Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LESSINA 21 versus ORTHO NOVUM 7 14 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LESSINA 21 versus ORTHO NOVUM 7 14 21.
LESSINA-21 vs ORTHO-NOVUM 7/14-21
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. Suppresses gonadotropin release (FSH, LH) from pituitary, inhibiting ovulation. Causes cervical mucus thickening and endometrial alterations, impeding sperm penetration and implantation.
Combination estrogen-progestin contraceptive: suppresses gonadotropin release, inhibits ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, alters endometrial receptivity.
One tablet (0.1 mg levonorgestrel, 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol) orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days placebo or no tablets.
One tablet containing 0.5 mg norethindrone/0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol (white tablets) on days 1-14, then one tablet containing 1 mg norethindrone/0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol (peach tablets) on days 15-21, then no tablets for 7 days; repeated cycles.
None Documented
None Documented
17-21 hours (terminal elimination half-life; clinical significance: allows once-daily dosing, but missed doses increase risk of ovulation)
Norethindrone: 10-12 hours (terminal), ethinyl estradiol: 13-27 hours (terminal); clinical context: steady state achieved within 5-7 days
Renal (70% as unchanged drug and metabolites), fecal (30% as metabolites)
Renal: ~40% as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates; Fecal: ~20%; Biliary: minor
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive