Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CYCLAFEM 1 35 versus QUARTETTE.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CYCLAFEM 1 35 versus QUARTETTE.
CYCLAFEM 1/35 vs QUARTETTE
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. Suppresses gonadotropin (FSH, LH) secretion via estrogen and progestin negative feedback, inhibiting ovulation. Progestin alters cervical mucus (sperm penetration) and endometrial receptivity.
Combination oral contraceptive containing drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, levomefolate calcium, and metformin. Drospirenone is a progestin with antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic activity. Ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen. Levomefolate calcium is a folate supplement. Metformin is a biguanide that decreases hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity.
One tablet orally once daily. Each tablet contains 1 mg norethindrone and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol. Administer daily for 21 days followed by 7 days of placebo or no tablet.
3 mg orally once daily for 21 days followed by 7 days of placebo.
None Documented
None Documented
Half-life of norethindrone is 5-14 hours; ethinyl estradiol is 10-20 hours. Steady state reached after 5-7 days.
Terminal elimination half-life is 12-14 hours; clinically this supports once-daily dosing with steady state achieved within 2-3 days.
Renal 40-60% as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates, biliary/fecal 20-40%.
Renal excretion accounts for 55% (primarily as unchanged drug), biliary/fecal excretion 35%, and the remainder undergoes metabolic clearance.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive