Drug Class: Contraceptives Sex hormone combinations
Highlights of Prescribing Information
FEMCON Fe (norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ferrous fumarate tablets) for oral use
Initial U.S. Approval: 1975
WARNING: CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS
See Full Prescribing Information for complete boxed warning.
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FEMCON Fe is contraindicated in women over 35 years old who smoke. (4)
- Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptives (COC) use. (4)
Recent Major Changes
| Contraindications (4) | 08/2017 |
| Warnings (5.3) | 08/2017 |
Indications and Usage for Femcon Fe
- FEMCON Fe is a progestin/estrogen COC indicated for use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy. (1)
Femcon Fe Dosage and Administration
- Take one tablet by mouth at the same time every day. Tablets may be chewed or swallowed. (2.1)
- Take tablets in the order directed on the blister pack. (2.1)
Dosage Forms and Strengths
FEMCON Fe consists of 28 tablets in the following order (3):
- 21 white tablets (active), each containing 0.4 mg norethindrone and 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol
- 7 brown tablets (non-hormonal placebo), each containing 75 mg ferrous fumarate. The ferrous fumarate tablets do not serve any therapeutic purpose.
Contraindications
- A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases (4)
- Liver tumors or liver disease (4)
- Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding (4)
- Pregnancy (4)
- Breast cancer or other estrogen- or progestin-sensitive cancer (4)
- Co-administration with Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir (4)
Warnings and Precautions
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Thrombotic Disorders and Other Vascular Problems: Stop FEMCON Fe if a thrombotic event occurs. Stop at least 4 weeks before through 2 weeks after major surgery. Start no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breastfeeding (5.1)
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Liver disease: Discontinue FEMCON Fe if jaundice occurs (5.2)
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High blood pressure: If used in women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure and stop FEMCON Fe if blood pressure rises significantly.(5.4)
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Carbohydrate and lipid metabolic effects: Monitor prediabetic and diabetic women taking FEMCON Fe. Consider an alternative contraceptive method for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia (5.6)
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Headache: Evaluate significant change in headaches and discontinue FEMCON Fe if indicated (5.7)
- Bleeding Irregularities and Amenorrhea:Evaluate irregular bleeding or amenorrhea (5.8)
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
The most common adverse reactions were: irregular uterine bleeding, nausea, breast tenderness, and headache. (6)
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Allergan at 1-800-678-1605 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Drug Interactions
- Drugs or herbal products that induce certain enzymes, including CYP3A4, may decrease the effectiveness of COCs or increase breakthrough bleeding. Counsel patients to use a back-up method or alternative method of contraception when enzyme inducers are used with COCs (7.1)
Use In Specific Populations
- Nursing mothers: Advise use of another contraceptive method. FEMCON Fe can decrease milk production. (8.3)
See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and FDA-approved patient labeling.
Revised: 8/2017
Full Prescribing Information
WARNING: CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptive (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 are contraindicated in women who are over 35 years of age and smoke [see Contraindications (4)].
1. Indications and Usage for Femcon Fe
FEMCON Fe is indicated for use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy.
2. Femcon Fe Dosage and Administration
2.1 How to Start FEMCON Fe
FEMCON Fe is dispensed in a blister card [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16)]. FEMCON Fe 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 FEMCON Fe
FEMCON Fe (white active tablets and brown placebo tablets) may be swallowed whole or chewed and swallowed. If the tablet is chewed, the patient should drink a full glass (8 ounces) of liquid immediately after swallowing.
| Starting CHCs 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:
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Sunday Start:
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| Switching to FEMCON Fe from another hormonal contraceptive | Start on the same day that a new pack of the previous hormonal contraceptive would have started. |
| Switching from another contraceptive method to FEMCON Fe | Start FEMCON Fe: |
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| Complete instructions to facilitate patient counseling on proper tablet usage are located in the FDA-Approved Patient Labeling. | |
Starting FEMCON Fe after Abortion or Miscarriage
First-trimester
- After a first-trimester abortion or miscarriage, FEMCON Fe may be started immediately. An additional method of contraception is not needed if FEMCON Fe is started within 5 days after termination of the pregnancy.
- If FEMCON Fe 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 FEMCON Fe.
Second-trimester
- Do not start until 4 weeks after a second-trimester abortion or miscarriage, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start FEMCON Fe, 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 FEMCON Fe. [See Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), and FDA-Approved Patient Labeling.]
Starting FEMCON Fe after Childbirth
- Do not start until 4 weeks after delivery, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start contraceptive therapy with FEMCON Fe following the instructions in Table 1 for women not currently using hormonal contraception.
- If the woman has not yet had a period postpartum, consider the possibility of ovulation and conception occurring prior to use of FEMCON Fe. [See Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.1 and 8.3), and FDA-Approved Patient Labeling].
2.3 Missed 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 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. |
3. Dosage Forms and Strengths
FEMCON Fe (norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ferrous fumarate tablets) is available in blister cards.
Each blister card contains 28 tablets in the following order:
- 21 round, white (active) tablets imprinted with “W|C” on one side and “581” on the other and each containing 0.4 mg norethindrone and 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol.
- 7 round, brown (non-hormonal placebo) tablets imprinted with “PD 622” on one side and each containing 75 mg ferrous fumarate. The ferrous fumarate tablets do not serve any therapeutic purpose.
4. Contraindications
Do not prescribe FEMCON Fe to women who are known to have the following conditions:
- A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases. Examples include women who are known to:
▪ Smoke, if over age 35 [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
▪ Have deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, now or in the past [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
▪ Have inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
▪ Have cerebrovascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
▪ Have coronary artery disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
▪ Have thrombogenic valvular or thrombogenic rhythm diseases of the heart (for example, subacute bacterial endocarditis with valvular disease, or atrial fibrillation) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
▪ Have uncontrolled hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
▪ Have diabetes mellitus with vascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
▪ Have headaches with focal neurological symptoms or have migraine headaches with aura [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
▪ Women over age 35 with any migraine headaches [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
- Liver tumors, benign or malignant, or liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
- Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
- Pregnancy, because there is no reason to use COCs during pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
- Breast cancer or other estrogen- or progestin-sensitive cancer, now or in the past [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)]
- Hypersensitivity to any of the components.
● Use of Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to the potential for ALT elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
5. Warnings and Precautions
5.1 Thrombotic Disorders and Other Vascular Problems
- Stop FEMCON Fe if an arterial thrombotic event or venous thromboembolic (VTE) event occurs.
- Stop FEMCON Fe if there is unexplained loss of vision, proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions. Evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately.
- If feasible, stop FEMCON Fe 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 the following prolonged immobilization.
- Start FEMCON Fe 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 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). The 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.
5.2 Liver Disease
Impaired Liver Function
Do not use FEMCON Fe in women with liver disease, such as acute viral hepatitis or severe (decompensated) cirrhosis of liver [see Contraindications (4)]. 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 FEMCON Fe if jaundice develops.
Liver Tumors
FEMCON Fe is contraindicated in women with benign and malignant liver tumors [see Contraindications (4)]. Hepatic adenomas are associated with COC use. An estimate of the attributable risk is 3.3 cases/100,000 COC 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 is less than one case per million users.
5.3 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 FEMCON Fe prior to starting therapy with the combination drug regimen ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir [see Contraindications (4)]. FEMCON Fe can be restarted approximately 2 weeks following completion of treatment with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen.
5.4 High Blood Pressure
FEMCON Fe is contraindicated in women with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease [see Contraindications (4)]. For women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure and stop FEMCON Fe 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 concentrations of progestin.
5.6 Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Effects
Carefully monitor prediabetic and diabetic women who take FEMCON Fe. 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.
5.7 Headache
If a woman taking FEMCON Fe develops new headaches that are recurrent, persistent, or severe, evaluate the cause and discontinue FEMCON Fe if indicated.
Consider discontinuation of FEMCON Fe in the case of increased frequency or severity of migraine during COC use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event).
5.8 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.
Amenorrhea and Oligomenorrhea
Women who use FEMCON Fe may experience amenorrhea. Some women may experience amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea after discontinuation of COCs, especially when such a condition was preexistent.
If scheduled (withdrawal) bleeding does not occur, consider the possibility of pregnancy. If the patient has not adhered to the prescribed dosing schedule (missed one or more active tablets or started taking them on a day later than she should have), consider the possibility of pregnancy at the time of the first missed period and take appropriate diagnostic measures. If the patient has adhered to the prescribed regimen and misses two consecutive periods, rule out pregnancy.
5.9 COC Use Before or During Early Pregnancy
Extensive epidemiologic studies have revealed no increased risk of birth defects in women who have used oral contraceptives prior to pregnancy. Studies also do not suggest a teratogenic effect, particularly in so far as cardiac anomalies and limb reduction defects are concerned, when oral contraceptives are taken inadvertently during early pregnancy. Discontinue FEMCON Fe use if pregnancy is confirmed.
Administration of COCs to induce withdrawal bleeding should not be used as a test for pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
5.11 Carcinoma of the Breast and Cervix
- FEMCON Fe is contraindicated in women who currently have or have had breast cancer because breast cancer may be hormonally sensitive [see Contraindications (4)].
- There is substantial evidence that COCs do not increase the incidence of breast cancer. Although some past studies have suggested that COCs might increase the incidence of breast cancer, more recent studies have not confirmed such findings.
- Some studies suggest that COC use has been associated with an increase in the risk of cervical cancer or intraepithelial neoplasia. However, there continues to be controversy about the extent to which such findings may be due to differences in sexual behavior and other factors.
6. Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
The following serious adverse reactions with the use of COCs are discussed elsewhere in the labeling:
- Serious cardiovascular events and stroke [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Vascular events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
The following adverse reactions are commonly reported by COC users. Because these reactions are voluntarily reported by from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure:
- Irregular uterine bleeding
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Headache
7. Drug Interactions
Consult the labeling of concurrently used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with hormonal contraceptives or the potential for enzyme alterations.
7.1 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 20-25%. Ascorbic acid and acetaminophen may increase plasma EE concentrations, possibly by inhibition of conjugation. 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 estrogen and/or progestin have been noted in some cases of co-administration with 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]).
8. Use In Specific Populations
8.1 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 non-genital birth defects (including cardiac anomalies and limb reduction defects) following exposure to low dose COCs prior to conception or during early pregnancy.
Do not use COCs to induce withdrawal bleeding as a test for pregnancy. Do not use COCs during pregnancy to treat threatened or habitual abortion.
8.3 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.
Patient Information
FEMCON Fe [fĕ’m kon FE]
(norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets and
ferrous fumarate tablets)
What is the most important information I should know about FEMCON Fe?
Do not use FEMCON Fe if you smoke cigarettes and are over 35 years old. Smoking increases your risk of serious cardiovascular side effects (heart and blood vessel problems) from birth control pills, including death from heart attack, blood clots or stroke. This risk increases with age and the number of cigarettes you smoke.
What is FEMCON Fe?
FEMCON Fe is a birth control pill (oral contraceptive) used by women to prevent pregnancy.
How does FEMCON Fe work for contraception?
Your chance of getting pregnant depends on how well you follow the directions for taking your birth control pills. The better you follow the directions, the less chance you have of getting pregnant.
Based on the results of one clinical study of a 28-day regimen of norethindrone 0.4 mg/ethinyl estradiol 35 mcg tablets, about 1 to 2 out of 100 women may get pregnant during the first year they use FEMCON Fe.
The following chart shows the chance of getting pregnant for women who use different methods of birth control. Each box on the chart contains a list of birth control methods that are similar in effectiveness. The most effective methods are at the top of the chart. The box on the bottom of the chart shows the chance of getting pregnant for women who do not use birth control and are trying to get pregnant.
Who should not take FEMCON Fe?
Do not take FEMCON Fe if you:
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smoke and are over 35 years of age
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had blood clots in your arms, legs, lungs, or eyes
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had a problem with your blood that makes it clot more than normal
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have certain heart valve problems or irregular heart beat that increases your risk of having blood clots
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had a stroke
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had a heart attack
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have high blood pressure that cannot be controlled by medicine
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have diabetes with kidney, eye, nerve, or blood vessel damage
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have certain kinds of severe migraine headaches with aura, numbness, weakness or changes in vision, or any migraine headaches if you are over 35 years of age
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have liver problems, including liver tumors
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have any unexplained vaginal bleeding
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are pregnant
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had breast cancer or any cancer that is sensitive to female hormones
- 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
If any of these conditions happen while you are taking FEMCON Fe, stop taking FEMCON Fe right away and talk to your healthcare provider. Use non-hormonal contraception when you stop taking FEMCON Fe.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking FEMCON Fe?
