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1. Climaval 2mg Film-Coated Tablets
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SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Climaval 2 mg film-coated tablet

2    QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Each tablet of Climaval 2 mg contains 2 mg oestradiol valerate (equivalent to 1.528 mg oestradiol).

This product contains lactose monohydrate.

For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3.    PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Film-coated tablet.

Blue tablet, coded OD on one side, CG on the other.

4    CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1    Therapeutic indications

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for oestrogen deficiency symptoms in postmenopausal women who have been hysterectomised.

The experience treating women older than 65 years is    limited.

4.2    Posology and method of administration

1 mg to 2 mg daily. Dosage may be adjusted according to severity of symptoms or clinical response. Climaval may be taken continuously in hysterectomised patients. For initiation and continuation of treatment of postmenopausal symptoms, the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration (see also section 4.4) should be used.

Unless there is a previous diagnosis of endometriosis, it is not recommended to add a progestagen in hysterectomised women.

Missed tablet: If a tablet is missed it should be taken within 12 hours of when normally taken; otherwise the tablet should be discarded, and the usual tablet should be taken the following day.

Paediatric _ population

Not to be used in children.

Older people

In the elderly, Climaval should only be used for the control of post-menopausal symptoms.

4.3    Contraindications

-    Known, past or suspected breast cancer,

-    Known or suspected oestrogen-dependent malignant tumours (e.g. endometrial cancer),

-    Undiagnosed genital bleeding,

-    Untreated endometrial hyperplasia,

-    Severe renal disease,

-    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 disorders (e.g. protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, see section 4.4),

-    Active or recent arterial thromboembolic disease (e.g. angina, myocardial infarction),

-    Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1,

-    Porphyria.

4.4    Special warnings and precautions for use

For the treatment of postmenopausal 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 reinstituting 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 contraindications 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 appropriate imaging tools, e.g. 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 Climaval, in particular:

-    endometriosis,

-    risk factors for thromboembolic disorders (see below),

-    risk factors for oestrogen dependent tumours, e.g. 1^st-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 (SLE),

-    a history of endometrial hyperplasia (see below),

-    epilepsy,

-    asthma,

-    otosclerosis.

Reasons for immediate withdrawal of therapy:

Therapy should be discontinued in case a contra-indication is discovered and in the following situations:

-    jaundice or deterioration in liver function,

-    significant increase in blood pressure,

-    new onset of migraine-type headache.

Endometriosis and carcinoma

Unopposed oestrogen stimulation may lead to premalignant or malignant transformation in the residual foci of endometriosis. Therefore, the addition of progestagens to oestrogen replacement therapy should be considered in women who have undergone hysterectomy because of endometriosis, if they are known to have residual endometriosis.

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 (see section 4.8).

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 substantially lower than that found in users of oestrogen-progestagen combinations (see section 4.8).

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.

Venous thromboembolism

HRT is associated with a 1.3 -to 3 -fold risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), i.e. deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. The occurrence of such an event is more likely in the first year of HRT than later (see section 4.8).

Generally recognised risk factors for VTE include, use of oestrogens, older age, major surgery, prolonged immobilisation, obesity (Body Mass Index >30 kg/m²), pregnancy/ postpartum period, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and cancer. There is no consensus about the possible role of varicose veins in VTE.

Patients with known thrombophilic states have an increased risk of VTE and HRT may add to this risk. HRT is therefore contraindicated in these patients (see section 4.3). Women already on chronic anticoagulant treatment require careful consideration of the benefit-risk of use of HRT.

As in all post-operative patients, prophylactic measures need to be considered to prevent VTE following surgery. If prolonged immobilisation is to follow elective surgery temporarily stopping HRT four to six weeks earlier is recommended. Treatment should not be restarted until the woman is completely mobilised.

In women with no personal history of VTE but with a first degree relative with a history of thrombosis at young age, screening may be offered after careful counselling regarding its limitations (only a proportion of thrombophilic defects are identified by screening). If a thrombophilic defect is identified which segregates with thrombosis in family members or if the defect is ‘severe’ (e.g., antithrombin, protein S, or protein C deficiencies or a combination of defects) HRT is contraindicated.

If VTE develops after initiating therapy, the drug 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).

Coronary artery disease (CAD)

There is no evidence from randomised controlled trials of protection against myocardial infarction in women with or without existing CAD who received combined oestrogen-progestagen or oestrogen-only HRT.

Combined oestrogen-progestagen therapy

The relative risk of CAD during use of combined oestrogen-progestagen HRT is slightly increased. As the baseline 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.

Oestrogen-only

Randomised controlled data found no increased risk of CAD in hysterectomised women using oestrogen-only therapy.

Ischaemic stroke

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 (see section 4.8).

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is much rarer than breast cancer. Long-term (at least 5 to 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 HRTs may confer a similar, or slightly smaller, risk (see section 4.8).

Other conditions

Oestrogens may cause fluid retention, and therefore patients with cardiac or renal dysfunction should be carefully observed.

Women with pre-existing hypertriglyceridemia should be followed closely during oestrogen replacement or hormone replacement therapy, since rare cases of large increases of plasma triglycerides leading to pancreatitis have been reported with oestrogen therapy in this condition.

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 by radio-immunoassay) or T3 levels (by radio-immunoassay). 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-hormone-binding 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-I-antitrypsin, ceruloplasmin).

Thyroid function should be monitored regularly in patients who require thyroid hormone replacement therapy and who are also taking oestrogen in order to ensure that thyroid hormone levels remain within an acceptable range.

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

Oestrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema, in particular in women with hereditary angioedema.

Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, of Lapp lactase deficiency or of glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

The metabolism of oestrogens 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).

Ritonavir and nelfinavir, although known as strong inhibitors, by contrast exhibit inducing properties when used concomitantly with steroid hormones.

Estradiol is predominantly metabolized by CYP3A4, hence concomitant administration of inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as ketoconazole, erythromycin, ritonavir may result in approximately 50% increase in the exposure of estradiol.

Herbal preparations containing St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) may induce the metabolism of oestrogens.

Some laboratory tests may be influenced by oestrogen therapy, such as tests for glucose tolerance or thyroid function.

4.6    Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Not applicable, because Climaval is only indicated in women without a uterus.

4.7    Effects on ability to drive and use machines

No adverse effects on the ability to drive or operate machines have been recorded.

4.8    Undesirable effects

Table 1 represents adverse drug reactions from legacy clinical trials combined with adverse drug reactions from post-marketing experience. The adverse drug reactions are listed according to the system organ class in MedDRA and the frequency is not known.

Table 1 Adverse drug reactions

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps)	Breast cancer.
Psychiatric disorders	Depression, depressed mood, libido increased.
Nervous system disorders	Dizziness, vertigo, headache.
Cardiac disorders	Cardiac disorder, palpitations.
Vascular disorders	Embolism, thrombophlebitis, hypertension, epistaxis.
Gastrointestinal disorders	Vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea.
Hepatobiliary disorders	Cholestasis.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders	Urticaria, rash, pruritus generalised, alopecia.
Reproductive system and breast disorders	Breast discomfort, breast pain, vaginal discharge.
Investigations	Glucose tolerance decreased, weight increased.
General disorders and administration site conditions	Oedema.

Breast cancer risk

-    An up to 2-fold increased risk of having breast cancer diagnosed is reported in women taking combined oestrogen-progestagen therapy for more than 5 years,

-    Any increased risk in users of oestrogen-only therapy is substantially lower than that seen in users of oestrogen-progestagen combinations,

-    The level of risk is dependent on the duration of use (see section 4.4),

-    Results of the largest randomised placebo-controlled trial (WHI-study) and largest epidemiological study (MWS) are presented.

Million Women study- Estimated additional risk of breast cancer after 5 years’ use

Age range (years)	Additional cases per 1000 never-users of HRT over a 5 year period*	Risk ratio#	Additional cases per 1000 HRT users over 5 years (95%CI)
		Oestrogen only HRT
50 - 65	9 - 12	1.2	1-2 (0 - 3)
		Combined oestrogen-progestagen
50 - 65 | 9 - 12		1.7 | 6 (5 - 7)
#Overall risk ratio. The risk ratio is not constant but will increase with increasing duration on use Note: Since the background incidence of breast cancer differs by EU country, the number of additional cases of breast cancer will also change proportionately.

* Taken from baseline incidence rates in developed countries.

US WHI studies^ - additional risk of breast cancer after 5 years’ use

Age range (years)	Incidence per 1000 women in placebo arm over 5 years	Risk ratio & 95%CI	Additional cases per 1000 HRT users over 5 years (95%CI)
		CEE oestrogen-only
50 - 79	21	0.8 (0.7 - 1.0)	-4 (-6 - 0)*
		CEE+MPA oestrogen & progestagen!
50 - 79	17	1.2 (1.0 - 1.5)	+4 (0 - 9)

{When the analysis was restricted to women who had not used HRT prior to the study there was no increased risk apparent during the first 5 years of treatment: after 5 years the risk was higher than in nonusers.

* WHI study in women with no uterus, which did not show an increase in risk of breast cancer. Endometrial cancer risk

Postmenopausal women with a uterus

The endometrial cancer risk is about 5 in every 1000 women with a uterus not using HRT.

In women with a uterus, use of oestrogen-only HRT is not recommended because it increases the risk of endometrial cancer (see section 4.4).

Depending on the duration of oestrogen-only use and oestrogen dose, the increase in risk of endometrial cancer in epidemiology studies varied from between 5 and 55 extra cases diagnosed in every 1000 women between the ages of 50 and 65.

Adding a progestagen to oestrogen-only therapy for at least 12 days per cycle can prevent this increased risk. In the Million Women Study the use of five years of combined (sequential or continuous) HRT did not increase risk of endometrial cancer (RR of 1.0 (0.8 - 1.2)).

Ovarian cancer

Long-term use of oestrogen-only and combined oestrogen-progestagen HRT has been associated with a slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer. In the Million Women Study 5 years of HRT resulted in 1 extra case per 2500 users.

Risk of venous thromboembolism

HRT is associated with a 1.3 -to 3-fold increased relative risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), i.e. deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. The occurrence of such an event is more likely in the first year of using HRT (see section 4.4). Results of the WHI studies are presented:

WHI Studies - Additional risk of VTE over 5 years’ use

Age range (years)

Incidence per 1000 women in placebo arm over 5 years

Risk ratio and 95%CI

Additional cases per 1000 HRT users

* Study in women with no uterus.

Risk of coronary artery disease

-    The risk of coronary artery disease is slightly increased in users of combined oestrogen-progestagen HRT over the age of 60 (see section 4.4).

Risk of ischaemic stroke

-    The use of oestrogen-only and oestrogen -progestagen therapy is associated with an up to 1.5 -fold increased relative risk of ischaemic stroke. The risk of haemorrhagic stroke is not increased during use of HRT,

-    This relative risk is not dependent on age or on duration of use, but as the baseline risk is strongly age-dependent, the overall risk of stroke in women who use HRT will increase with age, see section 4.4.

Other adverse reactions have been reported in association with oestrogen/progestagen treatment:

-    gall bladder disease,

-    skin and subcutaneous disorders: chloasma, erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum, vascular purpura,

-    probable dementia over the age of 65 (see section 4.4),

-    endometrial hyperplasia,

-    jaundice cholestatic,

-    cholelithiasis,

-    uterine leiomyoma,

-    liver function test abnormal,

-    diarrhoea,

-    migraine,

-    pain in extremity,

-    breast tenderness,

-    dry eyes,

-    tear film composition changes.

4.9 Overdose

There have been no reports of adverse effects from overdose. There are no specific antidotes, and if further treatment is required it should be symptomatic.

5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: oestrogens, ATC code: G03CA03.

The active ingredient, synthetic 17^-estradiol, is chemically and biologically identical to endogenous human oestradiol. It substitutes for the loss of oestrogen production in menopausal women, and alleviates menopausal symptoms.

Oestradiol valerate is used in oestrogen deficiency states.

After the menopause the protective effects which endogenous oestrogens appear to have on the female cardiovascular system are lost, therefore the risk of women developing cardiovascular disease rises to become similar to that of men.

5.2    Pharmacokinetic properties

Absorption

Oestradiol valerate, like most natural oestrogens, is readily and fully absorbed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. When given orally in doses of 1 to 2 mg, peak plasma concentrations of oestradiol are generally observed 3 to 6 hours post dose. Oestradiol is also known to undergo enterohepatic re-circulation.

Distribution

In the systemic circulation, oestradiol is approximately 52% bound to plasma albumin and 45-46% to sex hormone binding globulin. Only 2% is free and biologically active.

Biotransformation

Oestradiol undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism. Oestradiol is metabolised primarily in the liver to oestrone, then later to oestriol, epioestriol and catechol oestrogens, which are then conjugated to sulphates and glucuronides. Cytochrome 450 isoforms CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 catalyse the hydroxylation of oestradiol, forming oestriol. Oestriol is glucuronidated by UGT1A1 and UGT2B7 in humans. Oestradiol metabolites are subject to enterohepatic circulation. Other metabolites (e.g. 2-methoxy, 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy and 4-methoxy estradiol) have been identified.

Elimination

The elimination half life of oestradiol is approximately 1 hour. Systemic concentrations of oestradiol returned to baseline (e.g. pre-treatment concentrations) in 24 hours (range 6 to 48 hours) post dose. Oestradiol is excreted via the kidney in the urine as sulphate and glucuronide esters together while a small proportion is excreted as unchanged oestradiol.

5.3    Preclinical safety data

Acute toxicity of oestrogens is low. Because of marked differences between animal species and between animals and humans preclinical results possess a limited predictive value for the application of oestrogens in humans.

Long-term, continuous administration of natural and synthetic oestrogens in some animal species increases the frequency of tumours in certain hormone dependent tissues.

6    PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1    List of excipients

Tablet core:

Lactose monohydrate Maize starch

FD &C blue no.2 lake (E132)

Povidone (grade 30)

Purified water Talc (sterilised, white)

Magnesium stearate

Tablet coat:

Hypromellose Propylene glycol

Opaspray blue M-1-6517 (E171, E464, E132)

6.2 Incompatibilities

Not applicable.

6.3. Shelf life

4 years

6.4    Special    precautions for storage

Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package.

6.5    Nature    and contents of container

UPVC blister strips with aluminium foil.

Packs contain 28 or 84 tablets. 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

Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited

Trading as Sandoz Pharmaceuticals

Frimley Business Park

Frimley

Camberley

Surrey

GU16 7SR

8.    Marketing Authorisation Number

PL 0101/0308

9    DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION

17/11/2006

10    DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

19/12/2014