Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MICROGESTIN FE 1 20 versus OVCON 35.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MICROGESTIN FE 1 20 versus OVCON 35.
MICROGESTIN FE 1/20 vs OVCON-35
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 estrogen-progestin contraceptive; suppresses gonadotropin release, inhibiting ovulation, and increases cervical mucus viscosity, impeding sperm penetration.
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 (35 mcg ethinyl estradiol and 0.4 mg norethindrone) orally once daily.
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: 5-18 hours (mean ~12 hours, biphasic); norethindrone: 5-14 hours (mean ~8 hours). Terminal half-life relevant for once-daily dosing.
Renal: ~50-60% as metabolites; Fecal: ~30-40% as metabolites; Biliary: minor; <1% unchanged
Renal 60% (metabolites, glucuronide conjugates), fecal 10%, biliary 5%, remainder via other pathways.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive