Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LEVORA 0 15 30 21 versus ORTHO NOVUM 7 7 7 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LEVORA 0 15 30 21 versus ORTHO NOVUM 7 7 7 21.
LEVORA 0.15/30-21 vs ORTHO-NOVUM 7/7/7-21
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
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.
Combined hormonal contraceptive; primarily suppresses ovulation via inhibition of gonadotropin release (LH and FSH) from the pituitary. Also induces changes in cervical mucus and endometrium.
One tablet orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 tablet-free days.
One tablet orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days of no tablets. Each tablet contains norethindrone 0.5 mg/0.75 mg/1 mg and ethinyl estradiol 35 mcg, with biphasic or triphasic dosing per cycle.
None Documented
None Documented
20-30 hours for ethinyl estradiol; 2-4 hours for levonorgestrel. Steady-state reached in 5-7 days
Ethinyl estradiol: 13-27 hours; norethindrone: 8-14 hours; with multiple dosing, steady state after 5-7 days.
Urine (50-60% as metabolites), feces (30-40% as glucuronides); <10% unchanged
Renal: <10% unchanged; biliary/fecal: ~50% as metabolites; extensive enterohepatic recirculation.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive