Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO CEPT versus ORTHO NOVUM 1 50 28.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO CEPT versus ORTHO NOVUM 1 50 28.
ORTHO-CEPT vs ORTHO-NOVUM 1/50 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; suppresses gonadotropin secretion (FSH, LH) via estrogen and progestin, inhibiting ovulation, increasing cervical mucus viscosity, and altering endometrial structure.
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 (1 mg norethindrone/50 mcg mestranol) orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days of placebo tablets (inactive) for a 28-day cycle.
None Documented
None Documented
Desogestrel: 23 hours (terminal), Etonogestrel active metabolite: 30 hours (terminal); clinical steady state after 7-10 days
Norethindrone: 5-12 h (mean 8 h); Mestranol: 12-24 h (mean 18 h); steady-state reached within 5-7 days
Renal: 50% (metabolites), Biliary/fecal: 40% (metabolites and unchanged drug), 10% unchanged in urine
Renal: ~50-60% as metabolites; fecal: ~30-40% as metabolites; biliary: <10%
Category C
Category C
Hormonal Contraceptive
Hormonal Contraceptive