1.1 Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

2.1 Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Apply Menostar 14 mcg per day to a clean dry area of the lower abdomen once weekly.

2.2 Application of the Menostar Transdermal System

2.3 Removal of the Menostar Transdermal System

•

Remove Menostar carefully and slowly to avoid irritation of the skin.

•

If any adhesive remains on the skin after removal of Menostar, allow the area to dry for 15 minutes and then gently rub the area with an oil-based cream or lotion to remove the adhesive residue.

•

Used patches still contain some active hormones. Carefully fold each patch in half so that it sticks to itself before throwing it away.

5.1 Cardiovascular Disorders

Increased risks of stroke and DVT are reported with estrogen-alone therapy. Increased risks of PE, DVT, stroke and MI are reported with estrogen plus progestin therapy. Immediately discontinue estrogen with or without progestogen therapy if any of these occur or are suspected.

Manage appropriately any risk factors for arterial vascular disease (for example, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity) and/or venous thromboembolism (VTE) (for example, personal history or family history of VTE, obesity, and systemic lupus erythematosus).

5.2 Malignant Neoplasms

5.3 Probable Dementia

In the WHI Memory Study (WHIMS) estrogen-alone ancillary study, a population of 2,947 hysterectomized women 65 to 79 years of age were randomized to daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone or placebo.

After an average follow-up of 5.2 years, 28 women in the estrogen-alone group and 19 women in the placebo group were diagnosed with probable dementia. The relative risk of probable dementia for CE-alone versus placebo was 1.49 (95 percent CI, 0.83-2.66). The absolute risk of probable dementia for CE-alone versus placebo was 37 versus 25 cases per 10,000 women-years8 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5), and Clinical Studies (14.3)].

In the WHIMS estrogen plus progestin ancillary study, a population of 4,532 postmenopausal women 65 to 79 years of age was randomized to daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) or placebo. After an average follow-up of 4 years, 40 women in the CE plus MPA group and 21 women in the placebo group were diagnosed with probable dementia.The relative risk of probable dementia for CE plus MPA versus placebo was 2.05 (95 percent CI, 1.21-3.48). The absolute risk of probable dementia for CE plus MPA versus placebo was 45 versus 22 cases per 10,000 women-years8 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5), and Clinical Studies (14.3)].

When data from the two populations in the WHIMS estrogen-alone and estrogen plus progestin ancillary studies were pooled as planned in the WHIMS protocol, the reported overall relative risk for probable dementia was 1.76 (95 percent CI, 1.19-2.60). Since both ancillary studies were conducted in women 65 to 79 years of age, it is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women8[see Use in Specific Populations (8.5), and Clinical Studies (14.3)].

5.4 Gallbladder Disease

A 2- to 4-fold increase in the risk of gallbladder disease requiring surgery in postmenopausal women receiving estrogens has been reported.

5.5 Hypercalcemia

Estrogen administration may lead to severe hypercalcemia in women with breast cancer and bone metastases. Discontinue estrogens, including Menostar if hypercalcemia occurs, and take appropriate measures to reduce the serum calcium level.

5.6 Visual Abnormalities

Retinal vascular thrombosis has been reported in women receiving estrogens. Discontinue Menostar pending examination if there is sudden partial or complete loss of vision, or a sudden onset of proptosis, diplopia, or migraine. Permanently discontinue estrogens, including Menostar, if examination reveals papilledema or retinal vascular lesions.

5.7 Addition of a Progestogen When a Woman Has Not Had a Hysterectomy

Studies of the addition of a progestogen for 10 or more days of a cycle of estrogen administration, or daily with estrogen in a continuous regimen, have reported a lowered incidence of endometrial hyperplasia than would be induced by estrogen treatment alone. Endometrial hyperplasia may be a precursor to endometrial cancer.

There are, however, possible risks that may be associated with the use of progestogens with estrogens compared to estrogen-alone regimens. These include an increased risk of breast cancer.

5.8 Elevated Blood Pressure

In a small number of case reports, substantial increases in blood pressure have been attributed to idiosyncratic reactions to estrogens. In a large, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, a generalized effect of estrogens on blood pressure was not seen.

5.9 Exacerbation of Hypertriglyceridemia

In women with pre-existing hypertriglyceridemia, estrogen therapy may be associated with elevations of plasma triglycerides leading to pancreatitis. Discontinue Menostar if pancreatitis occurs.

5.10 Hepatic Impairment and/or Past History of Cholestatic Jaundice

Estrogens may be poorly metabolized in women with hepatic impairment. Exercise caution in any woman with a history of cholestatic jaundice associated with past estrogen use or with pregnancy. In the case of recurrence of cholestatic jaundice, discontinue Menostar.

5.11 Exacerbation of Hypothyroidism

Estrogen administration leads to increased thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) levels. Women with normal thyroid function can compensate for the increased TBG by making more thyroid hormone, thus maintaining free T4 and T3 serum concentrations in the normal range. Women dependent on thyroid hormone replacement therapy who are also receiving estrogens may require increased doses of their thyroid replacement therapy. Monitor thyroid function in these women during treatment with Menostar to maintain their free thyroid hormone levels in an acceptable range.

5.12 Fluid Retention

Estrogens may cause some degree of fluid retention. Monitor any woman with a condition(s) that might predispose her to fluid retention, such as a cardiac or renal impairment. Discontinue estrogen-alone therapy, including Menostar, with evidence of medically concerning fluid retention.

5.13 Hypocalcemia

Estrogen-induced hypocalcemia may occur in women with hypoparathyroidism. Consider whether the benefits of estrogen therapy, including Menostar, outweigh the risks in such women.

5.14 Exacerbation of Endometriosis

A few cases of malignant transformation of residual endometrial implants have been reported in women treated post-hysterectomy with estrogen-alone therapy. Consider the addition of progestogen therapy for women known to have residual endometriosis post-hysterectomy.

5.15 Hereditary Angioedema

Exogenous estrogens may exacerbate symptoms of angioedema in women with hereditary angioedema. Consider whether the benefits of estrogen therapy, including Menostar, outweigh the risks in such women.

5.16 Exacerbation of Other Conditions

5.17 Laboratory Tests

Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels have not been shown to be useful in the management of postmenopausal women using Menostar for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

5.18 Drug-Laboratory Test Interactions

•

Accelerated prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and platelet aggregation time; increased platelet count; increased factors II, VII antigen, VIII antigen, VIII coagulant activity, IX, X, XII, VII-X complex, II-VII-X complex, and beta-thromboglobulin; decreased levels of antifactor Xa and antithrombin III, decreased antithrombin III activity; increased levels of fibrinogen and fibrinogen activity; increased plasminogen antigen and activity.

•

Increased TBG levels leading to increased circulating total thyroid hormone, as measured by protein-bound iodine (PBI), T4 levels (by column or by radioimmunoassay) or T3 levels by radioimmunoassay. T3 resin uptake is decreased, reflecting the elevated TBG. Free T4 and free T3 concentrations are unaltered. Women on thyroid replacement therapy may require higher doses of thyroid hormone.

•

Other binding proteins may be elevated in serum, for example, corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), leading to increased total circulating corticosteroids and sex steroids, respectively. Free hormone concentrations, such as testosterone and estradiol, may be decreased. Other plasma proteins may be increased (angiotensinogen/renin substrate, alpha-l-antitrypsin, ceruloplasmin).

•

Increased plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and HDL2 cholesterol subfraction concentrations, reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration, and increased triglyceride levels.

Impaired glucose tolerance.

6.1 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 practice.

Menostar was investigated in a 2-year double blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study in the United States. A total of 417 postmenopausal women (208 women on Menostar, 209 on placebo) 60 to 80 years old, with an intact uterus were enrolled in the study. At 24 months, 189 women remained in the Menostar group and 186 remained in the placebo group. Adverse events with an incidence of ≥5 percent in the Menostar 14 mcg group and greater than those reported in the placebo group are listed in Table 1.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Climara and Menostar. 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.

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Menostar is not indicated for use in pregnancy. There are no data with the use of Menostar in pregnant women, however, 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 combined hormonal contraceptives (estrogens and progestins) before conception or during early pregnancy.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

Estrogens are present in human milk and can reduce milk production in breast-feeding females. This reduction can occur at any time but is less likely to occur once breast-feeding is well-established. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Menostar and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Menostar or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Menostar is not indicated for use in pediatric patients. Clinical studies have not been conducted in the pediatric population.

8.5 Geriatric Use

A total of 417 postmenopausal women 61 to 79 years old, with an intact uterus, participated in the osteoporosis trial. More than 50 percent of women receiving study drug, were 65 years of age or older. Efficacy in older (≥ 65 years of age) and younger (<65 years of age) postmenopausal women in the osteoporosis treatment trial was comparable both at 12 and 24 months. Safety in older (≥ 65 years of age) and younger (<65 years of age) postmenopausal women in the osteoporosis treatment trial was also comparable throughout the study.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Endogenous estrogens are largely responsible for the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. Although circulating estrogens exist in a dynamic equilibrium of metabolic interconversions, estradiol is the principal intracellular human estrogen and is substantially more potent than its metabolites, estrone and estriol, at the receptor level.

The primary source of estrogen in normally cycling adult women is the ovarian follicle, which secretes 70 to 500 mcg of estradiol daily, depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. After menopause, most endogenous estrogen is produced by conversion of androstenedione, which is secreted by the adrenal cortex, to estrone in the peripheral tissues. Thus, estrone and the sulfate conjugated form, estrone sulfate, are the most abundant circulating estrogens in postmenopausal women.

Estrogens act through binding to nuclear receptors in estrogen-responsive tissues. To date, two estrogen receptors have been identified. These vary in proportion from tissue to tissue.

Circulating estrogens modulate the pituitary secretion of the gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), through a negative feedback mechanism. Estrogens act to reduce the elevated levels of these hormones seen in postmenopausal women.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Generally, a serum estrogen concentration does not predict an individual woman’s therapeutic response to Menostar nor her risk for adverse outcomes. Likewise, exposure comparisons across different estrogen products to infer efficacy or safety for the individual woman may not be valid.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term continuous administration of natural and synthetic estrogens in certain animal species increases the frequency of carcinomas of the breast, uterus, cervix, vagina, testis, and liver.

14.1 Effects on Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women

The efficacy of Menostar in the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis was investigated in a 2-year double blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study in the United States. A total of 417 postmenopausal women, 60 to 80 years of age, with an intact uterus were enrolled in the study. All participants received supplemental calcium and vitamin D.

At the lumbar spine Menostar increased BMD by 2.3 percent after 1 year and 3 percent after 2 years compared with a 0.5 percent increase after 1 and 2 years of treatment with placebo. At the hip Menostar increased BMD by 0.9 percent after one year and 0.84 percent after two years compared with a mean decrease of 0.22 percent after 1 year and 0.71 percent after 2 years of placebo treatment. The changes in BMD from baseline were statistically significantly (p <0.001) greater during treatment with Menostar than during treatment with placebo for both the spine and hip after 1 and 2 years (Table 3).

a)

N = total number of patients.

b)

n = number of patients with data available for each variable.

The BMD data of the study were analyzed according to baseline estradiol levels of the patients. Overall, estimated treatment effects on lumbar spine and total hip BMD after 2 years were approximately twice as large in the subgroup with baseline estradiol levels < 5 pg/mL than in the subgroup with baseline estradiol levels ≥ 5 pg/mL (Table 4).

a)

n = number of patients with data available for each variable.

14.2 Women's Health Initiative Studies

a) Adapted from numerous WHI publications. WHI publications can be viewed at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/whi.

b) Nominal confidence intervals unadjusted for multiple looks and multiple comparisons.

c) Results are based on centrally adjudicated data for an average follow-up of 7.1 years.

d) Not included in “global index”.

e) Results are based on an average follow-up of 6.8 years.

f) All deaths, except from breast or colorectal cancer, definite or probable CHD, PE or cerebrovascular disease.

g) A subset of the events was combined in a "global index", defined as the earliest occurrence of CHD events, invasive breast cancer, stroke, pulmonary embolism, endometrial cancer, colorectal cancer, hip fracture, or death due to other causes.

For those outcomes included in the WHI "global index" that reached statistical significance, the absolute excess risks per 10,000 women-years in the group treated with CE-alone was 12 more strokes, while the absolute risk reduction per 10,000 women-years was 7 fewer hip fractures.9 The absolute excess risk of events included in the "global index" was a non-significant 5 events per 10,000 women-years. There was no difference between the groups in terms of all-cause mortality.

No overall difference for primary CHD events (nonfatal MI, silent MI and CHD death) and invasive breast cancer incidence in women receiving CE-alone compared with placebo was reported in final centrally adjudicated results from the estrogen-alone substudy, after an average follow-up of 7.1 years. See Table 5.

Centrally adjudicated results for stroke events from the estrogen-alone substudy, after an average follow-up of 7.1 years, reported no significant difference in the distribution of stroke subtype and severity, including fatal strokes, in women receiving estrogen-alone compared to placebo. Estrogen-alone increased the risk of ischemic stroke, and this excess risk was present in all subgroups of women examined.10 See Table 5.

Timing of initiation of estrogen-alone therapy relative to the start of menopause may affect the overall risk benefit profile. The WHI estrogen-alone substudy stratified by age showed in women 50 to 59 years of age a non-significant trend toward reduced risk for CHD [hazard ratio (HR) 0.63 (95 percent CI, 0.36-1.09)] and overall mortality [HR 0.71 (95 percent CI, 0.46-1.11)].

14.3 Women's Health Initiative Memory Study

The WHIMS estrogen-alone ancillary study of WHI enrolled 2,947 predominantly healthy hysterectomized postmenopausal women 65 to 79 years of age and older (45 percent were 65 to 69 years of age; 36 percent were 70 to 74 years of age; 19 percent were 75 years of age and older) to evaluate the effects of daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone on the incidence of probable dementia (primary outcome) compared to placebo.

After an average follow-up of 5.2 years, the relative risk of probable dementia for CE-alone versus placebo was 1.49 (95 percent CI, 0.83-2.66). The absolute risk of probable dementia for CE-alone versus placebo was 37 versus 25 cases per 10,000 women-years. Probable dementia as defined in the study included Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD) and mixed types (having features of both AD and VaD). The most common classification of probable dementia in the treatment group and the placebo group was AD. Since the ancillary study was conducted in women 65 to 79 years of age, it is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), and Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].

The WHIMS estrogen plus progestin ancillary study enrolled 4,532 predominantly healthy postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older (47 percent were 65 to 69 years of age; 35 percent were 70 to 74 years of age; and 18 percent were 75 years of age and older) to evaluate the effects of daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) on the incidence of probable dementia (primary outcome) compared to placebo.

After an average follow-up of 4 years, the relative risk of probable dementia for CE plus MPA versus placebo was 2.05 (95 percent CI, 1.21-3.48). The absolute risk of probable dementia for CE plus MPA versus placebo was 45 versus 22 cases per 10,000 women-years. Probable dementia as defined in the study included AD, VaD and mixed types (having features of both AD and VaD). The most common classification of probable dementia in the treatment group and the placebo group was AD. Since the ancillary study was conducted in women 65 to 79 years of age, it is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), and Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].

When data from the two populations were pooled as planned in the WHIMS protocol, the reported overall relative risk for probable dementia was 1.76 (95 percent CI, 1.19-2.60). Differences between groups became apparent in the first year of treatment. It is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), and Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].

16.1 How Supplied

Menostar(estradiol transdermal system), 14 mcg per day — each 3.25 cm2 system contains 1 mg of estradiol USP

Individual Carton of 4 systems NDC 50419-455-04

16.2 Storage and Handling

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Do not store above 86°F (30°C).

Do not store unpouched. Apply immediately upon removal from the protective pouch.

Used transdermal systems still contain active hormone. To discard, fold the sticky side of the transdermal system together, place it in a child-proof container, and place this container in the trash. Used transdermal systems should not be flushed in the toilet.

Click or tap here to enter text.

Instructions for Use

MENOSTAR (Mĕn-ō-stär)

(estradiol transdermal system)

Read this Patient Information before you start using MENOSTAR and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your menopausal symptoms or your treatment.

You will need the following supplies: See Figure A

Figure A

Step 1: Pick the days you will change your MENOSTAR.

•

You will need to change your patch 1 time each week or every 7 days.

Step 2. Remove the MENOSTAR patch from the pouch.

•

Remove the patch from its protective pouch by tearing at the notch (do not use scissors). See Figure B

•

Do not remove your patch from the protective pouch until you are ready to apply it.

Figure B

Step 3. Remove the adhesive liner. See Figure C

•

You will see that MENOSTAR is an oval shaped clear patch that is attached to a thick, hard-plastic adhesive liner and covered by a clear, plastic film. See Figure C

•

To apply your patch you must first remove the protective, clear plastic film that is attached to the clear thicker plastic backing. See Figure D

•

There is a silver foil-sticker attached to the inside of the pouch. Do not remove the silver foil sticker from the pouch. See Figure E

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

Step 4. Placing the patch on your skin.

•

Apply the sticky side of the patch to 1 of the areas of skin shown below. See Figure F and Figure G

•

Do not touch the sticky side of the patch with your fingers.

Figure F

Figure G

Note:

•

Avoid the waistline, since clothing and belts may cause the patch to be rubbed off.

•

Do not apply MENOSTAR to your breasts.

•

Only apply MENOSTAR to skin that is clean, dry, and free of any powder, oil, or lotion.

•

Do not apply the patch to injured, burned, or irritated skin, or areas with skin conditions (such as birth marks, tattoos, or that is very hairy).

Step 5. Press the patch firmly onto your skin.

•

Press the patch firmly in place with your fingers for at least 10 seconds.

•

Rub the edges of the patch to make sure that it will stick to your skin. (See Figure H)

Figure H

Note:

•

Contact with water while you are swimming, using a sauna, bathing, or showering may cause the patch to fall off.

•

If your patch falls off reapply it. If you cannot reapply the patch, apply a new patch to another area (See Figure F and Figure G) and continue to follow your original application schedule.

•

If you stop using your MENOSTAR patch or forget to apply a new patch as scheduled, you may have spotting, or bleeding, or your symptoms may come back.

Step 6: Throwing away your used patch.

•

When it is time to change your patch, remove the old patch before you apply a new patch.

•

To throw away the patch, fold the sticky side of the patch together, place it in a sturdy child-proof container, and place this container in the trash. Used patches should not be flushed in the toilet.

This Patient Information and Instructions for Use have been approved by the U.S Food and Drug

Administration.

Revised: 9/2021

© 2013, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. All rights reserved.

Manufactured for Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Whippany, NJ 07981