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Femlyv Dosage

Generic name: NORETHINDRONE ACETATE 1mg, ETHINYL ESTRADIOL 20ug;
Dosage form: orally disintegrating tablet
Drug class: Contraceptives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 31, 2024.

Dosing FEMLYV

To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, take one ODT every day at about the same time each day. Place one ODT on the tongue, allow to disintegrate and then follow with 8 oz. (240 mL) of water. The recommended dosage of FEMLYV is one ODT daily for 28 consecutive days: one green active ODT daily during the first 24 days followed by one white inert ODT daily during the 4 following days (see Table 1). FEMLYV must be taken in the order directed on the blister pack. ODTs should not be skipped or taken at intervals exceeding 24 hours. FEMLYV may be administered without regard to meals. Instruct the patient to begin taking FEMLYV either on the first day of her menstrual period (Day 1 Start) or on the first Sunday after the onset of her menstrual period (Sunday Start).

Recommended Dosage and Administration

Table 1 FEMLYV Administration Instructions

Starting FEMLYV in females with no current use of hormonal contraception

Important:

•
In females with irregular menstrual cycles, pregnancy testing may be necessary prior to initiation of this product

Day 1 Start:

•
Take first green FEMLYV without regard to meals on the first day of menstruation
•
Take one green FEMLYV daily for 24 consecutive days, followed by one white FEMLYV daily on days 25 through to 28
•
FEMLYV should be taken in the order directed on the package at the same time each day
•
Non-hormonal contraception (e.g. condoms and/or spermicide) should be used during the first 7 days if FEMLYV is started on a day other than the first day of menstruation

Sunday Start:

•
Take one green FEMLYV daily, beginning on the first Sunday after the onset of menstruation
•
Take one green FEMLYV daily for 24 consecutive days, followed by one white FEMLYV daily on days 25 through to 28
•
FEMLYV should be taken in the order directed on the package at the same time each day
•
Non-hormonal contraception should be used during the first 7 days if FEMLYV is started on a day other than the first day of menstruation
•
Begin next and all subsequent 28-day regimens of FEMLYV on the same day of the week as the first cycle pack (i.e., on the day after taking the last tablet)

Switching to Femlyv from another contraceptive method:

Start FEMLYV on the day:
•
Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC)

Start FEMLYV on the day when the new pack of the previous COC would have been started
•
Transdermal System

Start FEMLYV on the day when the next application would have been scheduled
•
Vaginal insert

Start FEMLYV on the day when next insertion would have been scheduled
•
Injection

Start FEMLYV on the day when next injection would have been scheduled
•
Intrauterine System (IUS)

Start FEMLYV on the day of removal
•
Implant

Start FEMLYV on the day of removal
•
Progestin-only pill

Start FEMLYV after the last tablet was taken

Starting FEMLYV after delivery (>20 weeks gestation)

Must not start earlier than 4 weeks after delivery (due to the increased risk of thromboembolism

If menstrual cycles have returned, follow instructions for “Starting FEMLYV in females with no current use of hormonal contraception”.

If menstrual cycles have not resumed, consider the possibility of ovulation and pregnancy. If not pregnant, use additional nonhormonal contraception for the first 7 days of FEMLYV use.

Starting FEMLYV after Abortion or Miscarriage

•
≤ 14 weeks gestation

Within the first 7 days of complete first trimester abortion or miscarriage, use additional nonhormonal contraception for the next 7 days.

After the first 7 days, follow instructions for “Starting FEMLYV in females with no current use of hormonal contraception”.
•
> 14 weeks but ≤ 20 weeks gestation

After 4 weeks following second trimester abortion or miscarriage. Consider duration of pregnancy and increased risk of thromboembolism

If menstrual cycles have returned, follow instructions for “Starting FEMLYV in females with no current use of hormonal contraception”.

If menstrual cycles have not resumed, consider the possibility of ovulation and pregnancy. If not pregnant, use additional nonhormonal contraception for the first 7 days of FEMLYV use.

Missed Doses

Table 2. Instructions for Missed FEMLYV ODTs

If one green active ODT is missed

Take the missed ODT as soon as possible. Take the next ODT at the regular time.

Continue taking one ODT a day until the pack is finished.

Additional nonhormonal contraception (such as condoms) is not needed.

If two green active ODTs in a row are missed in Week 1 or Week 2 of the blister pack

Take the two missed ODTs as soon as possible, and the next two ODTs the next day. Continue taking one ODT a day until the pack is finished.

Use additional nonhormonal contraception (such as condoms) until green ODTs have been taken for 7 consecutive days.

If two green active ODTs are missed in Week 3 or Week 4 of the blister pack

Day 1 Starter:

Discard the rest of the blister pack and start a new pack of ODTs that same day.

Sunday Starter:

Keep taking one ODT every day until Sunday. On Sunday, discard the rest of the blister pack and start a new pack of ODTs that same day.

Use additional nonhormonal contraception (such as condoms) until green ODTs have been taken for 7 consecutive days.

If three or more green active ODTs in a row are missed

Day 1 Starter:

Discard the rest of the blister pack and start a new pack that same day.

Sunday Starter:

Keep taking one ODT every day until Sunday. On Sunday, discard the rest of the blister pack and start a new blister pack of ODTs that same day.

Bleeding may occur during the week following the missed ODTs.

Use additional nonhormonal contraception (such as condoms) until green ODTs have been taken for 7 consecutive days.

If any of the four white inert ODTs are missed

Discard the missed ODTs. Continue taking the remaining ODTs until the blister pack is finished.

Additional nonhormonal contraception (such as condoms) is not needed.

Advice in Case of Gastrointestinal Disturbances

If vomiting or acute diarrhea occurs within 3 to 4 hours after taking an active ODT, take the new active ODT (scheduled for the next day) as soon as possible. If two or more active ODTs are missed, follow the advice concerning missed ODTs, including using backup non-hormonal contraception. For additional recommendations, refer to the table above.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer