Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MICROGESTIN FE 1 20 versus VOLNEA.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: MICROGESTIN FE 1 20 versus VOLNEA.
MICROGESTIN FE 1/20 vs VOLNEA
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.
Volnea is a combination of dienogest and ethinylestradiol. Dienogest is a progestin with antiandrogenic activity, and ethinylestradiol is an estrogen. The contraceptive effect is achieved through suppression of gonadotropins (FSH and LH), inhibition of ovulation, and 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 (0.02 mg ethinylestradiol + 3 mg drospirenone) orally once daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day hormone-free interval.
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 half-life: 12 hours (range 10-14 h). Supports twice-daily dosing in patients with normal renal function.
Renal: ~50-60% as metabolites; Fecal: ~30-40% as metabolites; Biliary: minor; <1% unchanged
Renal: 70% unchanged; fecal: 30% (biliary elimination)
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive