1. name of the medicinal product · polyester foil release liner which is affixed to the adhesive...

Evorel_Conti_SPC_July_15_CL of 22

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Trademark:

EVOREL® CONTI

Transdermal patches International non-proprietary name:

estradiol

norethisterone acetate

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION EVOREL ® CONTI

3.1 mg estradiol formulated as 3.2 mg of estradiol hemihydrate.

9.82 mg norethisterone formulated as 11.2 mg of norethisterone acetate.

For excipients, see Section 6.1

3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM EVOREL® CONTI is a matrix type transdermal patch. The EVOREL ®CONTI Transdermal Delivery System (TDS), or transdermal patch, is a flat two-layer laminate which is 0.1 mm in thickness. The first layer is a flexible, translucent, and nearly colorless backing film. The second layer is a monolayer adhesive film (matrix) composed of acrylic adhesive and guar gum and contains the hormones. This system is protected by a polyester foil release liner which is affixed to the adhesive matrix and is removed prior to application of the patch to the skin. The polyester foil is coated with silicone on both sides. The release liner has an S-shaped opening to facilitate its removal prior to use. Each TDS is enclosed in a protective, hermetically-sealed sachet.

EVOREL ® CONTI has a surface area of 16 sq cm and contains 3.2 mg of estradiol hemihydrate corresponding to a nominal release of 50 µg of estradiol per 24 hours and 11.2 mg of norethisterone acetate corresponding to a nominal release of 170 µg of norethisterone acetate per 24 hours. Each


TDS is marked in the center of the lower margin on the outside of the backing film: CEN1

4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 4.1. Therapeutic Indications

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the relief of menopausal symptoms.

4.2. Posology and Method of Administration 4.2.1. Posology 4.2.1.1. Adults EVOREL ®CONTI TDSs should be applied individually without interruption. TDSs should be applied twice weekly, every three to four days, to the trunk below the waist.

Insufficient data are available to guide dose adjustments for patients with severe liver or kidney function impairment.

For treatment of postmenopausal symptoms the lowest effective dose should be used. HRT should be continued only as long as the benefit in alleviation of severe symptoms outweighs the risks of HRT.

Should a TDS fall off, it should be replaced immediately with a new patch. However, the usual day of changing TDSs should be maintained.

4.2.1.2. Children EVOREL ®CONTI is not indicated in children.

4.2.1.3. Elderly Data are insufficient in regard to the use of EVOREL ®CONTI in the elderly (> 65 years old).

4.2.2. Administration The EVOREL ®CONTI TDS should be placed on a clean, dry, healthy, intact area of skin, on the trunk of the body below the waist. Creams, lotions or powders may interfere with the adhesive properties of the patch. The TDS should not be applied on or near the breasts. The area of application should be changed, with an interval of at least one week allowed between applications to a particular site. The skin area selected should not be damaged or irritated. The waistline should not be used because excessive rubbing of the TDS may occur.


The TDS should be used immediately after opening the sachet. Remove one part of the protecting foil. Apply the exposed part of adhesive to the application site from the edge to the middle; avoid wrinkling of the TDS. The second part of the protective foil should now be removed and the freshly exposed adhesive applied. Wrinkling should again be avoided and the palm of the hand used to press the TDS onto the skin and to bring the TDS to skin temperature at which the adhesive effect is optimized.

The patient should avoid contact between fingers and the adhesive part of the TDS during application.

Should a patch fall off, a new patch should be applied immediately. However, the usual day of changing patches should be maintained. It is not necessary to remove the patch during bathing or showering. It is recommended, however, that the patch be removed prior to a sauna bath, and that a new patch is applied immediately thereafter. If the patient forgets to change their patch, they should change it as soon as possible and apply the next one at the normal time. However, if it is almost time for the next patch, the patient should skip the missed one and go back to their regular schedule. Only one patch should be applied at a time.

Forgetting a dose may increase the likelihood of break-through bleeding and spotting.

To remove the EVOREL ®CONTI TDS, peel away an edge of the patch and pull smoothly away from the skin. (See Instructions for Use and Handling, Section 6.6.)

Any adhesive that remains on the skin after removal of EVOREL ®CONTI TDS may be removed washing with soap and water or by rubbing it off with the fingers.

4.3. Contraindications * Known hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients

• Known current or past or suspected breast cancer

• Known or suspected estrogen-dependent malignant tumors (e.g. endometrial cancer) or pre-malignant tumors (e.g. untreated atypical endometrial hyperplasia)


• Undiagnosed genital bleeding

• Pregnancy or lactation

• Acute liver disease, or a history of liver disease as long as liver function tests have failed to return to normal

• Previous or current venous thromboembolism (deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)

• Known thrombophilic conditions (e.g. protein C, protein S or antithrombin deficiency, see section 4.4)

• Active or recent past arterial thromboembolic disease (e.g. cerebrovascular accident, , angina, myocardial infarction)

• Porphyria

4.4. Special Warnings and Special Precautions for Use

For the treatment of menopausal symptoms, HRT should only be initiated for symptoms that adversely affect quality of life. In all cases, a careful appraisal of the risks and benefits should be undertaken at least annually and HRT should only be continued as long as the benefit outweighs the risk.

Evidence regarding the risks associated with HRT in the treatment of premature menopause is limited. Due to the low level of absolute risk in younger women, however, the balance of benefits and risks for these women may be more favourable than in older women.

Medical examination/follow-up

Before initiating or re-instituting HRT, a complete personal and family medical history should be taken. Physical (including pelvic and breast) examination should be guided by this and by the contra-indications and warnings for use. During treatment, periodic check-ups are recommended of a frequency and nature adapted to the individual woman. Women should be advised what changes in their breasts should be reported to their doctor or nurse (see 'Breast cancer' below). Investigations, including mammography,


should be carried out in accordance with currently accepted screening practices, modified to the clinical needs of the individual.

Conditions which need supervision:

If any of the following conditions are present, have occurred previously, and/or have been aggravated during pregnancy or previous hormone treatment, the patient should be closely supervised. It should be taken into account that these conditions may recur or be aggravated during treatment with EVOREL® CONTI, in particular:

• Leiomyoma (uterine fibroids) or endometriosis • A history, or risk factors for thromboembolic disorders (see below) • Risk factors for estrogen dependent tumors, e.g. first degree heredity for

breast cancer • Hypertension • Liver disorders (e.g. liver adenoma) • Diabetes mellitus with or without vascular involvement • Cholelithiasis • Migraine or severe headache • Systemic lupus erythematosus • A history of endometrial hyperplasia (see below) • Epilepsy • Asthma • Otosclerosis • Mastopathy

Conditions which require monitoring while on oestrogen therapy:

• Oestrogens may cause fluid retention. Cardiac or renal dysfunction should be carefully observed

• Disturbances or mild impairment of liver function • History of cholestatic jaundice • Pre-existing hypertriglyceridaemia. Rare cases of large increases of

plasma triglycerides leading to pancreatitis have been reported with oestrogen therapy in this condition.


Reasons for immediate withdrawal of therapy:

Therapy should be discontinued if a contraindication is discovered and in the following situations:

• Jaundice or deterioration in liver function • Significant increase in blood pressure • New onset of migraine-type headache • Pregnancy

Endometrial hyperplasia

The risk of endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma is increased when oestrogens are administered alone for prolonged periods. The reported increase in endometrial cancer risk among oestrogen-only users varies from 2 to 12 fold greater compared with non-users, depending on the duration of treatment and oestrogen dose (see Section 4.8).

The addition of a progestogen for 12-14 days per cycle in non-hysterectomised women greatly reduces this risk. Break-through bleeding and spotting may occur during the first months of treatment. If break-through bleeding or spotting appears after some time on therapy, or continues after treatment has been discontinued, the reason should be investigated, which may include endometrial biopsy to exclude endometrial malignancy.

Breast cancer

The overall evidence suggests an increased risk of breast cancer in women taking combined oestrogen-progestagen and possibly also oestrogen-only HRT, that is dependent on the duration of taking HRT.

Combined oestrogen-progestagen therapy:

The randomised placebo-controlled trial the (Women’s Health Initiative study (WHI), and epidemiological studies are consistent in finding an increased risk of breast cancer in women taking combined oestrogen-progestagen for HRT that becomes apparent after about 3 years.

Oestrogen-only therapy: The WHI trial found no increase in the risk of breast cancer in hysterectomised women using oestrogen-only HRT. Observational studies


have mostly reported a small increase in risk of having breast cancer diagnosed that is lower than that found in users of oestrogen-progestagen combinations.

The excess risk becomes apparent within a few years of use but returns to baseline within a few (at most five) years after stopping treatment. HRT, especially oestrogen-progestagen combined treatment, increases the density of mammographic images which may adversely affect the radiological detection of breast cancer.

Ovarian Cancer

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

Venous thromboembolism

HRT is associated with a higher relative risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), i.e. deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. One randomized controlled trial and epidemiological studies found a two- to threefold higher risk for users compared with non-users. For non- users, it is estimated that the number of cases of VTE that will occur over a 5 year period is about 3 per 1000 women aged 50- 59 years and 8 per 1000 women aged between 60- 69 years. It is estimated that in healthy women who use HRT for 5 years, the number of additional cases of VTE over a 5 year period will be between 2 and 6 (best estimate = 4) per 1000 women aged 50- 59 years and between 5 and 15 (best estimate = 9) per 1000 women aged 60- 69 years. The occurrence of such an event is more likely in the first year of HRT than later.

Generally recognised risk factors for VTE include a personal history or family history, severe obesity (BMI >30kg/m2) , use of oestrogens, older age, pregnancy/ postpartum period and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There is no consensus about the possible role of varicose veins in VTE.

Patients with a history of VTE or known thrombophilic states have an increased risk of VTE. HRT may add to this risk. Personal or strong family


history of thromboembolism or recurrent spontaneous abortions should be investigated in order to exclude a thrombophilic predisposition. Until a thorough evaluation of thrombophilic factors has been made or anticoagulant treatment initiated, use of HRT in such patients should be viewed as contraindicated. The women already on anticoagulant treatment require careful consideration of the benefit-risk of use of HRT.

The risk of VTE may be temporarily increased with prolonged immobilisation, major trauma or major surgery. As in all postoperative patients, scrupulous attention should be given to prophylactic measures to prevent VTE following surgery. Where prolonged immobilisation is liable to follow elective surgery, particularly abdominal or orthopaedic surgery to the lower limbs, consideration should be given to temporarily stopping HRT four to six weeks earlier, if possible. Treatment should not be restarted until the woman is completely mobilised.

If VTE develops after initiating therapy, EVOREL ®CONTI should be discontinued. Patients should be told to contact their doctors immediately when they are aware of a potential thromboembolic symptom (e.g., painful swelling of a leg, sudden pain in the chest, dyspnoea).

Smoking Smoking is a risk factor of VTE. Do not use this medication without consulting the doctor in case you are smoking. It is recommended that you stop smoking while using a combined hormonal treatment. If you are not able to stop smoking, and you are over 35 years old, consult a doctor.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) Oestrogen-only: Randomised controlled data found no increased risk of CAD in hysterectomised women using oestrogen-only therapy.

Combined oestrogen-progestagen therapy: The relative risk of CAD during use of combined oestrogen-progestagen HRT is slightly increased. The absolute risk of CAD is strongly dependent on age. The number of extra cases of CAD due to oestrogen-progestagen use is very low in healthy women close to menopause, but will rise with more advanced age.

Stroke

One large randomized clinical trial [Women’s Health Initiative (WHI)- trial] found, as a secondary outcome, an increased risk of ischaemic stroke in


healthy women during treatment with continuous combined conjugated oestrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). For women who do not use HRT, it is estimated that the number of cases of stroke that will occur over a 5 year period is about 3 per 1000 women aged 50 – 59 years and 11 per 1000 women aged 60 – 69 years. It is estimated that for women who use conjugated estrogens and MPA for 5 years, the number of additional cases will be between 0 and 3 (best estimate = 1) per 1000 users aged 50- 59 years and between 1 and 9 (best estimate = 4) per 1000 users aged 60- 69 years. It is unknown whether the increased risk also extends to other HRT products. Combined oestrogen-progestagen and oestrogen-only therapy are associated with an up to 1.5-fold increase in risk of ischaemic stroke. The relative risk does not change with age or time since menopause. However, as the baseline risk of stroke is strongly age-dependent, the overall risk of stroke in women who use HRT will increase with age.

Other conditions

Oestrogens increase thyroid binding globulin (TBG), leading to increased circulating total thyroid hormone, as measured by protein-bound iodine (PBI), T4 levels (by column or radio-immunoassay) or T3 levels (by radioimmunoassay). T3 resin uptake is decreased, reflecting the elevated TBG. Free T4 and free T3 concentrations are unaltered. Other binding proteins may be elevated in serum, i.e. corticoid binding globulin (CBG), sex-hormonebinding globulin (SHBG) leading to increased circulating corticosteroids and sex steroids, respectively. Free or biological active hormone concentrations are unchanged. Other plasma proteins may be increased (angiotensinogen/renin substrate, alpha-l-antitrypsin, ceruloplasmin).

Dementia HRT use does not improve cognitive function. There is some evidence of increased risk of probable dementia in women who start using continuous combined or oestrogen-only HRT after the age of 65.

EVOREL ®CONTI is not to be used as contraception. Women of child-bearing potential should be advised to use nonhormonal contraceptive methods to avoid pregnancy. EVOREL ®CONTI should be kept away from children and pets.


4.5. Interactions With Other Medicaments and Other Forms of Interaction

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, phenytoin, carbamazepine) and anti-infectives (e.g., rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz) and also bosentan.

Ritonavir and nelfinavir, although known as strong inhibitors, by contrast exhibit inducing properties when used concomitantly with steroid hormones. Herbal preparations containing St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) may raise the metabolism of oestrogens and progestogens.

With transdermal administration, the first-pass effect in the liver is avoided and thus, transdermally applied oestrogens and progestogens might be less affected by enzyme inducers than oral hormones.

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

Estrogen-containing oral contraceptives have been shown to significantly decrease plasma concentrations of lamotrigine when co-administered due to induction of lamotrigine glucuronidation. This may reduce seizure control. Although the potential interaction between estrogen-containing hormone replacement therapy and lamotrigine has not been studied, it is expected that a similar interaction exists, which may lead to a reduction in seizure control among women taking both drugs together. Therefore, dosage adjustment of lamotrigine may be necessary.

4.6. Pregnancy and Lactation The use of EVOREL ®CONTI is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation. If pregnancy occurs during medication with EVOREL® CONTI, treatment should be withdrawn immediately.

4.7. Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines There are no known data on the effects of EVOREL ®CONTI on the ability to drive or use machinery.


4.8. Undesirable Effects

The safety of Evorel Conti was evaluated in 196 subjects who participated in 3 clinical trials and received at least one administration of Evorel Conti. Based on safety data from these clinical trials, the most commonly reported (≥5% incidence) adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were (with % incidence): application site reaction (11.7%), menstrual disorder (7.1%), headache (8.2%), and breast pain (5.1%).

Including the above-mentioned ADRs, the following table displays ADRs that have been reported with the use of Evorel Conti from either clinical trial or post-marketing experiences, and additional ADRs that have been reported with the use of Evorel (estradiol alone) from clinical trial data. The displayed frequency categories use the following convention:

Very common (>1/10); common (>1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (>1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (>1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000); and not known (cannot be estimated from the available clinical trial data).

Adverse Drug Reactions

Infections and Infestations Uncommon Candidiasis Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps) Frequency not known Breast cancer , Endometrial cancer Immune System Disorders Common Hypersensitivity Psychiatric disorders Common Depressed mood , Insomnia, Anxiety, Nervousness Uncommon Libido decreased Frequency not known Mood swings Nervous system disorders Common Paraesthesia, Headache Uncommon Migraine Rare Epilepsy* Frequency not known Cerebrovascular accident, Dizziness Cardiac disorders Common Palpitations Vascular disorders Common Hypertension, Varicose vein, Vasodilatation


Rare Thrombosis * Frequency not known Deep vein thrombosis Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders Frequency not known Pulmonary embolism Gastrointestinal disorders Common Abdominal pain, Diarrhoea*, Nausea Uncommon Flatulence* Frequency not known Abdominal distension Hepato-biliary disorders Frequency not known Cholelithiasis Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Common Rash erythematous Uncommon Pruritus, Rash* Frequency not known Stevens-Johnson syndrome Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders Common Arthralgia, Back pain Uncommon Myalgia * Reproductive system and breast disorders Common Breast pain, Cervical polyp, Endometrial hyperplasia, Genital

discharge, Dysmenorrhoea, Menorrhagia, Menstrual disorder, Metrorrhagia

Frequency not known Breast enlargement General disorders and administration site conditions Very Common Application site erythema, Application site pruritus, Application site

rash, Application site reaction

Common Pain*, Oedema, Application site oedema* Fatigue Uncommon Generalised oedema, Oedema peripheral* Investigations Common Weight increased * Additional adverse drug reactions reported in clinical trials of Evorel (estradiol only).

Breast Cancer

According to evidence from a large number of epidemiological studies and one randomised placebo-controlled trial, the Women's Health Initiative


(WHI), the overall risk of breast cancer increases with increasing duration of HRT use in current or recent HRT users.

For oestrogen-only HRT, estimates of relative risk (RR) from a reanalysis of original data from 51 epidemiological studies (in which >80% of HRT use was oestrogen-only HRT) and from the epidemiological Million Women Study (MWS) are similar at 1.35 (95% CI 1.21-1.49) and 1.30 (95% CI 1.21-1.40), respectively.

For oestrogen plus progestogen combined HRT, several epidemiological studies have reported an overall higher risk for breast cancer than with oestrogens alone.

The MWS reported that, compared to never users, the use of various types of oestrogen-progestogen combined HRT was associated with a higher risk of breast cancer (RR = 2.00, 95%CI: 1.88-2.12) than use oestrogens alone (RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.21-1.40) or use of tibolone (RR =1.45; 95% CI 1.25-1.68).

The WHI trial reported a risk estimate of 1.24 (95% CI: 1.01-1.54) after 5.6 years of use of oestrogen-progestogen combined HRT (CEE +MPA) in all users compared with placebo.

The absolute risks calculated from the MWS and the WHI trial are presented below:

The MWS has estimated, from the known average incidence of breast cancer in developed countries, that:

For women not using HRT, about 32 in every 1000 are expected to have breast cancer diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 64 years.

For 1000 current or recent users of HRT, the number of additional cases during the corresponding period will be For users of oestrogen-only replacement therapy

between 0 and 3 (best estimate = 1.5) for 5 year's use

between 3 and 7 (best estimate = 5) for 10 year's use.

For users of oestrogen plus progestogen combined HRT,

between 5 and 7 (best estimate = 6) for 5 year's use


between 18 and 20 (best estimate = 19) for 10 years' use.

The WHI trial estimated that after 5.6 years of follow-up of women between the ages of 50 and 79 years, an additional 8 cases of invasive breast cancer would be due to oestrogen-progestogen combined HRT (CEE + MPA) per

10 000 women years.

According to calculations from the trial data, it is estimated that:

For 1000 women in the placebo group,

about 16 cases of invasive breast cancer would be diagnosed in 5 years.

For 1000 women who used oestrogen + progestogen combined HRT (CEE + MPA) the number of additional caseswould be

between 0 and 9 (best estimate = 4) for 5 year's use.

The number of additional cases of breast cancer in women who use HRT is broadly similar for women who start HRT irrespective of age at start of use (between the ages of 45-65) (see section 4.4).

Endometrial Cancer

In women with an intact uterus, the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer increases with increasing duration of use of unopposed oestrogens. According to data from epidemiological studies, the best estimate of the risk is that for women not using HRT, about 5 in every 1000 are expected to have endometrial cancer diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 65. Depending on the duration of treatment and oestrogen dose, the reported increase in endometrial cancer risk among unopposed oestrogen users varies from 2- to 12-fold greater compared with nonusers. Adding a progestogen to oestrogen-only therapy greatly reduces this increased risk.

Adverse events which have been reported in association with oestrogen/ progestogen treatment:


Venous thrombo-embolism, ie deep leg or pelvic venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is more frequent among hormone HRT users than among non-users. For further information see Section 4.3 Contra-indications and 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 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. Any suspected adverse events should be reported to the Ministry of Health according to the National Regulation by using an online form (http://forms.gov.il/globaldata/getsequence/[email protected] ) or by email ([email protected]).

4.9. Overdose Symptoms of overdose of estrogen and progestogen therapy may include nausea, break-through bleeding, breast tenderness, abdominal cramps and/or bloating. These symptoms can be reversed by removing the TDS.

