Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CYCLAFEM 7 7 7 versus ORTHO NOVUM 7 7 7 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CYCLAFEM 7 7 7 versus ORTHO NOVUM 7 7 7 21.
CYCLAFEM 7/7/7 vs ORTHO-NOVUM 7/7/7-21
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination estrogen-progestin contraceptive. Ethinyl estradiol suppresses gonadotropin release (FSH, LH) via negative feedback on hypothalamic-pituitary axis; norethindrone induces endometrial changes that inhibit implantation and thickens cervical mucus.
Combined hormonal contraceptive; primarily suppresses ovulation via inhibition of gonadotropin release (LH and FSH) from the pituitary. Also induces changes in cervical mucus and endometrium.
One tablet (norethindrone 0.5 mg/ethinyl estradiol 35 mcg) orally once daily for 7 days, then one tablet (norethindrone 0.75 mg/ethinyl estradiol 35 mcg) orally once daily for 7 days, then one tablet (norethindrone 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 35 mcg) orally once daily for 7 days. Dispensed in a 21-tablet pack with 7 placebo tablets. For contraception, take one tablet daily at same time each day for 28 days; begin next pack after 28-day cycle.
One tablet orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days of no tablets. Each tablet contains norethindrone 0.5 mg/0.75 mg/1 mg and ethinyl estradiol 35 mcg, with biphasic or triphasic dosing per cycle.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal half-life: 5-13 hours (mean 8 hrs); clinical context: supports every-28-day dosing interval for intramuscular depot.
Ethinyl estradiol: 13-27 hours; norethindrone: 8-14 hours; with multiple dosing, steady state after 5-7 days.
Renal: ~50-60% as conjugated metabolites; Fecal: ~30-40% via bile; <1% unchanged.
Renal: <10% unchanged; biliary/fecal: ~50% as metabolites; extensive enterohepatic recirculation.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive