Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO CEPT versus ORTHO EVRA.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO CEPT versus ORTHO EVRA.
ORTHO-CEPT vs ORTHO EVRA
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination oral contraceptive containing desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol. Inhibits ovulation by suppressing gonadotropin secretion; increases viscosity of cervical mucus, impeding sperm penetration; alters endometrial development.
Combination hormonal contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin. Ethinyl estradiol suppresses gonadotropin (FSH and LH) release, preventing ovulation. Norelgestromin is a progestin that also inhibits ovulation and induces changes in cervical mucus and endometrium to impede sperm penetration and implantation.
One tablet (0.15 mg desogestrel / 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol) orally once daily at the same time each day for 21 days, followed by 7 placebo tablets (or 7 hormone-free days).
Transdermal: Apply one patch (releases 150 mcg norelgestromin and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol per 24 hours) weekly for 3 weeks, followed by 1 patch-free week. Apply to clean, dry, intact skin on lower abdomen, buttock, upper arm, or upper torso (excluding breasts).
None Documented
None Documented
Desogestrel: 23 hours (terminal), Etonogestrel active metabolite: 30 hours (terminal); clinical steady state after 7-10 days
Norelgestromin: ~28 hours (range 21-36) allowing weekly dosing; Ethinyl estradiol: ~17 hours (range 13-21)
Renal: 50% (metabolites), Biliary/fecal: 40% (metabolites and unchanged drug), 10% unchanged in urine
Renal: ~50% (as glucuronide conjugates of norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol); Fecal: ~35% (as metabolites); Biliary: minor
Category C
Category C
Hormonal Contraceptive
Hormonal Contraceptive