5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES EVOREL® CONTI contains estradiol hemihydrate (17β –estradiol), which is a synthetically prepared natural estrogen and norethisterone acetate, the acetate ester or norethisterone, is a synthetic progestin.

5.1. Pharmacodynamic Properties

EVOREL ®CONTI belongs to pharmacotherapeutic class G 03 F A 01, according to the ATC classification.

The active hormone of EVOREL ®CONTI is 17β-estradiol, the biologically most potent estrogen produced by the ovary. Its synthesis in the ovarian follicles is regulated by pituitary hormones. Like all steroid hormones, estradiol diffuses freely into target cells, where it binds to specific macromolecules (receptors). The estradiol-receptor complex then interacts

http://forms.gov.il/globaldata/getsequence/[email protected]

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mailto:[email protected]


with genomic DNA to alter transcriptional activity. This results in either an increase or decrease in protein synthesis and in changes of cellular functions.

Estradiol is secreted at different rates during the menstrual cycle. The endometrium is highly sensitive to estradiol, which regulates endometrial proliferation during the follicular phase of the cycle and together with progesterone, induces secretory changes during the luteal phase. Around the menopause, estradiol secretion becomes irregular and eventually ceases altogether. The absence of estradiol is associated with menopausal symptoms such as vasomotor instability, sleep disturbances, depressive mood, signs of vulvovaginal and urogenital atrophy and with increased bone loss. In addition, there is growing evidence of an increased incidence in cardiovascular disease in the absence of estrogen. In contrast with oral estrogen administration, stimulation of hepatic protein synthesis is largely avoided with transdermal estrogen administration. Consequently, there is a lack of effect on circulating levels of renin substrate, thyroid-binding globulin, sex hormone-binding globulin and cortisol-binding globulin. Similarly, coagulation factors also appear to be unaffected.

Estrogen replacement therapy has been found effective in most postmenopausal women to compensate for the endogenous estrogen depletion. It has been demonstrated that transdermal estradiol administration of 50 µg per day, is effective in the treatment of menopausal symptoms and of postmenopausal bone loss.

In postmenopausal women, EVOREL ®CONTI increases estradiol to early follicular levels, with a consequent significant decrease in hot flushes, improvement in Kupperman Index and beneficial change in vaginal cytology.

However, there is substantial evidence that estrogen replacement therapy is associated with an increase in endometrial cancer. There is also compelling evidence that adjunctive progestogen treatment protects against estrogen-induced endometrial cancer. Therefore, women with a uterus should receive combination estrogen-progestogen hormone replacement therapy.


Norethisterone acetate, used in EVOREL ®CONTI TDS, is rapidly hydrolyzed to norethisterone, a synthetic 19-nortestosterone derivative of the 13-methyl gonane group, with potent progestational activity. Transdermal norethisterone acetate administration prevents estrogen-related endometrial proliferation. Combined 17β-estradiol-norethisterone acetate therapy is effective in treating the deficits associated with menopause.

5.1.1 Clinical Trial Information: Relief of oestrogen-deficiency symptoms

[Clinical trial information:

Relief of oestrogen-deficiency symptoms patterns:

In healthy postmenopausal women aged 40 to 65 years, reduction of vasomotor symptoms after 3 months of treatment was better than 80%, and after one year, better than 90%.]

5.1.2 Clinical Trial Information: Bleeding Patterns

[Clinical trial information:

Bleeding patterns:

When starting EVOREL CONTI, bleeding episodes occur mostly during the first month of treatment, with a quick improvement of the bleeding profile. In first time users of HRT or after a hormone free period of at least 2 weeks, absence of bleeding was seen in 33 % of women during the first three months of treatment and 54 % were bleed-free during months 2 and 3. When EVOREL CONTI was started directly after a cycle of sequential HRT, only 7.5 % of the women were bleed-free during the first three months, with 47 % reporting no bleeding for months 2 and 3. Over time, bleeding stopped in the majority of women so that 63% of women from either group were bleed-free during the last 3 months of a 12- month treatment period with EVOREL CONTI. In women with well-established menopause (mean 7 years since the last natural menstrual period), 56% were bleed-free during the first three months of treatment and 92% were bleed free during months 10-12.


Bleeding lasted five or less days and in not more than 2 episodes per quarter year in >95% of subjects].

5.3. Pharmacokinetic Properties Estradiol is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is extensively metabolized by the intestinal mucosa and the liver during the first hepatic passage. Transdermal delivery of estradiol is sufficient to cause a systemic effect.

Estradiol distributes widely in body tissues and is bound to albumin (~60-65%) and sex hormone-binding globulin (~35-45%) in serum. Serum protein-binding fractions remain unaltered following transdermal delivery of estradiol. Estradiol is metabolized principally into the less pharmacologically active estrone and its conjugates. Estradiol, estrone and estrone sulphate are interconverted to each other and are excreted in urine as glucuronides and sulfates. The skin metabolizes estradiol only to a small extent.Estradiol is promptly eliminated from the systemic circulation. The elimination half-life is ~1 hour following intravenous administration.

In a single and multiple application study in postmenopausal women, serum estradiol concentrations increased rapidly from pretreatment levels (~5 pg/mL) after application of a EVOREL ®CONTI TDS. At 4 hours after application, the mean serum estradiol concentration was ~19 pg/mL. A mean peak serum estradiol concentration of ~41 pg/mL above the pretreatment level was observed at about 23 hours following application. Serum estradiol concentrations remained elevated for the 3.5-day application period. Concentrations returned rapidly to pretreatment levels within 24 hours following removal of the TDS. A serum half-life of ~6.6 hours was determined following removal of the TDS, indicative of the skin depot effect. Multiple applications of the TDS resulted in little or no accumulation of estradiol in the systemic circulation.

Prior to treatment, the mean serum estradiol to estrone concentration ratio (E2/E1) was less than 0.3 in the postmenopausal women studied. During use of EVOREL ®CONTI TDS, the E2/E1 ratios increased rapidly and were maintained at physiologic levels that approximated 1. The E2/E1 ratios returned to pretreatment levels within 24 hours after removal of the TDS.


Norethisterone acetate is rapidly hydrolyzed to the active progestogen, norethisterone. After oral administration, norethisterone is subject to pronounced first-pass metabolism which reduces the bioavailability. Transdermal delivery of norethisterone acetate produces a sustained and effective level of norethisterone in the systemic circulation.

Norethisterone distributes widely in body tissues and is bound to albumin (~61%) and sex hormone-binding globulin (~36%) in serum. The elimination half-life is ~6 to 12 hours following oral administration which is not altered following long-term therapy.) Norethisterone is primarily metabolized in the liver by reduction of the α,β-unsaturated ketone structure in ring A of the molecule. Among the four possible stereoisomeric tetrahydrosteroids, the 5β-, 3α-hydroxy-derivative appears to be the predominant metabolite. These compounds are primarily excreted in urine and feces as sulphate and glucuronide conjugates.

In a single and multiple application study in postmenopausal women, serum norethisterone concentrations rose within 1 day after application of a EVOREL ®CONTI TDS to a mean steady-state level of ~199 pg/mL. Mean steady-state serum norethisterone concentrations ranging between ~141 to 224 pg/mL were maintained for the entire 3.5-day application period following multiple applications. Mean concentrations declined rapidly to the lower limit of assay quantitation at 24 hours after removal of the TDS. A serum half-life of ~15 hours was determined following removal of the TDS, indicative of the skin depot effect. As expected from transdermal delivery of most drugs, only a transient and limited increase in serum norethisterone concentrations was observed following multiple applications of the TDS.

5.4. Preclinical Safety Data Estradiol and norethisterone acetate, which have been used in clinical practice worldwide for many years, are the subject of monographs in a number of major pharmacopoeias, have a well-established medicinal use and have recognized efficacy and an acceptable level of safety. Estradiol is the natural estrogen in humans and animals. Ethinyl estradiol (EE), a widely used synthetic estrogen, is very similar to estradiol in terms of estrogenic action but of higher potency and therefore potentially more toxic than estradiol. Acute toxicity studies of EE have been performed in mice, rats, and dogs. The LD50 values in rats were calculated as 5.3 g/kg for males and 3.2 g/kg for females. In the dog, after single doses of up to 5.0 g/kg, no


