinations with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) medicinal products (e.g., boceprevir, telaprevir), can increase or decrease plasma concentrations of progestins, including etonogestrel, the active metabolite of desogestrel, or estrogens. The net effect of these changes may be clinically relevant in some cases.
Concomitant administration of strong (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin) or moderate (e.g., fluconazole, diltiazem, erythromycin) CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase the serum concentrations of estrogens or progestins, including etonogestrel, the active metabolite of desogestrel.
Oral contraceptives may interfere with the metabolism of other drugs. Accordingly, plasma and tissue concentrations may be increased (e.g., ciclosporin) or decreased (e.g., lamotrigine).
Note: The prescribing information of concomitant medications should be consulted to identify potential interactions.
Pharmacodynamic interactions
Concomitant use with the medicinal products containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir with or without ribavirin, or glecaprevir/pibrentasvir may increase the risk of ALT elevations (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).
Therefore, Cimizt users must switch to an alternative method of contraception
(e.g., progestagen-only contraception or non-hormonal methods) prior to starting therapy with this combination drug regimen. Cimizt can be restarted 2 weeks following completion of treatment with this combination drug regimen.
4.5.2 Laboratory Tests
The use of contraceptive steroids may influence the results of certain laboratory tests, including biochemical parameters of liver, thyroid, adrenal and renal function, plasma levels of (carrier) proteins, e.g. corticosteroid binding globulin and lipid/lipoprotein fractions, parameters of carbohydrate metabolism and parameters of coagulation and fibrinolysis. Changes generally remain within the normal laboratory range.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Cimizt is not indicated for use during pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs during treatment with Cimizt, further intake should be stopped.
However, most epidemiological studies have revealed neither an increased risk of birth defects in children born to women who used CHCs prior to pregnancy, nor a teratogenic effect when CHCs were taken inadvertently during early pregnancy.
The increased risk of VTE during the postpartum period should be considered when re-starting Cimizt (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).
Lactation may be influenced by CHCs as they may reduce the quantity and change the composition of breast milk. Therefore, the use of CHCs should generally not be recommended until the nursing mother has completely weaned her child. Small amounts of the contraceptive steroids and/or their metabolites may be excreted with the milk but there is no evidence that this adversely affects infant health.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
No effects on ability to drive and use machines have been observed.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Description of selected adverse reactions
As with all COCs, changes in vaginal bleeding patterns may occur, especially during the first months of use. These may include changes in bleeding frequency (absent, less, more frequent or continuous), intensity (reduced or increased) or duration.
An increased risk of arterial and venous thrombotic and thromboembolic events, including myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischaemic attacks, venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism has been observed in women using CHCs, which are discussed in more detail in section 4.4.
Possibly related undesirable effects that have been reported in users of Cimizt or CHC users in general are listed in the table below1. All ADRs are listed by system organ class and frequency; common (>1/100), uncommon (>1/1,000 to < 1/100) and rare (<1/1,000).
| System Organ Class | Common | Uncommon | Rare |
| Immune system disorders | Hypersensitivity | ||
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders | Fluid retention | ||
| Psychiatric disorders | Depressed mood, mood altered | Libido decreased | Libido increased |
| Nervous system disorders | Headache | Migraine | |
| Eye disorders | Contact lens Intolerance | ||
| Vascular disorders | Venous thromboembolism2 Arterial thromboembolism2 | ||
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Nausea, abdominal pain | Vomiting, diarrhoea | |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | Rash, urticaria | Erythema Nodosum, Erythema multiforme | |
| Reproductive system and breast disorders | Breast tenderness, breast pain | Breast enlargement | Vaginal Discharge, breast discharge |
| Investigations | Weight increased | Weight decreased |
1 The most appropriate MedDRA term (version 11) to describe a certain adverse reaction is listed.
Synonyms or related conditions are not listed, but should be taken into account as well.
2 Incidence in observational cohort studies of >1/10000 to 1/1000 women-years.
Exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of hereditary and acquired angioedema. (Frequency ‘unknown’)
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9 Overdose
There have been no reports of serious deleterious effects from overdose. Symptoms that may occur in this case are: nausea, vomiting and slight vaginal bleeding. There are no antidotes and further treatment should be symptomatic.
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Progestogens and estrogens, fixed combinations
ATC code: G 03 AA 09
Cimizt is an oral contraceptive combination containing 150 micrograms desogestrel and 30 micrograms ethinylestradiol.
Ethinylestradiol is a well-known synthetic estrogen.
Desogestrel is a synthetic progestogen. After oral administration it has a strong ovulation-inhibiting activity, a strong progestational and anti-estrogenic activity, no estrogenic activity, very weak androgenic/anabolic activity.
Paediatric population
No clinical data on efficacy and safety are available in adolescents below 18 years.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Absorption
Orally administered desogestrel is rapidly and completely absorbed and converted to etonogestrel. Peak serum concentrations are reached at about 1.5 hours. Bioavailability is 62 – 81 %.
Distribution
Etonogestrel is bound to serum albumin and to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Only 2 – 4 % of the total serum drug concentrations are present as free steroid, 40 – 70 % are specifically bound to SHBG. The ethinylestradiol-induced increase in SHBG influences the distribution over the serum proteins, causing an increase of the SHBG-bound fraction and a decrease of the albumin-bound fraction. The apparent volume of distribution of desogestrel is 1.5 l/kg.
Biotransformation
Etonogestrel is completely metabolized by the known pathways of steroid metabolism, including cytochrome P450 3A4. The metabolic clearance rate from serum is about 2 ml/min/kg. No interaction was found with the co-administered ethinylestradiol.
Elimination
Etonogestrel serum levels decrease in two phases. The terminal disposition phase is characterized by a half-life of approximately 30 hours. Desogestrel and its metabolites are excreted at a urinary to biliary ratio of about 6:4.
Steady-State Conditions
Etonogestrel pharmacokinetics are influenced by SHBG levels, which are increased threefold by ethinylestradiol. Following daily ingestion, drug serum levels increase about two- to threefold, reaching steady state conditions during the second half of a treatment cycle.
Absorption
Orally administered ethinylestradiol is rapidly and completely absorbed. Peak serum concentrations are reached within 1–2 hours. Absolute bioavailability as a result of presystemic conjugation and first-pass metabolism is approximately 60%.
Distribution
Ethinylestradiol is highly but non-specifically bound to serum albumin (approximately 98.5%) and induces an increase in the serum concentrations of SHBG. An apparent volume of distribution of about 5 l/kg was determined.
Biotransformation
Ethinylestradiol is subject to presystemic conjugation in both small bowel mucosa and the liver. Ethinylestradiol is primarily metabolized by aromatic hydroxylation but a wide variety of hydroxylated and methylated metabolites are formed, and these are present as free metabolites and as conjugates with glucuronides and sulfate. The metabolic clearance rate is about 5 ml/min/kg.
Elimination
Ethinylestradiol serum levels decrease in two phases, the terminal disposition phase is characterized by a half-life of approximately 24 hours. Unchanged drug is not excreted, ethinylestradiol metabolites are excreted at a urinary to biliary ratio of 4:6. The half-life of metabolite excretion is about 1 day.
Steady-state conditions
Steady state concentrations are reached after 3–4 days when serum drug levels are higher by 30 – 40% as compared to single dose.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
Toxicological studies have not revealed other effects than those, which can be explained, based on the hormone profile of Cimizt Tablets.
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
all-rac-alpha-tocopherol
Potato starch
Povidone (E1201)
Stearic acid (E570)
Silica, colloidal anhydrous (E551)
Lactose, anhydrous
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.
6.3 Shelf life
3 years
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 25°C and store in the original package in order to protect from moisture and light.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Clear transparent PVC/PVdC- Aluminium blister of 21 tablets per calender blister strip available in packs containing 1×21, 3×21 or 6×21 tablets. Each blister is packed in trilaminated pouch.
Clear transparent PVC/PVdC- Aluminium blister of 21 tablets per calender blister strip available in packs containing 1×21, 3×21 or 6×21 tablets. Each blister is packed in trilaminated pouch along with 2g molecular sieve.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
No special requirements.
Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Morningside Healthcare Ltd.
Unit C, Harcourt Way
Leicester
LE19 1WP
United Kingdom
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 20117/0231
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THEAUTHORISATION
28/05/2012