Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CYCLESSA versus LESSINA 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CYCLESSA versus LESSINA 21.
CYCLESSA vs LESSINA-21
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 oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. Suppresses gonadotropin release (FSH, LH) from pituitary, inhibiting ovulation. Causes cervical mucus thickening and endometrial alterations, impeding sperm penetration and implantation.
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 (0.1 mg levonorgestrel, 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol) orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days placebo or no tablets.
None Documented
None Documented
Desogestrel: 38±13 hours (terminal); ethinyl estradiol: 14±3 hours (terminal). Steady-state reached after 7-10 days.
17-21 hours (terminal elimination half-life; clinical significance: allows once-daily dosing, but missed doses increase risk of ovulation)
Urine (50-60% as metabolites, <10% unchanged); feces (30-40% as metabolites); enterohepatic circulation.
Renal (70% as unchanged drug and metabolites), fecal (30% as metabolites)
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive