Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MICROGESTIN FE 1 20 versus ORTHO NOVUM 7 7 7 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MICROGESTIN FE 1 20 versus ORTHO NOVUM 7 7 7 21.
MICROGESTIN FE 1/20 vs ORTHO-NOVUM 7/7/7-21
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.
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, 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 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
Norethindrone: 5-14 hours (mean 8 hours); Ethinyl estradiol: 12-24 hours (mean 18 hours); Steady-state in 5-7 days
Ethinyl estradiol: 13-27 hours; norethindrone: 8-14 hours; with multiple dosing, steady state after 5-7 days.
Renal: ~50-60% as metabolites; Fecal: ~30-40% as metabolites; Biliary: minor; <1% unchanged
Renal: <10% unchanged; biliary/fecal: ~50% as metabolites; extensive enterohepatic recirculation.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive