2.1 How to Use Xulane

The Xulane transdermal system uses a 28-day (4-week) cycle. A new patch is applied each week for 3 weeks (21 total days). Week 4 is patch-free. Withdrawal bleeding is expected during this time.

Every new patch should be applied on the same day of the week. This day is known as the “Patch Change Day.” For example, if the first patch is applied on a Monday, all subsequent patches should be applied on a Monday. Only one patch should be worn at a time.

Do not cut, damage or alter the Xulane patch in any way. If the Xulane patch is cut, damaged or altered in size, contraceptive efficacy may be impaired.

On the day after Week 4 ends, a new 4-week cycle is started by applying a new patch. Under no circumstances should there be more than a 7-day patch-free interval between dosing cycles.

2.2 How to Start Using Xulane

There are multiple options for starting the Xulane patch, and the woman should choose the option that is most appropriate (see Table 1):

2.3 How to Apply Xulane

CHOOSING A PLACE ON THE BODY TO PUT THE PATCH

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The patch may be placed on the upper outer arm, abdomen, buttock or back in a place where it won’t be rubbed by tight clothing. For example, it should not be placed under the waistband of clothing.

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The patch should not be placed on the breasts, on cut or irritated skin, or on the same location as the previous patch.

Before applying the patch:

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The woman should make sure the skin is clean and dry.

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She should not use lotions, creams, oils, powders, or make-up at the patch site. It may cause the patch to fail to stick properly or to become loose.

HOW TO APPLY THE PATCH

	• The woman should tear open the pouch at the top edge and one side edge. She should peel open the foil pouch. She should gently remove the contents of the foil pouch and discard the additional pieces of film above and below the patch.
	• The woman should peel away half of the clear plastic. She should avoid touching the sticky surface with her fingers.
	• The woman should apply the sticky side of the patch on the skin she has cleaned and dried. She should then remove the other half of the clear plastic and attach the entire patch to her skin.
	• The woman should press firmly on the patch with the palm of her hand for 10 seconds, making sure that the whole patch adheres to her skin. • She should run her fingers over the entire surface area to smooth out any “wrinkles” around the outer edges of the patch.

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The woman should check her patch every day to make sure all edges are sticking correctly.

WHEN TO CHANGE THE XULANE PATCH

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The patch works for 7 days (1 week). The woman should apply a new patch on the same day each week (her Patch Change Day) for 3 weeks in a row. She must make sure she has removed her old patch prior to applying the new patch.

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During Week 4, she DOES NOT wear a patch. She must make sure she removes her old patch. (Her period should begin during this week.)

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Following Week 4, she repeats the cycle of three weekly applications followed by a patch-free week.

WHAT IF THE PATCH BECOMES LOOSE OR FALLS OFF?

The patch must stick securely to the skin to work properly. If the Xulane patch becomes partially or completely detached and remains detached, insufficient drug delivery occurs. The woman should not try to reapply a patch if it is no longer sticky, if it has become stuck to itself or another surface, or if it has other material stuck to it.

If a patch edge lifts up:

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The woman should press down firmly on the patch with the palm of her hand for 10 seconds, making sure that the whole patch adheres to her skin. She should run her fingers over the entire surface area to smooth out any “wrinkles” around the edges of the patch.

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If her patch does not stick completely, she should remove it and apply a replacement patch.

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She should not tape or wrap the patch to her skin or reapply a patch that is partially adhered to clothing.

If the patch has been off or partially off:

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For less than 1 Day, she should try to reapply it. If the patch does not adhere completely, she should apply a new patch immediately. (No backup contraception is needed and her Patch Change Day will stay the same).

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For more than 1 Day or if she is not sure for how long, she may not be protected from pregnancy. To reduce this risk, she should apply a new patch and start a new 4-week cycle. She will now have a new Patch Change Day and MUST USE NON-HORMONAL BACKUP CONTRACEPTION (such as a condom and spermicide or diaphragm and spermicide) for the first week of her new cycle.

IF THE WOMAN FORGETS TO CHANGE HER PATCH

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at the start of any patch cycle (Week 1/Day 1): SHE MAY NOT BE PROTECTED FROM PREGNANCY. She should apply the first patch of her new cycle as soon as she remembers. There is now a new “Patch Change Day” and a new “Day 1.” The woman must use back-up contraception, such as a condom and spermicide or diaphragm and spermicide, for the first week of the new cycle.

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in the middle of the patch cycle (Week 2/Day 8 or Week 3/Day 15),

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for 1 or 2 days (up to 48 hours), she should apply a new patch immediately. The next patch should be applied on the usual “Patch Change Day.” No back-up contraception is needed.

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for more than 2 days (48 hours or more), SHE MAY NOT BE PROTECTED FROM PREGNANCY. She should stop the current contraceptive cycle and start a new 4-week cycle immediately by putting on a new patch. There is now a new “Patch Change Day” and a new “Day 1.” The woman must use back-up contraception for 1 week.

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at the end of the patch cycle (Week 4/Day 22),

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If the woman forgets to remove her patch, she should take it off as soon as she remembers. The next cycle should be started on the usual “Patch Change Day,” which is the day after Day 28. No back-up contraception is needed.

Under no circumstances should there be more than a 7-day patch-free interval between cycles. If there are more than 7 patch-free days, THE WOMAN MAY NOT BE PROTECTED FROM PREGNANCY and back-up contraception, such as a condom and spermicide or diaphragm and spermicide, must be used for 7 days. As with combined oral contraceptives, the risk of ovulation increases with each day beyond the recommended drug-free period. If she has had intercourse during such an extended patch-free interval, consider the possibility of pregnancy.

5.1 Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Conditions

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Stop Xulane if an arterial or venous thromboembolic event (VTE) occurs.

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Stop Xulane if there is unexplained loss of vision, proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions. Evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately.

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If feasible, stop Xulane at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery or other surgeries known to have an elevated risk of VTE. Discontinue use of Xulane during prolonged immobilization and resume treatment based on clinical judgment.

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Start Xulane 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.

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Before starting Xulane, evaluate any past medical history or family history of thrombotic or thromboembolic disorders and consider whether the history suggests an inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathy. [see Contraindications (4)].

Arterial Events

The use of CHCs increases the risk of cardiovascular events and cerebrovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. The risk is greater among older women (> 35 years of age), smokers, and women with hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, or obesity. Xulane is contraindicated in women over 35 years of age who smoke [see Contraindications (4)]. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from CHC use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked.

Venous Events

The use of CHCs increases the risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs), such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Risk factors for VTEs include smoking, obesity, and family history of VTE, in addition to other factors that contraindicate use of CHCs. The risk of VTE may be greater with Xulane in women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 compared to women with a lower BMI [see Contraindications (4)].

While the increased risk of VTE associated with use of CHCs is well-established, the rates of VTE are even greater during pregnancy, and especially during the postpartum period (see Figure 1). The frequency of VTE in women using CHCs has been estimated to be 3 to 12 cases per 10,000 woman-years.

The risk of VTE is highest during the first year of use of CHCs and when restarting hormonal contraception after a break of 4 weeks or longer. This initial higher risk declines during the first year, but users of CHCs remain at an increased risk of VTE compared to non-users of CHCs. Based on results from a few studies, there is some evidence that this is true for non-oral products as well. The risk of thromboembolic disease due to CHCs gradually disappears after CHC use is discontinued.

Figure 1 shows the risk of developing a VTE for women who are not pregnant and do not use CHCs, for women who use CHCs with a range of doses and routes of administration, for pregnant women, and for women in the postpartum period. To put the risk of developing a VTE into perspective: If 10,000 women who are not pregnant and do not use CHCs are followed for one year, between 1 and 5 of these women will develop a VTE.

