Package Leaflet: Information for the User
Zoely 2.5mg/1.5mg film-coated tablets
Nomegestrol acetate / Estradiol
This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. Reporting of side effects on this product will be governed by the national requirements.You can help us by reporting any side effects you experience. See the end of section4 for how to report side effects.
Important information about combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs):
Read this leaflet carefully before you start usingthismedicinal product, because it contains important information for you.
1.What is Zoely and for what it is used
2.What you need to know before you start using Zoely
3.How to use Zoely
4.Possible side effects
5.Storage of Zoely
6.Contents of the pack and additional information
Zoely is a contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy.
General Considerations
Before starting to use Zoely, you should read the information about blood clots (thrombosis) in section 2. It is particularly important that you read the symptoms of a blood clot (see section 2 “Blood Clots”).
Before starting to take Zoely, your doctor will ask you some questions about your personal health history and that of your close relatives. Your doctor will also take your blood pressure and, depending on your personal situation, may perform other tests.
This leaflet describes several situations in which you should stop taking the pill or in which the reliability of the pill may be reduced. In such situations, you should not have sexual intercourse or use additional non-hormonal contraceptive precautions, for example, the use of a condom or another barrier method. Do not use the rhythm or temperature methods. These methods may not be reliable because the pill alters the usual changes in body temperature and cervical mucus that occur during the menstrual cycle.
Zoely, like other hormonal contraceptives, does not protect against HIV (AIDS) infection or against any other sexually transmitted disease.
When Not to Use Zoely
You should not use Zoely 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.
If any of these conditions appear for the first time while taking Zoely, stop taking it immediately and consult your doctor. Meanwhile, use a non-hormonal contraceptive. See also “General Notes” in section 2, above.
When to Have Special Care with Zoely
When to Consult Your Doctor?
Seek immediate medical attention
For a description of the symptoms of these serious adverse effects, see “How to Recognize a Blood Clot”.
Inform Your Doctor If You Suffer Any of the Following Conditions.
If the condition develops or worsens while using Zoely, you should also inform your doctor.
The use of a combined hormonal contraceptive like Zoely increases your risk of developing 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:
The recovery of blood clots is not always complete. In rare cases, there may be long-lasting or even fatal effects.
It is essential to remember that the overall risk of developing a blood clot that is harmful due to Zoely is small.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE A BLOOD CLOT
Seek immediate medical attentionif you notice any of the following signs or symptoms.
Do you experience any of these symptoms? | What could you be suffering from? |
| Deep vein thrombosis |
If you are unsure, consult a doctor, as some of these symptoms, such as coughing or shortness of breath, can be confused with a milder condition like a common cold. | Pulmonary embolism |
Symptoms that occur more frequently in one eye:
| Retinal vein thrombosis (blood clot in the eye) |
| Heart attack |
Sometimes stroke symptoms can be brief, with almost immediate and complete recovery, but you should still seek medical attention as you may be at risk of 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 you take a combined hormonal contraceptive for the first time. The risk may be higher if you restart taking a combined hormonal contraceptive (the same product or a different product) after a break 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 Zoely, your risk of developing a blood clot returns to normal in 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 developing a blood clot in your leg or lung (DVT or PE) with Zoely is small.
Risk of developing a blood clot in a year | |
Women whodo not usea combined hormonal contraceptive and are not pregnant | About 2 of every 10,000 women |
Women who use a combined hormonal contraceptive containinglevonorgestrel, noretisterone or norgestimato | About 5-7 of every 10,000 women |
Women who use Zoely | We do not yet know |
Factors that Increase Your Risk of a Blood Clot in a Vein
The risk of developing a blood clot with Zoely is small, but some conditions increase the risk. Your risk is higher:
The risk of developing a blood clot increases the more conditions you have.
Long-distance flights (over 4 hours) may temporarily increase your 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 have any of the conditions listed above, even if you are unsure. Your doctor may decide that you need to stop taking Zoely.
If any of the conditions listed above change while you are using Zoely, for example, a close relative experiences a blood clot 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 blood 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 Zoely is very small, but it may increase:
•With age (over about 35 years).
•If you smoke.You are advised to stop smoking when using a hormonal contraceptive like Zoely. If you are unable to stop smoking and are over 35 years old, your doctor may advise you to use a different type of contraceptive.
•If you are overweight.
•If you have high blood pressure.
•If any of your close relatives have had a heart attack or stroke at a young age (less than about 50 years old). You may also be at higher risk of a heart attack or stroke.
•If you or any of your close relatives have high levels of fat in your blood (cholesterol or triglycerides).
•If you have migraines, especially migraines with aura.
•If you have a heart condition (valve disorder, a rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation).
•If you have diabetes.
If you have one or more of these conditions or if any of them are particularly severe, your risk of developing a blood clot may be increased even further.
If any of the conditions listed above change while you are using Zoely, for example, you start smoking, a close relative experiences a blood clot without a known cause, or you gain a lot of weight, inform your doctor.
Cases of breast cancer have been observed with a slightly higher frequency in women taking combined pills, but it is not known whether this is caused by the combined pills. For example, tumors may be detected more frequently in women taking combined pills because they are examined more frequently by their doctor. After stopping the combined pill, the increased risk decreases gradually.
It is essential that you have your breasts checked regularly and consult your doctor if you notice any lump. You should also inform your doctor if a close relative has or has had breast cancer (see section 2, “When to Have Special Care with Zoely”).
In rare cases, benign (non-cancerous) liver tumors have been reported in women taking combined pills, and even in rare cases, malignant (cancerous) liver tumors have been reported. Contact your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain.
Cervical cancer is caused by a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. It has been reported that it occurs more frequently in women who use the pill for more than 5 years. It is not known whether this observation is due to the use of hormonal contraceptives or other factors, such as differences in sexual behavior.
If you have any blood or urine tests, inform your doctor that you are taking Zoely, as it may affect the results of some tests.
Children and Adolescents
We do not have data on the safety and efficacy in girls under 18 years old.
Use of Zoely with Other Medications
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have taken recentlyor may need to take any other medication, including those purchased without a prescription and herbal medications.
You should also inform any other doctor or dentist who prescribes another medication (or the pharmacist who dispenses the medication) that you are taking Zoely. They may tell you if you need to take additional barrier contraceptive precautions and, if so, for how long.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant should not use Zoely. If you become pregnant while taking Zoely, stop taking it and contact your doctor.
If you want to stop taking Zoely because you want to become pregnant, see section 3, “If You Interrupt Treatment with Zoely”.
We do not generally recommend using Zoely during breastfeeding. If you want to use the pill while breastfeeding, consult your doctor.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Zoely has no or negligible effect on your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Zoely Contains Lactose
Zoely contains lactose. If your doctor has told you that you have a lactose intolerance, consult with them before taking this medication.
When and how to take the tablets
The Zoely blister contains 28 tablets: 24 white tablets with active ingredients (numbers 1 to 24) and four yellow tablets without active ingredients (numbers 25 to 28).
Each time you start a new Zoely blister, take the white active tablet, identified with the number 1, in the top left corner (see “Start”).
Choose one of the seven stickers with day indicators, the one in the gray column that starts with your start day. For example, if you start on a Wednesday, use the sticker that indicates “WED”. Attach it to the blister, just above the row of white active tablets, where it says “Place the day of the week sticker here”. This allows you to check if you have taken your daily tablet.
Take one tablet a day, approximately at the same time; if necessary, with a little water.
Follow the direction of the arrows on the blister, so use the white active tablets first, and then the yellow placebo tablets.
Your menstruation will start during the four days you take the yellow placebo tablets (this menstruation is called withdrawal bleeding). It usually starts two to three days after the last white active tablet and may not have finished before starting the next blister.
Start taking the next blister immediately after the last yellow tablet, even if your menstruation has not finished. This means that you will always start a new blister on the same day of the week, and also that you will have your menstruation approximately the same days every month.
Some users may not have menstruation every month while taking the yellow tablets. If you have taken Zoely every day according to these instructions, it is unlikely that you are pregnant (see also section 3, “If you have missed one or two periods”).
Start of your first Zoely package
If you have not used any hormonal contraceptive in the previous month
Start taking Zoely on the first day of your cycle (i.e., the first day of your menstruation). Zoely will act immediately.
You do not need to use any additional contraceptive method.
If you switch from another combined hormonal contraceptive (combined pill, vaginal ring, or transdermal patch)
You can start taking Zoely on the day after taking the last tablet of your current pill package (this means there is no interruption in taking the tablets). If your current pill package also contains inactive tablets (placebo), you can start Zoely on the day after taking the last active tablet (if you are not sure which one, ask your doctor or pharmacist).
You can also start later, but never after the day after stopping taking your current pills (or the day after the last inactive tablet of your current pill). If you use a vaginal ring or a transdermal patch, it is best to start taking Zoely on the day you remove the ring or patch.
You can also start, at the latest, the day you would have started using the next ring or patch.
If you follow these instructions, you do not need to use any additional contraceptive method.
If you switch from a pill that only contains progestogen (mini-pill)
You can stop taking the mini-pill on any day and start taking Zoely the next day.
However, if you have sex, make sure to use a barrier contraceptive method during the first seven days you take Zoely.
If you switch from a progestogen-only injectable, implant, or intrauterine system medicated with hormone
Start using Zoely when it is time for your next injection or the day the implant or intrauterine system is removed.
However, if you have sex, make sure to use a barrier contraceptive method during the first seven days you take Zoely.
After having a baby
You can start taking Zoely between 21 and 28 days after giving birth. If you start after the 28th day, you should use a barrier contraceptive method during the first seven days you use Zoely. If, after giving birth, you have had sex before starting to take Zoely, make sure you are not pregnant or wait until your next menstruation. If you want to start taking Zoely after giving birth and are breastfeeding, also read section 2 “Pregnancy and breastfeeding”.
If you are unsure when to start, consult your doctor.
After a spontaneous or induced abortion
Follow your doctor's advice.
If you take more Zoely than you should
There have been no reports of serious side effects from taking too many Zoely tablets at once. If you have taken several tablets at once, you may experience nausea, vomiting, or vaginal bleeding. If a child has taken Zoely, ask your doctor for advice.
If you forgot to take Zoely
The following advice only refers to the white active tablets you forgot to take.
Day 1 to 7 of taking the white active tablets (see figure and scheme)
Take the last white active tablet you forgot to take as soon as you remember it (even if this means taking two tablets at once) and take the next tablet at the usual time. However, use a barrier contraceptive method, for example, a condom, as an additional precaution until you have taken the tablets correctly for seven consecutive days.
If you have had sex in the week before you forgot to take the tablets, there is a possibility of becoming pregnant or being pregnant. Consult your doctor immediately.
Day 8 to 17 of taking the white active tablets (see figure and scheme)
Take the last tablet you forgot to take as soon as you remember it (even if this means taking two tablets at once) and take the next tablets at the usual time. If you have taken the tablets correctly for the past seven days before the forgotten tablet, the protection against pregnancy is not reduced, and you do not need to use any additional precautions. However, if you have forgotten to take more than one tablet, use a barrier contraceptive method, for example, a condom, as an additional precaution until you have taken the tablets correctly for seven consecutive days.
Day 18 to 24 of taking the white active tablets (see figure and scheme)
There is a particularly high risk of becoming pregnant if you forget to take white active tablets near the interval of yellow placebo tablets. This higher risk can be avoided by adjusting your tablet-taking schedule.
You can follow the two options below. You do not need to use any additional precautions if you have taken the tablets correctly for the past seven days before the forgotten tablet. If not, you should follow the first of the two options and use a barrier contraceptive method, for example, a condom, as an additional precaution until you have taken the tablets correctly for seven consecutive days.
1st option:
Take the last white active tablet you forgot to take as soon as you remember it (even if this means taking two tablets at once) and take the next tablets at the usual time. Start the next blister as soon as you finish the white active tablets from the current blister, i.e., skip the yellow placebo tablets. You may not have your menstruation until you take the yellow placebo tablets at the end of the second blister, but you may have oligomenorrhea (spots or streaks of blood) or intermenstrual bleeding (bleeding between two periods) while taking the white active tablets.
2nd option:
Stop taking the white active tablets and start taking the yellow placebo tablets for a maximum of three days so that the total number of placebo tablets plus white active tablets is not more than four. At the end of this interval, start the next blister.
If you cannot remember how many white active tablets you forgot to take, follow the first option, use a barrier contraceptive method, for example, a condom, as an additional precaution until you have taken the tablets correctly for seven consecutive days, and consult your doctor (since you may not have been protected against becoming pregnant).
If you forgot to take white active tablets from a blister and do not have your expected menstruation while taking the yellow placebo tablets from the same blister, you may be pregnant. Consult your doctor before starting the next blister.
If you forgot to take the yellow placebo tablets
The four last yellow placebo tablets in the fourth row are inactive tablets that do not contain active ingredients. If you forgot to take one of these tablets, the reliability of Zoely is maintained. Throw away the (the) yellow placebo tablet(s) you forgot to take and continue taking the next tablets at the usual time.
Figure
Calendar: If it has been 24 hours or more since you were supposed to take the white tablets
If you vomit or have intense diarrhea
If you vomit within three or four hours after taking a white active tablet, or if you have intense diarrhea, the active ingredients of your Zoely tablet may not have been fully absorbed by your body. This situation is similar to forgetting to take a white active tablet. After vomiting or having diarrhea, you should take, as soon as possible, a white active tablet from a spare blister. If possible, take it within 24 hours after the usual time you take the pill. Take the next tablet at the usual time. If this is not possible or if more than 24 hours have passed, you should follow the recommendation under “If you forgot to take Zoely”. If you have intense diarrhea, consult your doctor.
The yellow tablets are placebo and do not contain active ingredients. If you vomit or have intense diarrhea within three to four hours after taking a yellow tablet, the reliability of Zoely is maintained.
If you want to delay your menstruation
You can delay your menstruation by not taking the yellow placebo tablets and going straight to a new Zoely blister. You may experience light bleeding or bleeding similar to menstruation while using this second blister. When you want your menstruation to start during the second blister, stop taking the white active tablets and start taking the yellow placebo tablets. After finishing the four yellow placebo tablets from the second blister, start with the next blister (the third).
If you want to change the start day of your menstruation
If you take the tablets according to the instructions, your menstruation will start during the days you take the placebo. If you need to change this day, reduce the number of days you take the placebo, i.e., when you take the yellow placebo tablets (but never increase it; the maximum is four). For example, if you start taking the placebo on a Friday and want to change it to a Tuesday (three days earlier), you should start a new blister three days earlier than usual. You may not experience bleeding during the shortened period when you take the yellow placebo tablets. While using the next blister, you may experience oligomenorrhea (spots or streaks of blood) or intermenstrual bleeding during the days you take the white active tablets.
If you are unsure what to do, consult your doctor.
If you have unexpected bleeding
With all combined pills, during the first months, you may experience irregular vaginal bleeding (oligomenorrhea or intermenstrual bleeding) between periods. You may need to use a sanitary protection, but continue taking the tablets as usual. The irregular vaginal bleeding usually stops once your body has adjusted to the pill (usually after a few months). If the bleeding continues, becomes heavy, or starts again, consult your doctor.
If you have missed one or more periods
In clinical studies with Zoely, it has been observed that it is possible that you may not have your regular menstrual period after the 24th day.
If you interrupt treatment with Zoely
You can stop taking Zoely at any time. If you do not want to become pregnant, ask your doctor about other contraceptive methods first.
If you have stopped taking Zoely because you want to become pregnant, it is recommended that you wait until you have had a natural menstruation before trying to conceive. This will help you determine when the baby will be born.
If you have any other questions about the use of this medication, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.
If you experience any side effect, especially if it is severe and persistent, or if you have any health change that you think may be due to Zoely, consult your doctor.
All women taking 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 section2 “What you need to know before starting to use Zoely”.
The following side effects have been associated with the use of Zoely:
Very common(may affect more than 1 in 10people):
Common(may affect up to 1 in 10people):
Uncommon(may affect up to 1 in 100people):
Rare(may affect up to 1 in 1,000people):
The chances of having a blood clot may be higher if you have any other condition that increases this risk (see section2 for more information on conditions that increase the risk of blood clots and the symptoms of a blood clot).
Adverse reactions (hypersensitivity) have been reported in users of Zoely, but their frequencycannot be estimated from the available data.
For more information on changes in menstruation (e.g., absent or irregular) as a possible side effect during the use of Zoely, see section3, “When and how to take the tablets”,“If you experience unexpected bleeding”and “If you have stopped having one or more menstruations”.
Reporting of side effects
If you experienceany type ofside effect, consultyour doctor, pharmacistor nurse, even if it is a possible side effect that does not appear in this leaflet.Also, you can report them directly through the national notification system included in theAppendixV. By reporting side effects, you can contribute to providing more information on the safety of this medicine.
Keepthis medicationout of the sight and reach of children.
Do not usethis medicationafter the expiration date that appears on the blister and on the box, after EXP/CAD. The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated.
No special storage conditions are required.
Unused combined pills (including Zoely tablets) should not be flushed down the toilet or municipal sewer system. The hormonal active principles of the tablet may have harmful effects if they reach the aquatic environment. Return them to the pharmacy or dispose of them in a safe manner, in accordance with local regulations.This will help protect the environment..
Composition of Zoely
Appearance of the product and contents of the pack
The active film-coated tablets (tablets) are white and round, and have the code “ne” on both faces.
The placebo film-coated tablets are yellow and round, and have the code “p” on both faces.
Zoely is presented in blisters of 28tablets (24white film-coated active tablets and 4yellow film-coated placebo tablets), packaged in a carton.
Pack sizes: 28, 84, 168 and 364tablets.
Only some pack sizes may be marketed.
Holder of the marketing authorisation and manufacturer responsible
Holder of the marketing authorisation
Teva B.V.
Swensweg 5
2031 GA Haarlem
Netherlands
Manufacturer responsible
Organon (Ireland) Limited
Drynam Road
Swords
Co. Dublin
Ireland
Delpharm Lille S.A.S.
Parc d’Activités Roubaix-Est
22 Rue de Toufflers
CS 50070,
59452 LYS-LEZ-LANNOYFrance
Teva Operations Poland Sp. z o.o.
ul. Mogilska 80
31-546 Krakow
Poland
N.V. Organon
Kloosterstraat 6
5349 AB Oss
Netherlands
Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.
Waarderweg 39
2031 BN Haarlem
Netherlands
For further information about this medicinal product, please consult the representative of the marketing authorisation holder in your country:
België/Belgique/Belgien Teva Pharma Belgium N.V./S.A./AG Tel/Tél: + 32 (0)38 20 73 73 | Lietuva UAB Merck Sharp & Dohme Tel: +370 5 2780247 |
???????? Actavis EAD Tel: +359 2 489 95 85 | Luxembourg/Luxemburg Teva Pharma Belgium N.V./S.A./AG Tel/Tél: + 32 (0)38 20 73 73 |
Ceská republika Merck Sharp & Dohme s.r.o. Tel.:+420 233 010 111 dpoc_czechslovak@merck.com | Magyarország MSD Pharma Hungary Kft. Tel.: +36 1 888-5300 |
Danmark MSD Danmark ApS Tlf: +45 4482 4000 | Malta Merck Sharp & Dohme Cyprus Limited Tel: 8007 4433 (+356 99917558) |
Deutschland MSD SHARP & DOHME GMBH Tel: 0800 673 673 673 (+49 (0) 89 4561 2612) | Nederland Merck Sharp & Dohme BV Tel:0800 9999 000 (+ 31 23 515 3153) |
Eesti Merck Sharp & Dohme OÜ Tel:+372 6144 200 | Norge MSD (Norge) AS Tlf: +47 32 20 73 00 |
Ελλ?δα Specifar ABEE Τηλ: +30 210 5401500 | Österreich Merck Sharp & Dohme Ges.m.b.H. Tel: +43 (0) 1 26 044 |
España Teva Pharma S.L.U Tel:+34 91 387 32 80 | Polska MSD Polska Sp. z o.o. Tel.:+48 22 549 51 00 |
France TEVA SANTÉ Tél: +33 1 55 91 78 00 | Portugal Merck Sharp & Dohme, Lda Tel: +351 21 4465700 |
Hrvatska Pliva Hrvatska d.o.o. Tel: +385 1 37 20 000 | România Teva Pharmaceuticals S.R.L. Tel: + 4021 230 65 24 |
Ireland Merck Sharp & Dohme Ireland (Human Health) Limited Tel: +353 (0)1 2998700 | Slovenija Pliva Ljubljana d.o.o. Tel: +386 1 58 90 390 |
Ísland Vistor hf. Sími: +354 535 7000 | Slovenská republika Merck Sharp & Dohme, s.r.o. Tel: +421 (2)58282010 dpoc_czechslovak@merck.com |
Italia Teva Italia S.r.l. Tel:+39 02 8917981 | Suomi/Finland MSD Finland Oy Puh/Tel: +358 (0)9 804650 |
Κ?προς Specifar ABEE, Ελλ?δα Τηλ: +30 210 5401500 | Sverige Merck Sharp & Dohme (Sweden) AB Tfn: +46 (0)77570 04 88 |
Latvija SIA Merck Sharp & Dohme Latvija Tel: +371 67 364224 | United Kingdom Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited Tel:+44 (0)1992 467272 |
Last update of the summary of product characteristics:
The detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency: http://www.ema.europa.eu.
Have questions about this medication or your symptoms? Connect with a licensed doctor for guidance and personalized care.