Package Leaflet: Information for the User
aidraelle3 mg/0.02 mgfilm-coated tablets EFG
drospirenone/ethinylestradiol
Read this package leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine, as it contains important information for you.Keep this package leaflet, you may need to read it again.
Important things to know about combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs):
Contents of the package leaflet:
5. Storage of aidraelle
Aidraelle is a contraceptive and is used to prevent pregnancy.
Each tablet contains a small amount of two different female hormones, called drospirenone and ethinylestradiol.
Contraceptives that contain two hormones are called combined contraceptives.
General considerations
Before starting to take aidraelle, you should read the information about blood clots in section 2. It is especially important that you read the symptoms of a blood clot (see section 2 "Blood clots").
Before starting to take aidraelle, your doctor will ask you some questions about your personal and family medical history. The doctor will also measure your blood pressure and, depending on your state of health, may perform other tests.
This prospectus describes several situations in which you should interrupt the use of aidraelle, or in which the effect of aidraelle may decrease.
In such situations, you should not have sexual intercourse or should take additional non-hormonal contraceptive precautions, such as using a condom or another barrier method.
Do not use the rhythm method or the temperature method. These methods may not be reliable since aidraelle alters the monthly changes in body temperature and cervical mucus.
Aidraelle, like other hormonal contraceptives, does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted disease.
Do not take aidraelle
You should not take aidraelle if you have any of the conditions listed below. Inform your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below. Your doctor will discuss with you what other form of contraception would be more suitable.
Do not take aidraelle if you have hepatitis C and are taking medications that contain ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir or glecaprevir / pibrentasvir (see also the section Other medicines and aidraelle).
Additional information on special populations
Children and adolescents
Aidraelle is not indicated for use in women who have not yet had their first menstrual period.
Older women
Aidraelle is not indicated for use after menopause.
Women with liver failure
Do not take aidraelle if you suffer from liver disease. See sections "Do not take aidraelle" and "Warnings and precautions".
Women with kidney failure
Do not take aidraelle if you are suffering from kidney malfunction or acute kidney failure. See sections "Do not take aidraelle" and "Warnings and precautions".
Warnings and precautions
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take aidraelle.
When should you consult your doctor? Seek urgent medical attention
To obtain a description of the symptoms of these serious side effects, see "How to recognize a blood clot". |
Tell your doctor if you suffer from any of the following conditions.
In some situations, you will need to be particularly careful while using aidraelle or any other combined contraceptive, and it may be necessary for your doctor to perform regular checks on you. If any of the following disorders affect you, you must inform your doctor before starting to take aidraelle.
If the condition develops or worsens while you are using aidraelle, you should also inform your doctor.
Psychiatric disorders:
Some women who use hormonal contraceptives like aidraelle have reported depression or a depressed mood. Depression can be severe and sometimes can induce suicidal thoughts. If you experience mood changes and depressive symptoms, contact your doctor for additional medical advice as soon as possible.
BLOOD CLOTS
The use of a combined hormonal contraceptive like aidraelle increases your risk of having a blood clot compared to not using it. In rare cases, a blood clot can block blood vessels and cause serious problems.
Blood clots can form:
Recovery from blood clots is not always complete. In rare cases, there can be serious long-term effects or, very rarely, they can be fatal.
It is essential to remember that the overall risk of a harmful blood clot due to aidraelle is small.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE A BLOOD CLOT
Seek urgent medical attention if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms.
Are you experiencing any of these signs? | What might you be suffering from? |
| Deep vein thrombosis |
If you are unsure, consult a doctor, as some of these symptoms, such as cough or shortness of breath, can be confused with a milder condition such as a respiratory infection (e.g., a "common cold"). | Pulmonary embolism |
Symptoms that occur more frequently in one eye:
| Retinal vein thrombosis (blood clot in the eye). |
| Heart attack |
Sometimes the symptoms of a stroke can be brief, with almost immediate and complete recovery, but you should still seek urgent medical attention as you may be at risk of having another stroke. | Stroke |
| Blood clots that block other blood vessels. |
BLOOD CLOTS IN A VEIN
What can happen if a blood clot forms in a vein?
When is the risk of a blood clot in a vein higher?
The risk of a blood clot in a vein is higher during the first year in which you take a combined hormonal contraceptive for the first time. The risk may also be higher if you start taking a combined hormonal contraceptive (the same medicine or a different one) after an interruption of 4 weeks or more.
After the first year, the risk decreases, but it is always slightly higher than if you were not taking a combined hormonal contraceptive.
When you stop taking aidraelle, your risk of a blood clot returns to normal within a few weeks.
What is the risk of a blood clot?
The risk depends on your natural risk of VTE and the type of combined hormonal contraceptive you are taking.
The overall risk of a blood clot in the leg or lung (DVT or PE) with aidraelle is small.
Risk of a blood clot in a year | |
Women who do not usea combined hormonal contraceptive and are not pregnant | About 2 out of every 10,000 women |
Women who use a combined hormonal contraceptive that contains levonorgestrel, norethisterone, or norgestimate | About 5-7 out of every 10,000 women |
Women who use aidraelle | About 9-12 out of every 10,000 women |
Factors that increase your risk of a blood clot in a vein
The risk of a blood clot with aidraelle is small, but some conditions increase the risk. Your risk is higher:
The risk of a blood clot increases with the number of conditions you have.
Long-distance air travel (more than 4 hours) may temporarily increase the risk of a blood clot, especially if you have any of the other risk factors listed.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you suffer from any of the above conditions, even if you are not sure. Your doctor may decide that you should stop using aidraelle.
If any of the above conditions change while you are using aidraelle, for example, you start smoking, a close relative experiences a thrombosis without a known cause, or you gain a lot of weight, inform your doctor.
BLOOD CLOTS IN AN ARTERY
What can happen if a blood clot forms in an artery?
Like a blood clot in a vein, a clot in an artery can cause serious problems. For example, it can cause a heart attack or a stroke.
Factors that increase your risk of a blood clot in an artery
It is essential to note that the risk of a heart attack or stroke due to aidraelle is very small, but it can increase:
If you have one or more of these conditions or if any of them are particularly severe, the risk of a blood clot may be further increased.
If any of the above conditions change while you are using aidraelle, for example, you start smoking, a close relative experiences a thrombosis without a known cause, or you gain a lot of weight, inform your doctor.
Aidraelle and cancer
Women who use combined contraceptives have a slightly higher incidence of breast cancer, but it is not known if this is due to the treatment. For example, it may be that more tumors are detected in women who take combined contraceptives because they are examined by a doctor more frequently. The incidence of breast tumors decreases gradually after stopping combined hormonal contraceptives. It is essential to have regular breast exams, and you should see your doctor if you notice any lump.
Follow the administration instructions for this medication exactly as indicated by your doctor. If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist again.
Take one aidraelle tablet every day with a glass of water if necessary. You can take the tablets with or without food, but take them at approximately the same time every day.
Each blister pack contains 21 tablets. The day of the week on which you should take the tablet is printed on each tablet. For example, if you start on a Wednesday, take the tablet with "WED". Follow the direction of the arrow on the blister pack until you have taken all 21 tablets.
Then, do not take any tablets for 7 days. During these 7 days without tablets (called the tablet-free period), you should have your period. Usually, the period, also known as withdrawal bleeding, starts on the second or third day of the tablet-free week.
On the eighth day after taking the last aidraelle tablet (i.e., after the 7-day tablet-free period), start the next blister pack, even if you have not finished bleeding. This means you should start the next blister pack on the same day of the week you started the previous one, and your period should occur during the same days every month.
If you use aidraelle in this way, you will also be protected against pregnancy during the 7 days when you are not taking tablets.
When can you start with the first blister pack?
Start taking aidraelle on the first day of your cycle (i.e., the first day of your period). If you start aidraelle on the first day of your period, you will be immediately protected against pregnancy. You can also start on days 2-5 of your cycle, but you must use additional contraceptive methods (e.g., a condom) during the first 7 days.
You can start taking aidraelle preferably the day after taking the last active tablet (the last tablet containing active ingredients) of your previous contraceptive, or at the latest on the day after the withdrawal week of your previous contraceptive (or after taking the last inactive tablet of your previous contraceptive). When switching from a vaginal ring or patch, follow your doctor's recommendations.
You can switch from the progestin-only pill at any time. If it is an implant or intrauterine device, on the day of its removal; if it is an injection, when the next injection is due. In all cases, it is recommended that you use additional contraceptive measures (e.g., a condom) during the first 7 days of tablet-taking.
Follow your doctor's recommendations.
After having a child, you can start taking aidraelle between 21 and 28 days later. If you start later, you must use a barrier method (e.g., a condom) during the first 7 days of aidraelle use.
If, after having a child, you have had sexual intercourse before starting aidraelle again, you must first ensure you are not pregnant or wait for your next period.
Refer to the section "Pregnancy and Breastfeeding".
Ask your doctor if you are unsure when to start.
If you take moreaidraellethan you should
No cases have been reported where an overdose of aidraelle has caused serious harm.
The symptoms that may appear if you take many tablets include feeling unwell or vomiting, or vaginal bleeding. This bleeding can occur even in girls who have not yet had their first period, if they have accidentally taken this medication.
If you have taken too many aidraelle tablets, or if a child has taken them, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately or call the Toxicology Information Service, phone 91 562 04 20, indicating the medication and the amount ingested.
If you forget to takeaidraelle
The risk of incomplete protection against pregnancy is highest if you forget to take a tablet at the beginning of the blister pack (1st row) or at the end of the blister pack (3rd row of the blister pack). Therefore, you should take the following measures (also refer to the diagram below):
Consult your doctor.
Take the forgotten tablet as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two tablets at the same time. Continue taking the following tablets at the usual time and use additional precautions, such as a condom, for the next 7 days. If you have had sexual intercourse in the week before forgetting the tablet, you should be aware that there is a risk of pregnancy. In this case, consult your doctor.
Take the forgotten tablet as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two tablets at the same time. Continue taking the tablets at the usual time. Your protection against pregnancy will not decrease, and you do not need to take additional precautions.
You can choose between two options:
You will likely have your period at the end of the second blister pack, although you may experience light bleeding or spotting during the second blister pack.
If you follow one of these two recommendations, you will remain protected against pregnancy.
What should you do in case of vomiting or severe diarrhea?
If you vomit within 3-4 hours after taking a tablet or suffer from severe diarrhea, there is a risk that the active ingredients of the contraceptive will not be fully absorbed by the body. The situation is almost equivalent to forgetting a tablet. After vomiting or diarrhea, take a tablet from a reserve blister pack as soon as possible. If possible, take it within 12 hoursafter the usual time you take your contraceptive. If this is not possible or more than 12 hours have passed, follow the advice in the section "If you forget to take aidraelle".
Delayed menstrual period: what should you know?
Although it is not recommended, it is possible to delay your menstrual period if you start taking a new blister pack of aidraelle instead of starting the withdrawal week and finish it. You may experience light bleeding or spotting during the use of the second blister pack. After the usual withdrawal week, continue with the next blister pack.
You should consult your doctor before deciding to delay your menstrual period.
Changing the first day of your menstrual period: what should you know?
If you take the tablets according to the instructions, your menstrual period will start during the withdrawal week. If you need to change this day, reduce the number of withdrawal days (but never increase them - 7 days maximum!). For example, if your withdrawal week starts on a Friday and you want to change it to a Tuesday (3 days earlier), you should start a new blister pack 3 days earlier than usual. If you make the withdrawal week very short (e.g., 3 days or less), you may not have bleeding during these days. Then, you may experience light bleeding or spotting.
If you are unsure how to proceed, consult your doctor.
If you stop takingaidraelle
You can stop taking aidraelle whenever you want. If you do not want to become pregnant, consult your doctor about other effective birth control methods.
If you want to become pregnant, stop taking aidraelle and wait until your period before trying to become pregnant. This way, you will be able to calculate the expected date of delivery more easily.
If you have any other questions about the use of this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, this medicine may cause adverse effects, although not all people suffer from them. If you experience any adverse effect, especially if it is severe and persistent, or if you have any change in health that you think may be due to aidraelle, consult your doctor.
Contact a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms of angioedema: swelling of the face, tongue, and/or throat, and/or difficulty swallowing or urticaria with possible difficulty breathing (see also the section "Warnings and Precautions").
All women who take combined hormonal contraceptives are at a higher risk of developing blood clots in the veins (venous thromboembolism (VTE)) or blood clots in the arteries (arterial thromboembolism (ATE)). For more detailed information on the different risks of taking combined hormonal contraceptives, see section 2 "What you need to know before taking aidraelle".
The following list of adverse effects has been associated with the use of aidraelle
Frequent Adverse Effects(may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
Uncommon Adverse Effects(may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
Rare Adverse Effects(may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):
The risk of having a blood clot may be higher if you have any other condition that increases this risk (see section 2 for more information on conditions that increase the risk of blood clots and symptoms of a blood clot).
Reporting Adverse Effects
If you experience any type of adverse effect, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is a possible adverse effect that is not listed in this leaflet. You can also report them directly through the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Use Medicines https://www.notificaram.es. By reporting adverse effects, you can contribute to providing more information on the safety of this medicine.
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not store above 30°C.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the packaging after "EXP.".
The expiry date is the last day of the month indicated.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Deposit the packaging and any unused medicines in the SIGRE collection point at your pharmacy. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of the packaging and any unused medicines. This will help protect the environment.
Composition ofaidraelle
Tablet core: lactose monohydrate, potassium polacrylate, povidone, magnesium stearate.
Coating: Opadry II pink which contains: macrogol, polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide (E-171), talc, yellow iron oxide (E-172), red iron oxide (E-172).
Appearance of the Product and Package Contents
Each aidraelle blister pack contains 21 film-coated tablets.
Aidraelle is available in cardboard boxes of 1 and 3 blister packs, each containing a PVC/PVDC/Aluminum blister pack with 21 film-coated tablets.
The aidraelle tablets are cylindrical, biconvex, pink in color, and have a diameter of approximately 6mm.
Each cardboard box contains a cardboard sleeve to store the blister pack.
Only certain package sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer
Marketing Authorization Holder:
Laboratorios Cinfa, S.A.
Carretera Olaz-Chipi, 10. Polígono Industrial Areta
31620 Huarte (Navarra)- Spain
Manufacturer:
Cyndea Pharma, S.L.
Pol. Ind. Emiliano Revilla Sanz
Avenida de Ágreda, 31
42110 Ólvega (Soria)
Spain
Date of the Last Revision of this Leaflet: July 2024
Detailed and updated information on this medicine is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) http://www.aemps.gob.es/.
You can access detailed and updated information about this medicine by scanning the QR code included in the leaflet and packaging with your mobile phone (smartphone). You can also access this information at the following internet address: https://cima.aemps.es/cima/dochtml/p/78877/P_78877.html
QR code to: https://cima.aemps.es/cima/dochtml/p/78877/P_78877.html