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4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is much rarer than breast cancer. Long-term (at least 5-10 years) use of oestrogen-only HRT products has been associated with a slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer (see section 4.8). Some studies including the WHI trial suggest that the long-term use of combined HRT may confer a similar, or slightly smaller risk.

Epidemiological evidence from a large meta-analysis suggests a slightly increased risk in women taking oestrogen-only or combined oestrogen-progestagen HRT, which becomes apparent within 5 years of use and diminishes over time after stopping.

Some other studies, including the WHI trial, suggest that use of combined HRTs may be associated with a similar or slightly smaller risk (see section 4.8).

[…]

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction        

Note: The prescribing information of concomitant medications should be consulted to identify potential interactions:

Effects of other medicinal products on Angeliq

Substances increasing the clearance of HRTssex hormones (diminished efficacy of HRTs by enzyme-induction):

The metabolism of oestrogens (and progestogens) may be increased by concomitant use of substances known to induce drug-metabolising enzymes, specifically cytochrome P450 enzymes, such as anticonvulsants (e.g. phenobarbital,barbiturates, phenytoin, primidone, carbamaezaepine,) and anti-infectives (e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz) and possibly also felbamate, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, topiramate and products containing the herbal remedy St. John's Wort (hypericum perforatum).

Ritonavir and nelfinavir, although known as strong inhibitors, by contrast exhibit inducing properties when used concomitantly with steroid hormones. Oxcarbazepine, topiramte, felbamate, griseofulvin and Hherbal preparations containing St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) may induce the metabolism of oestrogens (and progestogens).

Clinically, an increased metabolism of oestrogens and progestogens may lead to decreased effect and changes in the uterine bleeding profile.

Enzyme induction can already be observed after a few days of treatment. Maximal enzyme induction is generally seen within a few weeks. After the cessation of drug therapy enzyme induction may be sustained for about 4 weeks.

Substances with variable effects on the clearance of HRTssex hormones:

When co-administered with HRTssex hormones, many combinations of  HIV/HCV protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, including combinations with HCV inhibitors can increase or decrease plasma concentrations of oestrogen or progestins or both. The net effect of theseThese changes may be clinically relevant in some cases.

Therefore, the prescribing information of concomitant HIV/HCV medications should be consulted to identify potential interactions and any related recommendations.

Substances decreasing the clearance of HRTs–sex hormones (enzyme inhibitors)

Strong and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors such as azole antifungals (e.g. fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole), verapamil, macrolides (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin), diltiazem and grapefruit juice can increase plasma concentrations of the progestin or the oestrogen or both.

In a multiple dose study with a drospirenone (3 mg/day) / oestradiol (1.5 mg/day) combination, co-administration of the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole for 10 days increased the AUC(0 24h) of drospirenone 2.30 fold (90%CI: 2.08, 2.54). No change was observed for oestradiol, although the AUC(0 24h) of its less potent metabolite oestrone increased 1.39-fold (90%CI: 1.27, 1.52).

[…]

Other forms of interaction

Laboratory tests

The use of sex 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. sex hormone binding globulin and lipid/lipoprotein fractions, parameters of carbohydrate metabolism and parameters of coagulation and fibrinolysis. Changes generally remain within the reference normal laboratory range. Glucose tolerance was not compromised by the use of Angeliq. Drospirenone causes an increase in plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone induced by its mild antimineralocorticoid activity.

Ovarian cancer

Long term use Use of oestrogen-only and or combined oestrogen-progestagen HRT has been associated with a slightly increased risk of having ovarian cancer diagnosed (see Section 4.4). In the million Women Study 5 years of HRT resulted in 1 extra case per 2500 users.

A meta-analysis from 52 epidemiological studies reported an increased risk of ovarian cancer in women currently using HRT compared to women who have never used HRT (RR 1.43, 95% CI 1.31-1.56). For women aged 50 to 54 years taking 5 years of HRT, this results in about 1 extra case per 2000 users. In women aged 50 to 54 who are not taking HRT, about 2 women in 2000 will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer over a 5-year period.

10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

May 2015October 2016

Angeliq – PA 1410/13/1
14044
BEC 6082
www.medicines.ie

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2.            QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Excipient with known effect: 46 mg lactose

For a the full list of excipients, see section 6.1

4.2          Posology and method of administration

Dosage Posology

Method of Aadministration

Additional information on special populations

Children and adolescents Paediatric population

4.3       Contraindications

•          Known hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1

4.5       Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Effects of other medicinal products on Angeliq

Substances increasing the clearance of HRTs (diminished efficacy of HRTs by enzyme-induction)

…..

Substances with variable effects on the clearance of HRTs:

When co-administered with HRTs, many HIV/HCV protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors can increase or decrease plasma concentrations of oestrogen or progestin or both. These changes may be clinically relevant in some cases.

Substances decreasing the clearance of HRTs (enzyme inhibitors)

Strong and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors such as azole antifungals (e.g. itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole), verapamil, macrolides (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin), diltiazem and grapefruit juice can increase plasma concentrations of the progestin or the oestrogen or both. In a multiple dose study with a drospirenone (3mg/day) / oestradiol (1.5mg/day) combination, co-administration of the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole for 10 days increased the AUC(0 24h) of drospirenone 2.30 fold (90%CI: 2.08, 2.54). No change was observed for oestradiol, although the AUC (0 24h) of its less potent metabolite oestrone increased 1.39-fold (90%CI: 1.27, 1.52).
The main metabolites of drospirenone are generated without involvement of the cytochrome p450 system. Inhibitors of this enzyme system are therefore unlikely to influence the metabolism of drospirenone.

Interaction Effect of Angeliq with on other medicinal products

In vitro, drospirenone is capable to inhibit weakly to moderately the cytochrome p450 enzymes CYP1A1, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4.

Based on in vitro inhibition studies and on in vivo interaction studies in female volunteers receiving steady state doses of 3 mg drospirenone per day and using omeprazole, simvastatin, or midazolam as marker substrate, a clinically relevant interaction of drospirenone at doses of 3 mg with the cytochrome P450 enzyme mediated metabolism of other drugs is unlikely.

4.6          Fertility, Pregnancy pregnancy and lactation

…

Lactation Breastfeeding

4.7          Effects on ability to drive and use machines

No effects on the ability to drive or use machines have been observed.

Angeliq has no influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

4.8          Undesirable effects

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorization 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 national reporting system listed in Appendix V HPRA Pharmacovigilance, Earlsfort Terrace, IRL – Dublin 2; Tel: +353 1 6764971; Fax: +353 1 6762517. Website: www.hpra.ie; E-mail: medsafety@hpra.ie.

5.2          Pharmacokinetic properties

Drospirenone

·         Metabolism Biotransformation

Drospirenone is extensively metabolized after oral administration. The major metabolites in the plasma are the acid form of drospirenone, generated by opening of the lactone ring, and the 4,5-dihydro-drospirenone-3-sulphate, formed by reduction and subsequent sulfatation both of which are formed without involvement of the P450 system. Both major metabolites are pharmacologically inactive. Drospirenone is also subject to oxidative metabolism catalysed by metabolized to a minor extent by cytochrome P450 CYP3A4 based on in vitro data. In vitro and clinical studies do not indicate an inhibitory effects on DRSP on CYP enzymes after administration of Angeliq.

Oestradiol

·         Metabolism Biotransformation

…

·         Steady-state conditions and linearity

6.5          Nature and contents of container

....

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Each tablet of this medicinal product contains 46 mg lactose per tablet. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption who are on a lactose-free diet should take this amount into consideration.

Main Changes to the SPC

Section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Updated information provided regarding monitoring of patients with renal insufficiency (especially during the concomitant use of potassium-sparing medications).

Addition of information regarding possible decreases in blood pressure when used in hypertensive women. (Angeliq should not be used to treat hypertension.)

Section 4.5 Interaction with other medicaments and other forms of interaction

Additional information:

• Results of drug-drug interaction studies using drospirenone and simvastatin.
• Hypertensive women treated with Angeliq and antihypertensive medications may experience an additional decrease in blood pressure.

Updated information regarding the concomitant use of Angeliq and NSAIDs or ACE inhibitors / angiotensin II receptor antagonists.

Section 4.8 Undesirable Effects

Undesirable effects have been tabulated according to the MedDRA System Organ Class affected and the frequency of occurrence.

Updated information regarding the most commonly reported adverse reactions; breast pain, bleeding irregularities and spotting.

Additional possible undesirable effects have been included in the following classes:

Metabolism and nutrition, psychiatric, eye, ear and labyrinth, vascular, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, skin and subcutaneous tissue, musculoskeletal and connective tissue, renal and urinary, reproductive system and breast disorders and general disorders and administration site conditions.

Inclusion of additional information regarding use in special populations (hypertensive women).

Inclusion of information regarding other undesirable effects reported in association with HRT products.

Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Inclusion of clinical trial information regarding the anti-mineralocorticoid activity of drospirenone.