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Angeliq

drospirenone and estradiol · Tablet, Film Coated

Prescription NDA TE AB RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Angeliq
Generic name
drospirenone and estradiol
Dosage form
Tablet, Film Coated
Route
Oral
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
4
NDC product codes
2
Packages
4
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Drospirenone .25 mg/1 1483549 —
Drospirenone .5 mg/1 1483549 —
Estradiol .5 mg/1 197657 View
Estradiol 1 mg/1 197657 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Tablet, Film Coated
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
6

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Estradiol Congeners [CS] CS All 30 members
Estrogen Receptor Agonists [MoA] MoA All 45 members
Estrogen [EPC] EPC All 45 members
Progesterone Congeners [CS] CS All 40 members
Progestin [EPC] EPC All 40 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
021355
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
September 28, 2005
Sponsor
BAYER HLTHCARE
Products on application
2
Submissions recorded
9
Products approved under application 021355.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
021355-001 ANGELIQ TABLET DROSPIRENONE; ESTRADIOL Prescription — RLD
021355-002 ANGELIQ TABLET DROSPIRENONE; ESTRADIOL Prescription AB RLD RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Patents and exclusivity

Source: Orange Book
Patent listings submitted under 21 U.S.C. 355(b)(1) and (c)(2).
Patent Expires Product Substance Use code Submitted
8906890 October 22, 2031 001 No January 8, 2015

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 021355.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 12 Labeling Approved February 15, 2024 Standard
Supplement 10 Labeling Approved October 2, 2023 Standard
Supplement 9 Labeling Approved October 2, 2023 Standard
Supplement 8 Labeling Approved November 1, 2017 Standard
Supplement 6 Labeling Approved June 30, 2015 Standard
Supplement 5 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved January 26, 2015 Standard
Supplement 3 Efficacy Approved February 29, 2012 Standard
Supplement 2 Labeling Approved February 29, 2012 Standard
Original application 1 Type 4 - New Combination Approved September 28, 2005 Standard

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · February 16, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · February 16, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · October 3, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · October 3, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · October 3, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · October 3, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · July 11, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · November 2, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · July 9, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · July 1, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · March 2, 2012
  • 0 · Supplement · March 2, 2012
  • 0 · Supplement · March 1, 2012
  • 0 · Supplement · March 1, 2012
  • 0 · Original application · September 11, 2007
  • 0 · Original application · October 20, 2005
  • 0 · Original application · September 30, 2005

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260302). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260302

Boxed Warning

openFDA Drug Labeling

WARNING: CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS, PROBABLE DEMENTIA, BREAST CANCER, and ENDOMETRIAL CANCER Estrogen Plus Progestin Therapy Cardiovascular Disorders and Probable Dementia The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) estrogen plus progestin substudy reported increased risks of pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI) in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age) during 5.6 years of treatment with daily oral conjugated estrogens (CE) [0.625 mg] combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) [2.5 mg], relative to placebo [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , and Clinical Studies (14.5) ]. The WHI Memory Study (WHIMS) estrogen plus progestin ancillary study of WHI reported an increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older during 4 years of treatment with daily CE (0.625 mg) combined with MPA (2.5 mg), relative to placebo. It is unknown whether this finding applies to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) , Use in Specific Populations (8.5) , and Clinical Studies (14.5) ]. Do not use estrogen plus progestogen therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.4) , Clinical Studies (14.4 , 14.5) ]. Breast Cancer The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy demonstrated an increased risk of invasive breast cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , and Clinical Studies (14.4) ] . Only daily oral 0.625 mg CE and 2.5 mg MPA were studied in the estrogen plus progestin substudy of WHI. Therefore, the relevance of the WHI findings regarding adverse cardiovascular events, dementia and breast cancer to lower CE plus other MPA doses, other routes of administration, or other estrogen plus progestin products is not known. Without such data, it is not possible to definitively exclude these risks or determine the extent of these risks for other products. Discuss with your patient the benefits and risks of estrogen plus progestin therapy, taking into account her individual risk profile. Prescribe estrogens with or without progestogens at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. Estrogen-Alone Therapy Endometrial Cancer There is an increased risk of endometrial cancer in a woman with a uterus who uses unopposed estrogens. Adding a progestogen to estrogen therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which may be a precursor to endometrial cancer. Perform adequate diagnostic measures, including directed or random endometrial sampling when indicated, to rule out malignancy in postmenopausal women with undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal genital bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Cardiovascular Disorders and Probable Dementia The WHI estrogen-alone substudy reported increased risks of stroke and DVT in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age) during 7.1 years of treatment with daily oral CE (0.625 mg)-alone, relative to placebo [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , and Clinical Studies (14.5) ]. The WHIMS estrogen-alone ancillary study of WHI reported an increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older during 5.2 years of treatment with daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone, relative to placebo. It is unknown whether this finding applies to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) , Use in Specific Populations (8.5) , and Clinical Studies (14.5) ] . Do not use estrogen-alone therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.4) and Clinical Studies (14.4 , 14.5) ]. Only daily oral 0.625 mg CE was studied in the estrogen-alone substudy of the WHI. Therefore, the relevance of the WHI findings regarding adverse cardiovascular events and dementia to lower CE doses, other routes of administration, or other estrogen-alone products is not known …

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

Boxed Warning 10/2023 Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) 12/2023

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE 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. Re-evaluate postmenopausal women periodically as clinically appropriate to determine whether treatment is still necessary. Angeliq is a combination of an estrogen and progestin indicated in a woman with a uterus for the treatment of: Moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause. ( 1.1 ) Moderate to severe vulvar and vaginal atrophy symptoms due to menopause. ( 1.2 ) Limitation 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. 1.1 Treatment of Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms due to Menopause Angeliq 0.25 mg drospirenone (DRSP)/0.5 mg estradiol (E2) is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause in a woman with a uterus. Angeliq 0.5 mg DRSP/1 mg E2 is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated due to menopause in a woman with a uterus. 1.2 Treatment of Moderate to Severe Symptoms of Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy due to Menopause Angeliq 0.5 mg DRSP/1 mg E2 is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause in a woman with a uterus.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Each pack of Angeliq covers 28 days of treatment. Treatment is continuous, which means that the next pack follows immediately without a break. The tablets are to be swallowed whole with some liquid irrespective of food intake and should preferably be taken at the same time every day. In case a tablet is forgotten, it should be taken as soon as possible. If more than 24 hours have elapsed, the missed tablet should not be taken. If several tablets are forgotten, bleeding may occur. Women who do not take estrogens or women who change from a continuous combination product may start treatment at any time. Women changing from a continuous sequential or cyclic hormone therapy (HT) should complete the current cycle of therapy before initiating Angeliq therapy. Start therapy with Angeliq 0.25 mg drospirenone (DRSP)/0.5 mg estradiol (E2) once daily for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause. Dosage adjustment should be guided by the clinical response ( 2.1 ) Start therapy with Angeliq 0.5 mg DRSP/1 mg E2 once daily for the treatment of moderate to severe vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Treatment of Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms due to Menopause One Angeliq 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2 tablet or one Angeliq 0.5 mg DRSP/1 mg E2 tablet taken by mouth once daily. 2.2 Treatment of Moderate to Severe Symptoms of Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy due to Menopause One Angeliq 0.5 mg DRSP/1 mg E2 tablet taken by mouth once daily. Limitation 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.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Angeliq 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2 Tablets: round, biconvex, yellow, film-coated, embossed with a "EL" inside a hexagon Angeliq 0.5 mg DRSP/1 mg E2 Tablets : round, biconvex, pink, film-coated, embossed with a "CK" inside a hexagon Tablet: 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2 and 0.5 mg DRSP/1 mg E2 ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Angeliq is contraindicated in women with any of the following conditions: Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Breast cancer or a history of breast cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Estrogen-dependent neoplasia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Active DVT, PE or history of these conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke and MI) or history of these conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Renal Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Hepatic impairment or disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) , Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Adrenal insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, or other known thrombophilic disorders Known anaphylactic reaction, angioedema, or hypersensitivity to Angeliq or any of its ingredients [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding ( 4 , 5.3 ) Breast cancer or a history of breast cancer ( 4 , 5.3 ) Estrogen-dependent neoplasia ( 4 , 5.3 ) Active DVT, PE, or a history of these conditions ( 4 , 5.1 ) Active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke and MI), or history of these conditions ( 4 , 5.1 ) Renal impairment ( 4 , 5.2 ) Hepatic impairment or disease ( 4 , 5.2 ) Adrenal insufficiency ( 4 , 5.2 ) Protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, or other known thrombophilic disorders ( 4 ) Known anaphylactic reaction, angioedema, or hypersensitivity to Angeliq ( 4 , 5.16 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Do not use with conditions that predispose to hyperkalemia ( 5.2 Estrogens increase the risk of gallbladder disease ( 5.5 ) Discontinue estrogen if severe hypercalcemia, loss of vision, severe hypertriglyceridemia or cholestatic jaundice occurs ( 5.6 , 5.7 , 5.9 , 5.10 ) Monitor thyroid function in women on thyroid hormone replacement therapy ( 5.11 , 5.19 ) 5.1 Cardiovascular Disorders Increased risks of PE, DVT, stroke, and MI are reported with estrogen plus progestin therapy. Increased risks of stroke and DVT are reported with estrogen-alone 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/or obesity) and/or venous thromboembolism (VTE) [for example, personal history or family history of VTE, obesity, systemic lupus erythematosus]. Stroke The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported a statistically significant increased risk of stroke 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 strokes per 10,000 women years, respectively) [see Clinical Studies (14.4) ] . The increase in risk was demonstrated after the first year and persisted. 1 Immediately discontinue estrogen with or without progestogen therapy if a stroke occurs or is suspected. The WHI estrogen-alone substudy reported a statistically significant increased risk of stroke 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 strokes per 10,000 women-years). The increase in risk was demonstrated in year one and persisted 1 [see Clinical Studies (14.4) ] . Immediately discontinue estrogen-alone therapy if a stroke occurs or is suspected. 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). 1 Coronary Heart Disease The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported an increased risk (not statistically significant) of coronary heart disease (CHD) events (defined as nonfatal MI, silent MI, or CHD death) in those 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). 1 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 (14.4) ] . The WHI estrogen-alone substudy reported no overall effect on CHD events in women receiving estrogen-alone compared to placebo 2 [see Clinical Studies (14.4) ] . Subgroup analyses of women 50 to 59 years of age, who were less than 10 years since menopause, suggest a reduction (not statistically significant) in CHD events in those women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone compared to placebo (8 versus 16 per 10,000 women-years). 1 In postmenopausal women with documented heart disease (n=2,763), average 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 CHD. 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 even …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Cardiovascular Disorders [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Malignant Neoplasms [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] The most common adverse reactions with Angeliq that occurred in at least 1% of users in clinical trials are: gastrointestinal and abdominal pain, female genital tract bleeding, breast pain and discomfort, and headache. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-888-842-2937 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. From clinical trials with different dose formulations of Angeliq containing E2 dose ranging from 0.5 mg to 1.0 mg combined with DRSP dose ranging from 0.25 mg to 3 mg: The most common adverse reactions were gastrointestinal and abdominal pain, female genital bleeding, breast pain and headache. The frequencies of common adverse reactions, in general, were higher for the Angeliq dose formulation containing E2 1 mg compared to Angeliq containing E2 0.5 mg. The most common adverse reactions leading to drug discontinuation in controlled clinical trials were abdominal pain, headache, postmenopausal bleeding, breast tenderness, and weight increased. Placebo-Controlled Trial: In a placebo-controlled trial evaluating Angeliq 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2, 183 postmenopausal women received at least one dose of DRSP 0.25 mg/0.5 mg E2 and 180 received placebo. Study participants were treated for 3 cycles of 28 days each for a total of 12 weeks of treatment. The median age was 53 years (range: 40-77 years) and over 50% of women had a hysterectomy, 68% were Caucasian and 24% were Black. Table 1 summarizes adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of women receiving Angeliq 0.25 mg DRS/0.5 mg E2 and at a higher incidence than subjects receiving placebo. Table 1: Adverse Reactions that Occurred at a Frequency of ≥ 2% with Angeliq 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2 and at a Higher Incidence than Placebo Adverse Reaction Angeliq (0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2) N=183 (100%) n (%) Placebo N=180 (100%) n (%) Gastrointestinal and abdominal pains Gastrointestinal and abdominal pain includes: abdominal pain (overall, lower, and upper), abdominal discomfort, abdominal tenderness 11 (6.0) 5 (2.8) Headache 11 (6.0) 9 (5.0) Vulvovaginal fungal infections 10 (5.5) 1 (0.6) Breast pain Breast pain includes: breast pain, breast tenderness, nipple pain 6 (3.3) 1 (0.6) Nausea 6 (3.3) 2 (1.1) Diarrhea 4 (2.2) 1 (0.6) Peripheral Edema 4 (2.2) 2 (1.1) Pooled data of clinical trials with different dose formulations of Angeliq: Data from 13 clinical trials in postmenopausal women treated with different dose formulations of Angeliq containing 1 mg E2 (1 mg E2 + 0.5 mg – 3.0 mg DRSP; N=2842) were pooled to provide an overall estimate of adverse reactions. Similarly, data from 2 clinical trials with Angeliq containing 0.5 mg E2 (0.5 mg E2 + DRSP 0.25 mg – 0.5 mg; N=853) were pooled for the same purpose. Table 2 shows adverse reactions reported in at least 1% of women treated with Angeliq. Table 2: Adverse Reactions that Occurred at a Frequency of ≥ 1% in Clinical Trials Adverse Reaction Angeliq containing 1 mg E2 N = 2842 n (%) Angeliq containing 0.5 mg E2 N=853 n (%) Breast pain or discomfort 508 (17.9) 53 (6.2) Female genital tract bleeding 397 (14.0) 21 (2.5) Gastrointestinal and abdominal pain 186 (6.5) 31 (3.6) Cervical polyp 34 (1.2) 3 (0.4) Emotional lability 35 (1.2) 11 (1.3) Migraine 28 (1.0) 5 (0.6) Adverse Reactions in clinical studies were coded using the MedDRA dictionary (version 13.0). Different MedDRA terms representing the same medical phenomenon have been grouped to …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Inducers and inhibitors of CYP3A4 may affect estrogen drug metabolism and decrease or increase the estrogen plasma concentration. ( 7.1 ) Serum potassium concentration may increase in women taking drospirenone with other drugs that have the potential to increase potassium. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Metabolic Interactions Effect of Drospirenone on Other Drugs The potential effect of DRSP on CYP2C19 activity was investigated in a clinical pharmacokinetic study using omeprazole as a marker substrate. No significant effect of DRSP on the systemic clearance of the CYP3A4 product omeprazole sulfone was found. These results demonstrated that DRSP did not inhibit CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 in vivo . Two further clinical drug-drug interaction studies using simvastatin and midazolam as marker substrates for CYP3A4, respectively, were performed and the results of these studies demonstrated that pharmacokinetics of the CYP3A4 substrates were not influenced by steady-state DRSP concentrations. Co-administration of DRSP and drugs that may increase serum potassium: There is a potential for an increase in serum potassium in women taking DRSP with other drugs that may affect electrolytes, such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or NSAIDs, more pronounced in diabetic women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Electrolytes were studied in postmenopausal women with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus requiring an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker. After 28 days of exposure to 1 mg E2 and 3 mg DRSP (n=112) or placebo (n=118). The mean change from baseline in serum potassium was 0.11 mEq/L for the E2/DRSP group and 0.08 mEq/L for the placebo group. None of the subjects with serum potassium concentrations ≥5.5 mEq/L had cardiovascular adverse events. A drug-drug interaction study of DRSP 3 mg/E2 1 mg versus placebo was performed in mildly hypertensive postmenopausal women taking enalapril maleate 10 mg twice daily. Potassium concentrations were obtained every other day for a total of 2 weeks in all subjects. Mean serum potassium concentrations in the DRSP/E2 treatment group relative to baseline were 0.22 mEq/L higher than those in the placebo group. On Day 14, the ratios for serum potassium C max and AUC in the DRSP/E2 group to those in the placebo group were 0.955 (90% CI: 0.914, 0.999) and 1.01 (90% CI: 0.944, 1.08), respectively. No woman in either treatment group developed hyperkalemia (serum potassium concentrations >5.5 mEq/L). Of note, occasional or chronic use of NSAID medication was not restricted in any of the Angeliq clinical trials. Effect of Other Drugs on Estrogens and Progestins In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that estrogens and progestins are metabolized partially by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Therefore, inducers or inhibitors of CYP3A4 may affect estrogen drug metabolism. In a clinical drug-drug interaction study conducted in premenopausal women, once daily co-administration of DRSP 3 mg/E2 1.5 mg containing tablets with strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole 200 mg twice daily for 10 days resulted in a moderate increase of exposure and a mild increase of peak concentration for DRSP. The E2 exposure and peak concentration were unaffected by ketoconazole, although the exposure and peak concentration of estrone (E1) increased. Although no clinically relevant effects on any safety or laboratory parameters including serum potassium were observed, this study only assessed women for 10 days. The clinical impact for a woman taking a DRSP-containing combination hormone and chronic use of a CYP3A4/5 inhibitor is unknown. Substances decreasing the exposure and possibly diminishing the efficacy of estrogens and progestins (enzyme inducers) Inducers of CYP3A4 such as St. John's wort ( Hypericum perforatum ), phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and rifampin may reduce plasma concentrations of estrogens and progestins, possibly resulting in a decrease in therapeutic effects and/ …

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Angeliq is not indicated for use in pregnancy . There are no data with the use of Angeliq in pregnant women, however, epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses have not found an increased risk of genital or nongenital birth defects (including cardiac anomalies or limb-reduction defects) following exposure to combined hormonal contraceptives (estrogens and progestins) before conception or during early pregnancy. In reproduction studies in rats, rabbits and monkeys with oral administration of DRSP either as single compound or in combination with EE, no non-genital teratogenicity was observed. Adverse developmental outcomes like an increase in fetal mortality and a retardation of fetal maturation were seen in rats and rabbits at exposures to DRSP exceeding the human exposure by a factor of >15 (in rats) or >60 (rabbits). Related to the antiandrogenic activity of drospirenone, a feminization of male fetuses and an impairment of male fertility was observed in rats (>150 times the human exposure to drospirenone) but not in monkeys (at up to more than 300 times the human exposure to drospirenone). Due to the large safety margins observed in the animal studies only a low likelihood of an increased risk for human pregnancy was concluded ( see Data ). 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. Data Animal Data In an embryo-fetal toxicity study in pregnant rats, DRSP was given from day 6 to 15 of gestation orally at doses of 5, 15 and 45 mg/kg/day, more than 60 times the human exposure starting from the low dose based on AUC of DRSP. A slight increase in postimplantational loss and a slight increase in retardation of fetal development (e.g. delayed ossification of bones of the feet) was seen in the two higher doses. No teratogenicity was observed in rats. In an embryo-fetal study in rabbits, DRSP was given from day 6 to 18 of gestation orally at doses of 10, 30 and 100 mg/kg/day, about 20, 60 and 250 times the human exposure based on AUC. This resulted in a retardation of fetal development (delayed ossification of small bones, multiple fusions of ribs) at the high dose only and in an increase in fetal loss from the mid dose level. No compound-related teratogenicity was seen in rabbits. In a further embryo-fetal toxicity study in pregnant rats, DRSP was orally administered in combination with ethinyl estradiol (100:1) from day 6 to 17 of gestation at doses of 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg/day DRSP, at about 1, 3 and 23 times the human exposure to DRSP on basis of AUC. Maternal toxicity (decreased body weight gain and food consumption) was seen starting at the low dose and an increase of early resorptions at the high dose level. Skeletal variations and retardations were seen in fetuses at the high dose. No malformed fetuses and no effect on the external genitalia of the fetuses were observed. DRSP was administered with ethinyl estradiol (100:1) orally to pregnant rats during late pregnancy from day 14 to 21 of gestation (the period of genital development) at doses of 5, 15 and 45 mg/kg of DRSP, more than 60 times the human exposure starting from the low dose based on AUC of DRSP. Maternal toxicity (decreased body weight gain) and fetal retardation (decreased fetal body weights) were seen starting at the low dose. There was a dose dependent increase in feminization of male rat fetuses starting at the mid dose level (that is, >150 times the human exposure to DRSP). DRSP was administered with ethinyl estradiol (100:1) orally to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys at doses up to 10 mg/kg DRSP, more than 300 times the human exposure based on AUC from day 20 to 90 of gestation. A dose-dependent increase of abortions was observed. No teratogenic or feminization effects were seen in any dose group. DRSP was administered with ethinyl estradiol (100:1) in a peri-postnatal study in …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

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 (E2) 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, 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 will 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 concentrations of these gonadotropins seen in postmenopausal women. DRSP is a synthetic progestin and spironolactone analog with antimineralocorticoid activity. In animals and in vitro , drospirenone has antiandrogenic activity, but no glucocorticoid, antiglucocorticoid, estrogenic, or androgenic activity. Progestins counter estrogenic effects by decreasing the number of nuclear estradiol receptors and suppressing epithelial DNA synthesis in endometrial tissue.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION Angeliq tablets, for oral administration, provide a hormone regimen consisting of drospirenone and estradiol. Drospirenone, (6R,7R,8R,9S,10R,13S,14S,15S,16S,17S)-1,3 ́,4 ́,6, 6a,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,15a,16-hexadecahydro-10,13-dimethylspiro-[17H-dicyclopropa[6,7:15,16]cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene- 17,2 ́(5H)-furan]-3,5 ́(2H)-dione (CAS) is a synthetic progestational compound and has a molecular weight of 366.5 and a molecular formula of C 24 H 30 O 3 . Estradiol USP, (Estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17-diol,17ß), has a molecular weight of 272.39 and the molecular formula is C 18 H 24 O 2 . The structural formulas are as follows: The inactive ingredients in Angeliq 0.5 mg DRSP/1 mg E2 tablets are: lactose monohydrate NF, corn starch NF, pregelatinized starch NF, povidone 25000 USP, magnesium stearate NF, hydroxylpropylmethyl cellulose USP, macrogol 6000 NF, talc USP, titanium dioxide USP, and red ferric oxide pigment NF. The inactive ingredients in Angeliq 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2 tablets are: lactose monohydrate NF, corn starch NF, pregelatinized starch NF, povidone 25000 USP, magnesium stearate NF, hydroxylpropylmethyl cellulose USP, macrogol 6000 NF, talc USP, titanium dioxide USP, and yellow ferric oxide pigment NF. Chemical Structure

10 OVERDOSAGE Overdosage of estrogen plus progestogen may cause nausea and vomiting, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, drowsiness and fatigue, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in women. Treatment of overdose consists of discontinuation of Angeliq therapy with institution of appropriate symptomatic care.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Angeliq is supplied in packages of three blister packs: Angeliq 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2 Angeliq 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2 tablets are available as round, biconvex yellow film-coated tablets embossed with "EL" inside a hexagon. 3 blisters of 28 tablets NDC 50419-482-03 Angeliq 0.5 mg DRSP/1 mg E2 Angeliq 0.5 mg DRSP/1 mg E2 tablets are available as round, biconvex pink film-coated tablets embossed with "CK" inside a hexagon. 3 blisters of 28 tablets NDC 50419-483-03 16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 20° to 25° C (68° to 77° F); excursions permitted to 15°–30° C (59°–86° F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
188,328
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: ESTRADIOL. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
50419-482-03 50419-482 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. 3 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (50419-482-03) / 28 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (50419-482-01) February 29, 2012
50419-482-72 50419-482 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. 1 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (50419-482-72) / 14 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (50419-482-71) February 29, 2012
50419-483-03 50419-483 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. 3 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (50419-483-03) / 28 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (50419-483-01) February 29, 2012
50419-483-72 50419-483 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. 1 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (50419-483-72) / 14 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (50419-483-71) February 29, 2012
50419-482 50419-482 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. — February 29, 2012
50419-483 50419-483 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. — November 28, 2005

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.