Tell your healthcare provider if you:
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are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
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are depressed now or have been depressed in the past
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had yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice) caused by pregnancy (cholestasis of pregnancy)
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. FEMCON Fe may decrease the amount of breast milk you make. A small amount of the hormones in FEMCON Fe may pass into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best birth control method for you while breastfeeding.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
FEMCON Fe may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how well FEMCON Fe works.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How do I take FEMCON Fe?
Read the Instructions for Use at the end of this Patient Information.
What are the possible serious side effects of FEMCON Fe?
- Like pregnancy, FEMCON Fe may cause serious side effects, including blood clots in your lungs, heart attack, or a stroke that may lead to death. Some other examples of serious blood clots include blood clots in the legs or eyes.
Serious blood clots can happen especially if you smoke, are obese, or are older than 35 years of age. Serious blood clots are more likely to happen when you:
- first start taking birth control pills
- restart the same or different birth control pills after not using them for a month or more
Call your healthcare provider or go to a hospital emergency room right away if you have:
| • leg pain that will not go away | • weakness or numbness in your arm or leg |
| • sudden severe shortness of breath | • trouble speaking |
| • sudden change in vision or blindness | |
| • chest pain | |
| • a sudden, severe headache unlike your usual headaches |
Other serious side effects include:
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liver problems, including:
○ rare liver tumors
○ jaundice (cholestasis), especially if you previously had cholestasis of pregnancy. Call your healthcare provider if you have yellowing of your skin or eyes.
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high blood pressure. You should see your healthcare provider for a yearly check of your blood pressure.
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gallbladder problems
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changes in the sugar and fat (cholesterol and triglycerides) levels in your blood
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new or worsening headaches including migraine headaches
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depression
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possible cancer in your breast and cervix
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swelling of your skin especially around your mouth, eyes, and in your throat (angioedema). Call your healthcare provider if you have a swollen face, lips, mouth tongue or throat, which may lead to difficulty swallowing or breathing. Your chance of having angioedema is higher is you have a history of angioedema.
- dark patches of skin around your forehead, nose, cheeks and around your mouth, especially during pregnancy (chloasma). Women who tend to get chloasma should avoid spending a long time in sunlight, tanning booths, and under sun lamps while taking FEMCON Fe. Use sunscreen if you have to be in the sunlight.
What are the most common side effects of FEMCON Fe?
The most common side effects of FEMCON Fe include:
- headache (including migraine)
- nausea and vomiting
- breast problems
○ tenderness, pain and discomfort
○ enlargement and swelling
○ discharge
○ nipple pain
- belly pain
- pain with your periods (menstrual cycle)
- mood changes, including depression
- acne
- vaginal infections
- bloating
- weight gain
These are not all the possible side effects of FEMCON Fe. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What else should I know about taking FEMCON Fe?
- If you are scheduled for any lab tests, tell your healthcare provider you are taking FEMCON Fe. Certain blood tests may be affected by FEMCON Fe.
- FEMCON Fe does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections.
How should I store FEMCON Fe?
- Store FEMCON Fe at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
- Keep FEMCON Fe and all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store away from light.
General information about the safe and effective use of FEMCON Fe.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use FEMCON Fe for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give FEMCON Fe to other people.
This Patient Information summarizes the most important information about FEMCON Fe. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about FEMCON Fe that is written for health professionals.
For more information, call Allergan at 1-800-678-1605.
Do birth control pills cause cancer?
Birth control pills do not seem to cause breast cancer. However, if you have breast cancer now, or have had it in the past, do not use birth control pills because some breast cancers are sensitive to hormones.
Women who use birth control pills may have a slightly higher chance of getting cervical cancer. However, this may be due to other reasons such as having more sexual partners.
What if I want to become pregnant?
You may stop taking the pill whenever you wish. Consider a visit with your healthcare provider for a pre-pregnancy checkup before you stop taking the pill.
What should I know about my period when taking FEMCON Fe?
Your periods may be lighter and shorter than usual. Some women may miss a period. Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting may happen while you are taking FEMCON Fe, especially during the first few months of use. This usually is not a serious problem. It is important to continue taking your pills on a regular schedule to prevent a pregnancy.
What are the ingredients in FEMCON Fe?
Active ingredients:
White pills: norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol
Brown pills: ferrous fumarate
Inactive ingredients:
White pills: dibasic calcium phosphate, lactose, magnesium stearate, maltodextrin, povidone, sodium starch glycolate, spearmint flavor and sucralose
Brown pills: microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stereate, povidone, sodium starch glycolate, and compressible sugar
Instructions For Use
FEMCON Fe [fĕ’m kon FE]
(norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets and
ferrous fumarate tablets)
Important Information about taking FEMCON Fe
- Take 1 pill every day at the same time. Take the pills in the order directed on your blister pack.
- Both the white pills and the brown pills may be swallowed whole or chewed and swallowed. If the pill is chewed, drink a full glass (8 ounces) of liquid immediately after swallowing.
- Do not skip your pills, even if you do not have sex often. If you miss pills (including starting the pack late) you could get pregnant. The more pills you miss, the more likely you are to get pregnant.
- If you have trouble remembering to take FEMCON Fe, talk to your healthcare provider. When you first start taking FEMCON Fe, spotting or light bleeding in between your periods may occur. Contact your healthcare provider if this does not go away after a few months.
- You may feel sick to your stomach (nauseous), especially during the first few months of taking FEMCON Fe. If you feel sick to your stomach, do not stop taking the pill. The problem will usually go away. If your nausea does not go away, call your healthcare provider.
- Missing pills can also cause spotting or light bleeding, even when you take the missed pills later. On the days you take 2 pills to make up for missed pills (see below), you could also feel a little sick to your stomach.
- It is not uncommon to miss a period. However, if you miss a period and have not taken FEMCON Fe according to directions, or miss 2 periods in a row, or feel like you may be pregnant, call your healthcare provider. If you have a positive pregnancy test, you should stop taking FEMCON Fe.
- If you have vomiting or diarrhea within 3-4 hours of taking your pill, take another pill of the same color from your extra blister pack. If you do not have an extra blister pack, take the next pill in your blister pack. Continue taking all your remaining pills in order. Start the first pill of your next blister pack the day after finishing your current blister pack. This will be 1 day earlier than originally scheduled. Continue on your new schedule.
- If you have vomiting or diarrhea for more than 1 day, your birth control pills may not work as well. Use an additional birth control method, like condoms and a spermicide, until you check with your healthcare provider.
- Stop taking FEMCON Fe at least 4 weeks before you have major surgery and do not restart after the surgery without asking your healthcare provider. Be sure to use other forms of contraception (like condoms and spermicide) during this time period.
Before you start taking FEMCON Fe:
- Decide what time of day you want to take your pill. It is important to take it at the same time every day and in the order as directed on your blister pack.
- Have backup contraception (condoms and spermicide) available and if possible, an extra full pack of pills as needed.
When should I start taking FEMCON Fe?
If you start taking FEMCON Fe and you have not used a hormonal birth control method before:
- There are 2 ways to start taking your birth control pills. You can either start on a Sunday (Sunday Start) or on the first day (Day 1) of your natural menstrual period (Day 1 Start). Your healthcare provider should tell you when to start taking your birth control pill.
- If you use the Sunday Start, use non-hormonal back-up contraception such as condoms and spermicide for the first 7 days that you take FEMCON Fe. You do not need back-up contraception if you use the Day 1 Start.
If you start taking FEMCON Fe and you are switching from another birth control pill:
- Start your new FEMCON Fe pack on the same day that you would start the next pack of your previous birth control method.
- Do not continue taking the pills from your previous birth control pack.
If you start taking FEMCON Fe and previously used a vaginal ring or transdermal patch:
- Start using FEMCON Fe on the day you would have reapplied the next ring or patch.
If you start taking FEMCON Fe and you are switching from a progestin-only method such as an implant or injection:
- Start taking FEMCON Fe on the day of removal of your implant or on the day when you would have had your next injection.
If you start taking FEMCON Fe and you are switching from an intrauterine device or system (IUD or IUS):
- Start taking FEMCON Fe on the day of removal of your IUD or IUS.
- You do not need back-up contraception if your IUD or IUS is removed on the first day (Day 1) of your period. If your IUD or IUS is removed on any other day, use non-hormonal back-up contraception such as condoms and spermicide for the first 7 days that you take FEMCON Fe.
Keep a calendar to track your period:
If this is the first time you are taking birth control pills, read, “When should I start taking FEMCON Fe?” above. Follow these instructions for either a Sunday Start or a Day 1 Start
Sunday Start:
You will use a Sunday Start if your healthcare provider told you to take your first pill on a Sunday.
- Take pill 1 on the Sunday after your period starts.
- If your period starts on a Sunday, take pill “1” that day and refer to Day 1 Start instructions below.
- Take 1 pill every day in the order on the blister pack at the same time each day for 28 days.
- After taking the last pill on Day 28 from the blister pack, start taking the first pill from a new pack, on the same day of the week as the first pack (Sunday). Take the first pill in the new pack whether or not you are having your period.
- Use non-hormonal back-up contraception such as condoms and spermicide for the first 7 days of the first cycle that you take FEMCON FE.
Day 1 Start:
You will use a Day 1 Start if your doctor told you to take your first pill (Day 1) on the first day of your period.
- Take 1 pill every day in the order of the blister pack, at the same time each day, for 28 days.
- After taking the last pill on Day 28 from the blister pack, start taking the first pill from a new pack, on the same day of the week as the first pack. Take the first pill in the new pack whether or not you are having your period.
Instructions for using your pill pack:
Step 1.
Look at your FEMCON Fe pill pack. See Figure A.
The FEMCON Fe pill pack has:
-
21 white (active) pills with hormone for Week 1 through Week 3.
- 7 brown (inactive) pills without hormones for Week 4.
Figure A
Step 2.
Find:
- where on your pack to start taking pills
- in what order to take your pills (follow the arrows)
- the week numbers
Step 3.
Remove the white pill by pressing the pill through the foil in the bottom of the pill pack. See Figure B. Continue taking the white pills for 21 days.
Figure B
Step 4.
On the first day of Week 4 start taking the brown pills. Take the brown pill for 7 days. Your period should start during this time.
Step 5.
When you have taken all of the brown pills in your pill pack, get a new pill pack and start taking the white pills.
● For a Day 1 start:
Begin your next pill pack on the same day of the week as your first cycle pill pack.
● For a Sunday Start:
Begin your next pill pack on Sunday.
What should I do if I miss any FEMCON FE pills?
If you miss 1 pill in Weeks 1, 2, or 3, follow these steps:
- Take it as soon as you remember. Take the next pill at your regular time. This means you may take 2 pills in 1 day.
- Then continue taking 1 pill every day until you finish the pack.
- You do not need to use a back-up birth control method if you have sex.
If you miss 2 pills in Week 1 or Week 2 of your pack, follow these steps:
- Take the 2 missed pills as soon as possible and the next 2 pills the next day.
- Then continue to take 1 pill every day until you finish the pack.
- Use a non-hormonal birth control method (such as a condom and spermicide) as a back-up if you have sex during the first 7 days after missing your pills.
If you miss 2 pills in a row in Week 3, or you miss 3 or more pills in a row during Weeks 1, 2, or 3 of the pack, follow these steps:
-
If you are a Day 1 Starter:
• Throw out the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack that same day.
-
If you are a Sunday Starter:
• Keep taking 1 pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack of pills that same day.
- You may not have your period this month but this is expected. However, if you miss your period 2 months in a row, call your healthcare provider because you might be pregnant.
- You could become pregnant if you have sex during the first 7 days after you restart your pills. You MUST use a non-hormonal birth control method (such as a condom and spermicide) as a back-up if you have sex during the first 7 days after you restart your pills.
If you have any questions or are unsure about the information in this leaflet, call your healthcare provider.
This Patient Information and Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Distributed by:
Allergan USA, Inc.
Irvine, CA 92612
© 2017 Allergan. All rights reserved.
Femcon® Fe is a registered trademark of Allergan Pharmaceuticals International Limited
Revised: 08/2017
| FEMCON FE
norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous fumarate kit |
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| Labeler - Allergan, Inc. (144796497) |
