Pharmacological properties : תכונות פרמקולוגיות

Pharmacodynamic Properties

12.2 Pharmacodynamics
Drospirenone is a spironolactone analogue with anti-mineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic activity. The estrogen in Yaz
Plus is ethinyl estradiol (EE).
Contraception
No specific pharmacodynamic studies were conducted with Yaz Plus.
Two studies evaluated the effect of 3 mg DRSP / 0.02 mg EE combinations on the suppression of ovarian activity as
assessed by measurement of follicle size via transvaginal ultrasound and serum hormone (progesterone and estradiol)
analyses during two treatment cycles (21-day active tablet period plus 7-day pill-free period). More than 90% of subjects
in these studies demonstrated ovulation inhibition. One study compared the effect of 3 mg DRSP/0.02 mg EE
combinations with two different regimens (24-day active tablet period plus 4-day pill-free period vs. 21-day active tablet
period plus 7-day pill-free period) on the suppression of ovarian activity during two treatment cycles. During the first
treatment cycle, there were no subjects (0/49, 0%) taking the 24-day regimen who ovulated compared to 1 subject (1/50,

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2%) using the 21-day regimen. After intentionally introduced dosing errors (3 missed active tablets on Days 1 to 3) during
the second treatment cycle, there was 1 subject (1/49, 2%) taking the 24-day regimen who ovulated compared to 4
subjects (4/50, 8%) using the 21-day regimen.
Acne
Acne vulgaris is a skin condition with a multifactorial etiology including androgen stimulation of sebum production.
While the combination of EE and DRSP increases sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and decreases free testosterone,
the relationship between these changes and a decrease in the severity of facial acne in otherwise healthy women with this
skin condition has not been established. The impact of the antiandrogenic activity of DRSP on acne is not known.
Folate Supplementation
Two studies evaluated the impact of Yaz Plus on plasma folate and RBC folate levels. A randomized, double-blind,
active-controlled, parallel group study compared plasma folate and red blood cell (RBC) folate levels during a 24-week
treatment with YAZ + 0.451 mg levomefolate calcium as compared to YAZ alone in a U.S. population. The
pharmacodynamic effect on plasma folate, RBC folate, and the profile of circulating folate metabolites was assessed
during 24 weeks of treatment with 0.451 mg levomefolate calcium or with 0.4 mg folic acid (equimolar dose to 0.451 mg
levomefolate calcium), both in combination with 3 mg DRSP/0.03 mg EE (Yasmin) followed by 20 weeks of open-label
treatment with Yasmin only (elimination phase). [See Clinical Studies (14.4).]

Pharmacokinetic Properties

12.3 Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Yaz Plus and YAZ are bioequivalent with respect to DRSP and EE.
The absolute bioavailability of DRSP from a single entity tablet is about 76%. The absolute bioavailability of EE is
approximately 40% as a result of presystemic conjugation and first-pass metabolism. The absolute bioavailability of Yaz
Plus, which is a combination tablet of DRSP and EE stabilized by betadex as a clathrate (molecular inclusion complex),
has not been evaluated. The bioavailability of EE is similar when dosed via a betadex clathrate formulation compared to
when it is dosed as a free steroid. Serum concentrations of DRSP and EE reached peak levels within 1-2 hours after
administration of Yaz Plus.
The pharmacokinetics of DRSP are dose proportional following single doses ranging from 1-10 mg. Following daily
dosing of YAZ, steady state DRSP concentrations were observed after 8 days. There was about 2 to 3 fold accumulation
in serum Cmax and AUC (0-24h) values of DRSP following multiple dose administration of YAZ (see Table 2).
For EE, steady-state conditions are reported during the second half of a treatment cycle. Following daily administration of
YAZ, serum Cmax and AUC (0-24h) values of EE accumulate by a factor of about 1.5 to 2 (see Table 2).
Levomefolate calcium is structurally identical to L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-methyl-THF), a metabolite of vitamin
B9. Mean baseline concentrations of about 15 nmol/L are reached in populations without folate food fortification under
normal nutritional conditions. Orally administered levomefolate calcium is absorbed and incorporated into the body folate
pool. Peak plasma concentrations of about 50 nmol/L above baseline are reached within 0.5 – 1.5 hours after single oral
administration of 0.451 mg levomefolate calcium.
Steady state conditions for total folate in plasma after intake of 0.451 mg levomefolate calcium are reached after about 8-
16 weeks depending on the baseline levels. In red blood cells achievement of steady state is delayed due to the long life-
span of red blood cells of about 120 days.




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Table 2: Pharmacokinetic Parameters of YAZ (DRSP 3 mg and EE 0.02 mg)

DRSP
Cycle /        No. of          Cmax  a
Tmaxb        AUC(0-24h)a          t1/2 a
Day          Subjects        (ng/mL)             (h)         (ng•h/mL)            (h)
1/1           23            38.4 (25)        1.5 (1-2)       268 (19)           NAc
1/21           23            70.3 (15)        1.5 (1-2)       763 (17)         30.8 (22)
EE
Cycle /        No. of          Cmax  a
Tmaxb        AUC(0-24h)a          t1/2 a
Day          Subjects        (pg/mL)             (h)         (pg•h/mL)           (h)
1/1           23            32.8 (45)        1.5 (1-2)       108 (52)           NAc
1/21           23            45.1 (35)        1.5 (1-2)       220 (57)           NAc
a) geometric mean (geometric coefficient of variation)
b) median (range)
c) NA = Not available

Food Effect
The rate of absorption of DRSP and EE following single administration of a formulation similar to Yaz Plus was slower
under fed (high fat meal) conditions with the serum Cmax being reduced about 40% for both components. The extent of
absorption of DRSP, however, remained unchanged. In contrast, the extent of absorption of EE was reduced by about
20% under fed conditions.
The effect of food on absorption of levomefolate calcium following administration of Yaz Plus has not been evaluated.
Distribution
DRSP and EE serum concentrations decline in two phases. The apparent volume of distribution of DRSP is approximately
4 L/kg and that of EE is reported to be approximately 4–5 L/kg.
DRSP does not bind to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) or corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) but binds about
97% to other serum proteins. Multiple dosing over 3 cycles resulted in no change in the free fraction (as measured at
trough concentrations). EE is reported to be highly but non-specifically bound to serum albumin (approximately 98.5 %)
and induces an increase in the serum concentrations of both SHBG and CBG. EE induced effects on SHBG and CBG
were not affected by variation of the DRSP dosage in the range of 2 to 3 mg.
Biphasic kinetics is reported for folates with a fast- and a slow-turnover pool. The fast turnover pool, probably reflecting
newly absorbed folate, is consistent with the terminal half-life of approximately 4 – 5 hours after single oral
administration of 0.451 mg levomefolate calcium. The slow-turnover pool reflecting turnover of folate polyglutamate has
a mean residence time of greater than or equal to 100 days.
Metabolism
The two main metabolites of DRSP found in human plasma were identified to be the acid form of DRSP generated by
opening of the lactone ring and the 4,5-dihydrodrospirenone-3-sulfate, formed by reduction and subsequent sulfatation.
These metabolites were shown not to be pharmacologically active. Drospirenone is also subject to oxidative metabolism
catalyzed by CYP3A4.
EE has been reported to be subject to significant gut and hepatic first-pass metabolism. Metabolism of EEand its oxidative
metabolites occur primarily by conjugation with glucuronide or sulfate. CYP3A4 in the liver is responsible for the 2-
hydroxylation which is the major oxidative reaction. The 2-hydroxy metabolite is further transformed by methylation and
glucuronidation prior to urinary and fecal excretion.
L-5-methyl-THF is the predominant folate transport form in blood under physiological conditions and during folic acid
and levomefolate calcium administration.
Excretion
DRSP serum concentrations are characterized by a terminal disposition phase half-life of approximately 30 hours after
both single and multiple dose regimens. Excretion of DRSP was nearly complete after ten days and amounts excreted
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were slightly higher in feces compared to urine. DRSP was extensively metabolized and only trace amounts of unchanged
DRSP were excreted in urine and feces. At least 20 different metabolites were observed in urine and feces. About 38-47%
of the metabolites in urine were glucuronide and sulfate conjugates. In feces, about 17-20% of the metabolites were
excreted as glucuronides and sulfates.
For EE the terminal disposition phase half-life has been reported to be approximately 24 hours. EE is not excreted
unchanged. EE is excreted in the urine and feces as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates and undergoes enterohepatic
circulation.
L-5-methyl-THF is eliminated from the body by urinary excretion of intact folates and catabolic products as well as fecal
excretion through a biphasic kinetics process.
Use in Specific Populations
Pediatric Use: Safety and efficacy of Yaz Plus has been established in women of reproductive age. Efficacy is expected to
be the same for postpubertal adolescents under the age of 18 and for users 18 years and older. Use of this product before
menarche is not indicated.
Geriatric Use: Yaz Plus has not been studied in postmenopausal women and is not indicated in this population.
Race: No clinically significant difference was observed between the pharmacokinetics of DRSP or EE in Japanese versus
Caucasian women (age 25-35) when 3 mg DRSP/0.02 mg EE was administered daily for 21 days. Other ethnic groups
have not been specifically studied.
Renal Impairment: Yaz Plus is contraindicated in patients with renal impairment.
The effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of DRSP (3 mg daily for 14 days) and the effect of DRSP on
serum potassium concentrations were investigated in three separate groups of female subjects (n=28, age 30-65). All
subjects were on a low potassium diet. During the study, 7 subjects continued the use of potassium-sparing drugs for the
treatment of their underlying illness. On the 14th day (steady-state) of DRSP treatment, the serum DRSP concentrations in
the group with CLcr of 50–79 mL/min were comparable to those in the control group with CLcr ≥ 80 mL/min. The serum
DRSP concentrations were on average 37% higher in the group with CLcr of 30–49 mL/min compared to those in the
control group. DRSP treatment did not show any clinically significant effect on serum potassium concentration. Although
hyperkalemia was not observed in the study, in five of the seven subjects who continued use of potassium-sparing drugs
during the study, mean serum potassium concentrations increased by up to 0.33 mEq/L. [See Contraindications (4) and
Warnings and Precautions (5.2).]
Hepatic Impairment: Yaz Plus is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease.
The mean exposure to DRSP in women with moderate liver impairment is approximately three times higher than the
exposure in women with normal liver function. Yaz Plus has not been studied in women with severe hepatic impairment.
[See Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4).]
Drug Interactions
Consult the labeling of all concurrently used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with oral
contraceptives or the potential for enzyme alterations.

Effects of Other Drugs on Combined Oral Contraceptives
Substances diminishing the efficacy of COCs: Drugs or herbal products that induce certain enzymes, including CYP3A4,
may decrease the effectiveness of COCs or increase breakthrough bleeding.
Substances increasing the plasma concentrations of COCs: Co-administration of atorvastatin and certain COCs
containing EE increase AUC values for EE by approximately 20%. Ascorbic acid and acetaminophen may increase
plasma EE concentrations, possibly by inhibition of conjugation. In a clinical drug-drug interaction study conducted in 20
premenopausal women, co-administration of a DRSP (3 mg)/EE (0.02 mg) COC with the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor
ketoconazole (200 mg twice daily) for 10 days increased the AUC(0-24h) of DRSP and EE by 2.68-fold (90% CI: 2.44,
2.95) and 1.40-fold (90% CI: 1.31, 1.49), respectively. The increases in Cmax were 1.97-fold (90% CI: 1.79, 2.17) and
1.39-fold (90% CI: 1.28, 1.52) for DRSP and EE, respectively. Although no clinically relevant effects on safety or
laboratory parameters including serum potassium were observed, this study only assessed subjects for 10 days. The
clinical impact for a patient taking a DRSP-containing COC concomitantly with chronic use of a CYP3A4/5 inhibitor is
unknown [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
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HIV/HCV protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors: Significant changes (increase or
decrease) in the plasma concentrations of estrogen and progestin have been noted in some cases of co-administration with
HIV/HCV protease inhibitors or with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
Antibiotics: There have been reports of pregnancy while taking hormonal contraceptives and antibiotics, but clinical
pharmacokinetic studies have not shown consistent effects of antibiotics on plasma concentrations of synthetic steroids.
Effects of Combined Oral Contraceptives on Other Drugs
COCs containing EE may inhibit the metabolism of other compounds. COCs have been shown to significantly decrease
plasma concentrations of lamotrigine, likely due to induction of lamotrigine glucuronidation. This may reduce seizure
control; therefore, dosage adjustments of lamotrigine may be necessary. Consult the labeling of the concurrently-used
drug to obtain further information about interactions with COCs or the potential for enzyme alterations.
In vitro, EE is a reversible inhibitor of CYP2C19, CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 as well as a mechanism-based inhibitor of
CYP3A4/5, CYP2C8, and CYP2J2. Metabolism of DRSP and potential effects of DRSP on hepatic CYP enzymes have
been investigated in in vitro and in vivo studies. In in vitro studies DRSP did not affect turnover of model substrates of
CYP1A2 and CYP2D6, but had an inhibitory influence on the turnover of model substrates of CYP1A1, CYP2C9,
CYP2C19, and CYP3A4, with CYP2C19 being the most sensitive enzyme. The potential effect of DRSP on CYP2C19
activity was investigated in a clinical pharmacokinetic study using omeprazole as a marker substrate. In the study with 24
postmenopausal women [including 12 women with homozygous (wild type) CYP2C19 genotype and 12 women with
heterozygous CYP2C19 genotype] the daily oral administration of 3 mg DRSP for 14 days did not affect the oral
clearance of omeprazole (40 mg, single oral dose) and the CYP2C19 product 5-hydroxy omeprazole. Furthermore, no
significant effect of DRSP on the systemic clearance of the CYP3A4 product omeprazole sulfone was found. These
results demonstrate that DRSP did not inhibit CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 in vivo.
Two additional clinical drug-drug interaction studies using simvastatin and midazolam as marker substrates for CYP3A4
were each performed in 24 healthy postmenopausal women. The results of these studies demonstrated that
pharmacokinetics of the CYP3A4 substrates were not influenced by steady state DRSP concentrations achieved after
administration of 3 mg DRSP/day.
Women on thyroid hormone replacement therapy may need increased doses of thyroid hormone because serum
concentration of thyroid-binding globulin increases with use of COCs.
Interactions With Drugs That Have the Potential to Increase Serum Potassium Concentration: There is a potential for
an increase in serum potassium concentration in women taking Yaz Plus with other drugs that may increase serum
potassium concentration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
A drug-drug interaction study of DRSP 3 mg/estradiol (E2) 1 mg versus placebo was performed in 24 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. Serum potassium concentrations also were measured
at multiple time points over 24 hours at baseline and on Day 14. On Day 14, the ratios for serum potassium Cmax and
AUC in the DRSP/E2 group to those in the placebo group were 0.955 (90% CI: 0.914, 0.999) and 1.010 (90% CI: 0.944,
1.08), respectively. No patient in either treatment group developed hyperkalemia (serum potassium concentrations > 5.5
mEq/L).
Effects of Folates on Other Drugs
There is a potential that folates such as folic acid and levomefolate calcium may modify the pharmacokinetics or
pharmacodynamics of certain antifolate drugs (e.g., antiepileptics, methotrexate).
Effects of other Drugs on Folate
Several drugs (e.g., methotrexate, sulfasalazine, cholestyramine, antiepileptics) have been reported to reduce folate
concentrations.




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