Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LESSINA 28 versus LEVORA 0 15 30 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LESSINA 28 versus LEVORA 0 15 30 21.
LESSINA-28 vs LEVORA 0.15/30-21
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination of a progestin (levonorgestrel) and an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol). Inhibits ovulation by suppressing gonadotropin release; increases cervical mucus viscosity to impede sperm penetration, and induces endometrial changes that reduce implantation likelihood.
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 (0.1 mg levonorgestrel and 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol) orally once daily for 28 days, starting on the first day of menstrual cycle.
One tablet orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 tablet-free days.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 18-22 hours; clinically relevant for once-daily dosing.
20-30 hours for ethinyl estradiol; 2-4 hours for levonorgestrel. Steady-state reached in 5-7 days
Renal: 30% as unchanged drug and metabolites; biliary/fecal: 70% as metabolites.
Urine (50-60% as metabolites), feces (30-40% as glucuronides); <10% unchanged
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive