Cryselle
Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol · Kit · Oral
Uses
Cryselle is indicated for use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy. In a study of 1,287 women with a total of 11,085 cycles or 852.7 women-years of usage, the pregnancy rate in women age 15 to 40 years was approximately 1 pregnancy per 100 women-years of use.
Contraindications
Cryselle is contraindicated in females who are known to have or develop the following conditions: A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases. Examples include women who are known to: Smoke, if over age 35 Have deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, now or in the past Have inherited or acquired coagulopathies Have cerebrovascular disease Have coronary artery disease Have thrombogenic valvular or thrombogenic rhythm diseases of the heart (for example, subacute bacterial endocarditis with valvular disease or atrial fibrillation) Have uncontrolled hypertension Have diabetes mellitus with vascular disease Headaches with focal neurological symptoms or migraine headaches with aura Women over age 35 with any migraine headaches Liver tumors, benign or malignant, or liver disease Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding Pregnancy, because there is no reason to use COCs during pregnancy Current diagnosis or history of breast cancer, which may be hormone sensitive Hypersensitivity to any of the components of Cryselle Women who are receiving Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to the potential for ALT elevations (see Warnings , Risk of liver enzyme elevations with concomitant hepatitis c treatment ).
Warnings
1. Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Problems Stop Cryselle if an arterial thrombotic event or venous thromboembolic (VTE) event occurs. Stop Cryselle if there is unexplained loss of vision, proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions. Evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately. If feasible, stop Cryselle at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery or other surgeries known to have an elevated risk of VTE as well as during and following prolonged immobilization. Start Cryselle no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breastfeeding. The risk of postpartum VTE decreases after the third postpartum week, whereas the risk of ovulation increases after the third postpartum week. The use of COCs increases the risk of VTE. However, pregnancy increases the risk of VTE as much or more than the use of COCs. The risk of VTE in women using COCs is 3 to 9 cases per 10,000 woman-years. The risk of VTE is highest during the first year of use of COCs and when restarting hormonal contraception after a break of 4 weeks or longer. The risk of thromboembolic disease due to COCs gradually disappears after use is discontinued. Use of COCs also increases the risk of arterial thromboses such as strokes and myocardial infarctions, especially in women with other risk factors for these events. COCs have been shown to increase both the relative and attributable risks of cerebrovascular events (thrombotic and hemorrhagic strokes). This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age who smoke. Use COCs with caution in women with cardiovascular disease risk factors. 2. Liver Disease Impaired Liver Function Do not use Cryselle in women with liver disease, such as acute viral hepatitis or severe (decompensated) cirrhosis of the liver [see Contraindications ] . Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may necessitate the discontinuation of COC use until markers of liver function return to normal and COC causation has been excluded. Discontinue Cryselle if jaundice develops. Liver Tumors Cryselle is contraindicated in women with benign and malignant liver tumors [see Contraindications ] . Hepatic adenomas are associated with COC use. An estimate of the attributable risk is 3.3 cases/100,000 users. Rupture of hepatic adenomas may cause death through intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Studies have shown an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in long-term (>8 years) COC users. However the risk of liver cancers in COC users approaches less than one case per million users. Risk Of Liver Enzyme Elevations With Concomitant Hepatitis C Treatment During clinical trials with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen that contains ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, ALT elevations greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), including some cases greater than 20 times the ULN, were significantly more frequent in women using ethinyl estradiol-containing medications such as COCs. Discontinue Cryselle prior to starting therapy with the combination drug regimen ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir [see Contraindications ] . Cryselle can be restarted approximately 2 weeks following completion of treatment with the combination drug regimen. 3. High Blood Pressure Cryselle is contraindicated in women with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease [see Contraindications ] . For women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure and stop Cryselle if blood pressure rises significantly. An increase in blood pressure has been reported in women taking COCs, and this increase is more likely in older women with extended duration of use. The incidence of hypertension increases with increasing quantities of progestin. 4. Gallbladder Disease Studies suggest a small increased relative risk of developing gallbladder disease among COC users. Use of COCs may worsen existing gallbladder disease. A past history of COC-related cholestasis predicts an increased risk with subsequent COC use. Women with a history of pregnancy-related cholestasis may be at an increased risk for COC related cholestasis. 5. Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Effects Carefully monitor prediabetic and diabetic women who take Cryselle. COCs may decrease glucose tolerance. Consider alternative contraception for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia. A small proportion of women will have adverse lipid changes while on COCs. Women with hypertriglyceridemia, or a family history thereof, may be at an increased risk of pancreatitis when using COCs. 6. Headache If a woman taking Cryselle develops new headaches that are recurrent, persistent, or severe, evaluate the cause and discontinue Cryselle if indicated. Consider discontinuation of Cryselle in the case of increased frequency or severity of migraine during COC use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event). 7. Bleeding Irregularities and Amenorrhea Unscheduled Bleeding and Spotting Unscheduled (breakthrough or intracyclic) bleeding and spotting sometimes occur in patients on COCs, especially during the first three months of use. If bleeding persists or occurs after previously regular cycles, check for causes such as pregnancy or malignancy. If pathology and pregnancy are excluded, bleeding irregularities may resolve over time or with a change to a different contraceptive product. In 1,287 patients (pooled data from a number of studies), unscheduled bleeding was recorded in 15% of first cycles and by Cycle 12 was 5%. In total, 23% of subjects reported spotting, 20% reported unscheduled bleeding, and 2% reported change in menstrual flow at some point in the studies. In the studies, 1.2% discontinued use of the product due to breakthrough bleeding and 1% discontinued due to spotting. Amenorrhea and Oligomenorrhea Women who use Cryselle may experience amenorrhea.
Precautions
1. Effect on Binding Globulins The estrogen component of COCs may raise the serum concentrations of thyroxine-binding globulin, sex hormone-binding globulin, and cortisol-binding globulin. The dose of replacement thyroid hormone or cortisol therapy may need to be increased. 2. Hereditary Angioedema In females with hereditary angioedema, exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema. 3. Chloasma Chloasma may occasionally occur, especially in women with a history of chloasma gravidarum. Women with a tendency to chloasma should avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation while taking Cryselle. 4. Drug Interactions Consult the labeling of all concurrently-used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with hormonal contraceptives or the potential for enzyme alterations. Concomitant Use with HCV Combination Therapy – Liver Enzyme Elevation: Do not coadminister Cryselle with HCV drug combinations containing ombitasvir/ paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to potential for ALT elevations (see Warnings , Risk of liver enzyme elevations with concomitant hepatitis c treatment ). Effects of Other Drugs on Combined Oral Contraceptives Substances decreasing the plasma concentrations of COCs and potentially diminishing the efficacy of COCs: Drugs or herbal products that induce certain enzymes, including cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), may decrease the plasma concentrations of COCs and potentially diminish the effectiveness of COCs or increase breakthrough bleeding. Some drugs or herbal products that may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives include phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, bosentan, felbamate, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, rifampicin, topiramate rifabutin, rufinamide, aprepitant, and products containing St. John’s wort. Interactions between hormonal contraceptives and other drugs may lead to breakthrough bleeding and/or contraceptive failure. Counsel women to use an alternative method of contraception or a back-up method when enzyme inducers are used with COCs, and to continue back-up contraception for 28 days after discontinuing the enzyme inducer to ensure contraceptive reliability. Colesevelam: Colesevelam, a bile acid sequestrant, given together with a COC, has been shown to significantly decrease the AUC of EE. The drug interaction between the contraceptive and colesevelam was decreased when the two drug products were given 4 hours apart. Substances increasing the plasma concentrations of COCs: Co-administration of atorvastatin or rosuvastatin and certain COCs containing EE increase AUC values for EE by approximately 20 to 25%. Ascorbic acid and acetaminophen may increase plasma EE concentrations, possibly by inhibition of conjugation. Concomitant administration of CYP3A4 inhibitors such as itraconazole, fluconazole, grapefruit juice or ketoconazole may increase plasma hormone concentrations. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ Hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors: Significant changes (increase or decrease) in the plasma concentrations of the estrogen and/or progestin have been noted when COCs are coadministered with some HIV protease inhibitors (decrease [e.g., nelfinavir, ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, (fos)amprenavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, and tipranavir/ritonavir], or increase [e.g., indinavir and atazanavir/ritonavir] HCV protease inhibitors (decrease [e.g., nevirapine] or increase [e.g., etravirine]). Effects of Combined Oral Contraceptives on Other Drugs COCs containing EE may inhibit the metabolism of other drugs (e.g., cyclosporine, prednisolone, theophylline, tizanidine, and voriconazole) and increase their plasma concentrations. COCs have been shown to decrease plasma concentrations of acetaminophen, clofibric acid, morphine, salicylic acid, temazepam and lamotrigine. Significant decrease in the plasma concentration of lamotrigine has been shown, likely due to induction of lamotrigine glucuronidation. This may reduce seizure control; therefore, dosage adjustments of lamotrigine may be necessary. Women on thyroid hormone replacement therapy may need increased doses of thyroid hormone because serum concentration of thyroid-binding globulin increases with use of COCs. 5. Interference with Laboratory Tests The use of contraceptive steroids may influence the results of certain laboratory tests, such as coagulation factors, lipids, glucose tolerance, and binding proteins. 6. Carcinogenesis See WARNINGS Sections 2 and 9 . 7. Pregnancy There is little or no increased risk of birth defects in women who inadvertently use COCs during early pregnancy. Epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses have not found an increased risk of genital or nongenital birth defects (including cardiac anomalies and limb reduction defects) following exposure to low dose COCs prior to conception or during early pregnancy. Discontinue Cryselle use if pregnancy is confirmed. Do not administer COCs to induce withdrawal bleeding as a test for pregnancy. Do not use COCs during pregnancy to treat threatened or habitual abortion. 8. Nursing Mothers Advise the nursing mother to use other forms of contraception, when possible, until she has weaned her child. COCs can reduce milk production in breastfeeding mothers. This is less likely to occur once breastfeeding is well-established; however, it can occur at any time in some women. Small amounts of oral contraceptive steroids and/or metabolites are present in breast milk. 9. Pediatric Use Safety and efficacy of Cryselle tablets have been established in women of reproductive age. Efficacy is expected to be the same for post-pubertal adolescents under the age of 16 and for users 16 years and older. Use of Cryselle before menarche is not indicated. 10. Geriatric Use Cryselle has not been studied in postmenopausal women and is not indicated in this population. 11.
Side effects
An increased risk of the following serious adverse reactions (see Warnings section for additional information) has been associated with the use of oral contraceptives: Serious cardiovascular events and stroke [see Boxed Warning ] Vascular events Liver disease Adverse reactions commonly reported by COC users are: Irregular uterine bleeding Nausea Breast tenderness Headache Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The safety of Cryselle was evaluated in 1,343 healthy women of child-bearing potential who participated in 9 clinical trials and received at least one dose of Cryselle for contraception. Subjects were exposed for a total of 11,085 cycles, with 429 women completing one year of exposure. Subjects ranged in age from 15 to 40 years. Demographics were 69% Caucasian, 28% Black, and 3% other. Common Adverse Reactions (≥ 2% of women): Weight increase (11%) Cervical erosion (9%) Weight decrease (6%) Acne (4%) Dysmenorrhea (4%) Vaginal discharge (4%) Abdominal pain, cramps, and bloating (3%) Appetite increase (3%) Depression (3%) Nervousness (3%) Chloasma/melasma (2%) Fatigue (2%) Varicose veins, aggravation of (2%) A total of 8% of subjects discontinued the trials prematurely due to an adverse reaction, most commonly due to unscheduled bleeding, spotting, headache (including migraine), nausea, acne, changes in menstrual flow, weight increase, nervousness, high blood pressure, and depression. Postmarketing Experience Five studies that compared breast cancer risk between ever-users (current or past use) of COCs and never-users of COCs reported no association between ever use of COCs and breast cancer risk, with effect estimates ranging from 0.90 to 1.12 (Figure 1). Three studies compared breast cancer risk between current or recent COC users (<6 months since last use) and never users of COCs (Figure 1). One of these studies reported no association between breast cancer risk and COC use. The other two studies found an increased relative risk of 1.19 to 1.33 with current or recent use. Both of these studies found an increased risk of breast cancer with current use of longer duration, with relative risks ranging from 1.03 with less than one year of COC use to approximately 1.4 with more than 8-10 years of COC use. Figure 1: Relevant Studies of Risk of Breast Cancer with Combined Oral Contraceptives RR = relative risk; OR = odds ratio; HR = hazard ratio. “ever COC” are females with current or past COC use; “never COC use” are females that never used COCs. The following additional adverse drug reactions have been reported from worldwide postmarketing experience with Cryselle. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Arterial Events: Arterial thromboembolism, Myocardial infarction, Cerebral hemorrhage Eye Disorder: Optic neuritis, which may lead to partial or complete loss of vision, Intolerance to contact lenses, Change (steepening) in corneal curvature Gastrointestinal Disorders: Colitis, Nausea, Pancreatitis Hepatobiliary Disorders: Gallbladder disease, Cholestatic jaundice, Budd-Chiari syndrome Immune System Disorders: Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, including urticaria, angioedema, and severe reactions with respiratory and circulatory symptoms Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: Carbohydrate and lipid effects, Porphyria, exacerbation of Porphyria Neoplasms, Benign, Malignant, and Unspecified: Carcinoma of the reproductive organs and breasts , Hepatic neoplasia (including hepatic adenomas or benign liver tumors) Psychiatric Disorders: Mood changes Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: Temporary infertility after discontinuation of treatment, Changes in libido, Vaginitis, including candidiasis; Breast secretion Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Melasma/chloasma, which may persist; Erythema multiforme, Erythema nodosum, Hemorrhagic eruption, Hirsutism Vascular Events: Venous thrombosis, Pulmonary embolism, Cerebral thrombosis, Mesenteric thrombosis, Retinal vascular thrombosis OVERDOSAGE There have been no reports of serious ill effects from overdosage of oral contraceptives, including ingestion by children. Overdosage may cause withdrawal bleeding in females and nausea. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, Cryselle (norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets) must be taken exactly as directed and at intervals not exceeding 24 hours. The dosage of Cryselle is one white tablet daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by one light-green colored inert tablet daily for 7 consecutive days, according to prescribed schedule. It is recommended that Cryselle tablets be taken by mouth at the same time each day. How to Start Cryselle Consider the possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of medication. Instruct the patient to begin taking Cryselle on the first Sunday after the onset of menstruation. If menstruation begins on a Sunday, the first tablet (white) is taken that day. The patient should take one white tablet daily for 21 consecutive days followed by one light-green colored inert tablet daily for 7 consecutive days. Withdrawal bleeding will usually occur within 3 days following discontinuation of white tablets and may not have finished before the next pack is started. During the first cycle, the patient should not rely on Cryselle for contraception until a white tablet has been taken daily for 7 consecutive days and she should use a non-hormonal back-up method of birth control during those 7 days.
Drug interactions
8. Nursing Mothers Advise the nursing mother to use other forms of contraception, when possible, until she has weaned her child. COCs can reduce milk production in breastfeeding mothers. This is less likely to occur once breastfeeding is well-established; however, it can occur at any time in some women. Small amounts of oral contraceptive steroids and/or metabolites are present in breast milk.
Description
Cryselle ® is a combination oral contraceptive containing the progestational compound norgestrel, USP and the estrogenic compound ethinyl estradiol, USP. Norgestrel is designated as (2) (±)-13-Ethyl-17-hydroxy-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one and ethinyl estradiol is designated as (19-nor-17α-pregna-1,3,5 (10)-trien-20-yne-3,17-diol). Each white active Cryselle tablet contains 0.3 mg norgestrel, USP and 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol, USP. The inactive ingredients present are hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol and pregelatinized corn starch. The light-green inactive tablets also contain D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake and FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake. Norgestrel, USP C 21 H 28 O 2 MW: 312.45 Ethinyl Estradiol, USP C 20 H 24 O 2 MW: 296.40 Norgestrel Strustural Formula Ethinyl Estradiol Structural Formula
How supplied
Cryselle ® (norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP), 0.3 mg/0.03 mg are available in packages of 6 blister card dispensers (NDC 0555-9049-58), each containing 28 tablets as follows: 21 active, white, round, film-coated, biconvex tablets debossed with dp on one side and 543 on the other side and 7 inert, round, light-green colored, uncoated tablets debossed dp and 331. Store at 20º to 25°C (68° to 77º F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. North Wales, PA 19454 Rev. G 7/2022
Label text from the FDA structured product label by Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. (revised Jul 28, 2022). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.
Cryselle NDC products (5)
| NDC | Strength & form | Labeler | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50090-2183 | Kit | A-S Medication Solutions | ANDA |
| 50090-7917 | Kit | A-S Medication Solutions | ANDA |
| 71205-803 | Kit | Proficient Rx LP | ANDA |
| 0555-9049 | Kit | Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. | ANDA |
| 0480-3493 | Kit | Teva Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | ANDA |
Frequently asked questions
What is Cryselle used for?
Cryselle is indicated for use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy. In a study of 1,287 women with a total of 11,085 cycles or 852.7 women-years of usage, the pregnancy rate in women age 15 to 40 years was approximately 1 pregnancy per 100 women-years of use.
What are the side effects of Cryselle?
An increased risk of the following serious adverse reactions (see Warnings section for additional information) has been associated with the use of oral contraceptives: Serious cardiovascular events and stroke [see Boxed Warning ] Vascular events Liver disease Adverse reactions commonly reported by COC users are: Irregular uterine bleeding Nausea Breast tenderness Headache Clinical Trials… See the full label for the complete list.
Who makes Cryselle?
Cryselle is listed by 4 labelers in the FDA NDC directory, including A-S Medication Solutions, Proficient Rx LP, Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals, Inc..