Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: HAILEY FE 1 5 30 versus LEVORA 0 15 30 28.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: HAILEY FE 1 5 30 versus LEVORA 0 15 30 28.
HAILEY FE 1.5/30 vs LEVORA 0.15/30-28
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination estrogen-progestin contraceptive that suppresses gonadotropin release (FSH and LH) from the pituitary, inhibiting ovulation. Additionally, increases viscosity of cervical mucus and alters endometrial receptivity.
Combination oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. Suppresses gonadotropin (FSH and LH) release from the pituitary, inhibiting ovulation. Also induces changes in cervical mucus (increasing viscosity) and endometrium (reducing receptivity) to impair sperm penetration and implantation.
One tablet orally once daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by 7 days of placebo tablets.
One tablet orally once daily at the same time each day for 28 days (21 active tablets containing 0.15 mg levonorgestrel and 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol, followed by 7 placebo tablets).
None Documented
None Documented
Ethinyl estradiol: terminal half-life ~17-24 hours; norethindrone: terminal half-life ~5-14 hours (mean 11 hours). The clinical significance is that steady-state is reached within 5-7 days.
Ethinyl estradiol: 13-27 hours (terminal); Levonorgestrel: 11-45 hours (terminal, dose-dependent due to SHBG binding).
Ethinyl estradiol is primarily excreted renally (40-45%) and via bile/feces (45-55%). Norethindrone is excreted 50-60% renally and 30-40% fecally.
Renal: ~50% (as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel); Fecal: ~50% (enterohepatic recirculation).
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive