estradiol 37.5 MCG/Day Twice Weekly Transdermal Patch

WARNINGS

See BOXED .

The use of unopposed estrogens in women who have a uterus is associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer.

1.

Cardiovascular Disorders Estrogen and estrogen/progestin therapy has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke, as well as venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (venous thromboembolism or VTE).

Should any of these occur or be suspected, estrogens should be discontinued immediately.

Risk factors for arterial vascular disease (e.g., hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity) and/or venous thromboembolism (e.g., personal history or family history of VTE, obesity, and systemic lupus erythematosus) should be managed appropriately.

a.

Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke In the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, an increase in the number of myocardial infarctions and strokes has been observed in women receiving CE compared to placebo.

These observations are preliminary.

(See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies ).

In the CE/MPA substudy of WHI an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) events (defined as non-fatal myocardial infarction and CHD death) was observed in women receiving CE/MPA compared to women receiving placebo (37 vs 30 per 10,000 women-years).

The increase in risk was observed in year one and persisted.

In the same substudy of WHI, an increased risk of stroke was observed in women receiving CE/MPA compared to women receiving placebo (29 vs 21 per 10,000 women-years).

The increase in risk was observed after the first year and persisted.

In postmenopausal women with documented heart disease (n = 2,763, average age 66.7 years), a controlled clinical trial of secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study; HERS) treatment with CE/MPA-0.625 mg/ 2.5 mg per day demonstrated no cardiovascular benefit.

During an average follow-up of 4.1 years, treatment with CE/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/MPA-treated group than in the placebo group in year 1, but not during the subsequent years.

Two thousand three hundred and twenty-one 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/MPA group and the placebo group in HERS, HERS II, and overall.

Large doses of estrogen (5 mg conjugated estrogens per day), comparable to those used to treat cancer of the prostate and breast, have been shown in a large prospective clinical trial in men to increase the risks of non-fatal myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and thrombophlebitis.

b.

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) In the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, an increase in VTE has been observed in women receiving CE compared to placebo.

These observations are preliminary (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies ).

In the CE/MPA substudy of WHI, a 2-fold greater rate of VTE, including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, was observed in women receiving CE/MPA compared to women receiving placebo.

The rate of VTE was 34 per 10,000 women-years in the CE/MPA group compared to 16 per 10,000 women-years in the placebo group.

The increase in VTE risk was observed during the first year and persisted.

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 The use of unopposed estrogens in women with intact uteri has been associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer.

The reported endometrial cancer risk among unopposed estrogen users is about 2- to 12-fold 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 the use of estrogens for less than 1 year.

The greatest risk appears to be 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 taking estrogen/progestin combinations is important.

Adequate diagnostic measures, including endometrial sampling when indicated, should be undertaken to rule out malignancy in all cases of undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal vaginal 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 use of estrogens and progestins by postmenopausal women has been reported to increase the risk of breast cancer.

The most important randomized clinical trial providing information about this issue is the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) substudy of CE/MPA (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies ).

The results from observational studies are generally consistent with those of the WHI clinical trial and report no significant variation in the risk of breast cancer among different estrogens or progestins, doses, or routes of administration.

The CE/MPA substudy of WHI reported an increased risk of breast cancer in women who took CE/MPA for a mean follow-up of 5.6 years.

Observational studies have also reported an increased risk for estrogen/progestin combination therapy, and a smaller increased risk for estrogen alone therapy, after several years of use.

In the WHI trial and from observational studies, the excess risk increased with duration of use.

From observational studies, the risk appeared to return to baseline in about five years after stopping treatment.

In addition, observational studies suggest that the risk of breast cancer was greater, and became apparent earlier, with estrogen/progestin combination therapy as compared to estrogen alone therapy.

In the CE/MPA substudy, 26% of the women reported prior use of estrogen alone and/or estrogen/progestin combination hormone therapy.

After a mean follow-up of 5.6 years during the clinical trial, the overall relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.24 (95% confidence interval 1.01-1.54), and the overall absolute risk was 41 vs 33 cases per 10,000 women-years, for CE/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 vs 25 cases per 10,000 women-years, for CE/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 the absolute risk was 40 vs 36 cases per 10,000 women-years for CE/MPA compared with placebo.

In the same substudy, invasive breast cancers were larger and diagnosed at a more advanced stage in the CE/MPA group compared with the placebo group.

Metastatic disease was rare with no apparent difference between the two groups.

Other prognostic factors such as histologic subtype, grade and hormone receptor status did not differ between the groups.

The use of estrogen plus progestin has been reported to result in an increase in abnormal mammograms requiring further evaluation.

All women should receive yearly breast examinations by a healthcare provider and perform monthly breast self-examinations.

In addition, mammography examinations should be scheduled based on patient age, risk factors, and prior mammogram results.

3.

Dementia In the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS), 4,532 generally healthy postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older were studied, of whom 35% were 70 to 74 years of age and 18% were 75 or older.

After an average follow-up of 4 years, 40 women being treated with CE/MPA (1.8%, n = 2,229) and 21 women in the placebo group (0.9%, n = 2,303) received diagnoses of probable dementia.

The relative risk for CE/MPA vs placebo was 2.05 (95% confidence interval 1.21 – 3.48), and was similar for women with and without histories of menopausal hormone use before WHIMS.

The absolute risk of probable dementia for CE/MPA vs placebo was 45 vs 22 cases per 10,000 women-years, and the absolute excess risk for CE/MPA was 23 cases per 10,000 women-years.

It is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women.

(See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies and PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use .) It is unknown whether these findings apply to estrogen alone therapy.

4.

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

5.

Hypercalcemia Administration of estrogen may lead to severe hypercalcemia in patients with breast cancer and bone metastases.

If hypercalcemia occurs, use of the drug should be stopped and appropriate measures taken to reduce the serum calcium level.

6.

Visual A bnormalities Retinal vascular thrombosis has been reported in patients receiving estrogens.

Discontinue medication pending examination if there is sudden partial or complete loss of vision, or a sudden onset of proptosis, diplopia, or migraine.

If examination reveals papilledema or retinal vascular lesions, estrogens should be permanently discontinued.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Drug Interactions In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that estrogens are metabolized partially by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4).

Therefore, inducers or inhibitors of CYP3A4 may affect estrogen drug metabolism.

Inducers of CYP3A4 such as St.

John’s Wort preparations (Hypericum perforatum), phenobarbital, carbamazepine and rifampin may reduce plasma concentrations of estrogens, possibly resulting in a decrease in therapeutic effects and/or changes in the uterine bleeding profile.

Inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir and grapefruit juice may increase plasma concentrations of estrogens and may result in side effects.

OVERDOSAGE

Serious ill effects have not been reported following acute ingestion of large doses of estrogen-containing drug products by young children.

Overdosage of estrogen may cause nausea and vomiting, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in females.

DESCRIPTION

Vivelle-Dot ® (estradiol transdermal system) contains estradiol in a multipolymeric adhesive.

The system is designed to release estradiol continuously upon application to intact skin.

Five dosage strengths of Vivelle-Dot are available to provide nominal in vivo delivery rates of 0.025, 0.0375, 0.05, 0.075, or 0.1 mg of estradiol per day via the skin.

Each corresponding system has an active surface area of 2.5, 3.75, 5.0, 7.5, or 10.0 cm 2 and contains 0.39, 0.585, 0.78, 1.17, or 1.56 mg of estradiol USP, respectively.

The composition of the systems per unit area is identical.

Estradiol USP is a white, crystalline powder, chemically described as estra-1,3,5 (10)-triene-3,17β-diol.

The structural formula is The molecular formula of estradiol is C 18 H 24 0 2 .

The molecular weight is 272.39.

Vivelle-Dot is comprised of three layers.

Proceeding from the visible surface toward the surface attached to the skin, these layers are (1) a translucent polyolefin film (2) an adhesive formulation containing estradiol, acrylic adhesive, silicone adhesive, oleyl alcohol, NF, povidone, USP and dipropylene glycol, and (3) a polyester release liner which is attached to the adhesive surface and must be removed before the system can be used.

—– (1) Backing —– (2) Adhesive Containing Estradiol —– (3) Protective Liner The active component of the system is estradiol.

The remaining components of the system are pharmacologically inactive.

Estradiol structural formula Vivelle-Dot layer image

CLINICAL STUDIES

Clinical Studies Effects on vasomotor symptoms In a pharmacokinetic study, Vivelle-Dot was shown to be bioequivalent to Vivelle.

In two controlled clinical trials with Vivelle, of 356 subjects, the 0.075 and 0.1 mg doses were superior to placebo in relieving vasomotor symptoms at Week 4, and maintained efficacy through Weeks 8 and 12 of treatment.

In this original study, the 0.0375 and 0.05 mg doses, however, did not differ from placebo until approximately Week 6, therefore, an additional 12-week placebo-controlled study in 255 patients was performed with Vivelle to establish the efficacy of the lowest dose of 0.0375 mg.

The baseline mean daily number of hot flushes in these 255 patients was 11.5.

Results at Weeks 4, 8, and 12 of treatment are shown in the figure below.

(See Figure 2.) Figure 2 Mean (SD) change from baseline in mean daily number of flushes for Vivelle® 0.0375 mg versus Placebo in a 12-week trial.

The 0.0375 mg dose was superior to placebo in reducing both the frequency and severity of vasomotor symptoms at Week 4 and maintained efficacy through Weeks 8 and 12 of treatment.

All doses of Vivelle (0.0375 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.075 mg, and 0.1 mg) are effective for the control of vasomotor symptoms.

Effects on bone mineral density Efficacy and safety of Vivelle in the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis have been studied in a 2-year double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group study.

A total of 261 hysterectomized (161) and non-hysterectomized (100), surgically or naturally menopausal women (within 5 years of menopause), with no evidence of osteoporosis (lumbar spine bone mineral density within 2 standard deviations of average peak bone mass, i.e., ≥0.827 g/cm 2 ) were enrolled in this study; 194 patients were randomized to one of the four doses of Vivelle (0.1, 0.05, 0.0375, or 0.025 mg/day) and 67 patients to placebo.

Over 2 years, study systems were applied to the buttock or the abdomen twice a week.

Non-hysterectomized women received oral medroxyprogesterone acetate (2.5 mg/day) throughout the study.

The study population comprised naturally (82%) or surgically (18%) menopausal, hysterectomized (61%) or non-hysterectomized (39%) women with a mean age of 52.0 years (range 27 to 62 years); the mean duration of menopause was 31.7 months (range 2 to 72 months).

Two hundred thirty-two (89%) of randomized subjects (173 on active drug, 59 on placebo) contributed data to the analysis of percent change from baseline in bone mineral density (BMD) of the AP lumbar spine, the primary efficacy variable.

Patients were given supplemental dietary calcium (1000 mg elemental calcium/day) but no supplemental vitamin D.

There was an increase in BMD of the AP lumbar spine in all Vivelle dose groups; in contrast to this, a decrease in AP lumbar spine BMD was observed in placebo patients.

All Vivelle doses were significantly superior to placebo (p<0.05) at all time points with the exception of Vivelle 0.05 mg/day at 6 months.

The highest dose of Vivelle was superior to the three lower doses.

There were no statistically significant differences in pairwise comparisons among the three lower doses.

(See Figure 3.) Figure 3 Bone mineral density – AP Lumbar spine Least squares means of percentage change from baseline All randomized patients with at least one post-baseline assessment available with last post-baseline observation carried forward Analysis of percent change from baseline in femoral neck BMD, a secondary efficacy outcome variable, showed qualitatively similar results; all doses of Vivelle were significantly superior to placebo (p<0.05) at 24 months.

The highest Vivelle dose was superior to placebo at all time points.

A mixture of significant and non-significant results were obtained for the lower dose groups at earlier time points.

The highest Vivelle dose was superior to the three lower doses, and there were no significant differences among the three lower doses at this skeletal site.

(See Figure 4.) Figure 4 Bone mineral density – Femoral neck Least squares means of percentage change from baseline All randomized patients with at least one post-baseline assessment available with last post-baseline observation carried forward The mean serum osteocalcin (a marker of bone formation) and urinary excretion of cross-link N-telopeptides of Type 1 collagen (a marker of bone resorption) decreased numerically in most of the active treatment groups relative to baseline.

However, the decreases in both markers were inconsistent across treatment groups and the differences between active treatment groups and placebo were not statistically significant.

Women’s Health Initiative Studies The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) enrolled a total of 27,000 predominantly healthy postmenopausal women to assess the risks and benefits of the use of oral 0.625 mg conjugated estrogens (CE) per day alone or the use of oral 0.625 mg conjugated estrogens plus 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) per day compared to placebo in the prevention of certain chronic diseases.

The primary endpoint was the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) (non-fatal myocardial infarction and CHD death), with invasive breast cancer as the primary adverse outcome studied.

A “global index” included the earliest occurrence of CHD, invasive breast cancer, stroke, pulmonary embolism (PE), endometrial cancer, colorectal cancer, hip fracture, or death due to other causes.

The study did not evaluate the effects of CE or CE/MPA on menopausal symptoms.

The CE/MPA substudy was stopped early because, according to the predefined stopping rule, the increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular events exceeded the specified benefits included in the “global index”.

Results of the CE/MPA substudy, which included 16,608 women (average age of 63 years, range 50 to 79, 83.9% White, 6.5% Black, 5.5% Hispanic), after an average follow-up of 5.2 years are presented in Table 2 below.

Table 2 Relative and Absolute Risk Seen in the CE/MPA Substudy of WHI a Event C RelativeRisk CE/MPAvs.

Placebo at 5.2 Years (95% CI*) Placebo n= 8102 Absolute Risk per 10,000 Women-Years CE/MPA n= 8506 CHD events 1.29 (1.02-1.63) 30 37 Non-fatal MI 1.32 (1.02-1.72) 23 30 CHD death 1.18 (0.70-1.97) 6 7 Invasive breast cancer b 1.26 (1.00-1.59) 30 38 Stroke 1.41 (1.07-1.85) 21 29 Pulmonary embolism 2.13 (1.39-3.25) 8 16 Colorectal cancer 0.63 (0.43-0.92) 16 10 Endometrial cancer 0.83 (0.47-1.47) 6 5 Hip fracture 0.66 (0.45-0.98) 15 10 Death due to causes other than the events above 0.92 (0.74-1.14) 40 37 Global index c 1.15 (1.03-1.28) 151 170 Deep vein thrombosis d 2.07 (1.49-2.87) 13 26 Vertebral fractures d 0.66 (0.44-0.98) 15 9 Other osteoporotic fractures d 0.77 (0.69-0.86) 170 131 a Adapted from JAMA, 2002: 288: 321-333 b Includes metastatic and non-metastatic breast cancer with the exception of in situ breast cancer c A subset of the events was combined in a “global index”, defined as the earliest occurrence of CHD events, invasive breast cancer, stroke, pulmonary embolism, endometrial cancer, colorectal cancer, hip fracture, or death due to other causes d Not included in Global index * Nominal confidence intervals unadjusted for multiple looks and multiple comparisons For those outcomes included in the “global index”, absolute excess risks per 10,000 women-years in the group treated with CE/MPA were 7 more CHD events, 8 more strokes, 8 more PEs, and 8 more invasive breast cancers, while absolute risk reductions per 10,000 women-years were 6 fewer colorectal cancers and 5 fewer hip fractures.

The absolute excess risk of events included in the “global index” was 19 per 10,000 women-years.

There was no difference between the groups in terms of all-cause mortality (See BOXED WARNINGS, WARNINGS , and PRECAUTIONS .) Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study The Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS), a substudy of WHI, enrolled 4,532 predominantly healthy postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older (47% were age 65 to 69 years, 35% were 70 to 74 years, and 18% were 75 years of age and older) to evaluate the effects of CE/MPA (0.625 mg conjugated estrogens plus 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate) on the incidence of probable dementia (primary outcome) compared with placebo.

After an average follow-up of 4 years, 40 women in the estrogen/progestin group (45 per 10,000 women-years) and 21 in the placebo group (22 per 10,000 women-years) were diagnosed with probable dementia.

The relative risk of probable dementia in the hormone therapy group was 2.05 (95% CI, 1.21 to 3.48) compared to placebo.

Differences between groups became apparent in the first year of treatment.

It is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women.

(See B OXED WARNINGS and WARNINGS, Dementia .)

HOW SUPPLIED

Vivelle -Dot ® (estradiol transdermal system), 0.0375 mg/day – each 3.75 cm 2 system contains 0.585 mg of estradiol USP for nominal* delivery of 0.0375 mg of estradiol per day.

Patient Calendar Pack of 8 Systems……………………………………….NDC 54868-4920-0 Vivelle -Dot ® (estradiol transdermal system), 0.05 mg/day – each 5.0 cm 2 system contains 0.78 mg of estradiol USP for nominal* delivery of 0.05 mg of estradiol per day.

Patient Calendar Pack of 8 Systems……………………………………….NDC 54868-4242-0 Vivelle -Dot ® (estradiol transdermal system), 0.075 mg/day – each 7.5 cm 2 system contains 1.17 mg of estradiol USP for nominal* delivery of 0.075 mg of estradiol per day.

Patient Calendar Pack of 8 Systems……………………………………….NDC 54868-4243-0 Vivelle -Dot ® (estradiol transdermal system), 0.1 mg/day – each 10.0 cm 2 system contains 1.56 mg of estradiol USP for nominal* delivery of 0.1 mg of estradiol per day.

Patient Calendar Pack of 8 Systems……………………………………….NDC 54868-4244-0 ________________________________________ *See DESCRIPTION.

Store at controlled room temperature at 25ºC (77°F).

Do not store unpouched.

Apply immediately upon removal from the protective pouch.

REV: AUGUST 2004 T2004-65

GERIATRIC USE

I.

Geriatric Use.

The safety and effectiveness in geriatric patients have not been established.

In the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study, including 4,532 women 65 years of age and older, followed for an average of 4 years, 82% (n = 3,729) were 65 to 74 while 18% (n = 803) were 75 and over.

Most women (80%) had no prior hormone therapy use.

Women treated with conjugated estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone acetate were reported to have a two-fold increase in the risk of developing probable dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease was the most common classification of probable dementia in both the conjugated estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone acetate group and the placebo group.

Ninety percent of the cases of probable dementia occurred in the 54% of women that were older than 70.

(See WARNINGS, Dementia .) It is unknown whether these findings apply to estrogen alone therapy.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Vivelle-Dot ® (estradiol transdermal system) is indicated in: Treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with the menopause.

Treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy associated with the menopause.

When prescribing solely for the treatment of symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, topical vaginal products should be considered.

Treatment of hypoestrogenism due to hypogonadism, castration, or primary ovarian failure.

Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

When prescribing solely for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, therapy should only be considered for women at significant risk of osteoporosis and non-estrogen medications should be carefully considered.

The mainstays for decreasing the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis are weight-bearing exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, and when indicated, pharmacologic therapy.

Postmenopausal women require an average of 1500 mg/day of elemental calcium.

Therefore, when not contraindicated, calcium supplementation may be helpful for women with suboptimal dietary intake.

Vitamin D supplementation of 400-800 IU/day may also be required to ensure adequate daily intake in postmenopausal women.

PEDIATRIC USE

H.

Pediatric Use.

Estrogen therapy has been used for the induction of puberty in adolescents with some forms of pubertal delay.

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not otherwise been established.

Large and repeated doses of estrogen over an extended time period have been shown to accelerate epiphyseal closure, which could result in short adult stature if treatment is initiated before the completion of physiologic puberty in normally developing children.

If estrogen is administered to patients whose bone growth is not complete, periodic monitoring of bone maturation and effects on epiphyseal centers is recommended during estrogen administration.

Estrogen treatment of prepubertal girls also induces premature breast development and vaginal cornification, and may induce vaginal bleeding.

(See INDICATIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .)

PREGNANCY

F.

Pregnancy.

Vivelle-Dot should not be used during pregnancy.

(See CONTRAINDICATIONS .)

NUSRING MOTHERS

G.

Nursing Mothers.

Estrogen administration to nursing mothers has been shown to decrease the quantity and quality of the milk.

Detectable amounts of estrogens have been identified in the milk of mothers receiving this drug.

Caution should be exercised when Vivelle-Dot is administered to a nursing woman.

BOXED WARNING

ESTROGENS INCREASE THE RISK OF ENDOMETRIAL CANCER Close clinical surveillance of all women taking estrogens is important.

Adequate diagnostic measures, including endometrial sampling when indicated, should be undertaken to rule out malignancy in all cases of undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal vaginal bleeding.

There is no evidence that the use of “natural” estrogens results in a different endometrial risk profile than synthetic estrogens at equivalent estrogen doses.

(See WARNINGS, Malignant Neoplasms, Endometrial Cancer .) CARDIOVASCULAR AND OTHER RISKS Estrogens with or without progestins should not be used for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

(See WARNINGS, Cardiovascular Disorders.

) The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study reported increased risks of myocardial infarction, stroke, invasive breast cancer, pulmonary emboli, and deep vein thrombosis in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age), during 5 years of treatment with oral conjugated estrogens (CE 0.625 mg) combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA 2.5 mg) relative to placebo (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Clinical Studies ).

The Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS), a substudy of WHI, reported increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age or older during 4 years of treatment with oral conjugated estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone acetate relative to placebo.

It is unknown whether this finding applies to younger postmenopausal women or to women taking estrogen alone therapy.

(See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies .) Other doses of oral conjugated estrogens with medroxyprogesterone acetate, and other combinations and dosage forms of estrogens and progestins were not studied in the WHI clinical trials and, in the absence of comparable data, these risks should be assumed to be similar.

Because of these risks, estrogens with or without progestins should be prescribed at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS

B.

Patient Information.

Physicians are advised to discuss the Patient Information leaflet with patients for whom they prescribe Vivelle-Dot ® (estradiol transdermal system).

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

The adhesive side of Vivelle-Dot ® (estradiol transdermal system) should be placed on a clean, dry area of the abdomen.

Vivelle -Dot should not be applied to the breasts.

Vivelle-Dot should be replaced twice weekly.

The sites of application must be rotated, with an interval of at least 1 week allowed between applications to a particular site.

The area selected should not be oily, damaged, or irritated.

The waistline should be avoided, since tight clothing may rub the system off.

The system should be applied immediately after opening the pouch and removing the protective liner.

The system should be pressed 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 should fall off, the same system may be reapplied.

If the same system cannot be reapplied, a new system should be applied to another location.

In either case, the original treatment schedule should be continued.

If a woman has forgotten to apply a patch, she should apply a new patch as soon as possible.

The new patch should be applied on the original treatment schedule.

The interruption of treatment in women taking Vivelle-Dot might increase the likelihood of breakthrough bleeding, spotting and recurrence of symptoms.

Initiation of Therapy When estrogen is prescribed for a postmenopausal woman with a uterus, progestin should also be initiated to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.

A woman without a uterus does not need progestin.

Use of estrogen alone or in combination with a progestin, should be with the lowest effective dose and the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman.

Patients should be reevaluated periodically as clinically appropriate (e.g., 3-month to 6-month intervals) to determine whether treatment is still necessary (see BOXED WARNINGS and WARNINGS ).

For women who have a uterus, adequate diagnostic measures, such as endometrial sampling, when indicated, should be undertaken to rule out malignancy in cases of undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Patients should be started at the lowest dose.

The lowest effective dose of Vivelle-Dot has not been determined for any indication.

For treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms and vulvar and vaginal atrophy associated with the menopause, start therapy with Vivelle-Dot 0.0375 mg/day applied to the skin twice weekly.

For the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, start therapy with Vivelle-Dot 0.025 mg/day applied to the skin twice weekly.

The dosage may be adjusted as necessary.

Reproductive system-associated adverse events were encountered more frequently in the highest dose group (0.1 mg/day) than in other active treatment groups or in placebo-treated patients.

In women not currently taking oral estrogens or in women switching from another estradiol transdermal therapy, treatment with Vivelle-Dot may be initiated at once.

In women who are currently taking oral estrogens, treatment with Vivelle-Dot should be initiated 1 week after withdrawal of oral hormone therapy, or sooner if menopausal symptoms reappear in less than 1 week.

Therapeutic Regimen Vivelle-Dot may be given continuously in patients who do not have an intact uterus.

In those patients with an intact uterus, Vivelle-Dot may be given on a cyclic schedule (e.g., three weeks on drug followed by one week off drug).