5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Problems

Stop NEXTSTELLIS if an arterial or venous thrombotic/thromboembolic event occurs.
Stop NEXTSTELLIS if there is unexplained loss of vision, proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions and evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately.
Discontinue NEXTSTELLIS during prolonged immobilization.
Start NEXTSTELLIS no earlier than four weeks after delivery in females who are not breast feeding. The risk of postpartum thromboembolism decreases after the third postpartum week, whereas the likelihood of ovulation increases after the third postpartum week.

Before starting NEXTSTELLIS, evaluate any past medical history or family history of thrombotic or thromboembolic disorders and consider whether the history suggests an inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathy. NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females with a high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic/thromboembolic diseases [see Contraindications (4)].

Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events

Use of CHCs increases the risk of cardiovascular events and cerebrovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. The risk is greater among females over age 40, smokers, and females with hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, or obesity. The risk increases with age, particularly in females 35 years of age and older, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. In addition to cigarettes, use of other nicotine-containing products – including cigars, smokeless tobacco, hookah tobacco, e-cigarettes, and nicotine replacement therapy – may also increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events from CHC use.

Venous Thromboembolism

Use of CHCs also increases the risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs), such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The rate of VTE in females using COCs has been estimated to be 3 to 9 cases per 10,000 woman-years and should be considered in the context of other female of reproductive potential subpopulations who are not taking CHCs [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Risk factors for VTEs include smoking, obesity, family history of VTE, and prolonged immobilization in addition to other factors that contraindicate use of CHCs [see Contraindications (4)]. The presence of multiple risk factors for VTE may increase the risk synergistically. The risk of VTE is highest during the first year of CHC use and when restarting hormonal contraception after a break of four weeks or longer. The risk of VTE returns to baseline approximately 3 months after CHC use is discontinued.

Postpartum Venous Thromboembolism

The risk of VTE is increased during the first six weeks postpartum compared to the risk in non-pregnant, non-postpartum females. The risk is highest in the first three weeks postpartum, but remains higher than baseline until at least six weeks postpartum. The presence of multiple risk factors for VTE may further increase the risk. Obstetric complications may extend the elevated risk up to 12 weeks postpartum.

Figure 1 shows the risk of developing a VTE for females who are not pregnant and do not use COCs, for females who use COCs, for pregnant females, and for females in the postpartum period. To put the risk of developing a VTE into perspective: if 10,000 females who are not pregnant and do not use oral contraceptives are followed for one year, between 1 and 5 of these females will develop a VTE.

Figure 1 Likelihood of Developing a VTE

Two prospective studies of NEXTSTELLIS have been conducted, one in Europe/Russia (NCT02817828; C301) and one in North America (NCT02817841; C302) (N=3,632), for the prevention of pregnancy in females 16-50 years of age. There was one reported VTE in the Europe/Russia study [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

5.2 Hyperkalemia

NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females with conditions that predispose to hyperkalemia (e.g., renal impairment, hepatic impairment, and adrenal insufficiency). Females receiving daily, long-term treatment for chronic conditions or diseases with medications that may increase serum potassium concentration should have their serum potassium concentration checked during the first treatment cycle. Monitor serum potassium concentration in females at increased risk for hyperkalemia (i.e., those females who take a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor long-term and concomitantly with NEXTSTELLIS). [see Drug interactions (7)]. Monitor females taking NEXTSTELLIS who later develop medical conditions and/or begin medication that put them at an increased risk for hyperkalemia.

NEXTSTELLIS contains drospirenone, a progestin, which has anti-mineralocorticoid activity, including the potential for hyperkalemia in high-risk females, comparable to a 25 mg dose of spironolactone. In two Phase 3 trials of NEXTSTELLIS (N = 3,632) for the prevention of pregnancy in females 16-50 years of age, seven subjects were noted to have hyperkalemia and one subject discontinued due to elevated potassium levels. Most females who developed hyperkalemia in the clinical development studies of NEXTSTELLIS had only mild potassium elevations and/or isolated increases that returned to normal while still on study medication.

5.3 Hypertension

NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease [see Contraindications (4)]. For all females, including those with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure periodically and stop NEXTSTELLIS if blood pressure rises significantly.

An increase in blood pressure has been reported in females using COCs. This increase is more likely in older females with extended duration of use.

5.4 Migraine

NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females who have migraines with aura [see Contraindications (4)]. Discontinue NEXTSTELLIS in females using NEXTSTELLIS who develop new migraines that are recurrent, persistent, or severe. Discontinue NEXTSTELLIS if there is an increased frequency or severity of migraines during CHC use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event).

Migraines with aura increase the risk for stroke. This stroke risk is further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of CHCs.

5.5 Malignant Neoplasms

Breast Cancer

NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females who currently have or have had breast cancer because breast cancer may be hormonally sensitive [see Contraindications (4)].

Epidemiology studies have not found a consistent association between use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and breast cancer risk. Studies do not show an association between ever (current or past) use of COCs and risk of breast cancer. However, some studies report a small increase in the risk of breast cancer among current or recent users (<6 months since last use) and current users with longer duration of COC use [see Postmarketing Experience (6.2)].

Cervical Cancer

A causal relationship between the use of CHCs and the development of cervical cancer and intraepithelial neoplasia has not been clearly established. In observational studies, the use of oral hormonal contraceptives in females for five years or more, compared to females who did not use oral hormonal contraceptives, was associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer and intraepithelial neoplasia. In these studies, the use of oral hormonal contraceptives in females for 10 years or more, compared to females who received oral hormonal contraceptives for 5-9 years, was associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer and intraepithelial neoplasia. Limitations in these epidemiologic studies include potential recall bias, differences in sexual behavior, and other factors such as establishing whether there were data on persistent high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection.

5.6 Liver Disease

Elevated Liver Enzymes

NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females with acute hepatitis or severe (decompensated) cirrhosis [see Contraindications (4)]. Withhold or permanently discontinue NEXTSTELLIS for persistent or significant elevation of liver enzymes. NEXTSTELLIS can cause elevated liver enzymes.

Liver Tumors

NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females with hepatic adenomas and malignant liver tumors [see Contraindications (4)]. CHCs increase the risk of hepatic tumors, particularly hepatic adenomas. Rupture of hepatic adenomas may cause death from abdominal hemorrhage.

5.7 Risk of Liver Enzyme Elevations with Concomitant Hepatitis C Treatment

CHCs, such as NEXTSTELLIS, are contraindicated for use with Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (with or without dasabuvir) [see Contraindications (4)]. Discontinue NEXTSTELLIS prior to starting therapy with the combination drug regimen ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (with or without dasabuvir). NEXTSTELLIS can be restarted approximately 2 weeks following completion of treatment with this hepatitis C combination drug regimen.

During clinical trials with the above-mentioned Hepatitis C combination drug regimen, 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 females using ethinyl estradiol (EE)-containing drugs, such as CHCs. Females using medications containing estrogens other than EE had a rate of ALT elevation similar to those not receiving any estrogens. NEXTSTELLIS contains E4 rather than EE, but as no data are available for co-administration with this Hepatitis C combination drug regimen, caution is warranted.

5.8 Glucose Tolerance and Hypertriglyceridemia

Glucose Tolerance

Carefully monitor females with prediabetes and diabetes who are using NEXSTELLIS. NEXTSTELLIS may decrease glucose tolerance [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

Hypertriglyceridemia

Consider alternative contraception for females with hypertriglyceridemia. Females with hypertriglyceridemia, or a family history thereof, may have an increase in serum triglyceride concentrations when using NEXSTELLIS, which may increase the risk of pancreatitis.

5.9 Gallbladder Disease and Cholestasis

Consider discontinuing NEXTSTELLIS in females with symptomatic gallbladder disease or cholestatic disease. Studies suggest an increased 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. Females with a history of pregnancy-related cholestasis may be at an increased risk for CHC-related cholestasis.

5.10 Effect on Binding Globulins

Increase the dosage of thyroid hormone replacement therapy as needed in females taking NEXTSTELLIS [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. The estrogen component of NEXTSTELLIS may increase the serum concentrations of thyroxine-binding globulin, sex hormone-binding globulin, and cortisol-binding globulin.

5.11 Bleeding Irregularities and Amenorrhea

Unscheduled Bleeding and Spotting

Females using NEXTSTELLIS may experience unscheduled (breakthrough or intracyclic) bleeding and spotting, especially during the first 4 months of use. Bleeding irregularities may resolve over time or by changing to a different contraceptive product. If bleeding persists or occurs after previously regular cycles, evaluate for causes such as pregnancy or malignancy.

Unscheduled bleeding was defined as bleeding or spotting that occurred on Day 4 through Day 24 of a 28-day cycle. Based on subject diaries from C302 (US/CA), the proportion of subjects reporting unscheduled bleeding or spotting per 28-day cycle decreased over time: 30.3% at Cycle 1 versus 17.4% at Cycle 12. The mean number of unscheduled bleeding/spotting days per cycle also gradually decreased over time, with a mean of 0.4 (± 1.42) bleeding days at Cycle 1, versus a mean of 0.2 (± 0.98) bleeding days at Cycle 12.

Absence of Scheduled Bleeding

Females who use NEXTSTELLIS may experience absence of scheduled (withdrawal) bleeding, even if they are not pregnant [See Adverse Reactions (6)]. The proportion of subjects reporting absence of scheduled bleeding remained constant overall, with on average 15.5% of subjects reporting absence of scheduled bleeding from Cycles 1 through 12.

If scheduled bleeding does not occur, consider the possibility of pregnancy. If the patient has not adhered to the prescribed dosing schedule (missed one or two active tablets or started taking them on a day later than prescribed), consider the possibility of pregnancy at the time of the first missed period and perform appropriate diagnostic measures.

After discontinuation of NEXTSTELLIS, amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea may occur, especially if these conditions were pre-existent.

5.12 Depression

Monitor females with a history of depression and discontinue NEXTSTELLIS if depression recurs to a serious degree. Data on the association of COCs with onset of depression or exacerbation of existing depression are limited.

5.13 Hereditary Angioedema

Avoid NEXTSTELLIS in females with hereditary angioedema. Exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of hereditary angioedema.

5.14 Chloasma

Avoid NEXTSTELLIS in females with a history of chloasma gravidarum or increased sensitivity to sun and/or ultraviolet radiation exposure. Chloasma may occur with NEXTSTELLIS use, especially in females with a history of chloasma gravidarum.