Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CYCLESSA versus QUARTETTE.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CYCLESSA versus QUARTETTE.
CYCLESSA vs QUARTETTE
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 drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, levomefolate calcium, and metformin. Drospirenone is a progestin with antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic activity. Ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen. Levomefolate calcium is a folate supplement. Metformin is a biguanide that decreases hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity.
One tablet (0.15 mg desogestrel/0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol) orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days of placebo.
3 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.
Terminal elimination half-life is 12-14 hours; clinically this supports once-daily dosing with steady state achieved within 2-3 days.
Urine (50-60% as metabolites, <10% unchanged); feces (30-40% as metabolites); enterohepatic circulation.
Renal excretion accounts for 55% (primarily as unchanged drug), biliary/fecal excretion 35%, and the remainder undergoes metabolic clearance.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive