Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: HAILEY 1 5 30 versus LEVORA 0 15 30 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: HAILEY 1 5 30 versus LEVORA 0 15 30 21.
HAILEY 1.5/30 vs LEVORA 0.15/30-21
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel. Ethinyl estradiol suppresses gonadotropin release via negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis; desogestrel, a progestin, inhibits ovulation and alters cervical mucus and 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 (ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg, levonorgestrel 0.15 mg) orally once daily at the same time each day for 21 days, followed by 7 placebo tablets. For continuous cycling, may take active tablets daily without placebo.
One tablet orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 tablet-free days.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life of ethinyl estradiol is 13-27 hours (mean 17 hours); for norgestimate, active metabolite norelgestromin has half-life 12-30 hours (mean 19 hours). Steady state reached after 7-14 days.
20-30 hours for ethinyl estradiol; 2-4 hours for levonorgestrel. Steady-state reached in 5-7 days
Approximately 40% renal (as metabolites), 32% fecal (as metabolites), and <1% unchanged in urine.
Urine (50-60% as metabolites), feces (30-40% as glucuronides); <10% unchanged
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive