Data Sheet
PROGYNOVA®
Oestradiol Valerate Tablets
Presentation
PROGYNOVA 1mg: The memo-pack holds 28 beige, biconvex, round tablets, each containing 1.0mg oestradiol valerate.
PROGYNOVA 2mg: The memo-pack holds 28 light blue, biconvex, round tablets, each containing 2.0mg oestradiol valerate.
All tablets have a lustrous sugar coating and are approximately 7mm in diameter.
Uses
Actions
PROGYNOVA contains the oestrogen oestradiol valerate, a prodrug of the natural human 17β-oestradiol.
Ovulation is not inhibited during the use of PROGYNOVA and the endogenous production of hormones is hardly affected.
During the climacteric, the reduction and finally loss of ovarian oestradiol secretion can result in instability of thermoregulation, causing hot flushes associated with sleep disturbance and excessive sweating, and urogenital atrophy with symptoms of vaginal dryness, dyspareunia and urinary incontinence.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) with an adequate oestrogen dosage as in PROGYNOVA reduces bone resorption and retards or halts postmenopausal bone loss. When HRT is discontinued, bone mass declines at a rate comparable to that in the immediate postmenopausal period. There is no evidence that HRT restores bone mass to premenopausal levels.
The addition of a progestogen to an oestrogen replacement regimen like PROGYNOVA for at least 10 days per cycle is recommended in women with an intact uterus. It reduces the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and the attendant risk of adenocarcinoma in these women. The addition of a progestogen to an oestrogen replacement regimen has not been shown to interfere with the efficacy of oestrogen for its approved indications.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Oestradiol valerate is rapidly and completely absorbed. The steroid ester is cleaved into oestradiol and valeric acid during absorption and the first liver passage. At the same time, oestradiol undergoes extensive further metabolism, e.g. into oestrone, oestriol and oestrone sulphate. Only about 3% of oestradiol becomes bioavailable after oral administration of oestradiol valerate. Food does not affect the bioavailability of oestradiol.
Distribution
Maximum concentrations of oestradiol in serum of about 15 pg/mL (or 30 pg/mL in the case of PROGYNOVA 2mg) are generally reached between 4 - 9 hours after tablet intake. Within 24 hours after tablet intake, serum levels of oestradiol are expected to decline to concentrations of about 8 pg/mL (or 15 pg/mL). Oestradiol binds to albumin and the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). The unbound fraction of oestradiol in serum is about 1 - 1.5% and the SHBG-bound fraction is in the range of 30 - 40%.
The apparent volume of distribution of oestradiol after single intravenous administration is about 1 l/kg.
Metabolism
After the ester cleavage of the exogenously administered oestradiol valerate, the metabolism of the drug follows the biotransformation pathways of endogenous oestradiol. Oestradiol is mainly metabolised in the liver but also extrahepatically, e.g. in gut, kidney, skeletal muscles and target organs. These processes involve the formation of oestrone, oestriol, catecholestrogens and sulphate and glucuronide conjugates of these compounds, which are all distinctly less oestrogenic or even nonestrogenic.
Elimination
The total serum clearance of oestradiol following single intravenous administration shows high variability in the range of 10 - 30 mL/min/kg. A certain proportion of oestradiol metabolites are excreted in the bile and undergo enterohepatic circulation. Ultimately oestradiol metabolites are mainly excreted as sulphates and glucuronides with the urine.
Steady-state conditions
After multiple administration, serum levels of oestradiol are about twice as high as those obtained after a single dose. On average, the concentration of oestradiol varies between 15 and 30 pg/mL for PROGYNOVA 1mg strength and between 30 and 60 pg/mL for PROGYNOVA 2 mg. Oestrone, a less oestrogenic metabolite, reaches about 8 times higher concentrations in serum, and oestrone sulphate about 150 times higher concentrations. After stopping the treatment, pre-treatment levels of oestradiol and oestrone are reached within 2 - 3 days.
Indications
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the treatment of signs and symptoms of oestrogen deficiency due to the menopause (whether natural or surgically induced)
Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis
Dosage and Administration
Hysterectomised patients may start at any time.
If the patient is still menstruating and has an intact uterus, a combination regimen of PROGYNOVA and a progestogen should begin within the first 5 days of menstruation (see below for Combination regimen). Patients whose periods are very infrequent or with amenorrhoea or who are postmenopausal may start at any time, provided pregnancy has been excluded.
Women changing from other HRT should complete the current cycle of therapy before initiating Progynova therapy.
Continuous regimen
It does not matter at what time of day the patient takes her tablet(s), but once she has selected a particular time, she should keep to it every day. If she forgets to take a tablet at the usual time, she may take it within the following 12 to 24 hours. If the treatment is discontinued for longer, irregular bleeding may occur.
One tablet is taken daily.
Each pack covers 28 days of treatment. Treatment is continuous, which means that the next pack follows immediately without a break.
The tablets are to be swallowed whole with some liquid.
Combination regimen:
In women with an intact uterus, the concomitant use of an appropriate progestogen is advised for 10 - 14 days every 4 weeks (sequentially combined HRT) or with each tablet of oestrogen (continuous combined HRT).
Adequate provision should be made by the physician to facilitate and assure a proper compliance of the patient with the recommended combined regimen.
It does not matter at what time of the day the patient takes her tablet, but once she has selected a particular time, she should keep to it every day. If she forgets to take a tablet at the usual time, she may take it within the following 12 to 24 hours. If the treatment is discontinued for longer, irregular bleeding may occur.
Contraindications
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should not be started in the presence of any of the conditions listed below. If any of these conditions appear during use of PROGYNOVA, treatment should be stopped immediately.
- Pregnancy or lactation
- Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- Acute arterial thromboembolism (myocardial infarction, stroke) or a recent history of these conditions
- Known or suspected cancer of the breast
- Known or suspected premalignant conditions or malignancies, if sex steroid-influenced
- Presence or history of liver tumours (benign or malignant)
- Severe hepatic disease
- Active deep venous thrombosis, thromboembolic disorders, thrombophlebitis, or a documented history of these conditions
- Hereditary or acquired predisposition to venous thrombosis (e.g. antithrombin III deficiency)
- Severe hypertriglyceridamia
- Hypersensitivity to any of the components of PROGYNOVA
Warnings and Precautions
PROGYNOVA cannot be used as a contraceptive.
Before initiating therapy, all conditions/ risk factors mentioned below should be considered when determining the individual benefit/ risk of treatment for the patient.
Therapy should be discontinued immediately in case a contraindication is discovered, as well as in the following situations:
- Migrainous or frequent and unusually severe headaches that occur for the first time or other symptoms that are possible prodroma of cerebrovascular occlusion.
- Recurrence of cholestatic jaundice or cholestatic pruritus which occurred first during pregnancy or previous use of sex steroids.
- Symptoms of a thrombotic event or suspicion thereof.
In the event of new onset or deterioration of the following conditions or risk factors, the individual benefit/ risk analysis should be re-done, taking into consideration the possible necessity of discontinuing therapy.
If contraception is required, non-hormonal methods should be used (with the exception of the rhythm and temperature methods). If there is a chance that pregnancy has occurred, tablet taking must be interrupted until it has been ruled out.
Oestrogens with or without progestogens should not be used for the long-term maintenance of general health, including the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease as the risks of long-term treatment with HRT in most circumstances, outweigh the benefits. The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) reported increased risks of myocardial infarction, stroke, invasive breast cancer, pulmonary emboli and deep vein thrombosis in postmenopausal women during five years of treatment with conjugated equine oestrogens (0.625 mg) combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate (2.5 mg) relative to the placebo (See table below).
The WHI study was designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of long-term HRT in preventing coronary heart disease in healthy postmenopausal with an intact uterus. A total of 8506 women received HRT and 8102 women received placebo for an average of 5.2 years.
Summary of the incidence of adverse events described in the WHI study
| Adverse Event | Relative Risk of HRT vs placebo at 5.2 years (95% CI) | Change in number of adverse events per 10,000 women in one year |
|---|---|---|
| Breast cancer | 1.26 (1.00-1.59) | 8 extra |
| Heart disease | 1.29 (1.02-1.63) | 7 extra |
| Stroke | 1.41 (1.07-1.85) | 8 extra |
| Pulmonary embolism | 2.13 (1.39-3.25) | 8 extra |
| Myocardial infarction | 1.32 (1.02-1.72) | * |
| Deep vein thrombosis | 2.07 (1.49-2.87) | * |
| Colorectal cancer | 0.63 (0.43-0.92) | 6 fewer |
| Hip fracture | 0.66 (0.45-0.98) | 5 fewer |
* Information not available
Other doses of conjugated oestrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate and other combinations of oestrogens and progestogens were not studied in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) and, in the absence of comparable data, these risks should be assumed to be similar. Because of these risks, oestrogens and progestogens should be prescribed at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration (generally not longer than 3-4 years), consistent with the treatment goals and risks for the individual woman.
All prospective and current users of HRT should be advised of the risks and benefits of oestrogens and progestogens and the need for treatment with HRT should be reviewed on a yearly basis.
If any of the conditions/risk factors mentioned below is present or deteriorates, an individual risk-benefit analysis should be done before PROGYNOVA is started or continued.
Venous Thromboembolism
Both randomized-controlled and epidemiological studies have suggested an association between the use of HRT and an increased relative risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), i.e. deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. PROGYNOVA is contraindicated in women with a history of or predisposition to thromboembolic disorders.
Treatment should be stopped at once if there are symptoms of a thrombotic event or suspicion thereof. Symptoms of venous or arterial thrombosis can include: unilateral leg pain and/or swelling; sudden severe pain in the chest, whether or not it radiates to the left arm; sudden breathlessness; sudden onset of coughing; any unusual, severe, prolonged headache; sudden partial or complete loss of vision; diplopia; slurred speech or aphasia; vertigo; collapse with or without focal seizure; weakness or very marked numbness suddenly affecting one side or one part of the body; motor disturbances; "acute" abdomen.
Generally recognised risk factors for VTE include a personal history, a family history (the occurrence of VTE in a direct relative at a relatively early age may indicate genetic disposition), and obesity (body mass index >30 kg/m2). The risk of VTE also increases with age. Extensive varicose veins and superficial thrombophlebitis may have a role in VTE. The risk of VTE may be temporarily increased with prolonged immobilisation, major elective or post-traumatic surgery, or major trauma. Depending on the nature of the event and the duration of the immobilisation, consideration should be given to a temporary discontinuation of HRT.
Arterial Thromboembolism
Two large clinical trials with continuous combined conjugated oestrogens (CEE) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) showed a possible increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in the first year of use and no benefit thereafter. One large clinical trial with CEE alone showed a potential reduction of CHD rates in women aged 50-59 and no overall benefit in the total study population. As a secondary outcome, in two large clinical trials with CEE alone or combined with MPA a 30-40% increased risk of stroke was found. It is uncertain whether these findings also extend to other HRT products or non-oral routes of administration.
Gallbladder Disease
Oestrogens are known to increase the lithogenicity of the bile. Some women are predisposed to gallbladder disease during oestrogen therapy.
Dementia
There is limited evidence from clinical studies with CEE-containing preparations that hormonal treatment may increase the risk of probable dementia if initiated in women aged 65 or older. The risk may be decreased if treatment is initiated in the early menopause, as observed in other studies. It is unknown whether these findings also extend to other HRT products.
HRT and Cancer
Suspected prolactinoma should be ruled out before starting PROGYNOVA treatment.
Endometrial Cancer
Prolonged monotherapy with oestrogens increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma in postmenopausal women. Oestrogen or oestrogenic compounds must not be used alone as hormone replacement therapy in women who have not had a hysterectomy. Close clinical surveillance of all women taking oestrogens is important. Adequate diagnostic measures, including endometrial sampling when indicated, should be undertaken to rule out malignancy in all cases of undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal vaginal bleeding. Studies have found that protection from this effect is achieved with 10 or more days of progestogen therapy per month.
Ovarian Cancer
An increased risk of ovarian cancer in menopausal women taking oestrogen only replacement therapy was observed in a large US study enrolling over 40,000 women on HRT. These women were followed up for a mean duration of 13.4 years (range 1 month to 19.8 years). The increased risk of ovarian cancer in those taking oestrogen replacement therapy was 80%, RR 1.8 (95% CI, 1.1-3.0) at 10 to 19 years. This risk increased with duration of use; RR for 20 or more years of use was 3.2 (95% CI, 1.7-5.7). This equates to approximately 3 and 8 additional cases per 10,000 women-years at these time points; (the incidence of ovarian cancer in non-users was 4.4 per 10,000 women years). This observation was most obvious on those women on long-term oestrogen replacement therapy who had a prior history of hysterectomy (defined as simple hysterectomy or hysterectomy with unilateral oophorectomy). In this subpopulation, the RR was 2.0 (95% CI, 0.96-4.3) for between 10 and 19 years of use and 3.4 (95% CI, 1.6-7.5) for 20 years or more. A meta-analysis of 15 studies did not find an increased risk for women on oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT). Therefore the influence of ERT on ovarian cancer is not clear.
Breast Cancer
Clinical and observational studies have reported an increased risk of having breast cancer diagnosed in women who have used HRT for several years. The findings may be due to an earlier diagnosis, growth promoting effects on pre-existing tumours, or a combination of both. Estimates for the overall relative risks of breast cancer diagnosis given in more than 50 epidemiological studies ranged in the majority of the studies between 1 and 2. The relative risk increases with duration of treatment (by 2.3% per year of use) and may be lower or possibly neutral with oestrogen-only products. This is comparable to the increased risk observed in women with a delayed menopause. Two large randomised trials with CEE alone or continuously combined with MPA showed risk estimates of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.59 - 1.01) or 1.24 (95% CI: 1.01 - 1.54) after 6 years of HRT use. It is unknown whether the increased risk also extends to other HRT products. The increased risk gradually disappears during the course of the first 5 years after cessation of HRT. Most studies have reported that tumours diagnosed in current or recent users of HRT tend to be better differentiated than those found in non-users. Data regarding spread outside the breast are not conclusive. HRT increases the density of mammographic images which may adversely affect the radiological detection of breast cancer in some case.
Liver Tumour
In rare cases benign, and even more rarely, malignant liver tumours have been observed after the use of hormonal substances such as those contained in HRT products. In isolated cases these tumours led to life-threatening intra-abdominal haemorrhage. A hepatic tumour should be considered in the differential diagnosis if severe upper abdominal pain, enlarged liver or signs of intra-abdominal haemorrhage occur.
Other conditions
Oestrogens are known to increase the lithogenicity of the bile. Some women are predisposed to gallbladder disease during oestrogen therapy
Treatment should be stopped at once if migrainous or frequent and unusually severe headaches occur for the first time, or if there are other symptoms that are possible premonitory signs of cerebrovascular occlusion.
Recurrence of cholestatic jaundice or cholestatic pruritus which first occurred during pregnancy or previous use of sex steroids necessitates the immediate discontinuation of PROGYNOVA. Non-severe disturbances of liver function, including hyperbilirubinaemias such as Dubin-Johnson syndrome or Rotor syndrome, need close supervision and liver function should be checked periodically. In case of deterioration of markers of liver function, use of HRT should be stopped.
Women with moderately elevated levels of triglycerides need special surveillance. HRT in these women may be associated with a further increase of triglyceride levels bearing the risk of acute pancreatitis.
A general association between HRT use and development of clinical hypertension has not been established. Small increases in blood pressure have been reported in women taking HRT, although clinically relevant increases are rare. However, if a sustained clinically significant hypertension develops, withdrawal of HRT may be considered.
Although HRT may have an effect on peripheral insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, there is generally no need to alter the therapeutic regimen in diabetics using PROGYNOVA. However, diabetic women should be carefully monitored while taking PROGYNOVA.
Certain patients may develop undesirable manifestations of oestrogenic stimulation under HRT such as abnormal uterine bleeding. Frequent or persistent abnormal uterine bleeding during treatment is an indication for endometrial assessment.
Uterine fibroids may increase in size under the influence of oestrogens. If this is observed, treatment should be discontinued.
Should endometriosis be reactivated during treatment with PROGYNOVA, discontinuation of therapy is recommended.
As oestradiol can reduce urinary excretion of calcium, serum calcium levels should be carefully monitored in patients with pre-existing hypercalcaemia.
Chloasma may occasionally occur, especially in women with a history of chloasma gravidarum. Women with a tendency to chloasma should avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation whilst taking HRT.
The following conditions have been reported to occur or deteriorate with HRT use. Although the evidence of an association with HRT use is inconclusive, women with these conditions should be carefully monitored while taking PROGYNOVA: epilepsy, benign breast disease, asthma, migraine, porphyria, otosclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus and chorea minor.
In women with hereditary angioedema exogenous oestrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema.
Medical examination/consultation
A complete medical history should be taken and a physical examination should be conducted prior to the initiation or reinstitution of treatment with PROGYNOVA, guided by the Contraindications and Warnings and Precautions sections, and should be repeated periodically. The frequency and nature of these examinations should be based on established practice guidelines and be adapted to the individual woman, but should generally include pelvic organs, including routine cervical cytology, abdomen, breasts and blood pressure.
Use in Pregnancy
The use of PROGYNOVA is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Extensive epidemiological studies have revealed neither an increased risk of birth defects in children born to women who used sex hormones prior to pregnancy, nor a teratogenic effect when sex hormones were taken inadvertently during early pregnancy. See also Contraindications.
Use in Lactation
The use of PROGYNOVA is contraindicated during lactation. Small amounts of sex hormones may be excreted in human milk.
Effects on ability to drive and use machines
No observed effects
Preclinical safety data
The toxicity profile of oestradiol is well known. There are no preclinical data of relevance to the prescriber that are additional to those already included in other sections.
Carcinogenicity
Animal toxicity studies with repeated administration, including tumourigenicity studies, did not suggest a particular risk related to use in humans. However, it should be borne in mind that sex steroids might stimulate the growth of certain hormone-dependent tissues and tumours.
Mutagenicity
In vitro and in vivo studies with 17β-estradioloestradiol gave no indications of a mutagenic potential.
Embryotoxicity/teratogenicity
Reproductive toxicity studies with oestradiol valerate did not indicate a teratogenic potential. As no non-physiological plasma concentrations of oestradiol are produced by administration of oestradiol valerate, this preparation does not present a risk to the foetus.
Adverse Effects
Serious undesirable effects of PROGYNOVA have been referred to in the Contraindications and Special Warnings and Special Precautions sections.
In addition, the following undesirable effects have been reported in users of HRT such as PROGYNOVA.
| System Organ Class | Common (≥1/100, <1/100) |
Uncommon (≥1/1000, <1/100) |
Rare (<1/1000) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immune system disorders | Hypersensitivity reaction | ||
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders | Weight increase or Weight decrease | ||
| Psychiatric disorders | Depressed mood | Anxiety, Libido decreased or Libido increased |
|
| Nervous system disorders | Headache | Dizziness | Migraine |
| Eye disorders | Visual disturbances | Contact lens intolerance | |
| Cardiac disorders | Palpitations | ||
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Abdominal pain, Nausea |
Dyspepsia | Bloating, Vomiting |
| Skin and subcutaneous | Rash, Pruritus |
Erythema nodosum, Urticaria |
Hirsutism, Acne |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | Muscle cramps | ||
| Reproductive system and breast disorders | Uterine/ Vaginal bleeding including spotting | Breast pain, Breast tenderness |
Dysmenorrhoea, Vaginal discharge, Premenstrual-like syndrome, Breast enlargement |
| General disorders and administration site conditions | Oedema | Fatigue |
Interactions
Hormonal contraception should be stopped when HRT is started and the patient should be advised to take non-hormonal contraceptive precautions, if required.
Long-term treatment with hepatic enzyme-inducing drugs (e.g. several anticonvulsants and antimicrobials) can increase the clearance of sex hormones and may reduce clinical efficacy. Such hepatic enzyme-inducing properties have been established for hydantoins, barbiturates, primidone, carbamazepine and rifampicin and are also suspected for oxcarbazepine, topiramate, felbamate and griseofulvin. Maximal enzyme induction is generally not seen before 2 - 3 weeks but may then be sustained for at least 4 weeks after the cessation of drug therapy.
In rare cases, reduced oestradiol levels have been observed under the simultaneous use of certain antibiotics (e.g. penicillins and tetracycline).
Substances that undergo substantial conjugation (e.g. paracetamol) may increase the bioavailability of oestradiol by competitive inhibition of the conjugation system during absorption.
In individual cases the requirement for oral antidiabetics or insulin can change as a result of the effect on glucose tolerance.
Acute alcohol ingestion during use of HRT may lead to elevations in circulating oestradiol levels.
Laboratory tests
The use of preparations like PROGYNOVA 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.
Overdosage
Acute toxicity studies did not indicate a risk of acute adverse effects in case of inadvertent intake of a multiple of the daily therapeutic dose.
Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, irregular bleeding
Treatment
There are no antidotes and treatment should be symptomatic.
Pharmaceutical Precautions
Shelf life:
5 years
Special precautions for storage:
Store below 30°C.
Medicine Classification
Prescription Medicine
Package Quantities
PROGYNOVA tablets are contained in blister packs consisting of transparent film made of polyvinyl chloride and metallic foil made of aluminium (mat side hot sealable).
Progynova is available in package sizes of 1 or 2 x 28 tablets
Further Information
List of excipients
PROGYNOVA 1 mg contains:
Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, polyvidone 25 000, talc, magnesium stearate, sucrose, polyvidone 700 000, macrogol 6000, calcium carbonate, glycerol 85%, titanium dioxide, ferric oxide pigment (yellow), montanglycol wax
PROGYNOVA 2 mg contains:
Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, polyvidone 25 000, talc, magnesium stearate, sucrose, polyvidone 700 000, macrogol 6000, calcium carbonate, glycerol 85%, titanium dioxide, indigo carmine lake, montanglycol wax
Instructions for use/handling
Store all drugs properly and keep them out of reach of children.
Name and Address
Bayer New Zealand Limited
3 Argus Place
Hillcrest
North Shore
AUCKLAND 0627
Free Phone: 0800 233 988
Date of Preparation
08 October 2007