mortality was observed. These doses represent approximately 50,000 to 78,000 times the projected clinical dose. In chronic and carcinogenicity studies of estrogens in rodents, an exaggeration of the pharmacological effects is observed. In chronic administered toxicity studies the differences between species regarding hormonal regulation and metabolism are crucial. Therefore, extrapolation from animal studies to the human situation requires careful consideration of species differences. Estradiol did not induce chromosome aberrations in bone-marrow cells of mice treated in vivo. Unusual nucleotides were found in kidney DNA of treated hamsters. It induced micronuclei but not aneuploidy, chromosomal aberrations or sister chromatid exchanges in human cells in vitro. In rodent cells it induced aneuploidy and unscheduled DNA synthesis but was not mutagenic and did not induce DNA strand breaks or sister chromatid exchanges. It was not mutagenic to bacteria. There are several studies showing embryotoxic effects of estrone in rats and mice and dose-dependent reduction of fertility in rats. These effects are evidently connected with the hormonal action. Norethisterone acetate is rapidly hydrolyzed to the active progestogen, norethisterone (NET). Acute studies of NET showed no overt toxicity. After repeat-dose subchronic and chronic administration in mice (1.5 y), dogs (7 y) and monkeys (10 y), results showed typical hormone effects. In a perinatal and postnatal study in rats, growth retardation was shown in the F1 generation. Embryotoxicity, but no significant teratogenicity was shown in rabbits or rats given doses of 1.4 to 3.5 mg/kg. Acute and subchronic combination studies, at various NET:EE ratios were conducted in mice, rats and dogs. Calculated LD50 values were very high (g/kg range) indicating very low toxicity. In subchronic (14-day) rat studies, at doses up to 250 times the proposed human dose, no lesions were attributed to the compound tested apart from a very mild endometrial hyperplasia at the highest dose tested. Other subchronic studies in rats (30-day) and dogs (8-day) showed no symptoms indicative of drug-induced toxicity. Chronic studies in several species (2-y rat, 1.5 y mouse, 7-y female dog, 10-y female monkey) have shown typical exaggerated pharmacological effects of hormonal steroids. In the rat, a higher incidence of dose-related hepatomas was observed; in the mouse, an increase in pituitary tumors; in the dog, a higher incidence of mammary neoplasia, alopecia, altered genital physiology, and some altered blood values; and in the monkey, no signs of drug specific toxicity or mortality. A urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma in a high-dose mouse, and non-metastatic urinary bladder tumors in two dogs treated with


high doses of NET:EE is considered to be species-specific, since there is no indication from long-term human experience that a similar potential exists in humans.

Additional toxicity studies which include local tolerance studies in rabbits and dermal sensitization studies in guinea pigs have been conducted to support registration of EVOREL ®CONTI. These studies indicate that EVOREL ®CONTI caused mild local skin irritation. It is recognized that test studies on rabbits over-predict skin irritation which occurs in humans. EVOREL ®CONTI appeared to be a weak sensitizer to the guinea pig model. Clinical trial experience with a duration of TDS use over more than one year revealed no evidence of a clinically relevant sensitization potential in humans.

6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 6.1. List of Excipients

EVOREL ®CONTI Adhesive: acrylate-vinylacetate copolymer

Guar gum

Backing film: polyethylene terephathalate foil

Release liner: siliconized polyethylene terephathalate foil is removed before application

6.2. Incompatibilities To prevent interference with the adhesive properties of the patch, no creams, lotions or powders should be applied to the skin area where the TDS is to be applied.

6.3. Special Precautions for Storage

Store at or below 25 degrees Celsius, within the original sachet and box.

Keep out of reach of children. This also applies to used and disposed TDSs.

6.4. Nature and Contents of Container Each carton box has 8 TDSs in individual foil-lined sachets. The sachet comprises a four-layer laminate including an aluminum humidity barrier and paper exterior surface.


6.5. Instructions for Use/Handling See Section 4.2.

The TDSs should be disposed of in household waste (do not flush down the toilet) and must be kept out of reach of children.

Manufacturer: Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Beerse, Belgium Registration Holder J-C Health care Ltd. Kibbutz Shefayim, Israel The format of this leaflet was determined by the Ministry of Health and its content was checked and approved in July 2015

1. name of the medicinal product · polyester foil release liner which is affixed to the adhesive...

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