Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO CEPT versus ORTHO NOVUM 10 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO CEPT versus ORTHO NOVUM 10 21.
ORTHO-CEPT vs ORTHO-NOVUM 10-21
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 release (FSH, LH) from pituitary, inhibiting ovulation; increases viscosity of cervical mucus and alters endometrial lining, reducing 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).
1 tablet (1 mg norethindrone, 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol) orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days of no tablets.
None Documented
None Documented
Desogestrel: 23 hours (terminal), Etonogestrel active metabolite: 30 hours (terminal); clinical steady state after 7-10 days
Norethindrone 5-14 hours (mean 8 hours), ethinyl estradiol 7-20 hours (mean 13 hours). Steady-state achieved in 5-10 days.
Renal: 50% (metabolites), Biliary/fecal: 40% (metabolites and unchanged drug), 10% unchanged in urine
Renal approximately 50-60% as metabolites, biliary/fecal approximately 30-40% as metabolites and unchanged drug.
Category C
Category C
Hormonal Contraceptive
Hormonal Contraceptive