Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC) Database
| ANDA | Abbreviated New Drug Application |
| BLA | Biologics License Application |
| CDER | Center for Drug Evaluation and Research |
| MG | Medication Guide |
| NDA | New Drug Application |
| PCI | Patient Counseling Information |
| PI | Patient Information |
| PLR | Physician Labeling Rule |
| PLLR | Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule |
| Italics | For the most part, italics indicate an FDA comment such as:
Additions and/or revisions underlined These italics usually appear at the beginning of the section. In some cases, italics may be an inherent part of the label, and will most often appear in the body of the section. |
| Underlines | Any text that is underlined indicates text that has been added or revised. There are exceptions where underlining occurs in a section subtitle or heading. This is the case when there is just one word underlined in the body of the text. |
Sections
| BW | Box Warning |
| WP | Warnings and Precautions all in one section (PLR-format) Warnings as one section (pre-PLR format) Precautions as one section (pre-PLR format) |
| AR | Adverse Reactions (in pre-PLR format, this may be a subheading under precautions). |
| DI | Drug Interactions (in pre-PLR format, this may be a subheading under precautions). |
| USP | Use in Specific Populations (Inclusive on one or more of the following: Pregnancy; Lactation (PLLR- format); Nursing Mothers (pre-PLLR format); Females and Males of Reproductive Potential (PLLR format only); Pediatric Use, Geriatric Use, Renal Impairment, Hepatic Impairment, Sex, Race (these last six may be a subheading of precautions if label in pre-PLLR format. |
| PCI/PI/MG | Patient Counseling Information (PLR format only) - summarizes the information that a health care provider should convey to a patient (or caregiver when applicable) when a counseling discussion is taking place (e.g., a physician prescribing a drug during an office visit, a nurse providing discharge instructions at a hospital, or a pharmacist conveying information at a pharmacy). Patient Information - FDA approved patient labeling. Medication Guide - paper handouts that come with many prescription medicines. The guides address issues that are specific to particular drugs and drug classes, and they contain FDA-approved information that can help patients avoid serious adverse events. |
Only NDAs and CDER regulated BLAs are included in this database. ANDAs are not included.
Applications that remain active, even if the product has been discontinued, undergo safety-related labeling changes.
BIJUVA (NDA-210132)
(ESTRADIOL; PROGESTERONE)
Safety-related Labeling Changes Approved by FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)
02/12/2026 (SUPPL-13)
4 Contraindications
Additions and/or revisions underlined:
BIJUVA is contraindicated in women with any of the following conditions:
Abnormal genital bleeding of unknown etiology [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
…
5 Warnings and Precautions
5.1 Cardiovascular DisordersAdditions and/or revisions underlined:
BIJUVA is contraindicated in females with active DVT, PE, arterial thromboembolic disease (e.g., stroke, MI) disease, or a history of these conditions [see Contraindications (4)].
Immediately discontinue BIJUVA if a PE, DVT, stroke, or MI occurs or is suspected.
If feasible, discontinue BIJUVA at least 4 to 6 weeks before surgery of the type associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, or during periods of prolonged immobilization.
The safety and efficacy of BIJUVA for the prevention of cardiovascular disorders has not been established [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].
The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) estrogen plus progestin trial reported increased risks of PE, DVT, stroke, and MI in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age, average age 63.4 years) during the 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. Analyses were also conducted in women aged 50-59 years, a group of women more likely to present with new onset of moderate to severe VMS compared to women in other age groups in the trial [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].
Only daily oral 0.625 mg CE and 2.5 mg MPA were studied in the estrogen plus progestin trial of the WHI. Therefore, the relevance of the WHI findings regarding adverse cardiovascular events to lower CE plus other MPA doses, other routes of administration, or other estrogen plus progestogen 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.
Venous Thromboembolism
In women aged 50-59 years, the WHI estrogen plus progestin trial reported a relative risk for PE of 2.05 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89-4.71) for CE/MPA compared to placebo, with a risk difference of 6 per 10,000 women-years (WYs; 11 versus 5). The relative risk for DVT was 3.01 (95% CI, 1.36-6.66) in those receiving CE/MPA compared to placebo, with a risk difference of 10 per 10,000 WYs (15 versus 5) [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].
In the overall study population of women aged 50-79 years (average 63.4 years), the trial reported a relative risk for PE of 1.98 (95% CI, 1.36-2.87) for CE/MPA compared to placebo, with a risk difference of 9 per 10,000 WYs (18 versus 9). The relative risk for DVT was 1.87 (95% CI, 1.37-2.54) for CE/MPA compared to placebo, with a risk difference of 12 per 10,000 WYs (25 versus 14) [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].
Stroke
In women aged 50-59 years, the WHI estrogen plus progestin trial reported a relative risk for stroke of 1.51 (95% CI, 0.81-2.82) for CE/MPA compared to placebo, with a risk difference of 5 per 10,000 WYs (15 versus 10) [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].
In the overall study population of women aged 50-79 years (average 63.4 years), the WHI estrogen plus progestin trial reported relative risk for stroke of 1.37 (95% CI, 1.07-1.76) for CE/MPA compared to placebo, with a risk difference of 9 per 10,000 WYs (33 versus 24) [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].
Coronary Heart Disease
In women 50 to 59 years of age, the WHI estrogen plus progestin trial reported a relative risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) events (defined as nonfatal MI, silent MI, or CHD death) of 1.34 (95% CI, 0.82-2.19) for CE/MPA compared placebo, with a risk difference of 5 per 10,000 WYs (23 versus 17).
In the overall study population of women aged 50-79 years (average 63.4 years), the trial reported a relative risk of CHD of 1.18 (95% CI, 0.95-1.45) for CE/MPA compared to placebo, with a risk difference of 6 per 10,000 WYs (41 versus 35) [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].
In the Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study (HERS) and open label extension (HERS II), postmenopausal women with documented heart disease (n=2,763, average age 66.7 years) received daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA or placebo. In Year 1, there were more CHD events in the CE plus MPA-treated group than placebo; however, rates of CHD events were comparable among both groups for the remainder of the duration of the studies (average total follow-up of 6.8 years).2, 3
Breast Cancer
BIJUVA
is contraindicated in women with breast cancer, a history
of breast cancer, or estrogen-dependent neoplasia [see Contraindications
(4)].Discontinue
BIJUVA if a hormone-sensitive malignancy is diagnosed. The use of estrogen
plus progestin therapy has been reported to result in an increase in abnormal mammograms
requiring further evaluation. Only daily oral
CE 0.625 mg and MPA 2.5 mg were
studied in the estrogen plus progestin trial of the WHI. Therefore, the relevance
of the WHI findings regarding breast cancer to lower CE plus other MPA doses, other
routes of administration, or other estrogen plus progestogen 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.
In women 50-59 years of age, the WHI estrogen plus progestin trial reported a relative risk for invasive breast cancer of 1.21 (95% CI, 0.81-1.80) for CE/MPA compared to placebo, with a risk difference of 6 per 10,000 WYs (33 versus 27). In this age group, among those who reported no prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk was 1.06 (95% CI, 0.67-1.67) for CE/MPA compared to placebo, with a risk difference of 2 per 10,000 WYs (33 versus 31) [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].
In the overall study population of women aged 50-79 years (average 63.4 years), the WHI estrogen plus progestin trial reported a relative risk for invasive breast cancer of 1.24 (95% CI, 1.01-1.53) for CE/MPA compared to placebo, with a risk difference of 9 per 10,000 WYs (43 versus 35). In the overall study population, among women who reported prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.85 (95% CI, 1.18-2.90) for CE/MPA compared to placebo, with a risk difference of 21 per 10,000 WYs (46 versus 25). Among women who reported no prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.09 (95% CI, 0.86-1.39), with a risk difference of 4 per 10,000 WYs (40 versus 36). Invasive breast cancers were larger, were more likely to be node positive, and were 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. Extension of the WHI trial also demonstrated increased breast cancer risk associated with estrogen plus progestin therapy [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].1
Consistent with the WHI trial, observational studies have also reported an increased risk of breast cancer with estrogen plus progestin therapy. A large meta-analysis including 24 prospective studies of postmenopausal women comparing current use of estrogen plus progestin products with use duration of 5 to 14 years (average of 9 years) versus never use reported a relative risk for breast cancer of 2.08 (95% CI, 2.02-2.15). These studies have not generally found the risk of breast cancer to be different among the various estrogen plus progestin combinations, doses, or routes of administration.4
Regarding breast cancer mortality, the WHI estrogen plus progestin did not show a statistically significant difference between CE/MPA and placebo. The trial reported a relative risk of 1.35 (95% CI, 0.94-1.95) for CE/MPA compared to placebo, with a risk difference of 1 per 10,000 WYs (5 versus 4) after a median of 19 years of cumulative follow-up [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].
Ovarian Cancer
Comparing CE/MPA to placebo, women 50-59 years of age had a relative risk for ovarian cancer of 0.30
(95% CI, 0.06-1.47) and the risk difference was -3 per 10,000 WYs (1 versus 4) [see Clinical Studies
(14.4)].
In the overall WHI study population of women aged 50-79 years (average 63.4 years), the WHI estrogen plus progestin trial reported a relative risk for ovarian cancer of 1.41 (95% CI, 0.75-2.66) for CE/MPA versus placebo after an average follow-up of 5.6 years. The risk difference was 1 per 10,000 WYs (5 versus 4) [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].
A large meta-analysis including 17 prospective studies of postmenopausal women compared current use of estrogen plus progestin products versus never use and reported a relative risk for ovarian cancer
1.37 (95% CI, 1.26-1.48). The duration of hormone therapy use that was associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer is unknown.5
8 Use in Specific Populations
8.5 Geriatric UseAdditions and/or revisions underlined:
…
It is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women [see Clinical Studies (14.5)]. The safety and efficacy of BIJUVA for the prevention of dementia has not been established.
02/15/2024 (SUPPL-11)
5 Warnings and Precautions
5.2 Malignant NeoplasmsAdditions and/or revisions underlined:
…
…
One large meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies reported increased risks that were dependent upon duration of use and could last up to >10 years after discontinuation of estrogen plus progestin therapy and estrogen- alone therapy. Extension of the WHI trials also demonstrated increased breast cancer risk associated with estrogen plus progestin therapy.
…
12/28/2021 (SUPPL-6)
5 Warnings and Precautions
5.19 Laboratory Tests
Additions and/or revisions underlined:
Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels have not been shown to be useful in the management of postmenopausal women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms.
5.2 Malignant Neoplasms
Additions and/or revisions underlined:
Breast Cancer
After a mean follow-up of 5.6 years, the WHI substudy of daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA
(2.5 mg) reported an increased risk of invasive breast cancer in women who took daily CE plus MPA compared to placebo. In this substudy, prior use of estrogen-alone or estrogen plus
progestin therapy was reported by 26% of the women. The relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.24, and the absolute risk was 41 versus 33 cases per 10,000 women-years, for CE plus MPA compared with placebo. Among women who reported prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.86, and the absolute risk was 46 versus 25 cases per 10,000 women-years, for CE plus MPA compared with placebo. Among women who reported no prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.09, and the absolute risk was 40 versus 36 cases per 10,000 women-years for CE plus MPA compared with placebo. In the same substudy, invasive breast cancers were larger, were more likely to be node positive, and were diagnosed at a more advanced stage in the CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) 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 groups5 [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].
The WHI substudy of daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone provided information about breast cancer in estrogen-alone users. In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy, after an average follow-up of
7.1 years, daily CE-alone was not associated with an increased risk of invasive breast cancer [relative risk (RR) 0.80] compared to placebo6 [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].
Consistent with the WHI clinical trials, observational studies have also reported an increased risk of breast cancer with estrogen plus progestin therapy, and a smaller increase in the risk for breast cancer with estrogen-alone therapy, after several years of use. The risk increased with duration of use and appeared to return to baseline over about 5 years after stopping treatment (only the observational studies have substantial data on risk after stopping). Observational studies also suggest that the risk of breast cancer was greater, and became apparent earlier, with estrogen plus progestin therapy as compared to estrogen-alone therapy. These studies have not generally found significant variation in the risk of breast cancer among different estrogen plus progestin combinations, doses, or routes of administration.
The use of estrogen-alone and estrogen plus progestin therapy has been reported to result in an increase in abnormal mammograms requiring further evaluation.
In a one-year trial, among 1,684 women who received a combination of estradiol plus progesterone (1 mg estradiol plus 100 mg progesterone or 0.5 mg estradiol plus 100 mg progesterone or 0.5 mg estradiol plus 50 mg progesterone or 0.25 mg estradiol plus 50 mg progesterone) or placebo (n=151), six new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed, two of which occurred among the group of 424 women treated with BIJUVA (estradiol and progesterone) capsules, 0.5 mg/100 mg, and two of which occurred among the group of 415 women treated with BIJUVA (estradiol and progesterone) capsules, 1 mg/100 mg. No new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in the group of 151 women treated with placebo.
06/22/2021 (SUPPL-1)
Boxed Warning
Additions and/or revisions underlined:
…
Breast Cancer
The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy demonstrated an increased risk of invasive breast cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), 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 the 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 progestogen
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 progestogen
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.
…
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 (14.4)].
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 (5.3), 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, 5.3), 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. 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-alone 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.
5 Warnings and Precautions
5.15 Hereditary AngioedemaAdditions underlined
Exogenous estrogens may exacerbate symptoms of angioedema in women with hereditary angioedema. Consider whether the benefits of estrogen therapy, including BIJUVA, outweigh the risks in such women.
6 Adverse Reactions
6.2 Postmarketing ExperienceNew subsection added
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of BIJUVA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Abdominal pain and discomfort, abdominal distention, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fatigue, feeling abnormal, malaise.
Investigations
Weight increased.
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Fluid retention.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Muscle spasms, pain in extremity. Nervous system disorders Dizziness, headache, somnolence. Psychiatric disorders
Insomnia, sleep disorder.
Reproductive system and breast disorders
Breast pain, breast tenderness, uterine bleeding. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Night sweats, pruritus.
Vascular disorders
Hot flush.
8 Use in Specific Populations
8.1 Pregnancy
Additions underlined
…
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.
8.2 Lactation
Additions underlined
Risk Summary
Estrogens plus progestogens are present in human milk and can reduce milk production in breast-feeding females. This reduction can occur at any time but is less likely to occur once breast-feeding is well-established. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for BIJUVA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from BIJUVA or from the underlying maternal condition.
17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)
PATIENT INFORMATIONAdditions underlined
What is the most important information I should know about BIJUVA (a combination of estrogen and progestogen)?
…
Do not use estrogen-alone to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, or dementia (decline of brain function).
…
Only one estrogen with progestogen product and dose have been shown to increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, blood clots, and dementia. Only one estrogen-alone product and dose have been shown to increase your chances of getting strokes, blood clots, and dementia. Because other products and doses have not been studied in the same way, it is not known how the use of BIJUVA will affect your chances of these conditions. You and your healthcare provider should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with BIJUVA.
…
