Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO CEPT versus ORTHO NOVUM 1 35 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO CEPT versus ORTHO NOVUM 1 35 21.
ORTHO-CEPT vs ORTHO-NOVUM 1/35-21
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 estrogen-progestin contraceptive; suppresses gonadotropin (FSH and LH) secretion via negative feedback, inhibiting ovulation. Increases cervical mucus viscosity and alters endometrial lining, impairing 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).
One tablet orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 placebo tablets. Each tablet contains 1 mg norethindrone and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol.
None Documented
None Documented
Desogestrel: 23 hours (terminal), Etonogestrel active metabolite: 30 hours (terminal); clinical steady state after 7-10 days
Norethindrone: 7-9 hours (terminal); Ethinyl estradiol: 13-27 hours (terminal). At steady state, clinical contraceptive efficacy is maintained with daily dosing.
Renal: 50% (metabolites), Biliary/fecal: 40% (metabolites and unchanged drug), 10% unchanged in urine
Renal (approx. 40% as metabolites, <10% unchanged), fecal (approx. 60% as metabolites, primarily via bile).
Category C
Category C
Hormonal Contraceptive
Hormonal Contraceptive