Natazia

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Natazia

What is Natazia? Definition and Identity

Property Description
Active ingredient Dienogest, Estradiol Valerate
Form Oral Tablets (Film-coated)
Pharmacological class Combined Hormonal Contraceptive (CHC)
Common use Prevention of pregnancy, management of heavy menstrual bleeding
Origin Synthetic/Semisynthetic

Natazia is a prescription Combined Hormonal Contraceptive (CHC) that belongs to the pharmacological class of Contraceptives. The medicine is supplied as oral tablets and is administered via the oral route to provide systemic hormonal regulation. This medicine is indicated for use in women to prevent pregnancy. As a CHC, its mechanism is based on the necessary combined action of both estrogen and progestin components. The proprietary formulation distinguishes it from generic fixed-dose options through its unique sequential hormone delivery.

The foundation of Natazia's effect rests on its two active ingredients: Dienogest and Estradiol Valerate. Dienogest is classified as a synthetic progestogen, while Estradiol Valerate is the synthetic precursor that rapidly converts into the major natural human estrogen, estradiol. Pharmacological studies have clinically recognized the specific progestogenic and antiandrogenic properties of Dienogest within this combination, supporting its therapeutic profile. This combination is distinctive because it is a four-phasic regimen; the concentrations of the hormones change four times during the 28-day cycle, differentiating it from the more common fixed-dose or three-phase oral contraceptive types. This specialized regimen is designed to deliver a hormone profile that more closely approximates the body's natural cyclical curve.

The primary general purpose of this specific formulation is the prevention of pregnancy in females of reproductive potential. Beyond its contraceptive function, the dienogest/estradiol valerate combination is used for the symptomatic management of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in women without organic pathology. This confirms that the formulation provides therapeutic benefit by ensuring hormonal cycle stability and endometrial control, often serving as a highly effective non-surgical option for women experiencing excessive flow.

Regulatory References

  1. FDA Prescribing Information

What side effects are possible with Natazia?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for this medicine is characterized by a required Boxed Warning regarding the increased risk of serious cardiovascular events and thromboembolic disorders.

Serious and Clinically Significant Risks

Official regulatory documents emphasize the risk of serious vascular events, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), myocardial infarction, and stroke. This risk is highest during the first year of initial use or upon restarting the medicine after a break of four weeks or more. Other serious risks noted include the development of liver tumors (benign or malignant), gallbladder disease, and an increase in blood pressure.

Contraindications and Limitations

This medicine is contraindicated in patients with a history of or current arterial or venous thrombotic diseases. Use is also restricted for women over age 35 who smoke, due to the significantly increased risk of serious cardiovascular side effects. Other official contraindications include undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding, breast cancer or other estrogen- or progestin-sensitive cancers, and active liver disease.

Common Adverse Reactions

Based on clinical trial data, the most common adverse reactions reported by ge 2% of participants include:

  • Headache/migraine (up to 13%)
  • Breast pain, discomfort, or tenderness (up to 7%)
  • Menstrual disorders, including irregular uterine bleeding (up to 7%)
  • Nausea or vomiting (up to 6%)
  • Acne (up to 4%)
  • Mood changes (up to 3%)
  • Increased weight (up to 3%)

Population-Specific Notes

The medicine's safety and effectiveness have not been evaluated in women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m^2. For women who are not breastfeeding, the medicine should not be started earlier than four weeks postpartum due to the elevated risk of thromboembolism during this period.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory documentation for Natazia (dienogest and estradiol valerate) defines the drug's overdose profile by listing expected clinical signs and mandatory emergency actions. Overdose, often resulting from the ingestion of a large dose, is generally classified as non-severe. The most commonly documented presentations include gastrointestinal effects like nausea and vomiting, and hormonal effects such as withdrawal bleeding or spotting.

Severe or life-threatening outcomes are not typically cited as acute manifestations in the regulatory overdose section. Due to the hormonal composition, no specific pharmaceutical antidote is known. Consequently, the mandated management for overdose is restricted to providing symptomatic and supportive treatment under professional supervision.

Individuals who suspect an overdose must seek immediate medical attention by contacting a Poison Control Center or emergency services to ensure appropriate monitoring of vital signs. A specific regulatory consideration notes that, if accidentally ingested by children, overdose may result in signs of hormone exposure, such as vaginal bleeding and the development of breast buds. This official guidance emphasizes that any suspected overdose requires external medical assessment.

Therapeutic Uses of Natazia

Natazia is commonly used across two therapeutic domains: contraception and the symptomatic management of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). This formulation is relevant in clinical settings where patients require supportive management for symptoms associated with acute or episodic changes.

The medication is applied in addressing conditions that present with two major indications: the prevention of pregnancy in females of reproductive potential, and the treatment of menorrhagia (abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding) in women whose condition is not due to underlying structural issues. This therapeutic application provides a benefit that helps maintain a sense of stability for personal reproductive planning and assists with maintaining functional stability during symptomatic periods of excessive flow.

“This therapeutic approach is often used during phases when symptoms become more noticeable and when supportive symptom management is appropriate for patient comfort.”

Quick Fact: Managing Excessive Menstrual Flow

This is generally applied in conditions involving recurrent, excessive blood loss, and contributes to easing the overall symptom load associated with heavy periods.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH DailyMed overview

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Natazia?

Eligibility for Natazia is strictly defined by regulatory authorities and is based on pre-existing health conditions and specific demographic factors. The medicine is indicated for women of reproductive potential for contraception and for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in women without organic pathology who choose an oral contraceptive.


Populations Who Must Not Use Natazia (Contraindications)

Natazia is strictly contraindicated in populations with elevated cardiovascular risk or hormone-sensitive conditions. This includes:

  • Females over age 35 who smoke.
  • Individuals with a history of or current thrombotic disorders (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, myocardial infarction).
  • Women with uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes mellitus with vascular disease.
  • Patients with liver tumors, active severe hepatic disease, or known breast cancer.
  • Females who are pregnant or have undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding.

Restrictions and Limitations

  • Age: Use is not indicated prior to menarche or in postmenopausal women.
  • Lactation: Use is generally not recommended while breastfeeding. Non-breastfeeding women must wait at least four weeks postpartum to begin.
  • BMI: Efficacy and safety have not been evaluated in women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m^2.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documents confirm that Natazia's interaction profile is primarily defined by pharmacokinetic (PK) interactions that significantly affect the systemic exposure of its hormone components, Dienogest and Estradiol.

Documented Interaction Patterns

Category Official Interaction Statement
Contraindicated Combinations Co-administration with strong CYP3A4 enzyme inducers (e.g., Rifampicin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin) is strictly prohibited due to the risk of substantially decreased hormone plasma concentrations and potential loss of effectiveness.
Exposure Decrease Strong enzyme inducers, including the herbal product St. John’s wort, can lower the AUC and C max of Dienogest and Estradiol.
Exposure Increase Co-administration with strong CYP3A4 enzyme inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole) causes a significant increase in the systemic exposure of both hormone components.
Timing Requirements If a strong enzyme inducer is discontinued, an alternative contraceptive method must be used for a mandatory period of 28 days after the last dose of the inducer.
Antiviral Products Co-administration with certain HIV/HCV Protease Inhibitors may lead to unpredictable and variable changes (both increases and decreases) in the plasma levels of the estrogen and progestin components.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibition of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) Axis

The combination of estradiol valerate and dienogest engages hormonal feedback mechanisms at the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This signaling dampens the release of gonadotropins (FSH and LH), the mediators responsible for initiating the monthly cycle. This suppression of the HPO axis restricts the maturation of ovarian follicles and inhibits the LH surge, leading to anovulation (no egg release), which represents the core mechanism of action.

Endometrial and Cervical Pathway Modulation

Dienogest acts as an agonist at progesterone receptors to alter biological processes in the uterus and cervix. In the endometrium, it induces asynchronous development and an anti-proliferative state. In the cervix, it causes the mucus glands to secrete a thick, high-viscosity fluid. These targeted mechanistic effects contribute additional barrier effects by creating conditions that impede sperm motility and viability.

Stabilization of Uterine Tissue and Vasculature

The sequential administration of the hormonal components modulates the hormonal control over the uterine lining and its microvasculature. By promoting stability and limiting excessive growth within the endometrial tissue, this mechanism helps to regulate dysregulated shedding processes, resulting in altered patterns of withdrawal bleeding.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Natazia is Used: Official Administration Guidelines

Natazia is administered via the oral route as part of a highly structured, continuous 28-day regimen. The regimen is defined by a sequential, four-phasic dosing pattern that necessitates strict adherence to the prescribed order of tablets.


Administration Principles

The standard procedure requires taking one tablet daily by mouth, and this administration must occur at the same time every day to maintain consistent systemic levels of the combined hormones. The 28 tablets—comprising 26 active and two inert tablets—must be consumed in the exact order printed on the blister pack, ensuring the correct transition through the varying hormone strengths.

upon finishing the last (28th) tablet of one pack, the user must immediately start a new blister pack the following day, establishing a pattern of continuous, long-term use with no tablet-free interval.


Contextual Usage Rules

Usage Constraint Official Requirement
Timing in Relation to Meals May be taken with or without food.
Missed Doses Dosing should not be delayed by more than 12 hours to avoid compromising the regimen. Specific rules apply for missed active tablets based on the day of the cycle.
Initiation & Back-Up A non-hormonal back-up method of contraception is instructed for the first 9 days when starting the medication.
Surgical Procedures The medication is instructed to be stopped at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery or prolonged immobilization due to elevated risk of thromboembolism.
BMI Constraint Efficacy for pregnancy prevention has not been evaluated in women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m^2.

The requirement for sequential oral administration and daily consistency defines the precise procedural structure for using the medicine. This continuous, cyclic approach is critical for the intended delivery of the varying dose strengths.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Natazia: Recent Clinical Evidence

Natazia, which combines the estrogen estradiol valerate (E2V) and the progestin dienogest (DNG) in a four-phasic regimen, has been studied for its use in preventing pregnancy and for managing heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in women without specific underlying pathology.

Contraceptive Efficacy

Clinical trials have investigated the compound's effectiveness in preventing pregnancy across multiple cycles. Two pivotal Phase 3 studies assessed the compound's use in women of reproductive potential, generally showing effectiveness rates that are comparable to those reported for other combination oral contraceptives. However, the contraceptive effectiveness of the compound has not been evaluated in women with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/ m^2.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB)

Research was also conducted to examine the compound's effect on heavy menstrual bleeding. Two randomized, placebo-controlled studies included women who experienced irregular bleeding symptoms not caused by diagnosed uterine conditions. The studies reported that the use of the combined hormones led to a significant decrease in menstrual blood loss volume compared to placebo over a 90-day assessment phase.

Safety and Adverse Events

Initial safety data from clinical trials characterized the compound’s tolerability profile. The most commonly reported adverse events (observed in 2% or more of participants) included headache (including migraines), breast pain or tenderness, menstrual disorders (such as irregular bleeding), nausea or vomiting, and acne. Like all combined oral contraceptives, use of this compound is associated with an increased risk of serious blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Natazia (FAQ)

Q: Do I need to take a break between Natazia packs, and how many pills are in a pack?

A: According to the official product information, the regimen requires continuous use, meaning there is no tablet-free interval between packs. The official regimen requires the user to immediately start a new blister pack the day after finishing the last tablet. Each blister pack contains a total of 28 film-coated tablets that must be taken in the specific, sequential order printed on the pack.

Q: How long does it take for Natazia to be fully effective as birth control?

A: When initiating Natazia, official regulatory guidance instructs that a non-hormonal back-up method of contraception should be used for the first 9 days of the cycle. This requirement helps establish consistent protection during the initiation phase of the medicine.

Q: What specific back-up birth control method should I use when starting Natazia?

A: Official guidance advises using a non-hormonal back-up method for the first 9 days of use. The product labeling indicates that non-hormonal back-up methods like a condom or spermicide may be used during this period.

Q: How does the Natazia four-phasic regimen work—what are the different hormone dosages?

A: Natazia is classified as a four-phasic regimen, which means the concentrations of the hormones change four times during the 28-day cycle. The regimen provides varying daily amounts of the active ingredients, Estradiol Valerate and Dienogest, to deliver a hormone profile that is structured to change throughout the cycle.

Q: What happens if I miss two or more active tablets in a row?

A: Official regulatory documents provide specific instructions on how to proceed if multiple active tablets are missed consecutively. The action required depends on the day of the cycle when the tablets were missed. Specific instructions are outlined in the official patient information, which may include using back-up contraception or adjusting the timing of the next pack.

Q: What should I do if I become pregnant while taking Natazia?

A: The official product information lists pregnancy as a contraindication for Natazia. If pregnancy is confirmed while taking the medicine, official labeling indicates that the medicine should be discontinued.

Q: Where is the best place to store my Natazia packs at home?

A: Regulatory documents state that Natazia should be stored at Controlled Room Temperature, which is 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). Official guidance states it should be kept in the original container and stored out of the sight and reach of children for safety.

How should Natazia be stored and disposed of?

Storage Requirements

Storage Condition Type Requirement
Temperature Range Controlled Room Temperature: 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F), with excursions permitted between 15 C and 30 C (59 F and 86 F).
Protection Store in the original container, away from moisture and excessive heat.
Safety Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

All unused or expired Natazia tablets must be disposed of in a manner that is consistent with local regulations for pharmaceutical waste. The official instruction requires that individuals follow local community or national guidelines for the proper discarding of the unused product.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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