Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO CEPT versus ORTHO NOVUM 1 35 28.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO CEPT versus ORTHO NOVUM 1 35 28.
ORTHO-CEPT vs ORTHO-NOVUM 1/35-28
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 oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. Inhibits ovulation by suppressing gonadotropin release (FSH and LH) from the pituitary; increases viscosity of cervical mucus, impeding sperm penetration; alters endometrial lining, reducing implantation likelihood.
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).
1 tablet (norethindrone 1 mg / ethinyl estradiol 35 mcg) orally once daily for 28 consecutive days. Placebo tablets on days 22-28 if included.
None Documented
None Documented
Desogestrel: 23 hours (terminal), Etonogestrel active metabolite: 30 hours (terminal); clinical steady state after 7-10 days
Norethindrone: 5-14 hrs (terminal); ethinyl estradiol: 10-24 hrs. Steady-state achieved within 5-7 days; terminal half-life supports once-daily dosing.
Renal: 50% (metabolites), Biliary/fecal: 40% (metabolites and unchanged drug), 10% unchanged in urine
Renal 50-60% as metabolites; fecal 30-40% via biliary elimination; <1% unchanged in urine.
Category C
Category C
Hormonal Contraceptive
Hormonal Contraceptive