Drug Detail:Femynor (Ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate [ eth-i-nil-es-tra-dye-ol-and-nor-jes-ti-mate ])
Generic Name: NORGESTIMATE 0.25mg, ETHINYL ESTRADIOL 0.035mg;
Dosage Form: tablet
Drug Class: Contraceptives
2.1 How to Start Femynor
Femynor is dispensed in a blister pack [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16)]. Femynor may be started using either a Day 1 start or a Sunday start (see Table 1). For the first cycle of a Sunday Start regimen, an additional method of contraception should be used until after the first 7 consecutive days of administration.
2.2 How to Take Femynor
Table 1: Instructions for Administration of Femynor |
|
Starting COCs in women not currently using hormonal contraception (Day 1 Start or Sunday Start) Important: Consider the possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of this product. Tablet Color:
|
Day 1 Start:
|
Sunday Start:
|
|
Switching to Femynor from another oral contraceptive |
Start on the same day that a new pack of the previous oral contraceptive would have started. |
Switching from another contraceptive method to Femynor |
Start Femynor : |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Complete instructions to facilitate patient counseling on proper tablet usage are located in the FDA-approved Patient Labeling. |
Starting Femynor after Abortion or Miscarriage
First-trimester
- After a first-trimester abortion or miscarriage, Femynor may be started immediately. An additional method of contraception is not needed if Femynor is started immediately.
- If Femynor is not started within 5 days after termination of the pregnancy, the patient should use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) for the first seven days of her first cycle pack of Femynor.
Second-trimester
- Do not start until 4 weeks after a second-trimester abortion or miscarriage, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start Femynor, following the instructions in Table 1 for Day 1 or Sunday start, as desired. If using Sunday start, use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) for the first seven days of the patient's first cycle pack of Femynor. [See Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), and FDA-Approved Patient Labeling.]
Starting Femynor after Childbirth
- Do not start until 4 weeks after delivery, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start contraceptive therapy with Femynor following the instructions in Table 1 for women not currently using hormonal contraception.
- Femynor is not recommended for use in lactating women [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
- If the woman has not yet had a period postpartum, consider the possibility of ovulation and conception occurring prior to use of Femynor. [See Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.1 and 8.3), and FDA-Approved Patient Labeling].
SET THE DAY:
□ Day 1 Start: Take the first pill of the first blister pack during the first 24 hours of your period.
□ Sunday Start: Take the first pill of the first blister pack on the Sunday after your period starts, even if you are still bleeding. If your period begins on Sunday, start the blister pack that same day.
2.3 Missed Tablets
Table 2: Instructions for Missed Femynor Tablets |
|
|
Take the tablet as soon as possible. Continue taking one tablet a day until the pack is finished. |
|
Take the two missed tablets as soon as possible and the next two red “active” tablets the next day. Continue taking one tablet a day until the pack is finished. Additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) should be used as back-up if the patient has sex within 7 days after missing tablets. |
|
Day 1 start: Throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack that same day. Sunday start: Continue taking one tablet a day until Sunday, then throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack that same day. Additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) should be used as back-up if the patient has sex within 7 days after missing tablets. |
2.4 Advice in Case of Gastrointestinal Disturbances
In case of severe vomiting or diarrhea, absorption may not be complete and additional contraceptive measures should be taken. If vomiting or diarrhea occurs within 3 to 4 hours after taking a red “active” tablet, handle this as a missed tablet [see FDA-approved Patient Labeling].