Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LESSINA 21 versus OVCON 35.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LESSINA 21 versus OVCON 35.
LESSINA-21 vs OVCON-35
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, inhibiting ovulation, and increases cervical mucus viscosity, impeding sperm penetration.
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 (35 mcg ethinyl estradiol and 0.4 mg norethindrone) orally once daily.
None Documented
None Documented
17-21 hours (terminal elimination half-life; clinical significance: allows once-daily dosing, but missed doses increase risk of ovulation)
Ethinyl estradiol: 5-18 hours (mean ~12 hours, biphasic); norethindrone: 5-14 hours (mean ~8 hours). Terminal half-life relevant for once-daily dosing.
Renal (70% as unchanged drug and metabolites), fecal (30% as metabolites)
Renal 60% (metabolites, glucuronide conjugates), fecal 10%, biliary 5%, remainder via other pathways.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive