Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CYCLESSA versus LEVORA 0 15 30 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CYCLESSA versus LEVORA 0 15 30 21.
CYCLESSA vs LEVORA 0.15/30-21
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: ethinyl estradiol suppresses gonadotropin release via negative feedback on hypothalamic-pituitary axis; levonorgestrel inhibits ovulation and thickens cervical mucus, impairing sperm penetration. Also induces endometrial atrophy.
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 orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 tablet-free days.
None Documented
None Documented
Desogestrel: 38±13 hours (terminal); ethinyl estradiol: 14±3 hours (terminal). Steady-state reached after 7-10 days.
20-30 hours for ethinyl estradiol; 2-4 hours for levonorgestrel. Steady-state reached in 5-7 days
Urine (50-60% as metabolites, <10% unchanged); feces (30-40% as metabolites); enterohepatic circulation.
Urine (50-60% as metabolites), feces (30-40% as glucuronides); <10% unchanged
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive