PREMARIN® Clinical Studies
(conjugated estrogens)
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
14.1 Effects on Vasomotor Symptoms
In the first year of the Health and Osteoporosis, Progestin and Estrogen (HOPE) Study, a total of 2,805 postmenopausal women (average age 53.3 ± 4.9 years) were randomly assigned to one of eight treatment groups of either placebo or conjugated estrogens, with or without medroxyprogesterone acetate. Efficacy for vasomotor symptoms was assessed during the first 12 weeks of treatment in a subset of symptomatic women (n = 241) who had at least seven moderate to severe hot flushes daily, or at least 50 moderate to severe hot flushes during the week before randomization. PREMARIN (0.3 mg, 0.45 mg, and 0.625 mg tablets) was shown to be statistically better than placebo at weeks 4 and 12 for relief of both frequency and severity of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms. Table 3 shows the adjusted mean number of hot flushes in the PREMARIN 0.3 mg, 0.45 mg, and 0.625 mg and placebo groups during the initial 12-week period.
| Treatment (No. of Patients) | ---------------No. of Hot Flushes/Day--------------- | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time Period (week) | Baseline Mean ± SD | Observed Mean ± SD | Mean Change ± SD | p-Values vs Placebo* |
| ||||
0.625 mg CE (n = 27) | ||||
4 | 12.29 ± 3.89 | 1.95 ± 2.77 | -10.34 ± 4.73 | <0.001 |
12 | 12.29 ± 3.89 | 0.75 ± 1.82 | -11.54 ± 4.62 | <0.001 |
0.45 mg CE (n = 32) | ||||
4 | 12.25 ± 5.04 | 5.04 ± 5.31 | -7.21 ± 4.75 | <0.001 |
12 | 12.25 ± 5.04 | 2.32 ± 3.32 | -9.93 ± 4.64 | <0.001 |
0.3 mg CE (n = 30) | ||||
4 | 13.77 ± 4.78 | 4.65 ± 3.71 | -9.12 ± 4.71 | <0.001 |
12 | 13.77 ± 4.78 | 2.52 ± 3.23 | -11.25 ± 4.60 | <0.001 |
Placebo (n = 28) | ||||
4 | 11.69 ± 3.87 | 7.89 ± 5.28 | -3.80 ± 4.71 | - |
12 | 11.69 ± 3.87 | 5.71 ± 5.22 | -5.98 ± 4.60 | - |
14.2 Effects on Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy
Results of vaginal maturation indexes at cycles 6 and 13 showed that the differences from placebo were statistically significant (p < 0.001) for all treatment groups. (conjugated estrogens alone and conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment groups).
14.3 Effects on Bone Mineral Density
Health and Osteoporosis, Progestin and Estrogen (HOPE) Study
The HOPE study was a double-blind, randomized, placebo/active-drug-controlled, multicenter study of healthy postmenopausal women with an intact uterus. Subjects (mean age 53.3 ± 4.9 years) were 2.3 ± 0.9 years on average since menopause and took one 600 mg tablet of elemental calcium (Caltrate™) daily. Subjects were not given Vitamin D supplements. They were treated with PREMARIN 0.625 mg, 0.45 mg, 0.3 mg, or placebo. Prevention of bone loss was assessed by measurement of bone mineral density (BMD), primarily at the anteroposterior lumbar spine (L2 to L4). Secondarily, BMD measurements of the total body, femoral neck, and trochanter were also analyzed. Serum osteocalcin, urinary calcium, and N-telopeptide were used as bone turnover markers (BTM) at cycles 6, 13, 19, and 26.
Intent-to-treat subjects
All active treatment groups showed significant differences from placebo in each of the four BMD endpoints at cycles 6, 13, 19, and 26. The mean percent increases in the primary efficacy measure (L2 to L4 BMD) at the final on-therapy evaluation (cycle 26 for those who completed and the last available evaluation for those who discontinued early) were 2.46 percent with 0.625 mg, 2.26 percent with 0.45 mg, and 1.13 percent with 0.3 mg. The placebo group showed a mean percent decrease from baseline at the final evaluation of 2.45 percent. These results show that the lower dosages of PREMARIN were effective in increasing L2 to L4 BMD compared with placebo, and therefore support the efficacy of the lower doses.
The analysis for the other three BMD endpoints yielded mean percent changes from baseline in femoral trochanter that were generally larger than those seen for L2 to L4, and changes in femoral neck and total body that were generally smaller than those seen for L2 to L4. Significant differences between groups indicated that each of the PREMARIN treatments was more effective than placebo for all three of these additional BMD endpoints. With regard to femoral neck and total body, the active treatment groups all showed mean percent increases in BMD, while placebo treatment was accompanied by mean percent decreases. For femoral trochanter, each of the PREMARIN dose groups showed a mean percent increase that was significantly greater than the small increase seen in the placebo group. The percent changes from baseline to final evaluation are shown in Table 4.
| Region Evaluated Treatment Group* | No. of Subjects | Baseline (g/cm2) Mean ± SD | Change from Baseline (%) Adjusted Mean ± SE | p-Value vs. Placebo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||
L2 to L4 BMD | ||||
0.625 | 83 | 1.17 ± 0.15 | 2.46 ± 0.37 | <0.001 |
0.45 | 91 | 1.13 ± 0.15 | 2.26 ± 0.35 | <0.001 |
0.3 | 87 | 1.14 ± 0.15 | 1.13 ± 0.36 | <0.001 |
Placebo | 85 | 1.14 ± 0.14 | -2.45 ± 0.36 | |
Total Body BMD | ||||
0.625 | 84 | 1.15 ± 0.08 | 0.68 ± 0.17 | <0.001 |
0.45 | 91 | 1.14 ± 0.08 | 0.74 ± 0.16 | <0.001 |
0.3 | 87 | 1.14 ± 0.07 | 0.40 ± 0.17 | <0.001 |
Placebo | 85 | 1.13 ± 0.08 | -1.50 ± 0.17 | |
Femoral Neck BMD | ||||
0.625 | 84 | 0.91 ± 0.14 | 1.82 ± 0.45 | <0.001 |
0.45 | 91 | 0.89 ± 0.13 | 1.84 ± 0.44 | <0.001 |
0.3 | 87 | 0.86 ± 0.11 | 0.62 ± 0.45 | <0.001 |
Placebo | 85 | 0.88 ± 0.14 | -1.72 ± 0.45 | |
Femoral Trochanter BMD | ||||
0.625 | 84 | 0.78 ± 0.13 | 3.82 ± 0.58 | <0.001 |
0.45 | 91 | 0.76 ± 0.12 | 3.16 ± 0.56 | 0.003 |
0.3 | 87 | 0.75 ± 0.10 | 3.05 ± 0.57 | 0.005 |
Placebo | 85 | 0.75 ± 0.12 | 0.81 ± 0.58 | |
Figure 1 shows the cumulative percentage of subjects with changes from baseline equal to or greater than the value shown on the x-axis.
Figure 1. CUMULATIVE PERCENT OF SUBJECTS WITH CHANGES FROM BASELINE IN SPINE BMD OF GIVEN MAGNITUDE OR GREATER IN PREMARIN AND PLACEBO GROUPS
The mean percent changes from baseline in L2 to L4 BMD for women who completed the bone density study are shown with standard error bars by treatment group in Figure 2. Significant differences between each of the PREMARIN dosage groups and placebo were found at cycles 6, 13, 19, and 26.
Figure 2. ADJUSTED MEAN (SE) PERCENT CHANGE FROM BASELINE AT EACH CYCLE IN SPINE BMD: SUBJECTS COMPLETING IN PREMARIN GROUPS AND PLACEBO
The bone turnover markers, serum osteocalcin and urinary N-telopeptide, significantly decreased (p < 0.001) in all active-treatment groups at cycles 6, 13, 19, and 26 compared with the placebo group. Larger mean decreases from baseline were seen with the active groups than with the placebo group. Significant differences from placebo were seen less frequently in urine calcium.
14.4 Effects on Female Hypogonadism
In clinical studies of delayed puberty due to female hypogonadism, breast development was induced by doses as low as 0.15 mg. The dosage may be gradually titrated upward at 6-to 12 month intervals as needed to achieve appropriate bone age advancement and eventual epiphyseal closure. Clinical studies suggest that doses of 0.15 mg, 0.3 mg, and 0.6 mg are associated with mean ratios of bone age advancement to chronological age progression (ΔBA/ΔCA) of 1.1, 1.5, and 2.1, respectively. (PREMARIN in the dose strength of 0.15 mg is not available commercially). Available data suggest that chronic dosing with 0.625 mg is sufficient to induce artificial cyclic menses with sequential progestin treatment and to maintain bone mineral density after skeletal maturity is achieved.
14.5 Women's Health Initiative Studies
The WHI enrolled approximately 27,000 predominantly healthy postmenopausal women in two substudies to assess the risks and benefits of daily oral CE (0.625 mg)-alone or in combination with MPA (2.5 mg) compared to placebo in the prevention of certain chronic diseases. The primary endpoint was the incidence of CHD (defined as nonfatal MI, silent MI and CHD death), with invasive breast cancer as the primary adverse outcome. A "global index" included the earliest occurrence of CHD, invasive breast cancer, stroke, PE, endometrial cancer (only in the CE plus MPA substudy), colorectal cancer, hip fracture, or death due to other causes. These substudies did not evaluate the effects of CE-alone or CE plus MPA on menopausal symptoms.
WHI Estrogen-Alone Substudy
The WHI estrogen-alone substudy was stopped early because an increased risk of stroke was observed, and it was deemed that no further information would be obtained regarding the risks and benefits of estrogen alone in predetermined primary endpoints.
Results of the estrogen-alone substudy, which included 10,739 women (average 63 years of age, range 50 to 79; 75.3 percent White, 15.1 percent Black, 6.1 percent Hispanic, 3.6 percent Other) after an average follow-up of 7.1 years, are presented in Table 5.
| Event | Relative Risk CE vs. Placebo | CE n = 5,310 | Placebo n = 5,429 |
|---|---|---|---|
| (95% nCI†) | Absolute Risk per 10,000 Women-Years | ||
| |||
CHD events‡ | 0.95 (0.78–1.16) | 54 | 57 |
Non-fatal MI‡ | 0.91 (0.73–1.14) | 40 | 43 |
CHD death‡ | 1.01 (0.71–1.43) | 16 | 16 |
All Stroke‡ | 1.33 (1.05–1.68) | 45 | 33 |
Ischemic stroke‡ | 1.55 (1.19–2.01) | 38 | 25 |
1.47 (1.06–2.06) | 23 | 15 | |
Pulmonary embolism‡ | 1.37 (0.90–2.07) | 14 | 10 |
Invasive breast cancer‡ | 0.80 (0.62–1.04) | 28 | 34 |
Colorectal cancer¶ | 1.08 (0.75–1.55) | 17 | 16 |
Hip fracture‡ | 0.65 (0.45–0.94) | 12 | 19 |
0.64 (0.44–0.93) | 11 | 18 | |
0.58 (0.47–0.72) | 35 | 59 | |
0.71 (0.64–0.80) | 144 | 197 | |
1.08 (0.88–1.32) | 53 | 50 | |
1.04 (0.88–1.22) | 79 | 75 | |
Global IndexÞ | 1.02 (0.92–1.13) | 206 | 201 |
For those outcomes included in the WHI "global index" that reached statistical significance, the absolute excess risk per 10,000 women-years in the group treated with CE-alone was 12 more strokes while the absolute risk reduction per 10,000 women-years was 7 fewer hip fractures.9 The absolute excess risk of events included in the "global index" was a non-significant 5 events per 10,000 women-years. There was no difference between the groups in terms of all-cause mortality.
No overall difference for primary CHD events (nonfatal MI, silent MI and CHD death) and invasive breast cancer incidence in women receiving CE-alone compared with placebo was reported in final centrally adjudicated results from the estrogen-alone substudy, after an average follow up of 7.1 years. See Table 5.
Centrally adjudicated results for stroke events from the estrogen-alone substudy, after an average follow-up of 7.1 years, reported no significant difference in distribution of stroke subtype or severity, including fatal strokes, in women receiving CE-alone compared to placebo. Estrogen-alone increased the risk for ischemic stroke, and this excess risk was present in all subgroups of women examined.10
Timing of the initiation of estrogen-alone therapy relative to the start of menopause may affect the overall risk benefit profile. The WHI estrogen-alone substudy stratified by age showed in women 50–59 years of age, a non-significant trend toward reduced risk for CHD [hazard ratio (HR) 0.63 (95 percent CI 0.36–1.09)] and overall mortality [HR 0.71 (95 percent CI 0.46–1.11)].
WHI Estrogen Plus Progestin Substudy
The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy was stopped early. According to the predefined stopping rule, after an average follow-up of 5.6 years of treatment, the increased risk of invasive breast cancer and cardiovascular events exceeded the specified benefits included in the "global index." The absolute excess risk of events included in the "global index" was 19 per 10,000 women-years.
For those outcomes included in the WHI "global index" that reached statistical significance after 5.6 years of follow-up, the absolute excess risks per 10,000 women-years in the group treated with CE plus MPA were 7 more CHD events, 8 more strokes, 10 more PEs, and 8 more invasive breast cancers, while the absolute risk reductions per 10,000 women-years were 6 fewer colorectal cancers and 5 fewer hip fractures.
Results of the estrogen plus progestin substudy, which included 16,608 women (average 63 years of age, range 50 to 79; 83.9 percent White, 6.8 percent Black, 5.4 percent Hispanic, 3.9 percent Other) are presented in Table 6. These results reflect centrally adjudicated data after an average follow-up of 5.6 years.
| Relative Risk CE/MPA vs. Placebo | CE/MPA n = 8,506 | Placebo n = 8,102 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Event | (95% nCI‡) | Absolute Risk per 10,000 Women-Years | |
| |||
CHD events | 1.23 (0.99–1.53) | 41 | 34 |
Non-fatal MI | 1.28 (1.00–1.63) | 31 | 25 |
CHD death | 1.10 (0.70–1.75) | 8 | 8 |
All Strokes | 1.31 (1.03–1.68) | 33 | 25 |
Ischemic stroke | 1.44 (1.09–1.90) | 26 | 18 |
Deep vein thrombosis§ | 1.95 (1.43–2.67) | 26 | 13 |
Pulmonary embolism | 2.13 (1.45–3.11) | 18 | 8 |
Invasive breast cancer¶ | 1.24 (1.01–1.54) | 41 | 33 |
Colorectal cancer | 0.61 (0.42–0.87) | 10 | 16 |
Endometrial cancer§ | 0.81 (0.48–1.36) | 6 | 7 |
Cervical cancer§ | 1.44 (0.47–4.42) | 2 | 1 |
Hip fracture | 0.67 (0.47–0.96) | 11 | 16 |
Vertebral fractures§ | 0.65 (0.46–0.92) | 11 | 17 |
Lower arm/wrist fractures§ | 0.71 (0.59–0.85) | 44 | 62 |
Total fractures§ | 0.76 (0.69–0.83) | 152 | 199 |
Overall Mortality# | 1.00 (0.83–1.19) | 52 | 52 |
Global IndexÞ | 1.13 (1.02–1.25) | 184 | 165 |
Timing of the initiation of estrogen therapy relative to the start of menopause may affect the overall risk benefit profile. The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy stratified by age showed in women 50–59 years of age, a non-significant trend toward reduced risk for overall mortality [HR 0.69 (95 percent CI 0.44–1.07)].
14.6 Women's Health Initiative Memory Study
The WHIMS estrogen-alone ancillary study of WHI enrolled 2,947 predominantly healthy hysterectomized postmenopausal women 65 to 79 years of age (45 percent were 65 to 69 years of age; 36 percent were 70 to 74 years of age; 19 percent were 75 years of age and older) to evaluate the effects of daily CE (0.625 mg)- alone on the incidence of probable dementia (primary outcome) compared to placebo.
After an average follow-up of 5.2 years, the relative risk of probable dementia for CE-alone versus placebo was 1.49 (95 percent CI 0.83–2.66). The absolute risk of probable dementia for CE-alone versus placebo was 37 versus 25 cases per 10,000 women-years. Probable dementia as defined in this study included Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD) and mixed types (having features of both AD and VaD). The most common classification of probable dementia in the treatment group and the placebo groups was AD. Since the ancillary study was conducted in women 65 to 79 years of age, it is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), and Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
The WHIMS estrogen plus progestin ancillary study enrolled 4,532 predominantly healthy postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older (47 percent were 65 to 69 years of age; 35 percent were 70 to 74 years; 18 percent were 75 years of age and older) to evaluate the effects of daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) on the incidence of probable dementia (primary outcome) compared to placebo.
After an average follow-up of 4 years, the relative risk of probable dementia for CE plus MPA was 2.05 (95 percent CI, 1.21–3.48). The absolute risk of probable dementia for CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) versus placebo was 45 versus 22 per 10,000 women-years. Probable dementia as defined in this study included AD, VaD and mixed types (having features of both AD and VaD). The most common classification of probable dementia in both the treatment and placebo groups was AD. Since the ancillary study was conducted in women 65 to 79 years of age, it is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), and Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
When data from the two populations were pooled as planned in the WHIMS protocol, the reported overall relative risk for probable dementia was 1.76 (95 percent CI 1.19–2.60). Differences between groups became apparent in the first year of treatment. It is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), and Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
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Clinical Studies
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
14.1 Effects on Vasomotor Symptoms
In the first year of the Health and Osteoporosis, Progestin and Estrogen (HOPE) Study, a total of 2,805 postmenopausal women (average age 53.3 ± 4.9 years) were randomly assigned to one of eight treatment groups of either placebo or conjugated estrogens, with or without medroxyprogesterone acetate. Efficacy for vasomotor symptoms was assessed during the first 12 weeks of treatment in a subset of symptomatic women (n = 241) who had at least seven moderate to severe hot flushes daily, or at least 50 moderate to severe hot flushes during the week before randomization. PREMARIN (0.3 mg, 0.45 mg, and 0.625 mg tablets) was shown to be statistically better than placebo at weeks 4 and 12 for relief of both frequency and severity of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms. Table 3 shows the adjusted mean number of hot flushes in the PREMARIN 0.3 mg, 0.45 mg, and 0.625 mg and placebo groups during the initial 12-week period.
| Treatment (No. of Patients) | ---------------No. of Hot Flushes/Day--------------- | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time Period (week) | Baseline Mean ± SD | Observed Mean ± SD | Mean Change ± SD | p-Values vs Placebo* |
| ||||
0.625 mg CE (n = 27) | ||||
4 | 12.29 ± 3.89 | 1.95 ± 2.77 | -10.34 ± 4.73 | <0.001 |
12 | 12.29 ± 3.89 | 0.75 ± 1.82 | -11.54 ± 4.62 | <0.001 |
0.45 mg CE (n = 32) | ||||
4 | 12.25 ± 5.04 | 5.04 ± 5.31 | -7.21 ± 4.75 | <0.001 |
12 | 12.25 ± 5.04 | 2.32 ± 3.32 | -9.93 ± 4.64 | <0.001 |
0.3 mg CE (n = 30) | ||||
4 | 13.77 ± 4.78 | 4.65 ± 3.71 | -9.12 ± 4.71 | <0.001 |
12 | 13.77 ± 4.78 | 2.52 ± 3.23 | -11.25 ± 4.60 | <0.001 |
Placebo (n = 28) | ||||
4 | 11.69 ± 3.87 | 7.89 ± 5.28 | -3.80 ± 4.71 | - |
12 | 11.69 ± 3.87 | 5.71 ± 5.22 | -5.98 ± 4.60 | - |
14.2 Effects on Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy
Results of vaginal maturation indexes at cycles 6 and 13 showed that the differences from placebo were statistically significant (p < 0.001) for all treatment groups. (conjugated estrogens alone and conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment groups).
14.3 Effects on Bone Mineral Density
Health and Osteoporosis, Progestin and Estrogen (HOPE) Study
The HOPE study was a double-blind, randomized, placebo/active-drug-controlled, multicenter study of healthy postmenopausal women with an intact uterus. Subjects (mean age 53.3 ± 4.9 years) were 2.3 ± 0.9 years on average since menopause and took one 600 mg tablet of elemental calcium (Caltrate™) daily. Subjects were not given Vitamin D supplements. They were treated with PREMARIN 0.625 mg, 0.45 mg, 0.3 mg, or placebo. Prevention of bone loss was assessed by measurement of bone mineral density (BMD), primarily at the anteroposterior lumbar spine (L2 to L4). Secondarily, BMD measurements of the total body, femoral neck, and trochanter were also analyzed. Serum osteocalcin, urinary calcium, and N-telopeptide were used as bone turnover markers (BTM) at cycles 6, 13, 19, and 26.
Intent-to-treat subjects
All active treatment groups showed significant differences from placebo in each of the four BMD endpoints at cycles 6, 13, 19, and 26. The mean percent increases in the primary efficacy measure (L2 to L4 BMD) at the final on-therapy evaluation (cycle 26 for those who completed and the last available evaluation for those who discontinued early) were 2.46 percent with 0.625 mg, 2.26 percent with 0.45 mg, and 1.13 percent with 0.3 mg. The placebo group showed a mean percent decrease from baseline at the final evaluation of 2.45 percent. These results show that the lower dosages of PREMARIN were effective in increasing L2 to L4 BMD compared with placebo, and therefore support the efficacy of the lower doses.
The analysis for the other three BMD endpoints yielded mean percent changes from baseline in femoral trochanter that were generally larger than those seen for L2 to L4, and changes in femoral neck and total body that were generally smaller than those seen for L2 to L4. Significant differences between groups indicated that each of the PREMARIN treatments was more effective than placebo for all three of these additional BMD endpoints. With regard to femoral neck and total body, the active treatment groups all showed mean percent increases in BMD, while placebo treatment was accompanied by mean percent decreases. For femoral trochanter, each of the PREMARIN dose groups showed a mean percent increase that was significantly greater than the small increase seen in the placebo group. The percent changes from baseline to final evaluation are shown in Table 4.
| Region Evaluated Treatment Group* | No. of Subjects | Baseline (g/cm2) Mean ± SD | Change from Baseline (%) Adjusted Mean ± SE | p-Value vs. Placebo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||
L2 to L4 BMD | ||||
0.625 | 83 | 1.17 ± 0.15 | 2.46 ± 0.37 | <0.001 |
0.45 | 91 | 1.13 ± 0.15 | 2.26 ± 0.35 | <0.001 |
0.3 | 87 | 1.14 ± 0.15 | 1.13 ± 0.36 | <0.001 |
Placebo | 85 | 1.14 ± 0.14 | -2.45 ± 0.36 | |
Total Body BMD | ||||
0.625 | 84 | 1.15 ± 0.08 | 0.68 ± 0.17 | <0.001 |
0.45 | 91 | 1.14 ± 0.08 | 0.74 ± 0.16 | <0.001 |
0.3 | 87 | 1.14 ± 0.07 | 0.40 ± 0.17 | <0.001 |
Placebo | 85 | 1.13 ± 0.08 | -1.50 ± 0.17 | |
Femoral Neck BMD | ||||
0.625 | 84 | 0.91 ± 0.14 | 1.82 ± 0.45 | <0.001 |
0.45 | 91 | 0.89 ± 0.13 | 1.84 ± 0.44 | <0.001 |
0.3 | 87 | 0.86 ± 0.11 | 0.62 ± 0.45 | <0.001 |
Placebo | 85 | 0.88 ± 0.14 | -1.72 ± 0.45 | |
Femoral Trochanter BMD | ||||
0.625 | 84 | 0.78 ± 0.13 | 3.82 ± 0.58 | <0.001 |
0.45 | 91 | 0.76 ± 0.12 | 3.16 ± 0.56 | 0.003 |
0.3 | 87 | 0.75 ± 0.10 | 3.05 ± 0.57 | 0.005 |
Placebo | 85 | 0.75 ± 0.12 | 0.81 ± 0.58 | |
Figure 1 shows the cumulative percentage of subjects with changes from baseline equal to or greater than the value shown on the x-axis.
Figure 1. CUMULATIVE PERCENT OF SUBJECTS WITH CHANGES FROM BASELINE IN SPINE BMD OF GIVEN MAGNITUDE OR GREATER IN PREMARIN AND PLACEBO GROUPS
The mean percent changes from baseline in L2 to L4 BMD for women who completed the bone density study are shown with standard error bars by treatment group in Figure 2. Significant differences between each of the PREMARIN dosage groups and placebo were found at cycles 6, 13, 19, and 26.
Figure 2. ADJUSTED MEAN (SE) PERCENT CHANGE FROM BASELINE AT EACH CYCLE IN SPINE BMD: SUBJECTS COMPLETING IN PREMARIN GROUPS AND PLACEBO
The bone turnover markers, serum osteocalcin and urinary N-telopeptide, significantly decreased (p < 0.001) in all active-treatment groups at cycles 6, 13, 19, and 26 compared with the placebo group. Larger mean decreases from baseline were seen with the active groups than with the placebo group. Significant differences from placebo were seen less frequently in urine calcium.
14.4 Effects on Female Hypogonadism
In clinical studies of delayed puberty due to female hypogonadism, breast development was induced by doses as low as 0.15 mg. The dosage may be gradually titrated upward at 6-to 12 month intervals as needed to achieve appropriate bone age advancement and eventual epiphyseal closure. Clinical studies suggest that doses of 0.15 mg, 0.3 mg, and 0.6 mg are associated with mean ratios of bone age advancement to chronological age progression (ΔBA/ΔCA) of 1.1, 1.5, and 2.1, respectively. (PREMARIN in the dose strength of 0.15 mg is not available commercially). Available data suggest that chronic dosing with 0.625 mg is sufficient to induce artificial cyclic menses with sequential progestin treatment and to maintain bone mineral density after skeletal maturity is achieved.
14.5 Women's Health Initiative Studies
The WHI enrolled approximately 27,000 predominantly healthy postmenopausal women in two substudies to assess the risks and benefits of daily oral CE (0.625 mg)-alone or in combination with MPA (2.5 mg) compared to placebo in the prevention of certain chronic diseases. The primary endpoint was the incidence of CHD (defined as nonfatal MI, silent MI and CHD death), with invasive breast cancer as the primary adverse outcome. A "global index" included the earliest occurrence of CHD, invasive breast cancer, stroke, PE, endometrial cancer (only in the CE plus MPA substudy), colorectal cancer, hip fracture, or death due to other causes. These substudies did not evaluate the effects of CE-alone or CE plus MPA on menopausal symptoms.
WHI Estrogen-Alone Substudy
The WHI estrogen-alone substudy was stopped early because an increased risk of stroke was observed, and it was deemed that no further information would be obtained regarding the risks and benefits of estrogen alone in predetermined primary endpoints.
Results of the estrogen-alone substudy, which included 10,739 women (average 63 years of age, range 50 to 79; 75.3 percent White, 15.1 percent Black, 6.1 percent Hispanic, 3.6 percent Other) after an average follow-up of 7.1 years, are presented in Table 5.
| Event | Relative Risk CE vs. Placebo | CE n = 5,310 | Placebo n = 5,429 |
|---|---|---|---|
| (95% nCI†) | Absolute Risk per 10,000 Women-Years | ||
| |||
CHD events‡ | 0.95 (0.78–1.16) | 54 | 57 |
Non-fatal MI‡ | 0.91 (0.73–1.14) | 40 | 43 |
CHD death‡ | 1.01 (0.71–1.43) | 16 | 16 |
All Stroke‡ | 1.33 (1.05–1.68) | 45 | 33 |
Ischemic stroke‡ | 1.55 (1.19–2.01) | 38 | 25 |
1.47 (1.06–2.06) | 23 | 15 | |
Pulmonary embolism‡ | 1.37 (0.90–2.07) | 14 | 10 |
Invasive breast cancer‡ | 0.80 (0.62–1.04) | 28 | 34 |
Colorectal cancer¶ | 1.08 (0.75–1.55) | 17 | 16 |
Hip fracture‡ | 0.65 (0.45–0.94) | 12 | 19 |
0.64 (0.44–0.93) | 11 | 18 | |
0.58 (0.47–0.72) | 35 | 59 | |
0.71 (0.64–0.80) | 144 | 197 | |
1.08 (0.88–1.32) | 53 | 50 | |
1.04 (0.88–1.22) | 79 | 75 | |
Global IndexÞ | 1.02 (0.92–1.13) | 206 | 201 |
For those outcomes included in the WHI "global index" that reached statistical significance, the absolute excess risk per 10,000 women-years in the group treated with CE-alone was 12 more strokes while the absolute risk reduction per 10,000 women-years was 7 fewer hip fractures.9 The absolute excess risk of events included in the "global index" was a non-significant 5 events per 10,000 women-years. There was no difference between the groups in terms of all-cause mortality.
No overall difference for primary CHD events (nonfatal MI, silent MI and CHD death) and invasive breast cancer incidence in women receiving CE-alone compared with placebo was reported in final centrally adjudicated results from the estrogen-alone substudy, after an average follow up of 7.1 years. See Table 5.
Centrally adjudicated results for stroke events from the estrogen-alone substudy, after an average follow-up of 7.1 years, reported no significant difference in distribution of stroke subtype or severity, including fatal strokes, in women receiving CE-alone compared to placebo. Estrogen-alone increased the risk for ischemic stroke, and this excess risk was present in all subgroups of women examined.10
Timing of the initiation of estrogen-alone therapy relative to the start of menopause may affect the overall risk benefit profile. The WHI estrogen-alone substudy stratified by age showed in women 50–59 years of age, a non-significant trend toward reduced risk for CHD [hazard ratio (HR) 0.63 (95 percent CI 0.36–1.09)] and overall mortality [HR 0.71 (95 percent CI 0.46–1.11)].
WHI Estrogen Plus Progestin Substudy
The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy was stopped early. According to the predefined stopping rule, after an average follow-up of 5.6 years of treatment, the increased risk of invasive breast cancer and cardiovascular events exceeded the specified benefits included in the "global index." The absolute excess risk of events included in the "global index" was 19 per 10,000 women-years.
For those outcomes included in the WHI "global index" that reached statistical significance after 5.6 years of follow-up, the absolute excess risks per 10,000 women-years in the group treated with CE plus MPA were 7 more CHD events, 8 more strokes, 10 more PEs, and 8 more invasive breast cancers, while the absolute risk reductions per 10,000 women-years were 6 fewer colorectal cancers and 5 fewer hip fractures.
Results of the estrogen plus progestin substudy, which included 16,608 women (average 63 years of age, range 50 to 79; 83.9 percent White, 6.8 percent Black, 5.4 percent Hispanic, 3.9 percent Other) are presented in Table 6. These results reflect centrally adjudicated data after an average follow-up of 5.6 years.
| Relative Risk CE/MPA vs. Placebo | CE/MPA n = 8,506 | Placebo n = 8,102 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Event | (95% nCI‡) | Absolute Risk per 10,000 Women-Years | |
| |||
CHD events | 1.23 (0.99–1.53) | 41 | 34 |
Non-fatal MI | 1.28 (1.00–1.63) | 31 | 25 |
CHD death | 1.10 (0.70–1.75) | 8 | 8 |
All Strokes | 1.31 (1.03–1.68) | 33 | 25 |
Ischemic stroke | 1.44 (1.09–1.90) | 26 | 18 |
Deep vein thrombosis§ | 1.95 (1.43–2.67) | 26 | 13 |
Pulmonary embolism | 2.13 (1.45–3.11) | 18 | 8 |
Invasive breast cancer¶ | 1.24 (1.01–1.54) | 41 | 33 |
Colorectal cancer | 0.61 (0.42–0.87) | 10 | 16 |
Endometrial cancer§ | 0.81 (0.48–1.36) | 6 | 7 |
Cervical cancer§ | 1.44 (0.47–4.42) | 2 | 1 |
Hip fracture | 0.67 (0.47–0.96) | 11 | 16 |
Vertebral fractures§ | 0.65 (0.46–0.92) | 11 | 17 |
Lower arm/wrist fractures§ | 0.71 (0.59–0.85) | 44 | 62 |
Total fractures§ | 0.76 (0.69–0.83) | 152 | 199 |
Overall Mortality# | 1.00 (0.83–1.19) | 52 | 52 |
Global IndexÞ | 1.13 (1.02–1.25) | 184 | 165 |
Timing of the initiation of estrogen therapy relative to the start of menopause may affect the overall risk benefit profile. The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy stratified by age showed in women 50–59 years of age, a non-significant trend toward reduced risk for overall mortality [HR 0.69 (95 percent CI 0.44–1.07)].
14.6 Women's Health Initiative Memory Study
The WHIMS estrogen-alone ancillary study of WHI enrolled 2,947 predominantly healthy hysterectomized postmenopausal women 65 to 79 years of age (45 percent were 65 to 69 years of age; 36 percent were 70 to 74 years of age; 19 percent were 75 years of age and older) to evaluate the effects of daily CE (0.625 mg)- alone on the incidence of probable dementia (primary outcome) compared to placebo.
After an average follow-up of 5.2 years, the relative risk of probable dementia for CE-alone versus placebo was 1.49 (95 percent CI 0.83–2.66). The absolute risk of probable dementia for CE-alone versus placebo was 37 versus 25 cases per 10,000 women-years. Probable dementia as defined in this study included Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD) and mixed types (having features of both AD and VaD). The most common classification of probable dementia in the treatment group and the placebo groups was AD. Since the ancillary study was conducted in women 65 to 79 years of age, it is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), and Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
The WHIMS estrogen plus progestin ancillary study enrolled 4,532 predominantly healthy postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older (47 percent were 65 to 69 years of age; 35 percent were 70 to 74 years; 18 percent were 75 years of age and older) to evaluate the effects of daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) on the incidence of probable dementia (primary outcome) compared to placebo.
After an average follow-up of 4 years, the relative risk of probable dementia for CE plus MPA was 2.05 (95 percent CI, 1.21–3.48). The absolute risk of probable dementia for CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) versus placebo was 45 versus 22 per 10,000 women-years. Probable dementia as defined in this study included AD, VaD and mixed types (having features of both AD and VaD). The most common classification of probable dementia in both the treatment and placebo groups was AD. Since the ancillary study was conducted in women 65 to 79 years of age, it is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), and Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
When data from the two populations were pooled as planned in the WHIMS protocol, the reported overall relative risk for probable dementia was 1.76 (95 percent CI 1.19–2.60). Differences between groups became apparent in the first year of treatment. It is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), and Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
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