Falmina
Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol · Kit
Uses
INDICATIONS AND USAGE FALMINA is indicated for the use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy. Limitations of use: The efficacy of FALMINA in women with a body mass index (BMI) of > 35 kg/m 2 has not been adequately evaluated. In a clinical trial with levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, 1,477 subjects had 7,720 cycles of use and a total of 5 pregnancies were reported. This represents an overall pregnancy rate of 0.84 per 100 woman-years. This rate includes patients who did not take the drug correctly. One or more pills were missed during 1,479 (18.8%) of the 7,870 cycles; thus all tablets were taken during 6,391 (81.2%) of the 7,870 cycles. Of the total 7,870 cycles, a total of 150 cycles were excluded from the calculation of the Pearl index due to the use of backup contraception and/or missing 3 or more consecutive pills. The mean BMI of the study population was 24 kg/m 2 . Females with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m 2 accounted for 12.1% (n=179) of the study population. Females with a BMI over 35 kg/m 2 accounted for 4.3% (n=63) of the study population.
Dosage and administration
To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, FALMINA™ (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) must be taken exactly as directed and at intervals not exceeding 24 hours. The dosage of FALMINA is one orange tablet daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by one white inert tablet daily for 7 consecutive days, according to the prescribed schedule. It is recommended that FALMINA tablets be taken at the same time each day. During The First Cycle Of Use The possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of medication should be considered. The patient should be instructed to begin taking FALMINA on either the first Sunday after the onset of menstruation (Sunday Start) or on Day 1 of menstruation (Day 1 Start). Sunday start: The patient is instructed to begin taking FALMINA on the first Sunday after the onset of menstruation. If menstruation begins on a Sunday, the first tablet (orange) is taken that day. One orange tablet should be taken daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by one white inert tablet daily for 7 consecutive days. Withdrawal bleeding should usually occur within 3 days following discontinuation of orange tablets and may not have finished before the next pack is started. During the first cycle, contraceptive reliance should not be placed on FALMINA until an orange tablet has been taken daily for 7 consecutive days, and a nonhormonal back-up method of birth control should be used during those 7 days. Day 1 start: During the first cycle of medication, the patient is instructed to begin taking FALMINA during the first 24 hours of her period (day one of her menstrual cycle). One orange tablet should be taken daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by one white inert tablet daily for 7 consecutive days. Withdrawal bleeding should usually occur within 3 days following discontinuation of orange tablets and may not have finished before the next pack is started. If medication is begun on day one of the menstrual cycle, no back-up contraception is necessary. If FALMINA tablets are started later than day one of the first menstrual cycle or postpartum, contraceptive reliance should not be placed on FALMINA tablets until after the first 7 consecutive days of administration, and a nonhormonal back-up method of birth control should be used during those 7 days. After the first cycle of use The patient begins her next and all subsequent courses of tablets on the day after taking her last white tablet. She should follow the same dosing schedule: 21 days on orange tablets followed by 7 days on white tablets. If in any cycle the patient starts tablets later than the proper day, she should protect herself against pregnancy by using a nonhormonal back-up method of birth control until she has taken an orange tablet daily for 7 consecutive days. Switching from another hormonal method of contraception When the patient is switching from a 21-day regimen of tablets, she should wait 7 days after her last tablet before she starts FALMINA. She will probably experience withdrawal bleeding during that week. She should be sure that no more than 7 days pass after her previous 21-day regimen. When the patient is switching from a 28-day regimen of tablets, she should start her first pack of FALMINA on the day after her last tablet. She should not wait any days between packs. The patient may switch any day from a progestin-only pill and should begin FALMINA the next day. If switching from an implant or injection, the patient should start FALMINA on the day of implant removal or, if using an injection, the day the next injection would be due. In switching from a progestin-only pill, injection, implant, or intrauterine system (IUS), the patient should be advised to use additional nonhormonal contraception (such as condoms) until active tablets have been taken for 7 consecutive days of the first pack. If spotting or breakthrough bleeding occurs If spotting or breakthrough bleeding occur, the patient is instructed to continue on the same regimen. This type of bleeding is usually transient and without significance; however, if the bleeding is persistent or prolonged, the patient is advised to consult her physician. Risk of pregnancy if tablets are missed While there is little likelihood of ovulation occurring if only one or two orange tablets are missed, the possibility of ovulation increases with each successive day that scheduled orange tablets are missed. Although the occurrence of pregnancy is unlikely if FALMINA is taken according to directions, if withdrawal bleeding does not occur, the possibility of pregnancy must be considered. If the patient has not adhered to the prescribed schedule (missed one or more tablets or started taking them on a day later than she should have), the probability of pregnancy should be considered at the time of the first missed period and appropriate diagnostic measures taken. If the patient has adhered to the prescribed regimen and misses two consecutive periods, pregnancy should be ruled out. The risk of pregnancy increases with each active (orange) tablet missed. For additional patient instructions regarding missed tablets, see the WHAT TO DO IF YOU MISS PILLS section in the DETAILED PATIENT LABELING below. Use after pregnancy, abortion or miscarriage FALMINA may be initiated no earlier than day 28 postpartum in the nonlactating mother or after a second trimester abortion due to the increased risk for thromboembolism (see CONTRAINDICATIONS , WARNINGS , and PRECAUTIONS concerning thromboembolic disease). The patient should be advised to use aadditional nonhormonal contraception (such as condoms) until active tablets have been taken for 7 consecutive days. FALMINA may be initiated immediately after a first trimester abortion or miscarriage. Instruct the patient to use additional nonhormonal contraception (such as condoms) until active tablets have been taken for 7 consecutive days, unless starting FALMINA on the day of surgical abortion.
Contraindications
Combination oral contraceptives should not be used in women with any of the following conditions: Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders A history of deep-vein thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders Cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease (current or past history) Valvular heart disease with thrombogenic complications Thrombogenic rhythm disorders Hereditary or acquired thrombophilias Prolonged immobilization (especially with major surgery) Diabetes with vascular involvement Headaches with focal neurological symptoms or migraine with aura Women with migraine who are 35 years or older Uncontrolled hypertension Known or suspected carcinoma of the breast or personal history of breast cancer Known or suspected estrogen-or progesterone sensitive malignancy Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding Cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy or jaundice with prior pill use Hepatic adenomas or carcinomas, or active liver disease Women who are receiving Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to the potential for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations (see WARNINGS, RISK OF LIVER ENZYME ELEVATIONS WITH CONCOMITANT HEPATITIS C TREATMENT ).
Warnings
WARNINGS WARNING: CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combined oral contraceptives (COC) use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, COCs, including FALMINA, are contraindicated in women who are over 35 years of age and smoke.
Precautions
1. General Patients should be counseled that oral contraceptives do not protect against transmission of HIV (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and syphilis. This product contains FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) which may cause allergic-type reactions (including bronchial asthma) in certain susceptible persons. Although the overall incidence of FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) sensitivity in the general population is low, it is frequently seen in patients who also have aspirin hypersensitivity. 2. Physical Examination and Follow-Up A periodic personal and family medical history and complete physical examination are appropriate for all women, including women using oral contraceptives. The physical examination, however, may be deferred until after initiation of oral contraceptives if requested by the woman and judged appropriate by the clinician. The physical examination should include special reference to blood pressure, breasts, abdomen, pelvic organs, and relevant laboratory tests. In case of undiagnosed, persistent, or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding, appropriate diagnostic measures should be conducted to rule out malignancy. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer or who have breast nodules should be monitored with particular care. 3. Lipid Disorders Women who are being treated for hyperlipidemias should be followed closely if they elect to use oral contraceptives. Some progestogens may elevate LDL levels and may render the control of hyperlipidemias more difficult. (See WARNINGS ) A small proportion of women will have adverse lipid changes while taking oral contraceptives. Nonhormonal contraception should be considered in women with uncontrolled dyslipidemias. Persistent hypertriglyceridemia may occur in a small population of combination oral contraceptive users. Elevations of plasma triglycerides may lead to pancreatitis and other complications. 4. Liver Function If jaundice develops in any woman receiving such drugs, the medication should be discontinued. Steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function. 5. Fluid Retention Oral contraceptives may cause some degree of fluid retention. They should be prescribed with caution, and only with careful monitoring, in patients with conditions which might be aggravated by fluid retention. 6. Depression Monitor females with a history of depression and discontinue FALMINA if depression recurs to a serious degree. Data on the association of CHCs with onset of depression or exacerbation of existing depression are limited. 7. Contact Lenses Contact-lens wearers who develop visual changes or changes in lens tolerance should be assessed by an ophthalmologist. 8. Gastrointestinal Diarrhea and/or vomiting may reduce hormone absorption resulting in decreased serum concentrations. If a patient vomits or has diarrhea after taking an active tablet, instruct the patient to not take an additional active tablet on that day and to continue the regimen the next day as prescribed. In case of vomiting or diarrhea that continues for 48 hours or greater, instruct the patient to contact the health care provider and use back-up or alternative contraception until active tablets have been taken for 7 consecutive days after vomiting and diarrhea have resolved. 9. Drug Interactions Concomitant Use with HCV Combination Therapy-Liver Enzyme Elevation Do not co-administer FALMINA with HCV drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to potential for ALT elevations (see WARINGS , RISK OF LIVER ENZYME ELEVATIONS WITH CONCOMITANT HEPATITIS C TREATMENT ). Changes in Contraceptive Effectiveness Associated with Coadministration of Other Products: Contraceptive effectiveness may be reduced when hormonal contraceptives are coadministered with antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and other drugs that increase the metabolism of contraceptive steroids. This could result in unintended pregnancy or breakthrough bleeding. Examples include rifampin, rifabutin, barbiturates, primidone, phenylbutazone, phenytoin, dexamethasone, carbamazepine, felbamate, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, griseofulvin, and modafinil. In such cases a back-up nonhormonal method of birth control should be considered. Several of the anti-HIV protease inhibitors have been studied with co-administration of oral combination hormonal contraceptives; significant changes (increase and decrease) in the plasma levels of the estrogen and progestin have been noted in some cases. The safety and efficacy of oral contraceptive products may be affected with coadministration of anti-HIV protease inhibitors. Healthcare providers should refer to the label of the individual anti-HIV protease inhibitors for further drug-drug interaction information. Herbal products containing St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) may induce hepatic enzymes (cytochrome P 450) and p-glycoprotein transporter and may reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive steroids. This may also result in breakthrough bleeding. Increase in Plasma Levels Associated with Co-Administered Drugs: Co-administration of atorvastatin and certain oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol increases AUC values for ethinyl estradiol by approximately 20%. Ascorbic acid and acetaminophen increase the bioavailability of ethinyl estradiol since these drugs act as competitive inhibitors for sulfation of ethinyl estradiol in the gastrointestinal wall, a known pathway of elimination for ethinyl estradiol. CYP 3A4 inhibitors such as indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, and troleandomycin may increase plasma hormone levels. Troleandomycin may also increase the risk of intrahepatic cholestasis during coadministration with combination oral contraceptives.
Side effects
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Northstar Rx LLC at 1-800-206-7821 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . An increased risk of the following serious adverse reactions (see WARNINGS section for additional information) has been associated with the use of oral contraceptives: Thromboembolic and thrombotic disorders and other vascular problems (including thrombophlebitis and venous thrombosis with or without pulmonary embolism, mesenteric thrombosis, arterial thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral thrombosis), carcinoma of the reproductive organs and breasts, hepatic neoplasia (including hepatic adenomas or benign liver tumors), ocular lesions (including retinal vascular thrombosis), gallbladder disease, carbohydrate and lipid effects, elevated blood pressure, and headache including migraine. 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 - 1.12 (Figure 2). Three studies compared breast cancer risk between current or recent COC users (<6 months since last use) and never users of COCs (Figure 2). 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 - 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 2: 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 adverse reactions associated with the use of oral CHCs were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were 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. Common adverse reactions associated with oral CHCs are headache, abdominal pain, nausea, metrorrhagia, vaginal moniliasis and pain, acne, and vaginitis. Additional adverse reactions that have been reported include the following: Eye disorder: intolerance to contact lenses, steepening of corneal curvature Gastrointestinal disorders: Abdominal bloating, vomiting General disorders and administration site conditions: Edema, fluid retention Hepatobiliary disorders: Cholestatic jaundice Pyschiatric disorders: Change in libido, mood changes Reproductive system and breast disorders: Amenorrhea, breast tenderness, breast pain, breast enlargement, increased cervical mucous, change in menstrual flow, unscheduled bleeding Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Acne, melasma Vascular disorders: Budd-Chiari syndrome, aggravation of varicose veins figure2
Overdosage
Symptoms of oral contraceptive overdosage in adults and children may include nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness/fatigue; withdrawal bleeding may occur in females. There is no specific antidote and further treatment of overdose, if necessary, is directed to the symptoms.
Description
21 orange active tablets each containing 0.10 mg of levonorgestrel, d(-)-13β-ethyl-17α-ethinyl-17β-hydroxygon-4-en-3-one, a totally synthetic progestogen, and 0.02 mg of ethinyl estradiol, 17α-ethinyl-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17β-diol. The inactive ingredients present are FD&C Yellow #5 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Yellow #6 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red #40 Aluminum Lake, titanium dioxide, polyvinyl alchol, talc, macrogol/polyethylene glycol 3350 NF, lecithin (soya), iron oxide black, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and pregelatinized corn starch. 7 white tablets, each containing the following inactive ingredients: titanium dioxide, polydextrose, hypromellose, triacetin, macrogol/polyethylene glycol 8000, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and pregelatinized corn starch. structure
How supplied
HOW SUPPLIED FALMINA™ (Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets, USP, 0.1 mg/0.02 mg) is available in a compact blister card (NDC 16714-359-01), containing 28 tablets arranged in 3 rows of 7 active tablets and 1 row of inert tablets, as follows: 21 active tablets: orange, round tablet debossed with "A3" on one side. 7 inert tablets: white, round tablet debossed with "P" on one side and " N " on the other side. FALMINA Tablets are available in the following configuations: Carton of 1 NDC 16714-359-02 Carton of 3 NDC 16714-359-03 Carton of 6 NDC 16714-359-04 Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), excursions permitted to 15ºC to 30ºC (59ºF to 86ºF). [See USP controlled room temperature]. Manufactured for: Northstar Rx LLC Memphis TN 38141 Manufactured by: Novast Laboratories Ltd. Nantong, China 226009 I 0017 Rev. C Rev. 02/2025 Brief Summary Patient Package Insert This product (like all oral contraceptives) is intended to prevent pregnancy. Oral contraceptives do not protect against transmission of HIV (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and syphilis. Oral contraceptives, also known as "birth-control pills" or "the pill", are taken to prevent pregnancy, and when taken correctly, have a failure rate of approximately 1.0% per year (1 pregnancy per 100 women per year of use) when used without missing any pills. The average failure rate of large numbers of pill users is approximately 5% per year (5 pregnancies per 100 women per year of use) when women who miss pills are included. For most women oral contraceptives are also free of serious or unpleasant side effects. However, forgetting to take pills considerably increases the chances of pregnancy. For the majority of women, oral contraceptives can be taken safely. But there are some women who are at high risk of developing certain serious diseases that can be life-threatening or may cause temporary or permanent disability or death. The risks associated with taking oral contraceptives increase significantly if you: smoke. have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a tendency to form blood clots. have or have had clotting disorders, heart attack, stroke, angina pectoris, cancer of the breast or sex organs, jaundice, malignant or benign liver tumors, or major surgery with prolonged immobilization. have headaches with neurological symptoms. You should not take the pill if you take any Hepatitis C drug combination containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir. This may increase levels of the liver enzyme "alanine aminotransferase" (ALT) in the blood. You should not take the pill if you suspect you are pregnant or have unexplained vaginal bleeding. Although cardiovascular disease risks may be increased with oral-contraceptive use after age 40 in healthy, nonsmoking women, there are also greater potential health risks associated with pregnancy in older women. WARNING: CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combined oral contraceptives (COC) use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, COCs, including FALMINA, are contraindicated in women who are over 35 years of age and smoke (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS). Most side effects of the pill are not serious. The most common such effects are nausea, vomiting, bleeding between menstrual periods, weight gain, breast tenderness, and difficulty wearing contact lenses. These side effects, especially nausea and vomiting, may subside within the first three months of use. The serious side effects of the pill occur very infrequently, especially if you are in good health and do not smoke. However, you should know that the following medical conditions have been associated with or made worse by the pill: 1. Blood clots in the legs (thrombophlebitis) and lungs (pulmonary embolism), blockage or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain (stroke), blockage of blood vessels in the heart (heart attack and angina pectoris) or other organs of the body. As mentioned above, smoking increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes and subsequent serious medical consequences. Women with migraine also may be at increased risk of stroke with pill use. 2. Liver tumors, which may rupture and cause severe bleeding. A possible but not definite association has been found with the pill and liver cancer. However, liver cancers are extremely rare. The chance of developing liver cancer from using the pill is thus even rarer. 3. High blood pressure, although blood pressure usually returns to normal when the pill is stopped. The symptoms associated with these serious side effects are discussed in the detailed leaflet given to you with your supply of pills. Notify your health-care provider if you notice any unusual physical disturbances while taking the pill. In addition, drugs such as rifampin, as well as some anticonvulsants and some antibiotics, herbal preparations containing St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), and HIV/AIDS drugs may decrease oral-contraceptive effectiveness. There may be slight increases in the risk of breast cancer among current users of hormonal birth control pills with longer duration of use of 8 years or more. Some studies have found an increase in the incidence of cancer of the cervix in women who use oral contraceptives. However, this finding may be related to factors other than the use of oral contraceptives. Be sure to discuss any medical condition you may have with your health-care provider. Your health-care provider will take a medical and family history before prescribing oral contraceptives and will examine you. The physical examination may be delayed to another time if you request it and the health-care provider believes that it is appropriate to postpone it.
Label text from the FDA structured product label by Northstar Rx LLC (revised Feb 21, 2025). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.
Falmina NDC products (1)
| NDC | Strength & form | Labeler | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16714-359 | Kit | Northstar Rx LLC | ANDA |
Frequently asked questions
What is Falmina used for?
INDICATIONS AND USAGE FALMINA is indicated for the use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy. Limitations of use: The efficacy of FALMINA in women with a body mass index (BMI) of > 35 kg/m 2 has not been adequately evaluated. In a clinical trial with levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, 1,477 subjects had 7,720 cycles of use and a total of 5 pregnancies were reported.…
What are the side effects of Falmina?
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Northstar Rx LLC at 1-800-206-7821 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . An increased risk of the following serious adverse reactions (see WARNINGS section for additional information) has been associated with the use of oral contraceptives: Thromboembolic and thrombotic disorders and other vascular problems (including thrombophlebitis… See the full label for the complete list.
Who makes Falmina?
Falmina is listed by 1 labeler in the FDA NDC directory, including Northstar Rx LLC.