5.2 Ethinyl Estradiol Exposure

Higher estrogen exposure may increase the risk of adverse reactions, including venous thromboembolism (VTE). The Area Under the Curve (AUC) for ethinyl estradiol (EE) is approximately 60% higher in women using XULANE compared to oral contraceptives containing EE 35 mcg. In contrast, the peak concentration (Cmax) for EE is approximately 25% lower in women using norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

5.3 Liver Disease

5.4 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 CHCs. Discontinue Xulane prior to starting therapy with the combination drug regimen ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir [see Contraindications (4)]. Xulane can be restarted approximately 2 weeks following completion of treatment with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen.

5.5 High Blood Pressure

Xulane 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 Xulane if blood pressure rises significantly.

An increase in blood pressure has been reported in women taking hormonal contraceptives, 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 Gallbladder Disease

Studies suggest a small increased relative risk of developing gallbladder disease among CHC users. Use of CHCs may also worsen existing gallbladder disease. A past history of CHC-related cholestasis predicts an increased risk with subsequent CHC use. Women with a history of pregnancy-related cholestasis may be at an increased risk for CHC-related cholestasis.

5.7 Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Effects

Carefully monitor prediabetic and diabetic women who take Xulane. CHCs may decrease glucose tolerance in a dose-related fashion. In a 6-cycle clinical trial with norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system there were no clinically significant changes in fasting blood glucose from baseline to end of treatment.

Consider alternative contraception for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia. A small proportion of women will have adverse lipid changes while on hormonal contraceptives.

Women with hypertriglyceridemia, or a family history thereof, may be at an increased risk of pancreatitis when using hormonal contraceptives.

5.8 Headache

If a woman taking Xulane develops new headaches that are recurrent, persistent or severe, evaluate the cause and discontinue Xulane if indicated.

Consider discontinuation of Xulane in the case of increased frequency or severity of migraine during hormonal contraceptive use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event).

5.9 Bleeding Irregularities

5.10 Hormonal Contraceptive Use Before or During Early Pregnancy

Extensive epidemiological 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 Xulane use if pregnancy is confirmed.

Administration of CHCs should not be used as a test for pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

5.11 Depression

Carefully observe women with a history of depression and discontinue Xulane if depression recurs to a serious degree.

5.12 Malignant Neoplasms

5.13 Effect on Binding Globulins

The estrogen component of CHCs may raise the serum concentrations of thyroxine-binding globulin, sex hormone-binding globulin and cortisol-binding globulin. The dose of replacement thyroid hormone or cortisol therapy may need to be increased.

5.14 Monitoring

A woman who is taking hormonal contraceptive should have routine visits with her healthcare provider for a blood pressure check and for other indicated healthcare.

5.15 Hereditary Angioedema

In women with hereditary angioedema, exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema.

5.16 Chloasma

Chloasma may occasionally occur, especially in women with a history of chloasma gravidarum. Women with a tendency to chloasma should avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation while using Xulane.

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 clinical practice.

The data described below reflect exposure to norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system in 3330 sexually active women (3322 of whom had safety data) who participated in three Phase 3 clinical trials designed to evaluate contraceptive efficacy and safety. These subjects received six or 13 cycles of contraception (norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system or an oral contraceptive comparator in 2 of the trials). The women ranged in age from 18 to 45 years and were predominantly white (91%).

The most common adverse reactions (≥ 5%) reported during clinical trials were breast symptoms, nausea/vomiting, headache, application site disorder, abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, vaginal bleeding and menstrual disorders, and mood, affect and anxiety disorders. The most common events leading to discontinuation were application site reaction, breast symptoms (including breast discomfort, engorgement and pain), nausea and/or vomiting, headache and emotional lability.

Adverse drug reactions reported by ≥ 2.5% of norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system-treated subjects in these trials are shown in Table 3.

Additional adverse drug reactions that occurred in < 2.5% of norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system-treated subjects in the above clinical trials datasets are:

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Gastrointestinal disorders: Abdominal distension

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General disorders and administration site conditions: Fluid retention1, malaise

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Hepatobiliary disorders: Cholecystitis

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Investigations: Blood pressure increased, lipid disorders1

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Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Muscle spasms

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Psychiatric disorders: Insomnia, libido decreased, libido increased

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Reproductive system and breast disorders: Galactorrhea, genital discharge, premenstrual syndrome, uterine spasm, vaginal discharge, vulvovaginal dryness

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Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Pulmonary embolism

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Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Chloasma, dermatitis contact, erythema, skin irritation

1Represents a bundle of similar terms

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Five studies that compared breast cancer risk between ever-users (current or past use) of COCs and never-users of COCs reported no associated 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.

RR = relative risk; OR = odds ration; HR = hazard ration. “ever COC” are females with current or past COC use; “never COC use” are fmales that never used COCs.

The following adverse reactions (Table 4) have been identified during postapproval use of norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system. 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.

7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on Combined Hormonal Contraceptives

7.2 Effects of Combined Hormonal Contraceptives on Other Drugs

CHCs containing EE may inhibit the metabolism of other compounds (e.g., cyclosporine, prednisolone, theophylline, tizanidine, and voriconazole) and increase their plasma concentrations. CHCs have been shown to decrease plasma concentrations of acetaminophen, clofibric acid, morphine, salicylic acid, and temazepam. Significant decrease in plasma concentration of lamotrigine has been shown, likely due to induction of lamotrigine glucuronidation. This may reduce seizure control; therefore, dosage adjustments of lamotrigine may be necessary.

Women on thyroid hormone replacement therapy may need increased doses of thyroid hormone because serum concentration of thyroid-binding globulin increases with use of CHCs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)].

7.3 Concomitant Use with HCV Combination Therapy – Liver Enzyme Elevation

Do not co-administer Xulane with HCV drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to potential for ALT elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

7.4 Interference with Laboratory Tests

The use of contraceptive steroids may influence the results of certain laboratory tests, such as coagulation factors, lipids, glucose tolerance, and binding proteins.

8.1 Pregnancy

There is little or no increased risk of birth defects in women who inadvertently use hormonal contraceptives 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 hormonal contraceptives prior to conception or during early pregnancy.

The administration of hormonal contraceptives to induce withdrawal bleeding should not be used as a test for pregnancy. Hormonal contraceptives should not be used during pregnancy to treat threatened or habitual abortion.

8.3 Nursing Mothers

The effects of Xulane in nursing mothers have not been evaluated and are unknown. When possible, advise the nursing mother to use other forms of contraception until she has completely weaned her child. Estrogen-containing CHCs 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 contraceptive steroids and/or metabolites are present in breast milk.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy of norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system have been established in women of reproductive age. Efficacy is expected to be the same for post-pubertal adolescents under the age of 18 and for users 18 years and older. Use of this product before menarche is not indicated.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Xulane has not been studied in postmenopausal women and is not indicated in this population.

8.6 Hepatic Impairment

No studies with Xulane have been conducted in women with hepatic impairment. However, steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function. Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may necessitate the discontinuation of combined hormonal contraceptive use until markers of liver function return to normal and combined hormonal contraceptive causation has been excluded. [See Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.3).]

8.7 Renal Impairment

No studies with Xulane have been conducted in women with renal impairment.

8.8 BMI and Weight Considerations

Xulane is contraindicated in women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 because of the potential increased risk of VTE [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Xulane may be less effective in preventing pregnancy in women who weigh 198 lbs. or more [see Clinical Studies (14)].

12.1 Mechanism of Action

NGMN is the active progestin largely responsible for the progestational activity that occurs in women following application of norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system. NGMN is also the primary active metabolite produced following oral administration of NGM, the progestin component of some oral contraceptive products.

Combination hormonal contraceptives act by suppression of gonadotropins. Although the primary mechanism of this action is inhibition of ovulation, other alterations include changes in the cervical mucus (which increase the difficulty of sperm entry into the uterus) and the endometrium (which reduce the likelihood of implantation).

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

One clinical trial assessed the return of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis function post-therapy and found that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol mean values, though suppressed during therapy, returned to near baseline values during the 6 weeks post-therapy.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

See Warnings and Precautions (5.3, 5.12) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1).

Norelgestromin was tested in in vitro mutagenicity assays (bacterial plate incorporation mutation assay, CHO/HGPRT mutation assay, chromosomal aberration assay using cultured human peripheral lymphocytes) and in one in vivo test (rat micronucleus assay) and found to have no genotoxic potential.

16.1 How Supplied

Xulane® (norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system) is available in one strength of 150 mcg/day NGMN and 35 mcg/day EE.

Xulane® is a 14 cm² peach, transdermal system printed with “Xulane® (norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol) 150/35 mcg per day” in brown ink. Each system contains 4.86 mg norelgestromin, USP and 0.53 mg ethinyl estradiol, USP.

Each transdermal system is packaged in a protective pouch.

Xulane® (norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system) is available in folding cartons of one cycle each (NDC 0378-3340-53); each cycle contains 3 systems.

16.2 Special Precautions for Storage and Disposal

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]

Store patches in their protective pouches. Apply immediately upon removal from the protective pouch.

Do not store in the refrigerator or freezer.

Used patches still contain some active hormones. The sticky sides of the patch should be folded together and the folded patch placed in a sturdy container, preferably with a child-resistant cap, and the container thrown in the trash. Used patches should not be flushed down the toilet.

17.1 General

Counsel patients about the following information:

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Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combined hormonal contraceptive use, and that women who are over 35 years old and smoke should not use combined hormonal contraceptives.

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The use of CHCs increases the risk of VTE. However, pregnancy increases the risk of VTE as much or more than the use of CHCs. The risk of VTE in women using CHCs is 3 to 12 cases per 10,000 woman-years. The risk of VTE is highest during the first year of use of CHCs and when restarting hormonal contraception after a break of 4 weeks or longer. The risk of thromboembolic disease due to CHCs gradually disappears after use is discontinued.

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Xulane does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections.

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The Warnings and Precautions associated with combined hormonal contraceptives.

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Xulane is not to be used during pregnancy; if pregnancy occurs during use of Xulane, instruct the patient to stop further use.

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Apply a single patch the same day every week (Weeks 1 through 3). Instruct patients what to do in the event a patch is missed. See “WHAT IF I FORGET TO CHANGE MY PATCH?” section in FDA-Approved Patient Labeling.

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Use a back-up or alternative method of contraception when enzyme inducers are used with Xulane.

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Combined hormonal contraceptives may reduce breast milk production; this is less likely to occur if breastfeeding is well established.

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Women who start combined hormonal contraceptives postpartum, and who have not yet had a period, should use an additional method of contraception until they have used a patch for 7 consecutive days.

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Amenorrhea may occur. Consider pregnancy in the event of amenorrhea. Rule out pregnancy in the event of amenorrhea in two or more consecutive cycles, amenorrhea in one cycle if the woman has not adhered to the dosing schedule, or if associated with symptoms of pregnancy, such as morning sickness or unusual breast tenderness.

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If the Xulane patch becomes partially or completely detached and remains detached, insufficient drug delivery occurs.

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A patch should not be re-applied if it is no longer sticky, becomes stuck to itself or another surface, has other material stuck to it, or has become loose or fallen off before. If a patch cannot be re-applied, a new patch should be applied immediately. Supplemental adhesives or wraps should not be used.

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A woman may not be protected from pregnancy if a patch is partially or completely detached for ≥ 24 hours (or if the woman is not sure how long the patch has been detached). She should start a new cycle immediately by applying a new patch. Back-up contraception, such as a condom and spermicide or diaphragm and spermicide, must be used for the first week of the new cycle.

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