Evorel Conti
Out of date information, search anotherSUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
EVOREL CONTI
International non-proprietary name estradiol
norethisterone acetate
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
EVORELCONTI
3.2 mg of estradiol hemihydrate
11.2 mg of norethisterone acetate
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
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 colourless 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 used is coated with silicone on both sides. The release liner has a 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 corresponding to a nominal release of 50 micrograms of estradiol per 24 hours and
11.2 mg of norethisterone acetate corresponding to a nominal release of 170 micrograms of norethisterone acetate per 24 hours. Each TDS is marked in the centre of the lower margin on the outside of the backing film: CEN1
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for oestrogen deficiency symptoms in post-menopausal women more than 6 months post-menopause (or 18 months since last period).
Prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk of future fractures who are intolerant of, or contraindicated for, other medicinal products approved for the prevention of osteoporosis. (See also Section 4.4)
The experience treating women older than 65 years is limited.
4.2. Posology and Method of Administration
Adults
Evorel Conti is a continuous combined HRT preparation. Patches are applied to the skin twice weekly.
One Evorel Conti patch should be worn at all times, without interruptions. For initiation and continuation of treatment of menopausal symptoms, the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration (see also Section 4.4) should be used.
Guidance on how to start therapy:
Post-menopausal women currently not on HRT may start Evorel Conti at any time.
Switching from other HRT
Women on a continuous combined regimen wishing to switch from another oestrogen to Evorel Conti may do so at any time.
Women on a cyclic or continuous sequential regimen wishing to switch from a sequential combined HRT preparation to Evorel Conti may do so at the end of a cycle of the current therapy or after a 7 day hormone free interval.
Unless there is a previous diagnosis of endometriosis, it is not recommended to add a progestogen in hysterectomised women.
Method of Administration
The sachet containing one Evorel Conti patch should be opened and one part of the protective foil removed at the S-shaped incision. The patch should be applied to clean, dry, healthy, intact skin as soon as it is removed from the sachet.
The patient should avoid contact between fingers and the adhesive part of the patch during application. Each application should be made to a different area of the skin, on the trunk below the waist. The patch should not be applied on or near the breasts.
Evorel Conti patch should remain in place during bathing and showering.
Should a patch fall off, it should be replaced immediately with a new patch. However the usual day of changing Evorel Conti patches should be maintained.
Missed dose
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.
Wearing a patch for more than 4 days by mistake or any period without a patch may increase the likelihood of breakthrough bleeding or spotting.
Children
Evorel Conti is not indicated in children.
Elderly
Data are insufficient in regard to the use of Evorel Conti in the elderly (>65 years old).
Route of administration
Transdermal use.
4.3 Contraindications
• Known current or past, or suspected breast cancer
• Known or suspected oestrogen-dependent malignant tumours (eg endometrial cancer) or pre-malignant tumours (e.g. untreated atypical endometrial hyperplasia)
• Undiagnosed genital bleeding
• Previous idiopathic or current venous thrombo-embolism (deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)
• Active or recent past arterial thrombo-embolic disease (eg cerebrovascular accident, angina, myocardial infarction)
• Acute liver disease, or a history of liver disease as long as liver function tests have failed to return to normal
• Known thrombophilic conditions (e.g.protein C, Protein S or antithrombin deficiency, see section 4.4)
• Known hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients
• Porphyria
4.4 Special warnings and 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 of, or risk factors for, thrombo-embolic disorders (see below)
Risk factors for oestrogen dependent tumours, eg 1st degree heredity for breast cancer Hypertension
Liver disorders (eg 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 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
• 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-progestogen and possibly also oestrogen-only HRT, that is dependent on the duration of taking HRT.
Combined oestrogen-progestogen 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-progestogen 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-progestogen 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-progestogen combined treatment, increases the density of mammographic images which may adversely affect the radiological detection of breast cancer.
Venous thrombo-embolism
HRT is associated with a higher relative risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), i.e. deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. One randomised 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 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 > 30 kg/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 abortion 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 contra-indicated. 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 4 to 6 weeks earlier, if possible. Treatment should not be restarted until the woman is completely mobilised.
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 thrombo-embolic symptom (eg, painful swelling of a leg, sudden pain in the chest, dyspnoea).
Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Oestrogen-only: Randomised controlled data found no increased risk of CAD in hysterectomised women using oestrogen-only therapy.
Combined oestrogen-progestogen therapy: The relative risk of CAD during use of combined oestrogen-progestogen HRT is slightly increased. The absolute risk of CAD is strongly dependent on age. The number of extra cases of CAD due to oestrogen-progestogen use is very low in healthy women close to menopause, but will rise with more advanced age.
Stroke
One large randomised clinical trial (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 oestrogens 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-progestogen 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.
Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is much rarer than breast cancer. Long-term (at least 5-10 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.
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 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-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 for contraception. Women of child-bearing potential should be advised to use non-hormonal contraceptive methods to avoid pregnancy.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products 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, dose adjustment of lamotrigine may be necessary.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
Evorel Conti is not indicated during pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs during use of Evorel Conti, treatment should be withdrawn immediately.
Data on a limited number of exposed pregnancies indicate adverse effects of norethisterone on the foetus. At doses higher than normally used in oral contraceptives and HRT formulations masculinisation of female foetuses was observed.
The results of most epidemiological studies to date relevant to inadvertent foetal exposure to combinations of oestrogens and progestogens indicate no teratogenic or foetotoxic effect.
Lactation
Evorel Conti is not indicated during lactation.
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 neoplasms, Endometrial cancer |
|
Immune System Disorders | |
|
Common |
Hypersensitivity |
|
Psychiatric disorders | |
|
Common |
Depression, 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 cases would 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 non-users. 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. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
4.9. Overdose
Symptoms of overdose of oestrogen and progestogen therapy may include nausea, break-through bleeding, breast tenderness, abdominal cramps and/or bloating. These symptoms can be reversed by removing the patch.
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1. Pharmacodynamic Properties
ATC code: G03F A01 Estradiol hemihydrate:
The active ingredient, synthetic estradiol, is chemically and biologically identical to endogenous human estradiol. It substitutes for the loss of oestrogen production in menopausal women, and alleviates menopausal symptoms. Oestrogens prevent bone loss following menopause or ovariectomy.
Norethisterone:
As oestrogens promote the growth of the endometrium, unopposed oestrogens increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. The addition of a progestogen reduces the oestrogen-induced risk of endometrial hyperplasia in non-hysterectomised women.
Clinical trial information:
Relief of oestrogen-deficiency symptoms and bleeding patterns:
- Relief of menopausal symptoms was achieved during the first few weeks of treatment.
- When starting Evorel Conti, bleeding episodes occur mostly during the first month of treatment, with a quick improvement of the bleeding profile. In first 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, 47 % reported no bleeding for months 2 and 3. Over time, bleeding stops in the majority of women so that 63% of women from either group were bleed-free during the last 3 months of 12 months therapy 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 in not more than 2 episodes per quarter year in >95% of subjects.
- Starting Evorel Conti after a hormone free period may reduce the likelihood of uterine bleeding during the initial period of use of Evorel Conti.
- In three clinical trials of one year duration, uterine bleeding episodes were reported as an adverse event by 53 of 344 (16%) women - the most frequently reported undesirable effect.
Prevention of osteoporosis
Oestrogen deficiency at menopause is associated with increasing bone turnover and decline in bone mass. The effect of oestrogens on the bone mineral density (BMD) is dose-dependent. Protection appears to be effective as long as treatment is continued. After discontinuation of HRT, bone mass is lost at a rate similar to that in untreated women.
Evidence from the WHI trial and meta-analysed trials shows that current use of HRT, alone or in combination with a progestogen - given to predominantly healthy women - reduces the risk of hip, vertebral, and other osteoporotic fractures. HRT may also prevent fractures in women with low bone density and/ or established osteoporosis, but the evidence for that is limited.
After one year of treatment with Evorel Conti, the increase in lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) was 2.94 ± 2.62 % (mean±SD). The percentage of women who maintained or gained BMD in the lumbar zone during treatment was 90%.
Evorel Conti also had an effect on hip BMD. The increase in BMD in the femoral neck was 2.42 ± 3.04 % and the percentage of women maintaining or gaining BMD in the femoral neck was 82%. In the total hip, the increase in BMD was 1.73 ± 2.55 % (mean±SD) with 74% women maintaining or gaining in BMD.
5.2. Pharmacokinetic Properties
The estradiol hemihydrate of the patch is taken up through the skin as estradiol. Estradiol is metabolised primarily in the liver to estrone, which has weak estrogenic activity. Estrone is either conjugated with glucuronic or sulphuric acid or reconverted to estradiol. Conjugates are excreted mainly by the kidneys. The estradiol / estrone ratio on use of Evorel Conti is close to one, similar to pre-menopausal women. Estradiol circulates in the blood bound to sex hormone binding globulin (35-45%) and albumin (60-65%).
Norethisterone acetate is cleaved immediately on resorption to yield norethisterone. Norethisterone distributes widely in the body and circulates bound to sex hormone binding globulin (about 36%) and albumin (about 61%). It is metabolised mainly in the liver. Metabolites are conjugated with glucuronic or sulfuric acid. Conjugates are excreted in faeces and urine.
The hepatic metabolism of both estradiol and norethisterone is mediated primarily by the P450 enzyme system. (see Section 4.5, Interactions with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction).
Due to the transdermal administration, there is no noticeable first-pass effect.
Estradiol pharmacokinetics
Following first use of an Evorel Conti patch by post-menopausal women, serum estradiol levels rise within 23 hours (Tmax, single application) from, on average, ~ 18 pmol/L (~5 pg/ml) by an average of 150 pmol/L (41 pg/mL) (Cmax, single application). Levels decrease over 3.5 days to an average of 66 pmol/L (18 pg/mL). During continued use of Evorel Conti, estradiol levels rise over 21 hours from patch change (Tmax, multiple application) by an average of 121 pmol/L (33 pg/mL) (Cmax, multiple applications). The 95% confidence interval for Cmax ranges from 77 to 165 pmol/L (21 to 45 pg/mL). When patch use is discontinued, serum estradiol levels decrease with a half-life of 6.6 hours. After 24 hours, baseline levels are again observed.
Norethisterone pharmacokinetics
Following first use of Evorel Conti by post-menopausal women, serum norethisterone levels rise over 37 hours (Tmax, single application) to 706 pmol/L (240 pg/mL)(Cmax, single application) and then decrease to 420 pmol/L (143 pg/mL) at day 3.5. On patch change, levels rise again over 22 hours (Tmax, multiple applications) to 756 pmol/L (257 pg/mL)(Cmax, multiple applications). When patch use is discontinued, norethisterone levels decrease with a half-life of ~15 hours.
5.3. Pre-clinical Safety Data
Preclinical effects were observed at exposures considered sufficiently in excess of the maximum human exposure, or were related to an exaggerated pharmacological effect, or were related to differences between species regarding hormonal regulation/metabolism and indicate little relevance to clinical use.
Norethisterone, like other progestogens, caused virilisation of female foetuses in rats and monkeys. After high doses of norethisterone embryolethal effects were observed.
Local tolerance studies with Evorel Conti were conducted in rabbits. In this model, Evorel Conti showed a mild irritation potential. It is recognised that the rabbit model is over-predictive of irritation of human skin.
Sensitisation studies with Evorel Conti in guinea pigs showed a weak sensitisation potential. Clinical trial experience with Evorel Conti use for up to two years gave no evidence of a clinically relevant sensitisation potential in humans.
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
EVOREL CONTI TDS
Adhesive: acrylate-vinylacetate copolymer (Duro-Tak 387-2287)
Guar gum
Backing film: polyethylene terephthalate foil (Hostaphan MN 19)
Release liner: siliconised polyethylene terephthalate foil, is removed before application
6.2 Incompatibilities
No creams, lotions, or powders should be applied to the skin area where the TDS is to be applied to prevent interference with the adhesive properties of EVOREL CONTI TDS.
6.3 Shelf life
EVORELCONTI has a shelf-life of 24 months, when stored at or below 25degrees Celsius. The product can be used until the expiration date mentioned on the container.
6.4. Special Precautions for Storage
Store at room temperature, 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.
6.5. Nature and Content of Container
Each carton box has 2, 8 or 24 TDSs in individual foil-lined sachets. The sachet comprises a 4 layer laminate including :
-surlyn-ionomer film on the inside
- then aluminium foil
- then polyethylene
- with a layer of bleached reinforced paper on the outside
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
The EVOREL CONTI TDS should be placed on a clean, dry area of skin on the trunk of the body below the waist. Creams, lotions, or powders may interfere with the adhesive properties of the EVOREL CONTI TDS. The TDS should not be applied on or near to 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 optimised. Do not touch the adhesive part of the TDS.
To remove the EVOREL TDS, peel away an edge of the patch and pull smoothly away from the skin.
Any gum that remains on the skin after removal of EVOREL TDS may be removed by rubbing it off with the fingers or washing with soap and water.
The TDSs should be disposed of in household waste (do not flush down the toilet).
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Janssen-Cilag Ltd
50 -100 Holmers Farm Way
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP12 4EG
UK
8. MARKETING AUTHORIZATION NUMBER(S)
PL 00242/0319
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
03/06/2008
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
07/04/2015