PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET
Tri-Minulet Coated Tablets
Gestodeno and Ethinylestradiol
Read this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because
it contains important information for you.
Important things you should know about combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs):
Tri-Minulet is an oral contraceptive medication. Tri-Minulet is prescribed for the following indications: oral hormonal contraception, menstrual cycle disorders, and ovarian rest.
In addition, the use of hormonal contraceptives may have beneficial effects on conditions such as dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) and to reduce the incidence of certain alterations of the breasts and reproductive organs.
Before starting to use Tri-Minulet, read the information about blood clots in section 2. It is particularly important that you read the symptoms of a blood clot (see section 2 “Blood Clots”).
When Not to Use Tri-Minulet
You should not use Tri-Minulet 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.
When to Have Special Care with Tri-Minulet
When to Consult Your Doctor? Seek Urgent Medical Assistance
For a description of the symptoms of these serious adverse effects, see “How to Recognize a Blood Clot”. |
Before taking Tri-Minulet, you will have to visit your doctor for a physical examination. It is essential that you communicate if you have or have had any of the risk situations listed below. If so, your doctor must evaluate the benefits of using Tri-Minulet against the possible risks and discuss them with you before you decide to start using it.
Inform Your Doctor If You Suffer from Any of the Following Conditions:
If the condition develops or worsens while using Tri-Minulet, you must also inform your doctor.
Mental Health Disorders:
Some women who use hormonal contraceptives like Tri-Minulet have reported depression or a depressed mood. Depression can be severe and sometimes may 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 Tri-Minulet increases your risk of suffering 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 lasting or, very rarely, fatal effects.
It is essential to remember that the overall risk of a harmful blood clot due to Tri-Minulet is small.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE A BLOOD CLOT
Seek Urgent Medical Assistanceif you notice any of the following signs or symptoms.
Do You Experience Any of These Signs? | What You May Be Suffering From? |
| Deep Vein Thrombosis |
If unsure, consult a doctor, as some of these symptoms like 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, the symptoms of a stroke may be brief, with almost immediate and complete recovery, but you should still seek urgent medical assistance 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?
They occur more frequently in the first year of using a combined hormonal contraceptive.
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 of taking a combined hormonal contraceptive for the first time. The risk may be higher if you restart taking a combined hormonal contraceptive (the same medication or a different one) 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 Tri-Minulet, your risk of 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 a blood clot in the leg or lung (DVT or PE) with Tri-Minulet is small.
Risk of Developing a Blood Clot in a Year | |
Women whodo not usea combined hormonal contraceptive and are not pregnant | About 2 out of every 10,000 women |
Women who use a combined hormonal contraceptive containinglevonorgestrel, noretisterone, or norgestimato | About 5-7 out of every 10,000 women |
Women who use Tri-Minulet | About 9-12 out of every 10,000 women |
Factors That Increase Your Risk of a Blood Clot in a Vein
Your risk of a blood clot with Tri-Minulet is small, but some conditions increase the risk. Your risk is higher:
Your risk of a blood clot increases the more conditions you have.
Long 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 above conditions, even if you are unsure. Your doctor may decide that you need to stop using Tri-Minulet.
If any of the above conditions change while you are using Tri-Minulet, 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 Tri-Minulet is very small, but it may increase:
If you have one or more of these conditions or if any of them are particularly severe, your risk of a blood clot may be increased even further.
If any of the above conditions change while you are using Tri-Minulet, 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.
Tumors
Cases of breast tumors have been observed with a slightly higher frequency in women using oral contraceptives, but it is unknown whether this is due to the treatment. For example, it may be that breast tumors are more likely to be detected in women using oral contraceptives because they visit their doctor more frequently. This increased frequency decreases gradually after stopping treatment. After ten years, the chances of having breast tumors will be the same as for women who have never used oral contraceptives.
Similarly, cervical tumors (cervix) occur more frequently in women using oral contraceptives. However, the appearance of this tumor is associated with an increase in sexual activity and sexually transmitted diseases, so it is unclear whether oral contraceptives play a direct role in this risk.
Rarely, cases of liver tumors have been reported in women using oral contraceptives.
In these cases, internal bleeding may occur, causing severe abdominal pain.
If this happens, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Some studies suggest that the use of hormonal contraceptives may be associated with an increased risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or invasive cervical cancer in certain groups of women.
Other Conditions
Blood Pressure:
If you have high blood pressure or have any disease related to high blood pressure (including certain kidney diseases), it is recommended that you use other methods of contraception. If you decide to use hormonal contraceptives, you should monitor your blood pressure, but if it increases and cannot be controlled with medications, you should stop using this medication (see section “When Not to Use Tri-Minulet”).
Bile Duct Obstruction:
Women who have experienced bile duct obstruction (obstruction of bile flow) during treatment with hormonal contraceptives in the past or during pregnancy are more prone to developing it again if they use hormonal contraceptives. These women should be monitored, and if bile duct obstruction occurs, they should stop using hormonal contraceptives.
Liver Damage:
Cases of severe liver damage have been reported with the use of hormonal contraceptives. If your doctor determines that you develop severe liver damage while taking hormonal contraceptives, they will stop your treatment with hormonal contraceptives and recommend the use of non-hormonal contraceptives (see section “When Not to Use Tri-Minulet”).
Migraines:
Women with migraines (particularly those associated with symptoms such as weakness or numbness of a part of the body, or visual disturbances (aura)) who take hormonal contraceptives may be at an increased risk of cerebral infarction (see section “When Not to Use Tri-Minulet”).
Angioedema:
The use of hormonal contraceptives can worsen symptoms of angioedema (inflammation similar to urticaria, but that occurs under the skin instead of on the surface) particularly in women with hereditary angioedema (a problem with the immune system that is inherited from parents to children).
Genital Bleeding:
You may experience irregular bleeding, especially during the first three cycles. If this persists, consult your doctor immediately. If you have taken the pill incorrectly and experience irregular bleeding, you should stop taking the pill and use a non-hormonal contraceptive method until the risk of pregnancy has passed (see section “When Not to Use Tri-Minulet”).
This medication may cause vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods. If this happens, continue taking the medication and if the bleeding persists after three cycles, consult your doctor immediately. Errors in pill use can also cause spotting and light bleeding.
When you stop using this medication, you may experience irregular, light, or no bleeding, especially in the first three months and especially if your periods were irregular before starting hormone therapy.
Effects on Carbohydrates and Lipids:
Cases of glucose intolerance have been reported in women using hormonal contraceptives. Women with glucose intolerance or diabetes mellitus should be closely monitored (see section “When Not to Use Tri-Minulet”).
A small proportion of women taking hormonal contraceptives may experience changes in their lipid profile (analysis of fat content in blood). They should consider non-hormonal contraceptive methods if they have uncontrolled lipid disorders. In a small proportion of women taking hormonal contraceptives, persistent hypertriglyceridemia (increased triglycerides in blood) may occur. A significant increase in plasma triglycerides can lead to pancreatitis and other complications.
Women who have been treated for hyperlipidemia (increased cholesterol and/or triglycerides) should be monitored if they decide to take hormonal contraceptives (see section “When Not to Use Tri-Minulet”).
Eye Disorders:
Cases of retinal vascular thrombosis that can lead to partial or complete loss of vision have been reported with the use of hormonal contraceptives. If you experience symptoms such as visual disturbances, proptosis (bulging eyes), or diplopia (double vision), papilledema (inflammation of the eye), or retinal vascular thrombosis, you should stop taking hormonal contraceptives and have your eyes evaluated immediately.
Depression:
If a severe depression occurs, you should stop taking the medication and use an alternative contraceptive method.
Women with a history of depression should be closely monitored.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases:
Oral contraceptives do not protect against HIV (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted disease (e.g., chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and syphilis). You should use a condom to protect yourself against these diseases.
Use of Tri-Minulet with Other Medications
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are using or have used other medications, even those purchased without a prescription.
Never take another medication on your own initiative without your doctor's recommendation, as some combinations should be avoided.
Be aware that these instructions may also apply to medications you have taken/used before or may take/use after.
The medications listed below may prevent hormonal contraceptives from working properly and, if this occurs, you may become pregnant:
The St. John's Wort medicinal plant (Hypericum perforatum)also reduces the effect of hormonal contraceptives, and cases of pregnancy have been reported in women taking oral contraceptives and St. John's Wort at the same time. The decrease in contraceptive effect lasts for up to two weeks after stopping St. John's Wort.
It is recommended that you use another reliable contraceptive method if you take any of the above medications. The effect of some of these medications may last for up to 28 days after stopping treatment.
Tri-Minulet may reduce the effect of other medications, such as:
- Oral anticoagulants (acenocoumarol).
- Analgesics (such as paracetamol and salicylates).
- Oral antidiabetic medications and insulin.
- Lamotrigine (for treating epilepsy and certain psychiatric disorders).
Tri-Minulet may also increase the effect of other medications, such as:
- Beta-blockers like metoprolol (for treating high blood pressure).
- Theophylline (for treating asthma).
- Corticosteroids (such as prednisolone).
- Cyclosporine (immunosuppressant), increasing the risk of liver toxicity.
- Flunarizine (for treating migraines), increasing the risk of lactation.
You should not take Tri-Minulet if you have hepatitis C and are taking medications that contain ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, glecaprevir / pibrentasvir, or sofosbuvir / velpatasvir / voxilaprevir, as this may cause an increase in liver enzyme levels (ALT).
Your doctor will prescribe another type of contraceptive before starting treatment with these medications.
Tri-Minulet can be restarted approximately 2 weeks after completing this treatment. See the section “Do Not Take Tri-Minulet”.
Laboratory Tests
The use of hormonal contraceptives may affect the results of certain laboratory tests. If you are told to undergo any laboratory tests, inform your doctor that you are using hormonal contraceptives.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Fertility
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.
You should not use this medication if you are pregnant or think you may be (see section “How to Take Tri-Minulet” for information on using Tri-Minulet after pregnancy).
If you become pregnant, you should stop taking this medication immediately and consult your doctor (see section “When Not to Use Tri-Minulet”).
You should not use this medication until the end of the breastfeeding period.
Use in Children
The efficacy and safety of hormonal contraceptives have been established in women of childbearing age.
It is not indicated for use before the first menstruation (menarche).
Older Adults
It is not indicated for use in postmenopausal women.
Driving and Operating Machinery
No effects on driving or operating machinery have been observed.
Tri-Minulet Contains Lactose, Sucrose, and Sodium
This medication contains lactose. If your doctor has told you that you have a lactose intolerance, consult with them before taking this medication.
This medication contains sucrose. If your doctor has told you that you have a sucrose intolerance, consult with them before taking this medication.
This medication contains less than 23 mg of sodium (1 mmol) per tablet; it is essentially “sodium-free”.
Follow exactly the administration instructions for Tri-Minulet indicated by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts.
This medication is for oral administration.
Remember to take your medication, as forgetting Tri-Minulet may reduce the effectiveness of the preparation.
Before starting treatment with Tri-Minulet, your doctor must perform a detailed medical history and a thorough medical examination, including blood pressure, and rule out the existence of pregnancy. They must also perform an examination of the breasts, liver, limbs, and pelvic organs (urinary bladder, vagina, uterus, and final part of the large intestine). Your doctor may also need to perform a cervical cytology (a painless scraping of the cervix to take cells for analysis). Your doctor will repeat this examination at 3 months after starting treatment, and then annually.
See section 2 “What you need to know before starting to take Tri-Minulet”.
Instructions for correct medication administration
You must take the tablets orally, in the order indicated on the blister pack (first the beige ones, then the brown ones, and finally the white ones), approximately at the same time, every day, with some liquid if necessary. You must take one tablet daily for 21 consecutive days and then stop taking tablets for 7 days. Each subsequent pack will start after the 7-day period without taking tablets, during which a bleeding episode usually occurs. This bleeding episode, similar to menstruation, usually starts between days 2 to 3 after taking the last tablet, and may not have ended before starting the next pack.
Your doctor will indicate the duration of your treatment with this medication.
If you estimate that the action of this medication is too strong or too weak, inform your doctor or pharmacist.
Starting the first pack of Tri-Minulet
The treatment starts on the first day of the menstrual cycle (i.e., the first day of bleeding).
Contraceptive protection begins on the first day of treatment and is maintained during the 7-day break.
It is also allowed to start on days 2-7 of the menstrual cycle, in this case, it is recommended to use a non-hormonal contraceptive method for birth control (e.g., condoms or spermicides) during the first 7 days of taking tablets.
You can start taking Tri-Minulet the day after taking the last active tablet of your current pack of pills (this means there is no break in tablets). If your current pack of pills also contains inactive tablets, you can start taking Tri-Minulet the day after taking the last active tablet. Never delay beyond the next day after finishing the usual break without tablets or the break in inactive tablets of your previous contraceptive.
You can stop taking the progestogen pill (mini-pill) on any day and start taking Tri-Minulet the next day, at the same time.
Start using this medication when it is your next injection or the day they remove your implant or intrauterine device (IUD).
In all these situations, make sure to also use an additional barrier method when having sex (e.g., condoms or spermicides) during the first 7 days of taking tablets.
You can start taking the tablets immediately. If you do so, you do not need to take any additional measures.
If you are breastfeeding, you should not take this medication (See “Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility”).
The use of tablets starts 28 days after delivery in women who are not breastfeeding or have had a second-trimester abortion. If you start later, you must use an additional barrier method during the first 7 days of taking tablets. However, if you have already had sex, you must rule out the possibility of pregnancy before taking the contraceptive or wait for your next menstrual period.
Subsequent cycles
After the 7-day break, continue with a new pack of Tri-Minulet, starting on the same day of the week as the first pack.
What to do if bleeding occurs during the 21 days of taking covered tablets
Bleeding during the 3 weeks of taking covered tablets is not a reason to interrupt treatment. A light bleeding usually resolves on its own. If bleeding reaches a intensity similar to normal menstruation and lasts for more than 3 cycles, you must see your doctor.
Absence of bleeding
If bleeding does not occur during the break, it is advisable to consult your doctor immediately to rule out the possibility of pregnancy if the covered tablets have not been taken regularly or if you have had vomiting or diarrhea during the cycle.
If you forgot to take Tri-Minulet
Contraceptive protection may be reduced if you forget to take the tablets. In particular, if you forget in the first week of treatment and had sex in the previous week, there may be a possibility of becoming pregnant.
Advice in case of vomiting and/or diarrhea
If you experience vomiting or diarrhea within 4 hours of taking the tablet, you must follow the advice for forgetting to take the tablets. If you do not want to change your usual tablet-taking schedule, you must take the additional tablets needed from another pack.
How to delay a period
To delay a period, you must start a new pack immediately after finishing the current pack, without any break. Periods may be delayed as long as you want, but not beyond the end of the second pack. During this time, you may experience bleeding or spotting. Subsequently, regular use of this medication is resumed after the usual 7-day break without taking tablets.
If you take more Tri-Minulet than you should
You may experience nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, breast tenderness, dizziness, and vaginal bleeding; treatment will consist of suspending the administration of this medication. Contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.
In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, consult your doctor or pharmacist or call the Toxicology Information Service. Phone 915 620 420, indicating the medication and the amount used.
If you have any other questions about using this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
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 section 2 “What you need to know before starting to take Tri-Minulet”.
Contact a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following angioedema symptoms: swelling of the face, tongue, and/or throat, and/or difficulty swallowing or urticaria with possible difficulty breathing (also see section “Warnings and precautions”).
The use of hormonal contraceptives has also been associated with an increased risk of:
Side effects are listed below classified by their frequency according to the following criterion:
Very common: ≥1/10 (may affect more than 1 in 10 patients).
Common: ≥1/100, <1
Uncommon: ≥1/1,000, <1
Rare: ≥1/10,000, <1
Very rare: <1
Frequency not known: cannot be estimated from available data.
Infections and infestations
Common:Vaginitis (vaginal inflammation), including candidiasis (vaginal fungal infection).
Malignant or unspecified neoplasms
Very rare:Liver carcinomas (malignant liver tumors).
Immune system disorders
Rare:Allergic reactions such as urticaria (itching), angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, mouth, and in very rare cases accompanied by difficulty breathing, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness).
Very rare:Worsening of systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease).
Metabolic and nutritional disorders
Uncommon:Changes in appetite (increase or decrease).
Rare:Glucose intolerance.
Very rare:Worsening of porphyria (familial metabolic disorder).
Mental disorders
Common:Mood changes, including depression; changes in libido (sex drive).
Nervous system disorders
Very common:Headache, including migraines (migraines).
Common:Nervousness, dizziness.
Very rare:Worsening of chorea (involuntary movements).
Eye disorders
Rare:Contraindication to contact lenses.
Very rare:Eye anomalies and visual disorders.
Vascular disorders
Uncommon:Increased blood pressure.
Rare:Formation of harmful blood clots in a vein or artery, for example:
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).
Very rare:Worsening of varicose veins.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Common:Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.
Uncommon:Colic, feeling of bloating.
Very rare:Pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation); ischemic colitis (certain types of colon inflammation).
Frequency not known:Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis).
Hepatobiliary disorders (liver and bile duct)
Rare:Cholestatic jaundice (yellowing of the white of the eye and skin due to bile stasis).
Very rare:Biliary tract disorders, including gallstones.
Frequency not known:Liver damage (e.g. hepatitis, abnormal liver function).
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Common:Acne
Uncommon:Rash (eruption), melasma (skin patches) that may persist, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), alopecia (hair loss).
Rare:Nodular erythema (a type of skin inflammation with the appearance of nodules on the legs).
Very rare:Multiform erythema (a type of skin inflammation).
Renal and urinary disorders
Very rare:Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (renal disease with blood abnormalities).
Reproductive and mammary system disorders
Very common:Unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting.
Common:Chest pain or tightness, breast swelling, nipple discharge, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), changes in menstrual flow, changes in vaginal discharge, and cervical ectopia (alteration of the cervical mucosa), amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
General disorders
Common:Fluid retention, edema (swelling).
Other
Common:Changes in weight (increase or decrease).
Uncommon:Increased blood pressure; changes in lipid levels in the blood, including hypertriglyceridemia (high levels of fatty acids in the blood).
Rare:Decreased folate levels in the blood.
Do not be alarmed by these side effects, as it is very likely that none of them will occur.
Reporting of side effects:
If you experience any type of side effect, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is a possible side effect that does not appear in this leaflet. You can also report them directly through the Spanish System for the Reporting of Adverse Reactions to Medicinal Products for Human Use:https://www.notificaram.es/. By reporting side effects, you can contribute to providing more information on the safety of this medicine
This medication does not require special storage conditions.
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use Tri-Minulet after the expiration date that appears on the packaging. The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated.
Medicines should not be disposed of through drains or in the trash. Dispose of packaging and unused medicines at the SIGRE collection point at the pharmacy. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of packaging and unused medicines. By doing so, you will help protect the environment.
Composition of Tri-Minulet
Each beige-coated tablet contains 0.05 mg of gestodene and 0.03 mg of ethinylestradiol.
The other components (excipients) are: lactose monohydrate (lactose), cornstarch, povidone K-25, calcium and sodium edetate, magnesium stearate, saccharose, povidone K90, macrogol 6000, calcium carbonate, talc, glycerol 85%, titanium dioxide (E-171), yellow iron oxide pigment (E-172), and emulsifying wax.
Each dark brown-coated tablet contains 0.07 mg of gestodene and 0.04 mg of ethinylestradiol.
The other components (excipients) are: lactose monohydrate (lactose), cornstarch, povidone K-25, calcium and sodium edetate, magnesium stearate, saccharose, povidone K90, macrogol 6000, calcium carbonate, talc, glycerol 85%, brown iron oxide pigment (E-172), and emulsifying wax.
Each white-coated tablet contains 0.1 mg of gestodene and 0.03 mg of ethinylestradiol.
The other components (excipients) are: lactose monohydrate (lactose), cornstarch, povidone K-25, calcium and sodium edetate, magnesium stearate, saccharose, povidone K 90, macrogol 6000, calcium carbonate, talc, and emulsifying wax.
Appearance of the product and content of the container
It is presented in containers that contain 1 or 3 blisters with 21 coated tablets per blister. The blisters are packaged in an aluminum bag that contains a sachet with desiccant (silica gel).
After opening the aluminum bag, the desiccant can be removed.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Wyeth Farma, S.A.
Burgos Road, Km 23. Algete Branch, Km 1.
San Sebastián de los Reyes – Madrid
Spain
Responsible for Manufacturing
Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals
Little Connell
Newbridge
County Kildare
Ireland
Local Representative
Pfizer, S.L.
Avda. de Europa, 20-B
Parque Empresarial La Moraleja
28108 Alcobendas (Madrid)
Last review date of this leaflet: November 2022
The detailed and updated information on this medicine is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS)http://www.aemps.gob.es/
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