Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MICROGESTIN FE 1 20 versus QUARTETTE.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MICROGESTIN FE 1 20 versus QUARTETTE.
MICROGESTIN FE 1/20 vs QUARTETTE
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 oral contraceptive containing drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, levomefolate calcium, and metformin. Drospirenone is a progestin with antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic activity. Ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen. Levomefolate calcium is a folate supplement. Metformin is a biguanide that decreases hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity.
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.
3 mg orally once daily for 21 days followed by 7 days of placebo.
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
Terminal elimination half-life is 12-14 hours; clinically this supports once-daily dosing with steady state achieved within 2-3 days.
Renal: ~50-60% as metabolites; Fecal: ~30-40% as metabolites; Biliary: minor; <1% unchanged
Renal excretion accounts for 55% (primarily as unchanged drug), biliary/fecal excretion 35%, and the remainder undergoes metabolic clearance.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive