Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CYCLESSA versus GENCEPT 10 11 28.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CYCLESSA versus GENCEPT 10 11 28.
CYCLESSA vs GENCEPT 10/11-28
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination of estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (desogestrel) inhibits ovulation by suppressing gonadotropin release, increases viscosity of cervical mucus to impede sperm penetration, and alters endometrial receptivity.
Combination of ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and levonorgestrel (progestin) inhibits ovulation by suppressing gonadotropin release, increases cervical mucus viscosity to impede sperm penetration, and alters endometrial receptivity.
One tablet (0.15 mg desogestrel/0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol) orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days of placebo.
One tablet (ethinyl estradiol 0.01 mg/levonorgestrel 0.1 mg) orally once daily for 28 days. For the first 21 days, active tablets are taken; the next 7 days are placebo tablets.
None Documented
None Documented
Desogestrel: 38±13 hours (terminal); ethinyl estradiol: 14±3 hours (terminal). Steady-state reached after 7-10 days.
Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 8-12 hours. Steady state is achieved within 2-3 days.
Urine (50-60% as metabolites, <10% unchanged); feces (30-40% as metabolites); enterohepatic circulation.
Renal excretion accounts for approximately 70% of elimination (as unchanged drug and metabolites), with about 10% biliary/fecal. The remaining is metabolized.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive