Estradiol for Primary Ovarian Insufficiency

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Estradiol transdermal system, USP (twice-weekly) is indicated for: Estradiol transdermal system, USP (twice-weekly) is an estrogen indicated for: Treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause ( 1.1 ) Treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause ( 1.2 ) Limitations of Use When prescribing solely for the treatment of moderate to severe vaginal atrophy, first consider the use of topical vaginal products. Treatment of hypoestrogenism due to hypogonadism, castration, or primary ovarian failure ( 1.3 ) Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis ( 1.4 ) Limitations of Use When prescribing solely for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, first consider the use of non-estrogen medications. Consider estrogen therapy only for women at significant risk of osteoporosis. 1.1 Treatment of Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms Due to Menopause 1.2 Treatment of Moderate to Severe Symptoms of Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy Due to Menopause Limitations of Use : When prescribing solely for the treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, first consider the use of topical vaginal products. 1.3 Treatment of Hypoestrogenism Due to Hypogonadism, Castration, or Primary Ovarian Failure 1.4 Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Limitations of Use : When prescribing solely for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, first consider the use of non-estrogen medications. Consider estrogen therapy only for women at significant risk of osteoporosis.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Generally, when estrogen is prescribed for a postmenopausal woman with a uterus, consider addition of a progestogen to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. Generally, a woman without a uterus does not need to use a progestogen in addition to her estrogen therapy. In some cases, however, hysterectomized women who have a history of endometriosis may need a progestogen [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.14 )] . Use estrogen-alone or in combination with a progestogen at the lowest effective dose and the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. Reevaluate postmenopausal women periodically as clinically appropriate to determine whether treatment is still necessary. Start therapy with estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) 0.0375 mg/day applied to the skin twice weekly for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause or moderate to severe symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy symptoms due to menopause. Dosage adjustment should be guided by the clinical response ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 ) Start therapy with estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) 0.025 mg/day for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis ( 2.4 ) Place estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) on a clean, dry area of the lower abdomen or buttocks. Do not apply estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) to the breasts ( 2.5 ) 2.1 Treatment of Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms due to Menopause Start therapy with estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) 0.0375 mg per day applied to the skin twice weekly. Make dosage adjustments based on the clinical response. Initiate estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) at once in a woman not currently taking oral estrogens or in a woman switching from another estradiol transdermal therapy. In women who are currently taking oral estrogens, initiate treatment with estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) 1 week after withdrawal of oral hormone therapy, or sooner if menopausal symptoms reappear in less than 1 week. Attempts to taper or discontinue estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) at 3 to 6 month intervals. Give estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) continuously in a woman who does not have an intact uterus. In a woman with an intact uterus, give estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) on a cyclic schedule [for example, 3 weeks on estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) followed by 1 week off estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly)]. 2.2 Treatment of Moderate to Severe Symptoms of Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy due to Menopause Start therapy with estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) 0.0375 mg per day applied to the skin twice weekly. Dosage adjustment should be guided by the clinical response. Attempts to taper or discontinue estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) at 3 to 6 month intervals. In women not currently taking oral estrogens or in women switching from another estradiol transdermal therapy, treatment with estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) may be initiated at once. In women who are currently taking oral estrogens, initiate treatment with estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) 1 week after withdrawal of oral hormone therapy, or sooner if menopausal symptoms reappear in less than 1 week. Give estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) continuously in a woman who does not have an intact uterus. In a woman with an intact uterus, give estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) on a cyclic schedule [for example, 3 weeks on estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) followed by 1 week off estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly)]. 2.3 Hypoestrogenism Due to Hypogonadism, Castration, or Primary Ovarian Failure 2.4 Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Start therapy with estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) 0.025 mg per day applied to the skin twice weekly. In women not currently taking oral estrogens or in women switching from another estradiol transdermal therapy, treatment with estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) may be initiated at once. In women who are currently taking oral estrogens, initiate treatment with estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) 1 week after withdrawal of oral hormone therapy, or sooner if menopausal symptoms reappear in less than 1 week. Estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) may be given continuously in a woman who does not have an intact uterus. In a woman with an intact uterus, estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) may be given on a cyclic schedule [for example, 3 weeks on estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) followed by 1 week off estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly)]. 2.5 Application Instructions Place the adhesive side of estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) on a clean, dry area of the trunk of the body (including the abdomen or buttocks). Do not apply estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) to the breasts. Replace estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) twice weekly. Rotate the sites of application, with an interval of at least 1 week allowed between applications to a particular site. Select an area that is not oily, damaged, or irritated. Avoid the waistline, since tight clothing may rub the system off. Apply the system immediately after opening the pouch and removing the protective liner. Press the system firmly in place with the palm of the hand for about 10 seconds, making sure there is good contact, especially around the edges. In the event that a system falls off, reapply the same system or apply a new system to another location. In either case, continue the original treatment schedule. If a woman has forgotten to apply estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly), have her apply a new system as soon as possible. Apply the new system on the original treatment schedule. The interruption of treatment in women taking estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) might increase the likelihood of breakthrough bleeding, spotting and recurrence of symptoms.

WARNINGS See BOXED WARNINGS . Systemic absorption may occur with the use of Estradiol Vaginal Cream, 0.01%. The warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions associated with oral estrogen treatment should be taken into account. 1. Cardiovascular Disorders An increased risk of stroke and DVT has been reported with estrogen-alone therapy. An increased risk of PE, DVT, stroke and MI has been reported with estrogen plus progestin therapy. Should any of these occur or be suspected, estrogen with or without progestin therapy should be discontinued immediately. Risk factors for arterial vascular disease (e.g., hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity) and/or venous thromboembolism (VTE) (e.g., personal history or family history of VTE, obesity, and systemic lupus erythematosus) should be managed appropriately. a. Stroke In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy, a statistically significant increased risk of stroke was reported in women 50 to 79 years of age receiving daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone compared to women in the same age group receiving placebo (45 versus 33 per 10,000 women-years). The increase in risk was demonstrated in year one and persisted [see CLINICAL STUDIES ]. Should a stroke occur or be suspected, estrogen-alone therapy should be discontinued immediately. Subgroup analyses of women 50 to 59 years of age suggest no increased risk of stroke for those women receiving CE (0.625 mg)-alone versus those receiving placebo (18 versus 21 per 10,000 women-years) 3 . In the WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy, a statistically significant increased risk of stroke was reported in women 50 to 79 years of age receiving daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) compared to women in the same age group receiving placebo (33 versus 25 per 10,000 women-years) [see CLINICAL STUDIES ]. The increase in risk was demonstrated after the first year and persisted 3 . Should a stroke occur or be suspected, estrogen plus progestin therapy should be discontinued immediately. b. Coronary Heart Disease In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy, no overall effect on coronary heart disease (CHD) events (defined as nonfatal MI, silent MI and CHD death) was reported in women receiving estrogen-alone compared to placebo 4 [see CLINICAL STUDIES ]. Subgroup analyses of women 50 to 59 years of age suggest a statistically non-significant reduction in CHD events (CE [0.625 mg]-alone compared to placebo) in women with less than 10 years since menopause (8 versus 16 per 10,000 women-years) 3 . In the WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy, there was a statistically non-significant increased risk of CHD events reported in women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) compared to women receiving placebo (41 versus 34 per 10,000 women-years) 3 . An increase in relative risk was demonstrated in year 1, and a trend toward decreasing relative risk was reported in years 2 through 5 [see CLINICAL STUDIES ]. In postmenopausal women with documented heart disease (n = 2,763), average age 66.7 years of age, in a controlled clinical trial of secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study; HERS), treatment with daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) demonstrated no cardiovascular benefit. During an average follow-up of 4.1 years, treatment with CE plus MPA did not reduce the overall rate of CHD events in postmenopausal women with established coronary heart disease. There were more CHD events in the CE plus MPA-treated group than in the placebo group in year 1, but not during the subsequent years. Two thousand, three hundred and twenty one (2,321) women from the original HERS trial agreed to participate in an open label extension of HERS, HERS II. Average follow-up in HERS II was an additional 2.7 years, for a total of 6.8 years overall. Rates of CHD events were comparable among women in the CE plus MPA group and the placebo group in HERS, HERS II, and overall. c. Venous Thromboembolism In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy, the risk of VTE (DVT and PE) was increased for women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone compared to women receiving placebo (30 versus 22 per 10,000 women-years), although only the increased risk of DVT reached statistical significance (23 versus 15 per 10,000 women-years). The increase in VTE risk was demonstrated during the first 2 years 5 [see CLINICAL STUDIES ]. Should a VTE occur or be suspected, estrogen-alone therapy should be discontinued immediately. In the WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy, a statistically significant 2-fold greater rate of VTE was reported in women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) compared to women receiving placebo (35 versus 17 per 10,000 women-years). Statistically significant increases in risk for both DVT (26 versus 13 per 10,000 women-years) and PE (18 versus 8 per 10,000 women-years) were also demonstrated. The increase in VTE risk was observed during the first year and persisted 6 [see CLINICAL STUDIES ]. Should a VTE occur or be suspected, estrogen plus progestin therapy should be discontinued immediately. If feasible, estrogens should be discontinued at least 4 to 6 weeks before surgery of the type associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, or during periods of prolonged immobilization. 2. Malignant Neoplasms a. Endometrial Cancer An increased risk of endometrial cancer has been reported with the use of unopposed estrogen therapy in a woman with a uterus. The reported endometrial cancer risk among unopposed estrogen users is about 2- to 12-times greater than in non-users, and appears dependent on duration of treatment and on estrogen dose. Most studies show no significant increased risk associated with use of estrogens for less than one year. The greatest risk appears associated with prolonged use, with increased risks of 15- to 24-fold for five to ten years or more and this risk has been shown to persist for at least 8 to 15 years after estrogen therapy is discontinued. Clinical surveillance of all women using estrogen-alone or estrogen plus progestin therapy is important. Adequate diagnostic measures, including directed or random endometrial sampling when indicated, should be undertaken to rule out malignancy in postmenopausal women with undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal genital bleeding. There is no evidence that the use of natural estrogens results in a different endometrial risk profile than synthetic estrogens of equivalent estrogen dose. Adding a progestin to estrogen therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which may be a precursor to endometrial cancer. b. Breast Cancer The most important randomized clinical trial providing information about breast cancer in estrogen-alone users is the WHI substudy of daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone. In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy, after an average follow-up of 7.1 years, daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone was not associated with an increased risk of invasive breast cancer (relative risk [RR] 0.80) 7 [see CLINICAL STUDIES ]. The most important randomized clinical trial providing information about breast cancer in estrogen plus progestin users is the WHI substudy of daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg). After a mean follow-up of 5.6 years, the estrogen plus progestin substudy reported an increased risk of invasive breast cancer in women who took daily CE plus MPA. In this substudy, prior use of estrogen-alone or estrogen plus progestin therapy was reported by 26 percent of the women. The relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.24, and the absolute risk was 41 versus 33 cases per 10,000 women-years, for CE plus MPA compared with placebo. Among women who reported prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.86, and the absolute risk was 46 versus 25 cases per 10,000 women-years, for CE plus MPA compared with placebo. Among women who reported no prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.09, and th

D. Drug-Laboratory Test Interactions 1. 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 anti-factor Xa and antithrombin III, decreased antithrombin III activity; increased levels of fibrinogen and fibrinogen activity; increased plasminogen antigen and activity. 2. Increased thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) leading to increased circulating total thyroid hormone levels, as measured by protein-bound iodine (PBI), T 4 levels (by column or by radioimmunoassay) or T 3 levels by radioimmunoassay. T 3 resin uptake is decreased, reflecting the elevated TBG. Free T 4 and free T 3 concentrations are unaltered. Women on thyroid replacement therapy may require higher dose of thyroid hormone. 3. Other binding proteins may be elevated in serum, i.e., 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-1-antitrypsin, ceruloplasmin). 4. Increased plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and HDL 2 cholesterol subfraction concentrations, reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration, increased triglycerides levels. 5. Impaired glucose tolerance.

ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in labeling: Cardiovascular Disorders [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Malignant Neoplasms [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] The most common adverse reactions (≥10 %) with estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) are: headache, breast tenderness, nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, sinus headache, upper respiratory tract infection, back pain, depression, and irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. at 1-877-993-8779 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 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. There were no clinical trials conducted with the revised formulation of estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly). The revised formulation of estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) is bioequivalent to the original formulation of estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly). The following adverse reactions have been reported with estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) therapy: Table 1 Summary of Most Frequently Reported Adverse Reactions Regardless of Relationship Reported at a Frequency ≥5 Percent Estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly) Placebo (N=157) N (%) 0.025 mg/day † (N=47) N (%) 0.0375 mg/day † (N=130) N (%) 0.05 mg/day † (N=103) N (%) 0.075 mg/day † (N=46) N (%) 0.1 mg/day † (N=132) N (%) Gastrointestinal disorders Constipation 2 (4.3) 5 (3.8) 4 (3.9) 3 (6.5) 2 (1.5) 4 (2.5) Dyspepsia 4 (8.5) 12 (9.2) 3 (2.9) 2 (4.3) 0 10 (6.4) Nausea 2 (4.3) 8 (6.2) 4 (3.9) 0 7 (5.3) 5 (3.2) General disorders and administration site conditions *** Influenza-like illness 3 (6.4) 6 (4.6) 8 (7.8) 0 3 (2.3) 10 (6.4) Pain NOS* 0 8 (6.2) 0 2 (4.3) 7 (5.3) 7 (4.5) Infections and infestations Influenza 4 (8.5) 4 (3.1) 6 (5.8) 0 10 (7.6) 14 (8.9) Nasopharyngitis 3 (6.4) 16 (12.3) 10 (9.7) 9 (19.6) 11 (8.3) 24 (15.3) Sinusitis NOS* 4 (8.5) 17 (13.1) 13 (12.6) 3 (6.5) 7 (5.3) 16 (10.2) Upper respiratory tract infection NOS* 3 (6.4) 8 (6.2) 11 (10.7) 4 (8.7) 6 (4.5) 9 (5.7) Investigations Weight increased 4 (8.5) 5 (3.8) 2 (1.9) 2 (4.3) 0 3 (1.9) Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders Arthralgia 0 11 (8.5) 4 (3.9) 2 (4.3) 5 (3.8) 9 (5.7) Back pain 4 (8.5) 10 (7.7) 9 (8.7) 4 (8.7) 14 (10.6) 10 (6.4) Neck pain 3 (6.4) 4 (3.1) 4 (3.9) 0 6 (4.5) 2 (1.3) Pain in limb 0 10 (7.7) 7 (6.8) 2 (4.3) 6 (4.5) 9 (5.7) Nervous system disorders Headache NOS* 7 (14.9) 35 (26.9) 32 (31.1) 23 (50.0) 34 (25.8) 37 (23.6) Sinus headache 0 12 (9.2) 5 (4.9) 5 (10.9) 2 (1.5) 8 (5.1) Psychiatric disorders Anxiety NEC** 3 (6.4) 5 (3.8) 0 0 2 (1.5) 4 (2.5) Depression 5 (10.6) 4 (3.1) 7 (6.8) 0 4 (3.0) 6 (3.8) Insomnia 3 (6.4) 6 (4.6) 4 (3.9) 2 (4.3) 2 (1.5) 9 (5.7) Reproductive system and breast disorders Breast tenderness 8 (17.0) 10 (7.7) 8 (7.8) 3 (6.5) 17 (12.9) 0 Dysmenorrhea 0 0 0 3 (6.5) 0 0 Intermenstrual bleeding 3 (6.4) 9 (6.9) 6 (5.8) 0 14 (10.6) 7 (4.5) Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders Sinus congestion 0 4 (3.1) 3 (2.9) 3 (6.5) 6 (4.5) 7 (4.5) Vascular disorders Hot flushes NOS* 3 (6.4) 0 3 (2.9) 0 0 6 (3.8) Hypertension NOS* 2 (4.3) 0 3 (2.9) 0 0 2 (1.3) † Represents milligrams of estradiol delivered daily by each system. * NOS represents not otherwise specified. ** NEC represents not elsewhere classified. *** Application site erythema and application site irritation were observed in a small number of patients (3.2% or less of patients across treatment groups). 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of estradiol transdermal system (twice-weekly). 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. Genitourinary System Vaginal hemorrhage and abnormal withdrawal bleeding or flow, breakthrough bleeding, spotting, uterine leiomyomata, vaginitis, vaginal discharge, ovarian cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, dysmenorrhea. Breast Enlargement, pain, nipple discharge, fibrocystic breast changes, breast cancer. Cardiovascular Deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, thrombophlebitis. Gastrointestinal Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, bloating, cholelithiasis, liver function tests abnormal, diarrhea. Skin Application site reactions include localized bleeding, bruising, burning, discomfort, dryness, eczema, edema, erythema, erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum, inflammation, irritation, pain, papules and vesicles. Other skin reactions include paresthesia, skin discoloration, skin pigmentation, urticaria, swelling, loss of scalp hair, hirsutism, pruritus, and rash. Eyes Intolerance to contact lenses. Central Nervous System Migraine, dizziness, chorea, nervousness, affect liability, irritability. Miscellaneous Decrease in weight, reduced carbohydrate tolerance, edema, arthralgias, leg cramps, changes in libido, purpura, hypersensitivity, anaphylactic reaction, anaphylactoid reaction, angioedema.