Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: NORQUEST FE versus ORTHO NOVUM 7 7 7 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: NORQUEST FE versus ORTHO NOVUM 7 7 7 21.
NORQUEST FE vs ORTHO-NOVUM 7/7/7-21
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
NORQUEST FE is a combination oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. Ethinyl estradiol suppresses gonadotropin release, inhibiting ovulation. Norethindrone induces progestational changes in the endometrium, increasing cervical mucus viscosity, and also inhibits ovulation.
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, each tablet containing 1 mg norethindrone acetate and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol (21 active tablets) followed by 7 ferrous fumarate tablets.
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
Terminal half-life: 6-8 hours. Clinical context: Supports once-daily dosing with sustained therapeutic effect.
Ethinyl estradiol: 13-27 hours; norethindrone: 8-14 hours; with multiple dosing, steady state after 5-7 days.
Renal: 80% (50% unchanged, 30% as metabolites); Fecal: 19%; Biliary: <1%
Renal: <10% unchanged; biliary/fecal: ~50% as metabolites; extensive enterohepatic recirculation.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive