Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LESSINA 28 versus OVRAL.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LESSINA 28 versus OVRAL.
LESSINA-28 vs OVRAL
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.
OVRAL is a combination oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel. It inhibits ovulation by suppressing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from the hypothalamus, reducing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) release from the pituitary. Additionally, it increases cervical mucus viscosity and alters endometrial receptivity, impeding sperm penetration and implantation.
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 (norgestrel 0.3 mg with ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg) orally once daily for 21 days followed by 7 days of placebo.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 18-22 hours; clinically relevant for once-daily dosing.
Norgestrel: 24–32 hours; Ethinyl estradiol: 12–18 hours; steady-state achieved after 5–7 days
Renal: 30% as unchanged drug and metabolites; biliary/fecal: 70% as metabolites.
Renal (60% as metabolites, ~40% unchanged); biliary/fecal (40%)
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive