Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CYCLESSA versus OVRAL.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CYCLESSA versus OVRAL.
CYCLESSA vs OVRAL
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.
OVRAL is a combination oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel. It inhibits ovulation by suppressing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from the hypothalamus, reducing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) release from the pituitary. Additionally, it increases cervical mucus viscosity and alters endometrial receptivity, 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 (norgestrel 0.3 mg with ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg) orally once daily for 21 days followed by 7 days of placebo.
None Documented
None Documented
Desogestrel: 38±13 hours (terminal); ethinyl estradiol: 14±3 hours (terminal). Steady-state reached after 7-10 days.
Norgestrel: 24–32 hours; Ethinyl estradiol: 12–18 hours; steady-state achieved after 5–7 days
Urine (50-60% as metabolites, <10% unchanged); feces (30-40% as metabolites); enterohepatic circulation.
Renal (60% as metabolites, ~40% unchanged); biliary/fecal (40%)
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive