Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MICROGESTIN FE 1 20 versus NORLESTRIN FE 1 50.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MICROGESTIN FE 1 20 versus NORLESTRIN FE 1 50.
MICROGESTIN FE 1/20 vs NORLESTRIN FE 1/50
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and norethindrone acetate (progestin). Suppresses gonadotropins via negative feedback on hypothalamic-pituitary axis, inhibiting ovulation; increases cervical mucus viscosity and alters endometrial lining.
Combination of ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate provides negative feedback on gonadotropin release, suppressing ovulation. Also causes cervical mucus thickening and endometrial thinning.
One tablet orally once daily, containing norethindrone acetate 1 mg and ethinyl estradiol 20 mcg, taken at the same time each day for 21 days followed by 7 days of placebo (iron tablets) or continuous cycling per prescribing information.
One tablet (norethindrone 1 mg and ethinyl estradiol 50 mcg plus ferrous fumarate 75 mg) orally once daily for 28 days, with 21 active tablets and 7 placebo tablets.
None Documented
None Documented
Norethindrone: 5-14 hours (mean 8 hours); Ethinyl estradiol: 12-24 hours (mean 18 hours); Steady-state in 5-7 days
Norethindrone: 5-12 hours (mean 8 hours). Ethinyl estradiol: 11-16 hours. Clinical context: Steady state reached in 5-7 days.
Renal: ~50-60% as metabolites; Fecal: ~30-40% as metabolites; Biliary: minor; <1% unchanged
Norethindrone: 20% renal, 80% fecal. Ethinyl estradiol: 40% renal, 60% fecal.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive