Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO CEPT versus ORTHO NOVUM 1 80 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO CEPT versus ORTHO NOVUM 1 80 21.
ORTHO-CEPT vs ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 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, LH) release from pituitary, inhibiting ovulation. Increases viscosity of cervical mucus, impeding sperm penetration. Induces endometrial thinning, 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).
One tablet orally once daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by 7 days off therapy.
None Documented
None Documented
Desogestrel: 23 hours (terminal), Etonogestrel active metabolite: 30 hours (terminal); clinical steady state after 7-10 days
Norethindrone terminal half-life: 8-11 hours; Mestranol (ethinyl estradiol pro-drug) terminal half-life: 10-15 hours (metabolite ethinyl estradiol). Clinical context: Steady-state reached in 5-7 days; once-daily dosing maintains therapeutic levels.
Renal: 50% (metabolites), Biliary/fecal: 40% (metabolites and unchanged drug), 10% unchanged in urine
Renal: ~60% (metabolites, primarily glucuronide and sulfate conjugates), Fecal: ~40% (biliary excretion of metabolites). Unchanged drug negligible.
Category C
Category C
Hormonal Contraceptive
Hormonal Contraceptive